Sand Lake
About Sand Lake
Sand Lake is a 527-acre lake near Moose Lake in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 18 feet, and has roughly 6.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Sun-Bay Mobile Court and Camping is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 21 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Sand Lake
- 527 acres, up to 47 feet deep, near Moose Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 8.5 feet
- Camping close to the water at Sun-Bay Mobile Court and Camping
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 527 acres
- Max depth
- 47 ft
- Average depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 215 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Sun-Bay Mobile Court and Camping
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 18
- Years of record
- 21
- Earliest
- April 2, 2021
- Latest
- May 5, 2022
- Most recent
- April 19, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Sun-Bay Mobile Court and Camping is mapped on or near Sand Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Sand Lake
Compare Sand Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Sand Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake527 acres
1.5 miles away
Echo Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake108 acres
2.2 miles away
Moosehead Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake279 acres
2.5 miles away
Sturgeon Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake1,706 acres
2.7 miles away
Moose Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake133 acres
3.6 miles away
Eleven Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake108 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Moose Lake. It covers 527 acres and reaches 47 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sand Lake?
Sand Lake covers 527 acres with about 6.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 47 feet and its average depth is about 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sand Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sand Lake?
Yes. Sand Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sand Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sand Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Sand Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sand Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Sand Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 21 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2021 and the latest is May 5, 2022.
Can you camp at Sand Lake?
Yes. Sun-Bay Mobile Court and Camping is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Sand Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sand Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.