McCarthy Beach State Park

State: Minnesota

Address 1: 7622 McCarthy Beach Road

City: Side Lake

Zip: 55781

Phone: 218-254-7979

Open all Year: Yes

Number of Sites: 107

Camp URL: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/mccarthy_beach/index.html

Full Hook: Yes

Come to McCarthy Beach State Park and you’ll remember the lakes. The sandy beach on Sturgeon Lake was rated one of the top 17 beaches in North America by Highway’s Magazine. Walk along the half-mile of shoreline, or venture out into the shallow water that extends hundreds of feet into the lake.

Launch a boat on Side Lake or Sturgeon Lake to explore the five connected lakes of the Sturgeon chain. Hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers enjoy scenic trails that wind along pine-covered ridges and through stands of birch. Snowmobilers and horseback riders take advantage of the Taconite State Trail to access miles of trails outside the park. Located near many tourist attractions, McCarthy Beach State Park offers opportunities for both relaxation and exploration.

Drive-in Sites
86 sites

Electric Sites
18 sites

RV Length Limit 50 Feet

Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.

Walk-in Sites
3 sites

These are first-come, first-served sites in the Beatrice Lake Campground.

Horse Camp
2 Campgrounds located in Geroge Washington State Forest. Not located in the park.

Although the two horse campgrounds are not located in McCarthy Beach State Park, they are managed by the park. The Stony Brook Horse Campground is located 9 miles from the park office; the Togo campground is 23 miles from the park. Trails connect the park to the horse camps.

Group Camp
1 Site – Accommodate up to 40 people

Site located on wooded bluff overlooking Big Sturgeon Lake, nestled between the picnic area and boat landing. Spigot for water and vault toilets available.