McCarthy Beach State Park sprawls across 1,908 acres of northern Minnesota wilderness in St. Louis County, where dense stands of red and white pine frame one of the region’s finest sandy swimming beaches. The park’s centerpiece is Sturgeon Lake, a clear, spring-fed lake with a wide beach that feels almost out of place this deep in iron country — soft sand, shallow wading areas, and water clean enough to see your toes.

Beyond the beach, the park rewards exploration. Over 18 miles of hiking trails wind through old-growth forest, past beaver ponds, and along ridgelines left behind by glaciers. The Side Lake Trail connects to a second swimming area, while the longer loops push into quiet backcountry where moose sightings aren’t uncommon. In winter, these same trails open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Fishing draws steady crowds to Sturgeon Lake and nearby Side Lake, where walleye, northern pike, and panfish keep anglers busy from opener through fall. Birders should bring binoculars — the mix of boreal forest and wetland habitat supports warblers, loons, and the occasional great gray owl.

The campground offers both drive-in and walk-in sites tucked among the pines, with enough tree cover to feel secluded even on busy weekends. Reserve early for July and August, when the beach is at its best and sites fill fast.

Visit between late June and mid-September for warm swimming, or come in October when the hardwoods light up the Iron Range with color.

Explore Nearby

• Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• Lake Vermilion Public Islands — Public Land in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• North Shore Road — Scenic Byway in Nevada