McCarthy Beach State Park
Overview
McCarthy Beach State Park’s hilly landscape and lakes have long made it a popular destination. Its pothole lakes were made during the retreat of the last continental glacier 12,000 years ago. The glacier left behind large chunks of ice. The depressions they created filled with water, forming lakes. Many years later, "McCarthy’s beach" became a popular picnic and swimming spot for families along the Mesabi Iron Range. In 1945, the park was established as a living memorial to area servicemen that lost their lives in World War II. Named for former owner John A. McCarthy, the park protects a northern boreal forest with red and white pine, leatherleaf-black spruce lowlands, birch and aspen. More than 175 species of birds visit the area and visitors are treated to sights of loons gliding on the lakes and great blue herons stalking small fish in the shallows.
- Trails
- 5
- Viewpoints
- 5
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 20
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Visitor Safety Advisory: When visiting McCarthy Beach State Park, swimmers must exercise caution on the Sturgeon Lake sandbar, as the shallow water drops off sharply into deep, cold areas.
- Children should be supervised at all times since no lifeguards are on duty.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking/Horseback
Hiking/Horseback
Hiking/Horseback/Snowmobile (Taconite State Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Trail Shelter
0.5 mi
Picnic Area
1.3 mi
Swimming Beach
Swimming
1.3 mi
Group Camp
Campsite
1.5 mi
Trail Shelter
2.0 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of McCarthy Beach State Park?
McCarthy Beach State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is McCarthy Beach State Park?
McCarthy Beach State Park’s hilly landscape and lakes have long made it a popular destination. Its pothole lakes were made during the retreat of the last continental glacier 12,000 years ago. The glacier left behind large chunks of ice. The depressions they created filled with water, forming lakes.
Where is McCarthy Beach State Park located?
McCarthy Beach State Park is located in Side Lake, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at McCarthy Beach State Park?
McCarthy Beach State Park has 5 mapped trails covering 16.9 miles in total. The longest is Hiking/Horseback at 9.2 miles.
What is there to see at McCarthy Beach State Park?
Places to see at McCarthy Beach State Park include Swimming Beach, Fish Cleaning Shelter, Fishing Pier and Trailer Access.
What facilities are available at McCarthy Beach State Park?
Facilities at McCarthy Beach State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming Areas / Beaches and 1 more.
Is there parking at McCarthy Beach State Park?
Yes, McCarthy Beach State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at McCarthy Beach State Park?
Yes, McCarthy Beach State Park has 1 campsite marked on its map: Group Camp.
How can I contact McCarthy Beach State Park?
You can contact McCarthy Beach State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to McCarthy Beach State Park know?
Visitor Safety Advisory: When visiting McCarthy Beach State Park, swimmers must exercise caution on the Sturgeon Lake sandbar, as the shallow water drops off sharply into deep, cold areas. Children should be supervised at all times since no lifeguards are on duty. Additionally, because the park is situated in northern pine forests, visitors must practice proper food storage to prevent black bear encounters, check regularly for ticks to avoid Lyme disease
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