Overview The Sandy Lake Dam and Recreation Area is situated at the outlet of Big Sandy Lake in northern Minnesota, 13 miles north of McGregor, MN. The dam is a part of the Mississippi Headwaters Project, one of the first reservoir systems in the country, and the Sandy Lake Dam structure dates back to 1895. Today the gr…
Overview The Sandy Lake Dam and Recreation Area is situated at the outlet of Big Sandy Lake in northern Minnesota, 13 miles north of McGregor, MN. The dam is a part of the Mississippi Headwaters Project, one of the first reservoir systems in the country, and the Sandy Lake Dam structure dates back to 1895. Today the grounds have been developed into a park and campground that is noted for its clean, family-friendly environment and access to fishing and boating on both the lake and nearby Mississippi River. It offers the only public campground and beach on Big Sandy Lake. The area is also a part of the historic canoe route that connected the Mississippi River to Lake Superior and major fur trading companies. Artifacts from the area's long history are kept in a small museum located near the dam.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.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
Photos
Winter Sunrise at Sandy Lake — USACE - Hunter SimonsonSandy Lake Dam Downstream — USACE St. Paul DistrictTent Campsite — USACE St. Paul DistrictWinter at the Sandy Lake Dam — US Army Corps of Engineers - Tamryn FrauenshuhUpstream of Dam — USACE St. Paul DistrictCampground Sites Map — USACE St. Paul DistrictCampsite at Sandy Lake — USACE St. Paul DistrictRainbow over Sandy Lake Dam — USACE - St. Paul DistrictSouth Camping Area — USACE St. Paul DistrictPlayground — USACE St. Paul DistrictUpstream of the Sandy Lake Dam — US Army Corps of Engineers - Tamryn FrauenshuhBeach Area — USACE St. Paul District
How to Get There
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.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SANDY LAKE
Heading to SANDY LAKE? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SANDY LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for SANDY LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233620) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at SANDY LAKE?
SANDY LAKE has 61 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to SANDY LAKE?
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.
