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Established Camping

Gull Lake Recreation Area

Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect

There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Only firewood certified, or approved by a state or federal natural resource agency is permitted. Certified firewood is available for purchase in the campground. Any unauthorized firewood in the campground may be removed and destroyed by Corps of Engineers staff.

Only firewood certified, or approved by a state or federal natural resource agency is permitted. Certified firewood is available for purchase in the campground. Any unauthorized firewood in the campground may be removed and destroyed by Corps of Engineers staff.

Due to the federal hiring freeze, rangers will not be checking you in at your site in person. Instead, you will find a box on your site post with check-in information such as firewood ordering hand out, your day use camper pass, and an important campground information handout. Please review these materials when you arrive. If you need assistance, contact a ranger or a volunteer.Thank you for your flexibility with this change! -Gull Lake Recreation Area Staff

During the 2025 camping season, rangers will not be checking you in at your site in person. Instead, you will find a box on your site post with check-in information such as firewood ordering hand out, your day use camper pass, and an important campground information handout. Please review these materials when you arrive. If you need assistance, contact a ranger or a volunteer.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Gull Lake Recreation Area, near Brainerd, Minnesota, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With spacious sites that offer a good amount of privacy, it’s perfect for those who want to kick back and relax while soaking in the natural beauty.

This campground is known for its clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. Visitors rave about the level gravel pads, which make setting up a breeze, and the friendly staff who keep everything in top shape. As one camper noted, “The sites are huge and generally well separated,” making it a comfortable place for both RVs and tents.

If you’re into fishing or just want to enjoy some time by the water, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here. The beach area is a nice spot for swimming, and there’s a boat launch for those looking to hit the water. Plus, the nearby hiking trails offer stunning views, especially at sunset.

For those who like to explore, you’re just a short drive from Brainerd, where you can grab a bite at local favorites like The Boulder Tap House or Rafferty’s Pizza. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Gull Lake Recreation Area has everything you need for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Gull Lake Recreation Area is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the intersection MN 210 and MN 371 in Baxter, drive north 2.6 miles. Turn left on Cty Rd 77 (Pine Beach Road). Drive west for 4.7 miles. Turn right onto Cty Rd 70 (E. Gull Lake Drive). You will come to a stop sign in 2.1 miles, go straight, this will take you into the park. Follow the road over the dam and the campground will be straight ahead.

Address

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GULL LAKE RECREATION AREA 10867 E GULL LAKE DR
Brainerd, MN 56401

Coordinates

46.4108333 N
94.3513889 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Red Rider Resort

Red Rider Resort

39 min away

Sunset Pines Campground

Sunset Pines Campground

40 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2022

Great campground and very clean!

We visit annually and love this campground. The sites are spacious and most are quite private! There are no water hookups at the sites so be sure to fill up when you arrive. It is a short 10 minute drive into Brainerd. If you are looking to eat out we love The Boulder Tap House and Rafferty’s pizza! You will love staying at this campground.

Site16
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Curt D., September 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Curt D., September 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Curt D., September 19, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 28, 2022

Wonderful campground

Loved this campground with its spacious, level and secluded sites. Add a well maintained and clean bathroom/shower building and other facilities and it’s a place we’ll definitely come back to. (Book early on Recreation.gov - we reserved 6 months out for memorial weekend…)

Site4
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Deb M., May 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Deb M., May 28, 2022
Reviewed Mar. 18, 2022

Gull lake

Federal campground on a beautiful lake. Close to Nisswa,Mn. Lots of things to do. Good fishing lake.

Site33
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Crowded but some privacy

Minnesota in the summer the parks are very full of large RVs. Our teardrop fits inside one. Nice clean campground. Friendly rangers. Nice showers. Beach area is small and no where the dogs can get in. Great charity that sells and delivers firewood.

Site64?
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Great campsite

I really enjoyed this campground. Everything is level and clean and so well maintained. The beach was nice and clean-with playgrounds-and the water crystal clear. The bathrooms and vault toilets are the cleanest I’ve ever seen!

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Jessi , July 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Jessi , July 31, 2021
Reviewed May. 9, 2021

"Solid" stay, excellent condition

This place is quiet and has a mix large secluded sites with a few that are perfect for small group caravanning. The grounds are very well-kept with minimal loose brush or debris. The pads are gravel, have plenty of space, and are also very well maintained. As per usual, fire-rings and picnic tables are high quality and in great shape.

Site28
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Jesse H., May 9, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2020

Great place for a weekend or longer

To start with this place is very clean and we'll maintained. The sites are huge and generally well separated. Plenty of room for even the biggest rigs. The sites are flat gravel (class5) no leveling blocks needed. Nice sandy beach on the other side of the dam. Nice playground for the small people. Very friendly staff. If I were to knock anything it would be the 5$ dumping charge.

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Nice campground by the lake

This was a nice campground with large spots and mostly private. We stayed in site 29 with electric and it was large but the only down fall is the firewood for purchase is next to the site, so there is a bit more foot traffic walking by. The boat ramp was nice and a short walk over the dam from the campground. There is plenty of boat trailer parking but it did fill up on a Saturday.

Reviewed Oct. 20, 2018

Great camping in Gull Lake

This is an impressively well run campground nestled on both sides of the Gull River and on the shores of Gull Lake. The campsites are very large and impeccably maintained, there are several bathhouses, and many of the sites have electric hook-ups for those who want them. There is a picnic area, playground, and fishing pier on the river, and another playground at the beach on the lake. There is a full boat launch with double docks, also hiking trails, access right in to the Paul Bunyan state bike trail, and close proximity to several nationally ranked golf courses.It is a pretty great location for a family vacation at the lake without being too rustic and remote, for those who like to be outdoors but have a variety of tourist and outdoor activities to do. I would also mention that the campground really is nicely handicapped accessible, with broad open campsites, accessible bathrooms, and paved trails, so this would be a good place for folks in wheelchairs or scooters. Overall I really wish I could give the campground a 5 star rating as the facilities and setting really deserve it; however, the lake has been recently found to have invasive zebra mussels, which is a serious problem. Fortunately I didnt see evidence of them at the beach, but they are everywhere at the boat landing.

  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Janet R., October 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Janet R., October 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Gull Lake Recreation Area by Janet R., October 20, 2018
  • (18) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Gull Lake Recreation Area campground?

Gull Lake Recreation Area offers spacious gravel campsites with electric hookups at many sites, though no water hookups are available at individual sites (fill up upon arrival). Amenities include multiple bathhouses with clean showers, vault toilets, and picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground is meticulously maintained with level sites that can accommodate large RVs. Additional facilities include a playground for children, a boat ramp for lake access, and firewood available for purchase on-site. The campground is located on both sides of the Gull River and features a picnic area for day use.

How do I make reservations for Gull Lake Recreation Area in Minnesota?

Reservations for Gull Lake Recreation Area can be made through Recreation.gov. The campground is very popular, especially during summer months, so booking well in advance is highly recommended—some visitors reserve up to 6 months ahead for holiday weekends like Memorial Day. The reservation system allows you to select specific sites, which is beneficial as the campground offers varying levels of privacy and proximity to amenities. For the most current reservation policies and availability, check Recreation.gov or contact the campground directly.

Is Gull Lake Recreation Area managed by the Army Corps of Engineers?

Yes, Gull Lake Recreation Area is a federal campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This explains the exceptionally high standards of maintenance and cleanliness that many visitors appreciate. The Corps manages the dam, recreational facilities, and surrounding natural areas, ensuring consistent upkeep of the campground's amenities and infrastructure.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Gull Lake Recreation Area?

Visitors to Gull Lake Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of water activities on the crystal-clear Gull Lake, including boating, fishing, and swimming at the clean sandy beach. The campground provides a boat ramp for easy water access. There's a playground for children and hiking opportunities along the river and lake shores. Fishing is popular on this beautiful lake. The campground's proximity to Nisswa and Brainerd (about 10 minutes away) offers additional recreational options and dining experiences. The area around the dam also provides scenic views and walking opportunities.