CampgroundDay Use

Sandy Lake

Facilities

This recreation area and campground offers a variety of facilities with water access to Big Sandy Lake and the Sandy & Mississippi rivers. The campground features 43 single family sites, five double family sites and two group sites - all with electric hookups. Eight primitive walk-to tent sites (four of which have electrical hookups), a camper cabin with bunk beds and a day-use group picnic shelter are also available. The campground is divided by the Sandy Lake Dam into a north and south side, each with separate vehicle access roads. Only pedestrian traffic is permitted across the dam. Amenities include flush and vault restrooms, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities and a dump station. Day use facilities are intertwined within the campground and contain two lake boat ramps, one river boat ramp, docks, a fishing pier, beach, playgrounds and a short hiking trail.

NOTE: Campsites 1-21, tent sites 1-4, and the south group campsite are accessed via the “South Entrance”. Campsites 22-49, tent sites 5-8, the north group campsite, and the camper cabin can be accessed via the “North Entrance”.

Natural Features

Big Sandy Lake is a reservoir that was created in the late nineteenth century from the waters of a naturally exisiting lake and the Sandy River. A forest of mixed hardwoods and towering red and white pine covers the area. An abundance of wildlife can be found including bald eagles, white-tail deer, black bears, chipmunks, loons, mink, river otters and many others. Wild rice is harvested from the lake seasonally and wild berries are occasionally found.

Recreation

Sandy Lake offers many recreational opportunities including camping, boating, swimming, picnicking, birding and hiking. Anglers enjoy fishing the lake and river for Northern pike, walleye, small mouth bass, bluegill, crappie and even catfish. Playgrounds are located on both sides of the dam and are located near the beach and visitor museum areas. The old lock house has been converted into a free small museum containing historical artifacts from the area. Educational programs are offered seasonally and are open to the public.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Electric
  • Walk To
  • Group Standard Electric
  • Cabin Electric
  • Group Shelter Electric
  • Overnight
  • Day

Activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Visitor Center
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Camping
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Day Use Area
  • Ranger Station

Amenities

  • Boat Ramp
  • Dump Station
  • Fish Cleaning Stations
  • Interpretive Trails
  • Parking Area
  • Pay Phone
  • Picnic Area
  • Playground
  • Recycling
  • Electricity Hookup
  • Fire Pit
  • Picnic Table
  • Accessible Occupant Message
  • Accessibility
  • Lighting
  • Porch
  • Tent Pad

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include golf courses, shopping and dining venues, Savannah Portage State Park, Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and many acres of state and county forest land.

Getting Here

Latitude
46° 47' 17.9999" N
Longitude
93° 19' 41.9999" W

22205 531st Lane McGregor, MN 55760

Take Highway 65 for 13 miles north of McGregor, Minnesota.  

*Follow "South Entrance" signs for campsites 1-21, tent sites 1-4, and south group campsite.

*Follow "North Entrance" signs for campsites 22-49, tent sites 5-8, north group campsite, and camper cabin.  

If you need assistance finding your campsite, follow "South Entrance" signs to the campground office. 

Need to Know

  • Firewood is NOT available within the park. All firewood brought into the park must be certified pest free in accordance with the US Army Corps of Engineeers Firewood Policy. For more information please contact park staff at 651-290-5850 or email sandy.lake@usace.army.mil.
  • ATV/UTV's, golf carts, and motorized scooters are not permitted within the park.
  • Please keep all vehicles and camping equipment off the grass.

  • *Follow "South Entrance" signs for campsites 1-21, tent sites 1-4, and south group campsite.

  • *Follow "North Entrance" signs for campsites 22-49, tent sites 5-8, north group campsite, and camper cabin.

  • Contact Information

    22205 531ST LANE
    MCGREGOR, MN 55760

    For campground inquiries, please call: 651-290-5850

    Additional Information