Nestled in the picturesque region of Brainerd, Gull Lake offers a serene escape for those seeking relaxation and outdoor adventure. With its numerous campsites, crystal-clear water, and breathtaking scenery, this destination provides endless opportunities to relax and play.
For camping enthusiasts, Gull Lake Recreation Area boasts well-groomed campsites that cater to both tent and RV campers. Whether you prefer a rustic experience or modern amenities, there are options available to suit your needs. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustling of leaves as you step outside your tent or camper.
Fishing enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise at Gull Lake. Known for its abundant fish population, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, this lake offers ample opportunities to cast your line and reel in a big catch. Spend your days out on the water, enjoying the thrill of catching fish while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
If hiking or biking is more your style, Gull Lake has you covered as well. The nearby Paul Bunyan State Trail provides paved bike trails that wind through scenic landscapes, allowing you to explore the area on two wheels. Embark on a hike along one of the many trails surrounding the lake and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders.
Birding enthusiasts will be delighted by the variety of species that call Gull Lake home. From majestic eagles soaring above to colorful songbirds flitting among trees, there is always something fascinating to observe for birdwatchers of all levels.
In addition to these outdoor activities, Gull Lake offers an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Unwind on its sandy shores as you soak up the sun’s rays or take a leisurely swim in its refreshing waters. Let go of everyday stresses as you bask in the tranquility that this idyllic destination has to offer.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply looking for a place to unwind, Gull Lake provides endless opportunities to relax and play. With its camping facilities, fishing spots, hiking and biking trails, birding opportunities, and serene scenery, this destination is sure to leave you rejuvenated and longing for your next visit.
For more information about Gull Lake Recreation Area, use the following links:
Campfire Recap
Our campfire recap takes place next to the fire while cooking up a meal in the dutch oven. The recipe for this Mountain Dew Chicken can be found on our blog by clicking here. It was a great way to chat about the trip and the days we spent biking around the area.
What may have been the most impressive part of our stay was how well groomed the campsites were in this park. As people left the park, it seemed as though within an hour, there was a ranger cleaning up, raking, and smoothing the parking surface for the next arrival. There were shovels, rakes, and other tools on display boards scattered around the park that were free for campers to borrow to maintain their own sites. The shower house and restrooms were clean and made for a relaxing stay.
There are several bike trails in the immediate area of Gull Lake Recreation Area that are accessible from the campground. On one of the rides, we rode along the lake, through a cabin resort area, and along snowmobile trails through the trees. They were a lot of fun to ride and it was interesting to get a feel for the surrounding area.
We knew that nearby Brainerd provided access to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which is the longest continuously paved bike path in the country. We wanted to be back in the campground that evening, so we loaded up our bikes and drove into Brainerd for a “short” ride. The parking area for trail access was in a busy neighborhood and we felt quite comfortable leaving our vehicle and bike rack in the lot.
The segment that we decided to ride was North of Brainerd for 16 miles to Nisswa. The path was well paved and through beautiful trees, along lakes, and marsh areas. This little town was the perfect turn around point for us. We parked the bikes at racks just outside of the local Chamber of Commerce and sat at one of the the provided picnic tables for a lunch that we had packed. It would have been easy to find a variety of meals in this quaint town, as well. After lunch, we walked down the main street and through several of the unique shops. After purchasing our souvenir tshirts, we retraced our ride back to Brainerd. For more information on the Paul Bunyan Trail click here.
Be sure to check out the walking trails along the lake from the campground, as well. It is always relaxing to be immersed in nature and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells that it provides.
Seasonings
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.”
– Henry David Thoreau
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