Calling all Beach lovers

AMENITIES: Sandy beach, disc golf, pavilions, boat launch, playground, fishing, Camping, picnic tables, restrooms, sand volleyball courts.

Whipple Beach Recreation Area

14441 Oakwood Dr, Baxter, MN 56425

A visit to Whipple Beach is a great place to spend the afternoon. Whipple Beach Recreation Area is a public park and beach close to Brainerd/Baxter hotels. The recreation area is in the perfect location if you’re staying in Brainerd/Baxter.

You’ll find an excellent sandy beach perfect for kids to swim and build sandcastles.

You can rent the pavilion for celebrations and gatherings. The pavilion has a kitchen you can use if you rent the pavilion.

AMENITIES: Sandy beach, playground, fishing pier, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilion.

Gull Lake Recreation Area

10867 E Gull Lake Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401

Gull Lake Recreation Area offers something for everyone with a boat launch, hiking, fishing, and swimming. The campground offers well-spaced sites. Near the campground is a playground and the Gull River at the outlet of Gull Lake. The platforms on the river offer great fishing!

The beach area is a short distance from the campground and is open to the public for day use. There is a roped-off swim area, sandy beach, and grassy area with picnic tables for families to enjoy.

AMENITIES: Sandy beach, restrooms, boat launch, biking and hiking trails, picnic tables, playground, camping, fishing.

Pelican Lake Public Beach

(Co Rd 4 to Co Rd 118; Left on Pelican Beach Rd. Beach is at the end of Pelican Lake Rd.)

This public beach is a hidden gem off the beaten path. While it might be harder to find, it is well worth the effort. The Pelican Lake Public Beach is open for day use and is located on the southeastern shores of Pelican Lake off of Pelican Lake Road.

Pelican Beach has excellent sugar sand. It’s a shallow beach making it a great place for families with young kids to swim. There is no garbage collection, so you’ll need to pack out your trash.

AMENITIES: Vault toilet, picnic tables.

Cross Lake Recreation Area

35507 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442

The Cross Lake Recreation Area is a picturesque recreation area in one of central Minnesota’s most popular cities—Crosslake.

The campground is well-maintained and located on the shores of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, which connects 14 lakes and are controlled by the Pine River dam at the Campground.

When you’re in the campground, you would never guess you’re in walking or biking distance from great restaurants, shops, and golf.

If you’re not camping, you can still enjoy the recreation area for the day. Swim at the beach. Walk across the dam. Play at the playground. Check out the interpretive programs. Fish from the dock. It’s all here for the perfect summer day!

AMENITIES: Sandy beach, restrooms, playground, fishing, pavilion, interpretive programs, biking, camping, boat launch.

Pillager Lake Recreation Area

12170 Co Rd, Pillager, MN 56473

You’ll find the Pillager Lake Park on Pillager Lake west on Hwy 210, then north a few miles on County Road 1. This quiet park is a great place to soak up some nature. The beach is clean and sandy for kids to swim. The pier even has a small slide that goes it to the water!

DOZENS OF LOCAL RESORTS ARE RIGHT ON THE WATER. GET THE MOST LAKE LIFE OUT OF YOUR VACATION BY STAYING RIGHT ON THE WATER. REFER TO OUR LODGING DIRECTORY ON PAGE 24-25 FOR LODGING ON THE WATER.

Pack a lunch or bring food to grill and use the pavilion. Kids can also play at the playground. Your family will enjoy spending an afternoon here!

AMENITIES: Picnic tables, pavilion, sandy beach, vault toilets, fishing pier, playground.