THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Regional Park · Minnesota

Long Lake Regional Park

Long Lake Regional Park offers a diverse outdoor experience with its expansive lake, forested areas, and a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and camping in central Minnesota.

Regional Park1,3004+ Trails

Designation

Regional Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,300

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Long Lake Regional Park

Long Lake Regional Park offers a diverse outdoor experience with its expansive lake, forested areas, and a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and camping in central Minnesota.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Long Lake Regional Park is situated in the heart of central Minnesota near the town of Long Lake, providing a peaceful natural retreat featuring a large freshwater lake surrounded by forest and wetlands. The park covers diverse terrain with a mix of hardwood forests, conifer stands, and marshy shoreline habitats that support local wildlife such as deer, waterfowl, and various fish species. Historically, the area has been used for both recreation and natural resource preservation, maintaining its role as a family-friendly outdoor destination for the surrounding communities. Visitors can explore several hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through scenic woodlands and connect to lakeshore viewpoints. The lake itself is popular for fishing, paddle sports, and swimming in warmer months, attracting anglers targeting species like northern pike, walleye, and panfish. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, making the park a year-round destination. Long Lake Regional Park is noted for its well-maintained campgrounds that accommodate tent and RV campers alike, along with picnic areas and playgrounds. The park balances recreational use with conservation efforts, emphasizing habitat preservation and water quality protection. Its accessibility combined with natural beauty and a range of activities makes Long Lake Regional Park a favored spot for residents and visitors seeking outdoor recreation without traveling far from urban centers.

Field Guide · Regional Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Long Lake Regional Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Natural Lakeside Escape at Cedar Lake Point Beach, Minneapolis★ 4.0⌖ 14 miSwimming
Cedar Lake Point Beach

Natural Lakeside Escape at Cedar Lake Point Beach, Minneapolis

Cedar Lake Point Beach in Minneapolis offers a peaceful sandy shoreline with calm waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Easily accessible by car, the area is perfect for quiet lakeside relaxation, cycling the nearby loop trail, and birdwatching in a natural setting close to the city.

Peaceful Waters and Trails at Cedar Lake, Minneapolis★ 6.5⌖ 14 miPaddleboarding
Cedar Lake

Peaceful Waters and Trails at Cedar Lake, Minneapolis

Cedar Lake in Minneapolis offers easy access to calm waters and scenic trails perfect for paddleboarding, biking, and birdwatching. A quiet urban lake with beaches and native plants, it’s ideal for family-friendly outdoor activities in a peaceful setting, best visited late spring to early fall.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Scenic Serenity at Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis★ 6.4⌖ 14 miKayaking
Lake of the Isles

Scenic Serenity at Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis

Explore Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis for easy kayaking, biking, and walking on smooth lake trails. Enjoy calm waters in spring through fall and ice skating festivals in winter. This peaceful urban lake offers accessible outdoor fun with scenic views and local wildlife sightings.

Serene Water Sports & Nature at Lake of the Isles Park, Minneapolis★ 6.8⌖ 15 miPaddleboarding
Lake of the Isles Park

Serene Water Sports & Nature at Lake of the Isles Park, Minneapolis

Lake of the Isles Park in Minneapolis offers an easy and accessible 2.8-mile paved loop great for paddleboarding, biking, and walking. Enjoy peaceful waters, wildlife viewing, and picnic spots in an urban setting. Best visited year-round with busier summer weekends.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Lakefront Escape at Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis★ 7.2⌖ 15 miSailing
Bde Maka Ska

Lakefront Escape at Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis

Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis offers an easy lakeside escape with activities like sailing, windsurfing, fishing, biking, and walking. Accessible by car, it features calm waters and scenic views with trails around the lake. Popular in summer and valued for its natural and cultural significance.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Long Lake shoreline with sandy beaches ideal for swimming and paddling✦ Forest and wetland habitats supporting diverse bird and wildlife species✦ Multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking through scenic woodlands✦ Quiet fishing spots with opportunities for northern pike, walleye, and panfish
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Long Lake Regional Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Long Lake Regional Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Long Lake Regional Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free day-use access; camping and boat launch require permits or fees

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Long Lake Regional Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Long Lake Campground

Located near the lake's edge, offering electric and non-electric sites with modern restrooms and showers.

Forest Edge Group Campground

Group-use area situated in a quieter forested section, ideal for larger gatherings and youth groups.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Long Lake Regional Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Long Lake
⌖ 3.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Long Lake, Minnesota

A peaceful lakeside town offering diverse outdoor activities year-round with easy access to paddling, hiking, biking, and winter sports in a scenic Minnesota lake setting.

Late Spring through Early Fall for water activities; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Maple Plain
⌖ 4.75 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Maple Plain, Minnesota

A quiet small town offering access to serene lakes, wooded parks, and easy outdoor recreation close to the Minneapolis metro area.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Orono
⌖ 5.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orono, Minnesota

A serene lakefront town offering peaceful outdoor recreation with lakes, trails, and seasonal activities ideal for paddling, biking, and winter sports lovers.

Late Spring through Early Fall for water activities; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Plymouth
⌖ 5.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Plymouth, Minnesota

A family-friendly suburban town blending lakefront recreation, extensive trail systems, and vibrant parks for year-round outdoor fun near Minneapolis.

Late Spring to Early Fall; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Independence
⌖ 5.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Independence, Minnesota

A peaceful small town offering quiet access to lakes and natural areas ideal for paddling and hiking with a nearby blend of forest and prairie landscapes.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Wayzata
⌖ 6.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wayzata, Minnesota

A scenic lakeside town offering a blend of water-based activities, gentle trails, and seasonal outdoor recreation along Lake Minnetonka.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Long Lake Regional Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.