McCarthy Beach

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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.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Visitor Alert!

Winter Camping:

The Side Lake and Beatrice Lake campgrounds will be open for drive-in camping until snow makes them inaccessible. Camping is available on a walk-in basis after that. Campers may also use the picnic shelter parking lot.

Park Notes

Gift Cards:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card this holiday season!

Firewood restrictions information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site.
More information
Vendor List

Camping Information:

General Camping Information: The Side Lake Campground has narrow roads and may not be suitable for some large motor homes. In addition, a number of sites have sharp turning radiuses. See the listing below to help assure the site you choose will fit your rig.
Campsites with sharp turning radiuses: 4e, 7e, 20, 22, 23, 31, 32, 34, 35, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45, 49, and 51.

Group Camp: The group camp at McCarthy Beach State Park can now be reserved by phone or online. Call toll free 866-85PARKS or online. The camp is typically open mid-spring to fall, but water may not be available at the group camp outside of the Memorial Day to Labor Day period.

State Forest Campgrounds: McCarthy Beach State Park manages four state forest campgrounds and day-use areas: Button Box Lake, Thistledew Lake, Togo Horse Camp, and Stony Brook Horse Camp. These campgrounds are located in the George Washington State Forest. Camping is first-come, first-served at these areas. The cost is $12/night for a regular campsite and $16/night at the horse sites. For more information, call the park at 218-254-7979.