C C Campground 717

For Minnesotans venturing into the beautiful north, especially around the Side Lake area, understanding local establishments is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. C C Campground 717, located on McCarthy Beach Road, presents itself as a practical stop for many, offering more than just a place to park for the night. It appears to serve as a vital local hub, combining convenience store services with what might be perceived as a more traditional campground function.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of C C Campground 717 from the perspective of a local Minnesotan. We understand that residents often seek reliable information about places that will serve their needs while exploring our state's vast outdoor offerings. We’ll delve into its location, the services it is known for, its highlights, and how to contact them.

It's important to note that while the name "C C Campground 717" suggests a primary focus on camping, public reviews primarily highlight its gas station, convenience store, and specific offerings like ice cream. This indicates that its role for local users might be more about essential services and quick stops rather than a dedicated, full-feature camping destination. Our goal is to present a balanced and factual view to help you make informed decisions when visiting the Side Lake area, ensuring your time in northern Minnesota is as pleasant as possible.

C C Campground 717 is conveniently located at 7595 McCarthy Beach Rd, Side Lake, MN 55781, USA. This places it strategically within the heart of Minnesota's Iron Range region, a popular destination for outdoor recreation, fishing, and exploring the vast forests and lakes. Side Lake itself is a community renowned for its natural beauty and serves as a gateway to McCarthy Beach State Park, a significant draw for campers and nature enthusiasts.

For Minnesotans, the accessibility of C C Campground 717 is generally quite good. It is situated off established roadways, making it easy to reach by car, RV, or truck. From larger cities like Duluth, it's a manageable drive, offering a straightforward route into the northern wilderness. Even from the Twin Cities, while a longer journey, it’s a well-traveled path for those heading "Up North."

The location on McCarthy Beach Road suggests its close proximity to the natural attractions of the area, including lakes and state parks. This makes it a practical stop for travelers heading to or from various recreational points. The presence of a gas station at this location further enhances its accessibility, providing a crucial service in a region where fuel stops can be less frequent. Its position ensures that local residents exploring the Side Lake area have a convenient point for refueling, grabbing supplies, and perhaps a treat, right along their travel route.

Based on the available public information, C C Campground 717 appears to primarily function as a convenience stop and gas station, with the "campground" aspect potentially being more limited or secondary. It is crucial for Minnesotans to understand the services they can reliably expect.

• Gas Station: A key service highlighted by customers is the gas station, offering convenience for refueling vehicles. This is particularly valuable in more rural areas of northern Minnesota.
• Convenience Store: The establishment includes a store with a variety of options, suggesting general groceries, snacks, and perhaps basic camping supplies. This provides a quick and accessible place to pick up necessities. Store hours are typically 6 am to 9 pm, seven days a week.
• Ice Cream: A notable and highly praised offering is the ice cream. Customers mention a good selection, including flavors like black cherry, and suggest that trying other flavors is a reason to return.
• T-shirts/Apparel: The presence of T-shirts for sale indicates that it might also offer local souvenirs or branded merchandise.
• On-Site ATM: According to local information, the store also features an ATM for cash withdrawals.
• Frozen Pizzas: Frozen pizzas are available for purchase, with special orders possible with advance notice.
• Pull Tabs: For adult entertainment, pull tabs are available.
• Indoor Arcade: The establishment has an indoor arcade, which can be an additional draw, especially for families.
• Limited Campground Facilities (Implied): While named "Campground," there is minimal public information detailing specific camping services like designated sites, hook-ups (water/electric/sewer), restrooms, or showers for campers. Its inclusion on AAA.com under "Campgrounds" suggests it may offer some form of camping, but it's important not to assume full-service campground amenities based on the limited publicly available reviews which focus on the store. Prospective campers should call ahead to inquire about actual camping services.

It is important to note concerns raised in reviews regarding customer service, which suggests potential issues with staff attitudes. This implies that while the material services are present, the interaction experience might vary.

C C Campground 717 offers a set of practical features and highlights that make it a notable stop for Minnesotans traveling through the Side Lake area. While the "campground" aspect requires clarification, its other offerings are clearly appreciated.

• Convenient Gas and Store Stop: The primary highlight is its function as a readily accessible gas station and convenience store right on McCarthy Beach Road. This strategic location makes it an ideal spot for refueling and grabbing essentials before or after exploring the surrounding natural attractions. For locals heading to McCarthy Beach State Park or other recreational areas, this convenience is a significant advantage.
• Delicious Ice Cream Selection: The ice cream is a standout feature, consistently praised by customers. The availability of various flavors, including unique options like black cherry, makes it a popular treat stop, especially during warmer months. This adds a delightful touch to a routine fuel or supply run.
• Essential Travel Supplies: The store offers a variety of options beyond just fuel, suggesting it's a good place to pick up snacks, drinks, and potentially some basic provisions needed for camping or day trips in the area. The availability of frozen pizzas and an ATM further enhances its utility as a one-stop shop.
• Local Hub Atmosphere: While some reviews mention customer service concerns, the presence of an indoor arcade, pull tabs, and possibly even live music (as suggested by local information about the general Side Lake store which might be related or the same establishment) indicates an attempt to create a more comprehensive local hub experience.
• Proximity to McCarthy Beach State Park: Its location on McCarthy Beach Road directly implies its closeness to McCarthy Beach State Park, famous for its sandy beaches on Sturgeon Lake. This makes C C Campground 717 a very practical staging point for visitors heading to the park for swimming, sunbathing, and other recreational activities.
• All-Year Operation: Being open all year round is a significant feature for Minnesotans, as it provides a reliable stop regardless of the season, which is crucial in a state with diverse weather conditions.

It is important for Minnesotans to manage expectations regarding the "campground" aspect, as the main highlights revolve around its convenience store and gas services.

For those looking to get in touch with C C Campground 717 in Side Lake, Minnesota, direct contact options are readily available. This allows prospective visitors to inquire about specific services, hours, or any potential camping availability.

Address:7595 McCarthy Beach Rd, Side Lake, MN 55781, USA

Phone:(218) 254-5301

Mobile Phone:+1 218-254-5301 (This confirms the direct contact number.)

Store Hours:According to local information, the store at C C Campground 717 operates from 6 am to 9 pm, seven days a week. It is always a good idea to call ahead to confirm hours, especially during holidays or adverse weather conditions, as schedules can occasionally change.

Given the limited public information specifically about camping services, calling the provided phone number is highly recommended for anyone interested in using the "campground" facilities. This will allow potential campers to ascertain the type of camping offered (if any), availability, and any associated fees or regulations, ensuring clarity before a visit. For general store and gas station inquiries, the phone number is also the best point of contact.

C C Campground 717 in Side Lake, MN, serves a valuable purpose for local Minnesotans, primarily as a convenient and essential pit stop rather than a traditional camping destination. Its suitability for locals stems from its strategic location and the core services it reliably provides.

For Minnesotans heading "Up North" to enjoy the state's abundant lakes, forests, and recreational opportunities, C C Campground 717 offers critical convenience. Located directly on McCarthy Beach Road, it's an easily accessible spot for refueling vehicles, which is paramount in more remote northern areas where gas stations can be sparse. This practical benefit alone makes it a highly suitable stop for anyone traversing the region, ensuring their outdoor adventures aren't cut short by an empty tank.

Beyond fuel, the on-site convenience store is a significant asset. It provides quick access to snacks, drinks, and potentially other essential supplies, preventing the need for longer detours to larger towns. The highlight of the delicious ice cream, as consistently praised by locals, adds a pleasant and refreshing treat to any journey, making it a memorable stop for families and individuals alike. This combination of essential services and enjoyable extras makes it a practical and appealing break point.

While the "campground" aspect of C C Campground 717 remains somewhat ambiguous in public descriptions, its year-round operation as a gas station and store solidifies its role as a consistent and reliable local amenity. For Minnesotans planning trips to nearby attractions like McCarthy Beach State Park, having such a well-located facility enhances the overall convenience and enjoyment of their outdoor excursions.

In summary, while C C Campground 717 may not be a full-service camping resort, its strength lies in its function as a vital and convenient resource for locals navigating northern Minnesota. It’s a place where you can quickly grab what you need, refuel, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing treat, ensuring your focus remains on the beautiful natural landscapes and recreational activities that define our beloved state.

C C Campground 717

7595 McCarthy Beach Rd, Side Lake, MN 55781, USA