Sandy Lake

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·Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (60 of 61 campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 1:00 pm)

  • Checkout Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 12:00 pm)

  • Driveway Entry

    (Majority of the campsites have back in)

  • Firepit

    (59 of 61 campsites have Firepit)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 125')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 10)

  • Pets Allowed

    (59 of 61 campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (60 of 61 campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (There are variety of Shade. Such as full and true.)

  • Site Access

    (There are variety of Site Acceses. Such as drive in and hike in.)

Natural Features

Sandy Lake Beach - Credits: USACE St. Paul District
Upstream of the Sandy Lake Dam - Credits: US Army Corps of Engineers - Tamryn Frauenshuh
Beach Area - Credits: USACE St. Paul District
Playground - Credits: USACE St. Paul District

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 Dam Visitor Center - Credits: USACE St. Paul District
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.

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-Up to 92ft

  • rv-Up to 92ft

  • trailer-Up to 92ft

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.

Additional Information

Campsites