Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Often called Big Sandy Lake, this reservoir, created by the Sandy Lake Dam, features excellent fishing, boating, and swimming in Minnesota's lake country. The dam, constructed in 1895 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is part of the Mississippi Headwaters Project, one of the first collections of reservoirs in the United States. Sandy Lake, the location of a trading post, was the northernmost point of the Mississippi River that could be traveled. Once part of a thriving fur trade route, the historical significance of the area provides additional depth to an already outstanding outdoor holiday destination.
Heading to Big Sandy Lake is bound to please the whole family. There are endless outdoor activities, like swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. The natural landscape is home to many different types of birds and other wildlife, offering a true wilderness experience. This is due in part to the wild berries and wild rice found seasonally in the lake.
There's almost no reason to leave Big Sandy Lake once you arrive. Camping is a pleasure here, offering many of the conveniences of home. If you do insist on traveling around the area, this COE lake is an excellent place from which to do so. The area is full of lakes and forests waiting to be explored, like Savanna Portage State Park and Hill River State Forest. Venturing a little further northwest will get you to the Chippewa National Forest as well.
RV Rentals in Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake
Transportation
Driving
If you are planning to visit this area of Minnesota in the winter, leave extra time to reach your destination. Bad weather can shut down roads and cause lengthy delays. Use winter tires where possible and watch out for snowdrifts and high winds.
At other times, reaching this Aitkin County destination is quite easy. Signs are provided and roads are accommodating to large RVs. The majority of the drive is on the major interstate I-35 and state highway MN-65 traveling north from Minneapolis.
Parking
Parking for trailers and motorhomes is provided at Sandy Lake. The campground has large parking pads and the recreation area has plenty of space to park for the day. Just get there early during peak season if you can.
Public Transportation
No public transportation is available to the Mississippi Headwaters Project of Sandy Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake
Campsites in Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake
Reservations camping
Sandy Lake Campground
The Sandy Lake Campground is open from the beginning of May to mid-October. Reservations can be made in advance online, and your pets are welcome to stay here with you. Campers at this COE lake campground will have easy access to all the features of the recreation area by the same name. These features include three boat ramps - two on the lake and one in the river - as well as a fishing pier. There is also a beautiful beach, a short trail, and a playground to keep everybody entertained.
Restrooms and showers are convenient for campers, and a dump station is nearby. Each campsite has its own picnic table and fire pit, making it a comfortable spot to spend an evening.
Sandy Lake COE Campground has a total of 61 campsites. There are group camp options, walk-in tent-only sites, and large RV sites with 50 amp electric hookups. Rigs up to 80 feet are accommodated in nicely shaded campsites.
Seasonal activities in Mississippi River Headwaters - Sandy Lake
Off-Season
Picnicking
At the Sandy Lake Recreation Area, you'll find a large picnic shelter that can be reserved. The shelter is accessible and offers 15 amp electric outlets. The picturesque shelter looks like a log cabin and provides cover from inclement weather. The entire site can accommodate 40 people and up to 20 vehicles.
You can easily set up a picnic on the shores of this COE lake at one of the sandy beaches or grassy areas. For a family-friendly experience, there are playgrounds on both sides of the dam near the beach and museum. Both areas are ideal for a leisurely picnic lunch with some built-in entertainment for the younger members of the group.
Visit the Dam Museum
The old lock house at the dam site has been converted into a small museum. Entrance is free and seasonal educational programs are offered here to the public. It's the perfect place to start your vacation at Sandy Lake so you'll know all about the history of the area as you explore.
The main focus of the museum is to preserve artifacts found along the area from the Mississippi River to Lake Superior. This was a canoe route that connected the river with the lake and the major fur trading companies of the time.
Fishing
The lake is a fertile ground for walleye, with many different habitats in which the fish thrive. In addition to walleye, the catch of the day could be northern pike, crappie, bluegill, catfish, or smallmouth bass.
Anglers will have success fishing in Sandy Lake or the river. Boat ramps within the recreation area allow easy access to both. Fish can also be caught from the shoreline and visitors can use the fish cleaning station provided.
Fishing in Minnesota requires a license. Make sure you have one before casting and that you follow all catch limits and other restrictions.
In-Season
Hiking
Big Sandy Lake is surrounded by pine trees and mixed hardwoods, making a simple hike through the woods a wonderful experience. Throughout this Mississippi Headwaters Project lake's grounds, you'll find wildlife from majestic bald eagles to bewitching black bears. Other, more regular sights while hiking around this COE lake include chipmunks, white-tailed deer, river otters, and mink. It's also common to hear the haunting call of the local loons while out and about.
Less than 20 miles from Big Sandy Lake, you'll find Savanna Portage State Park. One of the area's hidden gems, try a scenic expedition on the park's Continental Divide Trail that meanders for just over five miles. You can also have an educational walk on the Savanna Portage Trail. It's a historic trail, once traveled by fur traders and local tribes.
Boating
Motorized boats are welcome at Big Sandy Lake, as are paddle boats. Canoeing and kayaking are very popular on this calm COE lake. Head out on the water in the evening for an amazing sunset or bring your fishing gear to catch dinner from the comfort of your boat.
If you have not traveled with a boat to the lake, head to the Big Sandy Lodge, where you can rent motorized pontoon boats and fishing boats. There are a total of three boat launching areas spread out between the lake and the river.
Swimming
Big Sandy Lake provides visitors with a large swimming beach, the perfect place to spend the day in the summer. The beach is found within the Sandy Lake Recreation Area and is close to a playground and restrooms. As you might expect, the beach is sandy and slopes gradually into the cool water.
After a day of swimming, don't be too quick to leave the beach. It's also a great location to view the mesmerizing Minnesota sunsets. Enjoy your dinner outdoors with this beautiful view.
No supervision of swimmers exists at this Mississippi Headwaters Project lake, so make sure that all members of your group exercise caution. Don't swim alone and keep an eye on each other.
