Cross Lake Day Use

Mississippi River Headwaters - Cross Lake, MN · ≈72.6 mi to Sartell
Sites
2
Max rig
No RV sites
Pull-through
N/A
Hookups
None
ADA
To town
72.6 mi
Signal

✓ Best for

  • Groups up to 75 people
  • Day hikers and picnickers
  • Fishing and water activities
  • ADA-accessible day use

✕ Not ideal for

  • Overnight camping
  • RVs of any size

Connectivity

Best bet: AT&TStrong 5G signal here · 3 of 3 carriers reach here
VerizonLTE
AT&T5G
T-Mobile5G

What's here

2 Group Shelters2 separate group reservations · largest capacity: 75 people
Rig compatibility

Will your rig fit?

This is a day-use area — no overnight camping of any kind (tent, RV, or otherwise) is available here.

Amenities & features

Amenities
Drinking waterPets allowedShade
Activities
CanoeingDay Use AreaFishingHistoric & Cultural SiteKayakingPicnickingSwimming SiteVisitor Center
Natural features
LakefrontRiverfront
CampIntel Score

How we score

We score what we can verify.
Tight for big rigsRig fit
Easy to reachAccess
Minimal servicesConvenience
Verdicts come from our Rig fit, Access & Convenience sub-scores — each built only from verifiable Recreation.gov data.

Where it is

Nearest town: Sartell, ~72.6 miGet directions ↗

Photos

Photos: Recreation.gov

Overview

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.

Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers · Primitive campground