TRAILS END CAMPGROUND campground
Grand Marais, Minnesota

TRAILS END CAMPGROUND

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

33

Total Campsites

Campground

27

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About TRAILS END CAMPGROUND

Overview Trail's End Campground is located next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in a remote area of Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. It is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy life, or get out on the water to canoe and fish. Berry picking and wildlife viewing are also great fun. Recreation Trail's End includes four entry points (54, 55, J and K) into the BWCAW, offering plenty of boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Overnight, day use and boat motor permits are required for entry, and horsepower limits are in effect. Day use and overnight permits are available at the campground. Wildlife viewing is exceptional for bald eagles, osprey, loons and moose, and fishing is good for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and lake trout. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Facilities Trail's End includes four entry points (54, 55, J and K) into the BWCAW, offering plenty of boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Overnight, day use and boat motor permits are required for entry, and horsepower limits are in effect. Day use and overnight permits are available at the campground. Wildlife viewing is exceptional for bald eagles, osprey, loons and moose, and fishing is good for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and lake trout. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Natural Features Trail's End sits along the Seagull River and provides access to Seagull, Gull and Saganaga Lakes. Numerous species of wildlife live in and around the campground, and blueberries grow abundantly on the forest floor. White and red pine, aspen and birch trees grow in the forested parts of the facility, providing shade. The fire burned a mosaic pattern, reducing some areas to ash while leaving others untouched. Many trees survived and burned areas have begun to grow again. This is a great opportunity to see a young forest rejuvenate after a fire. Post-fire soils and young trees are delicate, so caution should be taken while walking in the forest. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (218) 387-1750. Nearby Attractions The nearby Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family. Many nature trails crisscross the center's 50-acre grounds. The BWCAW is by far the most popular nearby attraction. Over 1 million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extend nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contain over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Additional sites of interest

  • 33 total campsites listed.
  • 27 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (18).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
TRAILS END CAMPGROUND photo 2
TRAILS END CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes TRAILS END CAMPGROUND special

Tucked into the dense boreal forest of Minnesota's Superior National Forest, Trails End Campground lives up to its name as a true gateway to wilderness. Situated near Grand Marais on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this remote campground rewards those willing to make the drive with a sense of solitude that few places in the Lower 48 can match. Towering pines and birch trees surround the small collection of sites, and the quiet is broken only by birdsong and the occasional call of a loon echoing across nearby waters. The campground serves as a popular launch point for paddlers heading into the BWCAW, so securing a site during peak summer months requires planning ahead. With a limited number of sites, the intimate scale keeps things peaceful even when the campground is full. Facilities are basic but well-maintained, reflecting the rustic character of the surrounding landscape. Summer is the prime season here, with long daylight hours perfect for fishing, canoeing, and hiking the Superior Hiking Trail. Fall brings a spectacular show of color as the northern hardwoods turn gold and crimson. Winter visitors will find a frozen, silent wonderland ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Come prepared for cool evenings even in July, and bring your sense of adventure — this is as close to the edge of the map as most campers will ever get.

Campsite Inventory

33 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

18total sites

17

Reservable

0

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

15total sites

10

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

2:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Driveway entry

Back-In

Driveway surface

Gravel

Max guests

8

Max vehicle length (ft)

15, 20, 25, 30

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

Yes

Shade

Full, Yes

Site Rating

Preferred, Prime

Water Hookup

Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

(218)388-2212

Getting There

From Grand Marais, Minnesota, take Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) 57 miles north. Gunflint Trail ends at Trail's End Campground.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to TRAILS END CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for TRAILS END CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for TRAILS END CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at TRAILS END CAMPGROUND?

TRAILS END CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (18), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (15).

Where is TRAILS END CAMPGROUND located?

TRAILS END CAMPGROUND is in Minnesota near Grand Marais. Coordinates: 48.1603, -90.8936.

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