Overview

In Central Minnesota's popular lakes area, the Cross Lake Recreation Area is best known for its picturesque sunsets, beautiful beaches and well-maintained campsites. The campground provides a full menu of activities for camping enthusiasts, while being located just minutes from shopping and paved bike trails.
For a virtual tour go to: http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/headwaters/tour.html

Facilities

The sizable campground has 122 campsites including 97 with electric hookups. Additional amenities include two accessible hot shower facilities, a boat ramp, playground, floating docks for boat parking, 2 picnic shelters, a dump station and accessible fishing piers.

Natural Features

Cross Lake Recreation Area is nestled among tall pines on the eastern banks of Cross Lake on the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. The area has tremendous appeal, with access to 13 natural lakes, 13,660 acres of water and 119 miles of scenic shoreline. The collection of lakes help form the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Recreation

The recreation area provides plenty of water based entertainment like boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing. Two onsite beaches are convenient for swimming and sunbathing. Two accessible fishing piers provide angling opportunities on both Cross Lake and the Pine River.

Nearby Attractions

Important Notices

• Reservations

  * All reservations must be made and/or modified at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. No walk ins allowed. 

  * Cross Lake Recreation Area staff and volunteers do not make reservations on site.

  * Campers must check in within 24 hours of their scheduled arrival or risk their reservation being cancelled.

• Title 36: Rules and Regulations

  In the interest of more effective resource management and to increase the overall enjoyment of the visitor experience available at the Cross Lake Recreation Area, Corps wide rules and regulations have been established and will be enforced (Title 36). Click here for more information 

  Cross Lake Recreation Area has additional rules including but not limited to:

  * Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of invasive insects and disease. Click here for more information  

  * ATV/UTV and Golf Cart operation within the campground is not allowed. 

  * All vehicles and camping equipment must fit on the campsite. Do not park or place camping equipment on the grass.

  * Posted speed limit is 10 mph.

  * Limit two tents per site, or one wheeled unit and one tent.

  * Reserved campsites must be occupied daily and with intention of overnight camping. Visitors may not book a site just for access to the boat docks.

• Closure

  * The Campground will close 15-OCT-2025 for the remainder of the season. This includes all dump stations, all restrooms, and water spigots. At this time, the main boat ramp is expected to remain available throughout October.

Notifications and Alerts

• Cross Lake Recreation Area will open for the 2026 camping season on May 14. We look forward to seeing you then!

Available Activities

• Visitor Center - Visitor Center
• Camping - Camping
• Boating - Boating
• Biking - Biking
• Canoeing - Canoeing
• Fishing - Fishing
• Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
• Swimming - Swimming
• Picnicking - Picnicking

Directions

From Brainerd, Minnesota on Highway 25, turn right on County Road 3 and travel north to Crosslake, Minn. The campground entrance is to the left, at the intersection of County Roads 3 and 66.

Cancellation Policy

<p>Reservations must check in within 24 hours of their scheduled arrival or risk their reservation being cancelled.</p> <p>Modifications to existing reservations will be charged a $10.00 non-refundable modification fee. </p> <p>Modifications to reservations may be made online or by calling Recreation.gov at (877)444-6777</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 651-290-5793

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip