Gull Lake Recreation Area

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

Notice

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.

Feb 24, 2012 – Dec 31, 2050

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.

Camp site features

Across 42 camp sites:

Electric hookups: all 42 sites
Water hookups: 1 of 42 sites
Fire pit: all 42 sites
Picnic table: all 42 sites
Pets allowed: all 42 sites
ADA accessible: 1 of 42 sites
Longest RV: 122 ft
Largest party: 8 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: FIFTH WHEEL, RV, Tent, Trailer

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

556 reviews

5 stars

425

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Sheryl O

Loop:Gull Lake

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

Very well kept campground, sites are pretty good size, restrooms are clean and the staff is super friendly. We had a nice weekend here and we’re planning to return next year.

Carly C

Loop:Gull Lake

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

We had many family trips here. It had been over 25 years since we had went back. The place is just as beautiful as it was years ago. Well kept. Welcomed by all staff. Absolutely gorgeous in the fall! Highly recommended even if it’s just for a weekend or a long stay. Plenty to do from fishing to hiking. See the sites in Nisswa. You will not be disappointed! Our Dad/daughter weekend is one for the history books!

Steve J

Loop:Gull Lake

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

Awesome four day weekend. The staff was busy with keeping the sites cleared of leaves. All the sites are easy to maneuver into. Just a great recreational facility.

Robb J

Loop:Gull Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

We've been visiting the Gull Lake Rec Area campground a couple of times a year for 5 years now and always have a super time. The Army Corps crew does an excellent job and the campgrounds are always clean, well maintained and quite. We especially appreciate the large campsites and all seem to be designed to maintain the privacy of the camper. Fall is my favorite time, when the leaves explode with color!

Amy C

Loop:Gull Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Campground and bathrooms were all very clean. Having our wood delivered was really nice. We would definitely come back again.

Pat P

Loop:Gull Lake

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Gull Lake is an excellent campground. The campsites are located in a wooded area with a variety of various trees leading to a nice blend of fall colors. The staff was very helpful and polite in every way. Great experience.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

May 1, 2027 – Oct 14, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 1, 2028 – Oct 14, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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