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Established Camping

Sandy Lake

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

There may be operational changes for the 2025 recreation season due to resource constraints and limited staffing. We remain committed to providing a high quality and safe visitor experience. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our parks a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sandy Lake is located near McGregor, MN, in the Mississippi River Headwaters region. The area features flat terrain with abundant water bodies and forested surroundings. Campers can experience temperatures ranging from 10°F in winter to 80°F in summer and explore nearby attractions like the Savanna Portage State Park and the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

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Location

Sandy Lake is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Directions

22205 531st Lane McGregor, MN 55760 Take Highway 65 for 13 miles north of McGregor, Minnesota. \*Follow \"South Entrance\" signs for campsites 1-21, tent sites 1-4, and south group campsite. \*Follow \"North Entrance\" signs for campsites 22-49, tent sites 5-8, north group campsite, and camper cabin. If you need assistance finding your campsite, follow \"South Entrance\" signs to the campground office.

Coordinates

46.7883333 N
93.3283333 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • 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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1 Star

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2025

Nice place to stay

This campground has 2 parts, the north section and the south section. The south is on a peninsula with just a few campsites. The north is the bigger part of the campground. The sites in the north are large and very well kept, each with a picnic table, fire ring and level sights. Two campground hosts who are very friendly and accommodating. Just a few vault toilets. If there's anywhere to improve, it is the number of toilets in the bigger campground. The south campground has the shower house and laundry, along with flush toilets. All in all, a very nice place to stay.

Site34
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

Small clean park with active host and rangers

Base camp for fishing Big Sandy. Stayed here several times in a tent and a trailer. Nice sites but surrounded by swampy areas so mosquitoes are thick.

Very clean, pay attention to north or south entrance. Have to drive on either end can’t cross the dam with a vehicle.

But firewood before hand as well.

Site25
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sandy Lake by Shane D., July 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Sandy Lake by Shane D., July 8, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020

Great

Stayed here one night as we were traveling through. There was a mix up on our spot, so the host and ranger moved us to a new one by the water. They all had little docks that would be nice if you had a boat. The dam was cool to see and the playground was cute for the kids. They had some of the spots closed off due to COVID.

  • Review photo of Sandy Lake by Stacy M., August 10, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

How do visitors rate Sandy Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Sandy Lake Recreation Area Campground receives strong ratings from visitors, typically 4-5 stars out of 5. Campers appreciate the well-maintained, level sites and helpful campground hosts. The waterfront sites with private docks are particularly popular. While visitors enjoy the clean facilities and scenic setting, some note the abundance of mosquitoes due to the surrounding swampy areas. Overall, the campground is highly regarded for fishing access to Big Sandy Lake and its family-friendly atmosphere with amenities like the playground.

What amenities are available at Sandy Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Sandy Lake Recreation Area Campground offers well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings. The campground features small docks at waterfront sites, perfect for those with boats. There's a playground for children and access to view the dam. The campground is divided into north and south sections, with the north section being larger. Sites are level and well-kept. Firewood is available for purchase, though it's recommended to buy it before arrival. Due to surrounding swampy areas, bug spray is advisable for mosquito protection.

Where is Big Sandy Lake Campground located and how do I get there?

Big Sandy Lake Campground is divided into north and south sections located on opposite sides of the lake. The south section sits on a peninsula with fewer campsites, while the north section is larger. When traveling to the campground, it's important to note which entrance you need as vehicles cannot cross the dam to get between sections. You must approach from either the north or south end depending on your reservation location. The campground serves as an excellent base for fishing Big Sandy Lake. For specific directions, contact the campground directly as GPS coordinates may vary between the two sections.