Gull Lake Recreation Area

Mississippi River Headwaters - Gull Lake

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.

The campground is known for its well-spaced wooded sites, each with 50 or 30 amp electric hookups service, picnic tables and campfire rings, and a centrally located showerhouse. A boat ramp and swimming beach on the lake, canoe access and fishing platforms on the river, and playgrounds are also perks of the park.

Notifications and Alerts

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.

Need to Know

ATTENTION VISITORS

Safety for everyone is our top concern. Please be aware of the following changes due to COVID-19:

Currently, the park office is closed. Gull Lake Recreation Area is now open for the camping season. Reservations MUST be made online utilizing recreation.gov either prior to your visit or immediately upon arrival. At this time, the park office WILL NOT be making reservations.

If you would like to purchase an Annual Day Use pass or any America the Beautiful passes, stop by the orange fee machine in the day use area to pay and then bring your recepit to the ranger office to exchange for your actual pass.

Planning for your visit to Gull Lake Recreation Area in 2021:

Restrooms, trails, dump station, fishing piers and boat launches will be open for use with COVID-19 precautions and social distancing requirments per Executive Order 13991.

Please plan ahead for your visit. Expect limited services and staffing and prepare for self-sufficiency. Restroom facilities will be cleaned and disinfected on a once daily basis. Picnic tables and other areas may not be sanitized regularly.

It is recommended that visitors only recreate with those in their household, including at each individual campsite. While visiting this federal site, masks are recommended when interacting within six feet of others and while utilizing the indoor facilities. Practice social distancing at all times especially in high use areas, such as restrooms, fish cleaning stations, fishing piers, etc.

Firewood sales will ONLY be available at the wood shed on site #40 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At checkin, a Ranger will provide you with instructions on how to pay for firewood with a credit/debit card online with wood delivery straight to your site. Exact cash sales are still available at the wood shed.

Gull Lake Rangers are available. If you have questions or need assistance during your stay with us, please call the office at 651-290-5772 instead of going to a volunteer site. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.
Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of forest insects and disease; Click here for more information
There are no sewer or water sites at this campground but potable water and a dump station are located in the park.
The shower building and drinking water are available May 1 - October 15.

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 Trail, amusement parks, and numerous shopping opportunities in Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa.

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, scenic overlooks, and geocaching opportunities.

Contact Information

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

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: (651)290-5772

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From the intersection MN 210 and MN 371 in Baxter, drive north 5.8 miles. Turn left on Cty Rd 125 (Gull Lake Dam Road). Follow the signs for approximately 3 miles. Turn left into the campground when you see the playground.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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