Side Lake lures RV campers with McCarthy Beach State Park's sandy beach and crystal lakes primed for walleye fishing. Five standout parks anchor the area, blending state park vibes with horse camps. Park your rig here to hike the Laurentian Divide trail and paddle Side Lake at dawn.
Side Lake thrives in northern Minnesota's lake district, where McCarthy Beach State Park steals the show. Sturdy hikers climb the 1.5-mile Divide Trail for sweeping views. Swimmers claim the park's rare sandy beach on McCarthy Lake. Fishermen troll Side Lake for northern pike, while boaters launch from public ramps. Small-town resorts dot County Road 70, serving up bait and burgers.
RV parks match every style of camper. Families pick McCarthy Beach State Park - Side Lake Campground for showers, 30- and 50-amp hookups, and group sites at $34 a night. Budget hunters grab Lake Beatrice Campground spots from $31. Horse enthusiasts head to Stony Brook Horse Campground. Large crews and pet owners book the Group Camp at McCarthy Beach State Park, complete with dump station for $75.
Side Lake shines for McCarthy Beach State Park's sandy beach and fishing lakes. Hikers summit the Laurentian Divide Trail. Anglers hook walleye and pike from Side Lake. The quiet Itasca County spot mixes resorts, trails, and water sports for pure northwoods escape. (62 words)
rvparksnear.me lists five: McCarthy Beach State Park, Side Lake Campground, Lake Beatrice Campground, Stony Brook Horse Campground, and Group Camp at McCarthy Beach State Park. Side Lake Campground offers showers and 50-amp hookups near the beach. Group Camp provides pet-friendly group sites with dump station. All sit minutes from Side Lake trails. (72 words)
Yes, Group Camp at McCarthy Beach State Park welcomes pets. This $75 site includes group areas and a dump station for easy stays. Other parks like Side Lake Campground focus on hookups but check rules; McCarthy Beach generally allows leashed dogs on trails. Pets thrive amid the lakes and woods. (68 words)
