mccarthy beach state park

McCarthy Beach State Park is way off the beaten path but worth finding. I stopped into the park office to get directions to the hiking club path and the Ranger there was super friendly and very helpful. The hike I went on wasn't at the main part of the park but a mile down the road but still on state park land. I found it thanks to the Rangers help. I had to drive down a dilapitated minimum maintenence road to get to the Big Hole/Pickerel lake trails and that was a bit scary. The trail was extremely hilly and full of wildlife. Loons, deer and beaver all made appearances on my hike. There was a cool "kettle" pond of glacial origins you can view from the big hole trail. Great park with limitless exploring possibilities. Really great feel to the park with red and white pines everywhere.

we have called here several times and love it. the amenities are really nice and it had everything we need. the only reason it isn't 5 stars is the lack of privacy in a majority of the campsites. we had some neighbors that were loud and obnoxious trying to upset our dog that was just trying to sleep. this negative part of the camp out won't stop us from coming back though. thanks!

This is seriously a hidden gem in northern Minnesota. For years we spent time near Hibbing without going here and I can't believe it!Those in the know (mostly those from Hibbing or other nearby towns) book the campground up (mostly the electric sites) well in advance. Non-electric and rustic sites down the rode at Beatrice Lake or almost always available. The campground is on Side Lake while the BEST BEACH EVER in MN is across the road on Sturgeon Lake. The beach area has a large picnic area with a nice shelter building. More picnic tables stretch along the lake and beach area for quite a ways. There is a bathroom building and changing area near the beach. A small area of the beach is roped off but the swimmable area is much larger and you can find a spot to hang near or not so near other people. The water is clear, the sand is sandy, the water gets deeper very gradually (that's both good and bad - little ones can be pretty far out and still not be very deep but then you have to yell for them to hear you). It's pretty much heaven. You have the Red Pines right near the shore. You can sit under them for shade, or depending on the height of the water there will be some amount of sandy beach to sit on or play on.After a day in the lake, you HAVE to go to Bimbos for pizza. If you are staying here, you HAVE to go to the CCC campground convenience store and get ice cream.You can bring your boats, toys - whatever you need to enjoy a day at the lake.The only drawback? This is northern MN. This summer is an example - 56 degrees was the high last Saturday in July. When the weather is good, the place is heaven. We watch the forecast during the summer. Hot in Hibbing? We'll be going up north!You must at least have a day pass to be at the park.

We headed up to Beatrice Lake and stayed in the campground up there, it was AWESOME! We will most likely make this an annual trip as it offered nearly everything we like about rustic camping!

Great place to camp..and the beach is beautiful..they just added a bathrooms and changing rooms to the beach...camping the sites are roomy most private. RV area for those that like that is super and easy access to the lakebeautiful red pines and white pines.the loons will sing at dusk and early morning. And just down from the park you can get treats of ice cream cones from two different gas stations..over all a lovely park

We camped for 2 nights and had a wonderful time.. So much intact that as I type this my sweetheart is calling to reserve us a spot for this weekend...

We didn't have the time to stay in the park, though we'd have liked to. But we did the Minnesota Hiking Club trail. We had time to wade in the water and the beach was great! We plan to return someday when we have more time.

“a must see” Apr 5, 2012 gpdemMy wife and I are both originally from the area ( Hibbing ) and every time we're in the area we have to stop by the park.Not only does it bring back great memories but it is just a beautiful place. The first thing to hit you are the towering Norway pines as you drive in. Then as you step out of the car your nose is set for a treat - wilderness, pine, lake water, sand and the inevitable BBQ picnic. This is by far one of the best state parks in Minnesota. It may not be that big but it has everything a state park should have.It is very clean and well kept. The lake is gorgeous with a very large wading and swimming area. Bathrooms are plentifully and clean. And above all everyone there is in a good mood and having a great time. Can't be beat.My only suggestion is don't go if your in a hurry, you'll want to stay all day or even more ( camping is available ).Have fun!!!

Shallow out a long way so it's child friendly. Nice camping too.You won't be unhappy here. Not too crowded as a rule. Fall is the best time here. Nice hiking trails too.

My wife and I are both originally from the area ( Hibbing ) and every time we're in the area we have to stop by the park.Not only does it bring back great memories but it is just a beautiful place. The first thing to hit you are the towering Norway pines as you drive in. Then as you step out of the car your nose is set for a treat - wilderness, pine, lake water, sand and the inevitable BBQ picnic. This is by far one of the best state parks in Minnesota. It may not be that big but it has everything a state park should have.It is very clean and well kept. The lake is gorgeous with a very large wading and swimming area. Bathrooms are plentifully and clean. And above all everyone there is in a good mood and having a great time. Can't be beat.My only suggestion is don't go if your in a hurry, you'll want to stay all day or even more ( camping is available ).Have fun!!!

The park is very clean, with nice picnic tables, and clean port-a-potties. There is ample parking, even for trailers. The beach is quite long and wide, plenty of room for kids and adults to play, and the swimming area is shallow (knees up to chest of person 5'4'') for about 50' out. The lake is crystal clear and great for fishing and boating.

This is the best swimming beach in the area! It is great place to play in water. The beach area is huge and sandy. Not to deep so great for kids or games.

The water was clear and shallow forever. It was a beautiful day on a beautiful beach in Minnesota! Also it has lovely, clean bathrooms and changing areas.