Large, level sites spread across forested terrain on both sides of the Gull River make this Army Corps of Engineers campground a solid base for lake activities. The facility sits within the Mississippi River Headwaters area, where the river flows between Gull Lake and smaller connected waters. Most sites offer electric hookups, though water connections aren't available at individual spots.
Campers consistently praise the site spacing and maintenance standards. "Everything is level and clean and so well maintained," notes Jessi. The gravel pads accommodate RVs up to 122 feet without leveling blocks, while tent campers find plenty of flat ground. Several bathhouses serve the campground, with reviewers highlighting their cleanliness. A boat launch provides direct lake access, though weekend trailer parking fills quickly during peak season.
The campground operates from May through October, with sites ranging from $32-50 per night. A beach area on the lake side features playgrounds and swimming access. The Paul Bunyan State Trail connects directly to the campground for biking access. Firewood sales operate on-site, though some sites near the sales area experience additional foot traffic.
For different accommodations, Gull Lake Resort sits just north of the recreation area.
Description
Overview
Gull Lake Recreation Area offers something for everyone with boating, hiking, fishing and swimming at Minnesota's famous Gull Lake, the largest of the 10 lakes on the Gull Chain of Lakes. Visitors have the opportunity to see and hear an abundance of watchable wildlife like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, river otters, a variety of songbirds, and the legendary call of the loon.
Recreation
Anglers will delight in the large population of fish including stocked walleye, northern pike, bass and a variety of panfish. Boaters can access crystal clear waters throughout the chain of lakes and enjoy the peaceful sunsets overlooking the woods. Hit the self-guided interpretive trail for a short hike with wildlife watching and scenic overlooks along the lake. Hop on your bike on the City of East Gull Lake's paved multi-use trail that starts by the dam, or head out to join up with the Paul Bunyan State Trail with trailheads located in Baxter and Nisswa. Got a kayak, canoe, or intertube? Try heading down the Gull River from the lower canoe launch. Ask the Park Rangers about river safety with current water flow and check-out a life jacket before you go.
Facilities
The campground is known for its well-spaced wooded sites, each with 50 or 30 amp electric hookup service, picnic tables, campfire rings, and a centrally located showerhouse. A water fill and dump station is located near the entrance to the campground. This side of the park holds two canoe launches, a paved shoreline fishing platform, fish cleaning station, self-guided information booth, playground, a flush toilet restroom, and a handful of picnic tabels and grills. Across the dam is the Ranger Office, boat ramp, vault toilet, and swimming beach on the lake. Volleyball nets, basketball hoop, horseshoe pits, and two more playgrounds are also perks of this side of the park.
Natural Features
The campground sits on the Gull River at the outlet of Gull Lake. The area was formed by a receding glacier that moved southward from Canada and carved the landscape. Gull Lake is one of the six Mississippi Headwaters Projects of the Mississippi River Watershed operated by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Nearby Attractions
Gull Lake is located minutes from 520 holes of golf, the 100-mile Paul Bunyan State Trail, amusement parks, a zoo, and numerous shopping opportunities in Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Our main playground near the campground is closed for construction. A new playground is coming soon! In the meantime, you may find our other playgrounds across the dam near the picnic shelter and by the swimming beach.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGull Lake Recreation Area is located in Minnesota near Baxter
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
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/21/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/21/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites 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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 10 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 18 min from Fargo, ND
- 2 hrs 18 min from Duluth, MN
