Weekend availability at Cross Lake Day Use
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 19, 7:54 PM PT- Fri, Sep 25Limited2/2 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Limited1/2 sites
- Fri, Oct 9Limited2/2 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
How booked is Cross Lake Day Use?
as of September 20Sites are open right now — we found space out to Oct. That changes fast at a campground. We check Cross Lake Day Use around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.
Weekends (Saturday night)
Weekdays (Wednesday night)
Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 2
- Electric sites
- 2
About this campground
Overview In Central Minnesota's popular lakes area, the Cross Lake Day Use has tremendous appeal for families and friends, with an array of activities and facilities perfect for a day outdoors. Recreation Swim or sunbathe at the beach, enjoy a meal at one of the numerous picnic sites, or for larger groups, reserve one of two group picnic shelters. Shore fishing is popular both upstream and downstream of the dam on accessible fishing piers, and canoe access is available for exploring the Pine River downstream of the dam. Facilities The area offers two group picnic shelters. The #1 shelter is located upstream of the dam and is smaller than the #2 shelter which is located downstream of the dam, along the Pine River. Canoe access is available along both shores of the Pine River downstream from the dam. A swimming beach and two accessible fishing piers are available within a short walk of the parking area. Other facilities include a playground, restrooms and parking facilities for up to 50 vehicles. Natural Features Surrounded by tall pines on the eastern bank of Cross Lake, the Day Use Area provides an ideal location to explore and enjoy the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, boasting 13,660 acres of water and 119 miles of scenic shoreline. Nearby Attractions The city of Crosslake is located within walking distance from the Day Use Area where you will find local shopping, a paved walking and biking trail and numerous other activities within town.
Getting there
From Brainerd, Minnesota. on Highway 25; turn right on County Road 3 and travel north to Cross Lake, Minn. The Day Use area entrance is to the left, directly across from intersections 3 and 66.
Activities
- VISITOR CENTER
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE
- DAY USE AREA
- FISHING
- KAYAKING
- PICNICKING
- SWIMMING SITE
- CANOEING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Cross Lake Recreation AreaMississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake0 mi
- Gull Lake Recreation AreaMississippi River Headwaters - Gull Lake21 mi
- Long Lake Boat AreaChippewa National Forest36 mi
- Stony PointChippewa National Forest36 mi
- Walker AreaChippewa National Forest36 mi
- Sandy LakeMississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake38 mi
Never miss an opening at Cross Lake Day Use
Popular Minnesota campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Cross Lake Day Use around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
Not ready to subscribe? Get a free weekend heads-up.
We'll email you if Cross Lake Day Use opens up for a weekend you pick. No account needed.
Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.