McCarthy Beach State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- 1 campsites
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(218) 274-7200
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Partial closure Entire park closed October 23 and 24, 2026, for special huntAll sections of McCarthy Beach State Park will be CLOSED October 23 and 24 for the annual Accessibility Hunt. This includes the beach, picnic areas,… (more)
All sections of McCarthy Beach State Park will be CLOSED October 23 and 24 for the annual Accessibility Hunt. This includes the beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and campgrounds. Please plan to explore other State Parks during those dates. Thank you so much for your cooperation.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Alert Navigating to the parkTo navigate to the park entrance, enter the main park address: 7622 McCarthy Beach Road, Side Lake MN 55781. In some navigation apps, if you do not… (more)
To navigate to the park entrance, enter the main park address: 7622 McCarthy Beach Road, Side Lake MN 55781. In some navigation apps, if you do not use the street address, you will be directed to a remote location of the park, not the main entrance.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
McCarthy Beach State Park is a 1,909-acre park in St. Louis County, about 19 miles north of Hibbing.
Popular activities here are snowmobiling, horseback riding, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming. Its trail network totals roughly 18 miles, according to the park. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there is 1 campsites across 5 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, equestrian camping, and showers).
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Thu–Sun | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | — |
| Campground | Stony Brook Horse Campground and Side Lake Campgrounds are open. Beatrice Lake Campground is closed for the season. Side Lake Campground will close for the season on October 20, 2026. Stony Brook Horse Camp will remain open until October 31, 2026. | ||
| Park | Trails: McCarthy Beach has 18 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of horse trails that connect into the George Washington State Forest trails and over a half mile of sandy beach to stroll along. The park has 5 miles of groomed cross-country trails and 7 miles of groomed snowmobile trails available in the winter. The park snowmobile trails connect to the Taconite State Trail and the Tim Corey trail. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park, except the cross country ski trail system. Electric sites: Side Lake campground has 44 electric sites and 14 non-electric sites. Campsites 1e through 45e are electric, and have 20/30/50 amp service. Sites 46-59 are non-electric. Beatrice Lake Campground has 28 campsites and no electricity. Stony Brook Horse Campground has 15 campsites, and 2 group sites, with no electricity. Showers: Shower facilities are closed for the season. Showers will be turned back on May 11, 2027. RVs: Both campgrounds have narrow roads with sharp turns; they may not be suitable for some large RVs, trailers, or 5th wheels. Drinking water: Water spigots are off for the season, except for the spigot on the back the Ranger Station. Bottles and jugs may be filled there. Water will be turned back on May 11, 2027. Water: Water spigots are off for the season except for spigot on the back the Ranger Station. Bottles and jugs can be filled there. Water will be turned back on May 11, 2027. Programs: No programs are offered at this time. Buildings: Picnic shelter is open. The picnic shelter is enclosed and contains 12 picnic tables, electricity, and a fireplace. The picnic shelter can be reserved by calling the park office at 218-274-7200. Campgrounds: Stony Brook Horse Campground and Side Lake Campgrounds are open. Beatrice Lake Campground is closed for the season. Side Lake Campground will close for the season on October 20, 2026. Stony Brook Horse Camp will remain open until October 31, 2026. Rentals: An all-terrain action track chair is available to rent, free of charge, until October 18, 2026. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, and adaptive floating wheelchair rentals are closed for the season. Dump station: Water at the RV dump station is off for the season. Water will be turned back on May 11, 2027. Bathrooms: Flush toilets are off for the season. Water and toilets will be turned back on May 11, 2027. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Park is open 8am-10pm daily
Fall office hours: 10am-2pm Thursday - Sunday
You may call the park office with inquires or to request nature store assistance. 218-274-7200
Stony Brook Horse Campground and Side Lake Campgrounds are open. Beatrice Lake Campground is closed for the season. Side Lake Campground will close for the season on October 20, 2026. Stony Brook Horse Camp will remain open until October 31, 2026.
Trails: McCarthy Beach has 18 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of horse trails that connect into the George Washington State Forest trails and over a half mile of sandy beach to stroll along. The park has 5 miles of groomed cross-country trails and 7 miles of groomed snowmobile trails available in the winter. The park snowmobile trails connect to the Taconite State Trail and the Tim Corey trail. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park, except the cross country ski trail system. Electric sites: Side Lake campground has 44 electric sites and 14 non-electric sites. Campsites 1e through 45e are electric, and have 20/30/50 amp service. Sites 46-59 are non-electric. Beatrice Lake Campground has 28 campsites and no electricity. Stony Brook Horse Campground has 15 campsites, and 2 group sites, with no electricity. Showers: Shower facilities are closed for the season. Showers will be turned back on May 11, 2027. RVs: Both campgrounds have narrow roads with sharp turns; they may not be suitable for some large RVs, trailers, or 5th wheels. Drinking water: Water spigots are off for the season, except for the spigot on the back the Ranger Station. Bottles and jugs may be filled there. Water will be turned back on May 11, 2027. Water: Water spigots are off for the season except for spigot on the back the Ranger Station. Bottles and jugs can be filled there. Water will be turned back on May 11, 2027. Programs: No programs are offered at this time. Buildings: Picnic shelter is open. The picnic shelter is enclosed and contains 12 picnic tables, electricity, and a fireplace. The picnic shelter can be reserved by calling the park office at 218-274-7200. Campgrounds: Stony Brook Horse Campground and Side Lake Campgrounds are open. Beatrice Lake Campground is closed for the season. Side Lake Campground will close for the season on October 20, 2026. Stony Brook Horse Camp will remain open until October 31, 2026. Rentals: An all-terrain action track chair is available to rent, free of charge, until October 18, 2026. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, and adaptive floating wheelchair rentals are closed for the season. Dump station: Water at the RV dump station is off for the season. Water will be turned back on May 11, 2027. Bathrooms: Flush toilets are off for the season. Water and toilets will be turned back on May 11, 2027.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets allowed on a leash six feet or shorter (or in a portable enclosure) and personally attended; only service animals in buildings, lodging, camper cabins, yurts, tipis, tours and beach areas.
Statewide rule from Minnesota's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Camping
- Required
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
Reservations are required for Side Lake and Beatrice Lake campgrounds.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites The park has 86 drive-in sites across two campgrounds. | — | ShowersRVs up to 40 feet | — |
| Electric Sites The park has 44 electric sites across two campgrounds. | — | ElectricShowersRVs up to 40 feet | — |
| Walk-in Sites Three sites in the Beatrice Lake Campground | — | Showers | — |
| Horse Camp Located in George Washington State Forest, Stony Brook Horse Campground. Not located in the park. — Although the horse campground is 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. Trails connect the park to the horse camp. | — | Showers | — |
| 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. May accommodate a few small camping trailers, but is primarily a tenting area. | 1 | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites: The park has 86 drive-in sites across two campgrounds.
Electric Sites: The park has 44 electric sites across two campgrounds.
RV Length Limit — 40 feet: Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites — 4: There are four accessible drive-in sites in the Side Lake Campground. All sites have electric hookup.
Walk-in Sites — Three sites in the Beatrice Lake Campground
Horse Camp — Located in George Washington State Forest, Stony Brook Horse Campground. Not located in the park.: Although the horse campground is 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. Trails connect the park to the horse camp.
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. May accommodate a few small camping trailers, but is primarily a tenting area.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
SwimmingCampingHikingHorseback ridingPicnickingWinter sportsSnowmobilingFishingBoatingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking (summer) | 18 mi | — | 18 miles — Wooded trails access the interior of the park. The rolling terrain is covered with mixed stands of pine, aspen and birch. The Pickerel Lake trail is a visitor favorite.Hiking |
| Unpaved Bike (summer) | 17 mi | — | 17 miles — A choice of nice rides is available on the park trails and the low maintenance St. Louis County roads inside the park boundary. Bikers can venture out of the park on the Taconite State Trail.Unpaved Bike |
| Horse (summer) | 16 mi | — | 16 miles — Spring and fall are the best times to ride the park trails on a horse. The sandy soils are well drained. Park trails connect to the Stony Brook Horse campground and its trail system via the Taconite State Trail.Horse |
| Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic (winter) | 5 mi | — | 5 miles — Visitors can enjoy 5 miles of groomed ski trails. A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic |
| Snowmobile (winter) | 7 mi | — | 7 miles — Trails in the park connect to the Taconite State Trail and the Tim Corey Trail. Two rustic shelters are available on the snowmobile trails.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park, except on trails groomed for skiing or snowmobiling.Snowshoe |
Trail descriptions from the park
Summer — Hiking — 18 miles: Wooded trails access the interior of the park. The rolling terrain is covered with mixed stands of pine, aspen and birch. The Pickerel Lake trail is a visitor favorite.
Summer — Unpaved Bike — 17 miles: A choice of nice rides is available on the park trails and the low maintenance St. Louis County roads inside the park boundary. Bikers can venture out of the park on the Taconite State Trail.
Summer — Horse — 16 miles: Spring and fall are the best times to ride the park trails on a horse. The sandy soils are well drained. Park trails connect to the Stony Brook Horse campground and its trail system via the Taconite State Trail.
Winter — Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic — 5 miles: Visitors can enjoy 5 miles of groomed ski trails.
A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.
Winter — Snowmobile — 7 miles: Trails in the park connect to the Taconite State Trail and the Tim Corey Trail. Two rustic shelters are available on the snowmobile trails.
Winter — Snowshoe: Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park, except on trails groomed for skiing or snowmobiling.
Trail conditions: McCarthy Beach has 18 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of horse trails that connect into the George Washington State Forest trails and over a half mile of sandy beach to stroll along. The park has 5 miles of groomed cross-country trails and 7 miles of groomed snowmobile trails available in the winter. The park snowmobile trails connect to the Taconite State Trail and the Tim Corey trail. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park, except the cross country ski trail system.
Swimming
Swimming Beach — Within the park: Extended area of knee-deep water makes this a great beach for kids. One of the best beaches in Minnesota. Located on Sturgeon Lake.
Boating and paddling
Boat Access — Beatric, Side, Sturgeon lakes
Boat Docks
Canoe Access
Fishing
Fishing: Seven lakes with trout, walleye, bass, pike and panfish.
Fishing Pier — Side Lake: The pier is wheelchair accessible.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Marina or boat slips
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
- Equestrian camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Accessible Sites — 4: There are four accessible drive-in sites in the Side Lake Campground. All sites have electric hookup.
Showers — Seasonal; Wheelchair accessible: The showers are available on a seasonal basis and are wheelchair accessible.
Flush Toilets — Seasonal; Wheelchair accessible: Facilities are available on a seasonal basis.
Vault Toilets — Year-round, Wheelchair accessible
Fishing Pier — Side Lake: The pier is wheelchair accessible.
Accessible Beach Mat: A mat across the sandy beach provides easy access to the waterfront.
All-Terrain Track Chair: One all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park.
- Reserve the chair
- Map of designated trails
- Learn more about track chairs
Floating Beach Wheelchair: The beach chair floats in the water thanks to floating armrests and wheels. Call the park to reserve.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 7622 McCarthy Beach Road
Side Lake, MN 55781 - Nearest town
- Hibbing — about 19 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 47.6689, -93.0315
- Phone
- (218) 274-7200
- mccarthybeach.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From the town of Hibbing, take U.S. Highway 169 north to 73 in Chisholm. Follow Hwy 5 in Chisholm 16 miles to the park.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology