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Cross Lake Recreation Area
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Crosslake · Minnesota · Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake |
| Location | Crosslake · Minnesota · Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake · 46.66972, -94.10833 · Map |
| Sites | 122 public sites counted from the federal listing — 98 standard electric; 18 standard nonelectric; 6 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 98 of 122 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 12 of 122 sites Sewer hookups at 12 of 122 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 12 of 122 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 100 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 120 sites · 30 ft: 119 sites · 35 ft: 119 sites · 40 ft: 117 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 1:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 121 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 2 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 651-290-5793 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
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
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.
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.
Nearby Attractions The Recreation Area is located adjacent to the city of Crosslake and is just a short walk from shopping and a paved bike trail. It's also near the Crow Wing State Park where visitors can view the Mississippi River from the historic "Chippewa Lookout." Charges & Cancellations Reservations must check in within 24 hours of their scheduled arrival or risk their reservation being cancelled.
Modifications to existing reservations will be charged a $10.00 non-refundable modification fee.
Modifications to reservations may be made online or by calling Recreation.gov at (877)444-6777
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · CROSSLAKE MinnesotaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersGull Lake Recreation Area
21 mi straight-line · Brainerd MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMabel Lake
26 mi straight-line · MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceStony Point
36 mi straight-line · Walker MinnesotaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersSandy Lake
38 mi straight-line · MCGREGOR Minnesota
Trip Card — Cross Lake Recreation Area
Crosslake · Minnesota · Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Crosslake · Minnesota · Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 98 · full hookups at 12 |
| Max RV | Up to 100 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 122 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233472 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.