East Bearskin Lake Campground
Superior National Forest
East Bearskin Lake Campground is located on its namesake lake, at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. It is a perfect spot for visitors who want the experience found in Boundary Waters and the convenience of car camping. Visitors can reserve standard or walk-in tent sites, or rent small cabins that accommodate up to five or seven people. Canoeing, kayaking and motorized boating is available on East Bearskin Lake.
The facility can be conveniently accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Campsites are arranged along one large loop and three smaller loops within the campground. A few sites provide a limited view of the water and all sites are within walking distance of the lake. Each campsite has an accessible fire ring with grill grates and a picnic table. Vault toilets and a solar-powered drinking water system are provided throughout the campground.
The four rental cabins sleep five or seven people, respectively. Each has a single bed, double bed and set of bunk beds, while one has an additional bed. The cabins have no running water, electricity, heating or cooking facilities. Cabin visitors must use the campground's toilet and water facilities.
Cabin campers must bring their own sleeping bags, cooking gear and food. Flashlights are also recommended.
Need to Know
- This lake has portages into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; when portaging or paddling from this lake and into another, be aware that permits may be required to enter (click here for permit information)
- Some first-come, first-served sites are available within the campground
- Bears may frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage and be aware of your surroundings
- Click here for more information about Superior National Forest, and here for additional points of interest in the region
- Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
Natural Features
The campground and surrounding area is shaded with majestic red and white pines, balsam fir, spruce, birch and aspen trees. A thick understory offers plenty of shade and excellent privacy between campsites. The campground lies on the shore of the 643-acre East Bearskin Lake, a typical loon nesting site.
The surrounding Superior National Forest is located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region and is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the border of the United States and Canada. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters area.
Nearby Attractions
Boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the neighboring Bearskin Lodge. The store also offers fishing licenses, day use permits, groceries, ice, firewood, maps and fishing guide services for sale.
Recreation
Over a million acres in size, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness extends nearly 150 miles along the borders of the United States and Canada, containing over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
The two eastern bays of the lake are within the boundaries of Boundary Waters, thus the campground attracts canoe enthusiasts. Portages link to Flour Lake. Entering the wilderness area requires a special permit. Day permits for non-motorized use are available at the campground, but overnight and motor use permits must be obtained in advance. More information on the Boundary Waters region can be found here.
East Bearskin Lake features several shallow bays, making the campground and shoreline good places for wildlife watching. Moose, beavers, eagles, ducks, loons, songbirds and bears are the most common visitors. See recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Fishing is also a huge draw for the area, with East Bearskin Lake offering great fishing for bass, walleye and lake trout. A boat ramp at the campground allows motorboats and canoes access to the lake. Back on shore, a variety of hiking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails are nearby.
Contact Information
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EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND 124 EAST BEARSKIN ROAD Grand Marais MN 55604
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (218)388 2292
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
East Bearskin Lake Campground is located 26 miles from Grand Marais, on the historic Gunflint Trail. From Duluth, take Highway 61 north to Grand Marais. Turn left (north) on Gunflint Trail and proceed about 26 miles to East Bearskin Road. Turn right and follow the signs to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site Alder Cabin, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Cabin Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Jack Pine Cabin, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Cabin Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Aspen Cabin, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Cabin Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Tamarac Cabin, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Cabin Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
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