EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND campground
Grand Marais, Minnesota

EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
31 campsites
Open in maps

31

Total Campsites

Campground

19

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

4

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND

Overview 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. 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. Facilities 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. 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.

  • 31 total campsites listed.
  • 19 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 4 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (25).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND photo 2
EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND special

East Bearskin Lake Campground is one of those rare places where you can feel the wilderness pressing in from every direction. Perched on the shores of its namesake lake near Grand Marais, Minnesota, this campground sits right at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering immediate access to one of the most storied paddling destinations on the continent. The lake itself is a gem: clear, deep, and ringed by boreal forest of birch, spruce, and balsam fir. The water reflects the tree line so perfectly on calm mornings that it is hard to tell where the forest ends and the lake begins. Loons nest on the lake and their haunting calls are the unofficial soundtrack of every evening spent here. Fishing is excellent, with populations of walleye, northern pike, and lake trout rewarding patient anglers. Several BWCAW entry points are accessible from or near the campground, making it a natural staging ground for canoe trips into the backcountry. The campground offers approximately 30 sites, many with direct lake access, along with vault toilets, water pumps, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites are shaded and well spaced, providing a genuine sense of seclusion. Reservations are strongly recommended from June through August. The prime season peaks in midsummer, though September rewards visitors with stunning fall foliage and solitude. For paddlers, anglers, and anyone who craves the deep stillness of the northern woods, East Bearskin Lake is a destination that earns its devoted following.

Campsite Inventory

31 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

25total sites

13

Reservable

0

Accessible

CABIN NONELECTRIC

4total sites

4

Reservable

4

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

2total sites

2

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Accessibility

Yes

Bed Type

Single,Bunk,Twin/Double

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

3:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM, 2:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-In

Driveway Grade

Slight

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Yes

Grills/Fire Ring

Yes

Max guests

5, 7, 8

Max vehicle length (ft)

20, 30

Num of Beds

4, 6

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Yes

Porch

Screened

Proximity to Water

Lakefront

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

(218)388 2292

Email

stay@bearskin.com

Getting There

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND?

EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (25), CABIN NONELECTRIC (4), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (2).

Where is EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND located?

EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND is in Minnesota near Grand Marais. Coordinates: 48.0369, -90.3939.

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