Sand Hill Lake
About Sand Hill Lake
Sand Hill Lake is a 479-acre lake near Fosston in Polk County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Sand Hill Bible Camp is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Sand Hill Lake
- 479 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Fosston
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.8 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Sand Hill Bible Camp
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 479 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 479 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 (asphalt)
- Camping: Sand Hill Bible Camp
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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
Sand Hill Bible Camp is mapped on or near Sand Hill 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 Hill Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Spring Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Lengby134 acres
5 miles away
Island Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Lengby616 acres
5.8 miles away
Little Vanose Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMahnomen · Bejou143 acres
6 miles away
Whitefish Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston243 acres
6.9 miles away
Turtle Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston525 acres
8.1 miles away
Cross Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Fosston320 acres
9.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sand Hill Lake?
Sand Hill Lake is in Polk County, Minnesota, near Fosston. It covers 479 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sand Hill Lake?
Sand Hill Lake covers 479 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sand Hill Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sand Hill Lake?
Yes. Sand Hill Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sand Hill Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sand Hill 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 Hill Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Sand Hill Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Sand Hill Lake?
Yes. Sand Hill Bible Camp is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.