Bay Lake is located within Bay Lake Township, approximately 15 miles east of Brainerd, Minnesota and five miles northwest of Garrison, Minnesota. Like many other lakes in the area, Bay Lake is surrounded by commercial resorts and private cabins, and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water skiing. Access to the lake and resorts is via Minnesota State Highway 6 for the western shore and Crow Wing County Highway 10 for the eastern shore.