Sandy Lake

Palisade, Minnesota · 1,217 ft · In Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake

Photos: USACE St. Paul District

Reserve on Recreation.govSuggest an edit

At a glance

6 of 8 facts known · recreation.gov, checked Sep 24, 2026

Price per night: $16–$52recreation.gov, checked Sep 24, 2026
Sites: 61From recreation.gov's site list · Oct 2026
Hookups: PartialElectric 50 amp, water, no sewerFrom recreation.gov · Aug 2026
Elevation: 1,217 ft (371 m)1,217 ft371 m
Pets: Allowed
Big rigs: Yes
Season: Not yet known
Cell signal: Not yet known

Loops2

Pick a loop to see its sites.

Loop	Sites	Site types	Longest rig
NPOI	34	28 standard · 4 walk-to · 1 group · 1 cabin	92 ft
SPOI	26	21 standard · 4 walk-to · 1 group	78 ft
Other areas
SREC	1	1 group

Other areas

SREC1 site1 group

From recreation.gov's site list, Oct 10, 2026. Loop names are trimmed and merged.

Amenities

From Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards · Correct

ADA accessible
Campfires allowed

From Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards

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About

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

From Recreation.gov and Recreation.gov — campground rate cards · · Edit