Stanton Lake
About Stanton Lake
Stanton Lake is an 87-acre lake near Willow River in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 4 feet, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Gen. G C Andrews State Forest -Willow River and State Forest Campground aka Chipmunk Park are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Stanton Lake
- 87 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Willow River
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Gen. G C Andrews State Forest -Willow River and State Forest Campground aka Chipmunk Park
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 87 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Average depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 87 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: Gen. G C Andrews State Forest -Willow River and State Forest Campground aka Chipmunk Park
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Gen. G C Andrews State Forest -Willow River and State Forest Campground aka Chipmunk Park are mapped on or near Stanton 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 Stanton Lake
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Nearby Lakes
McCormick Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Willow River61 acres
2.1 miles away
Dago Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake118 acres
2.7 miles away
Fox Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Willow River200 acres
3.1 miles away
Long Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Rutledge77 acres
3.5 miles away
Sturgeon Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake1,706 acres
5.1 miles away
Sand Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Moose Lake527 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stanton Lake?
Stanton Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Willow River. It covers 87 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Stanton Lake?
Stanton Lake covers 87 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet and its average depth is about 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at Stanton Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Stanton Lake?
Yes. Stanton Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Stanton Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Stanton 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 Stanton Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Stanton Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Stanton Lake?
Yes. Gen. G C Andrews State Forest -Willow River and State Forest Campground aka Chipmunk Park are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.