U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Campground – Crosslake

Here at WhitefishChain.com, we’re compiling a list of the top ten things to do in the Crosslake area.  Right away the campground in Crosslake floated to the top.  Even if you are a full-time resident in the Whitefish Chain area, it’s a great place to visit to enjoy a picnic, fish, swim or camp.  In fact, it’s one of the few places that anyone can swim and soak up the sun for a small donation.  My husband and I have made it a yearly tradition to camp there at the beginning and end of each summer.  We love to staycation in our own digs, tooling our bikes around town and watching the sunset with other campers.  The campground hosts family friendly events for campers and non-campers alike, such as outdoor movies, ranger led nature interpreting programs, and holiday events such as Easter egg hunts.

The camp’s official title is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground, but many locals refer to it simply as the Crosslake campground.   A feature that is well known at the Crosslake campground is the dam.  According to CrosslakeHistoricalSociety.org the original timber dam was put into operation in 1886. Corps engineers rebuilt the dam between 1905-07 (replaced timber with concrete) and remodeled once again as it appears now in 2002.  It’s interesting to walk around the dam and read the historical literature on display.  The campground has 122 campsites, some with electric hookups.  There are two hot shower facilities, two boat ramps, playground areas, picnic shelters, dump stations, fishing piers and a dam.  One of the highlights of the campground is the lovely swimming beach which offers both a refreshing dip in the water and fabulous sunsets.

Crosslake Campground is in an unbeatable location.  It is within walking distance of the town square, and many of the shops and restaurants along route 66.  There are paved walking/biking trails leading directly to the camp that connect with the town.  Our grocery, hardware store and a gas station are conveniences steps away that campers appreciate.  Whether you are a local or a visitor, frequent visits to the campground in Crosslake should definitely be on your to-do list.