East Bearskin Lake Campground
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.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in Minnesota · reservable in Minnesota · pets allowed in Minnesota
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 26 |
| Cabins | 4 |
| Tent-only | 2 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 30 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
32 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 003 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 004 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 005 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 006 | Tent only | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | |||
| 007 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 008 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 009 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 010 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | ||
| 011 | Standard | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 30 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
| Accessibility | Sites Alder Cabin, Aspen Cabin, Tamarac Cabin, Jack Pine Cabin are listed accessible |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Season | May 10 to October 21 |
| Forest | Superior National Forest |
| Booking | Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov |
| Fees | Single Site: $22/night. Cabin: $80/night |
| Rules | Maximum of nine people per site. There is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer). Additional vehicles on the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur. No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic. |
Weather by month
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.
| Nearest town | Grand Marais, Minnesota |
| Coordinates | 48.0369° N, 90.3939° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedAtlas Piles Rx
8 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Clearwater Canoe Outfitters ↗ | 2.3 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
East Bearskin Lake campground review Superior National Forest
Trails nearby
- 0.2 miCgt-Summer Home Road Cg Loop1.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
- 0.3 miCgt-Summer Home Spur B0.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
- 0.3 miCgt-Beaver Dam Main Loop ↗6.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
- 0.3 miEast Bearskin Lake-Aspen Lake0.3 mi trail · hiking
- 0.4 miCgt-North-South Link A0.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
- 0.4 miCgt-Summer Road Home Main4.1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, snowshoe and 1 more
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Clearwater LodgeBuilding · Grand Marais · 2.3 mi
- Height of LandSite · Grand Marais · 9.2 mi
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.
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. 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. 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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Minnesota
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
Single Site: $22/night. Cabin: $80/night
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
Check-in 3:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does East Bearskin Lake Campground have?
32 sites, including 26 standard sites without power, 4 cabins, and 2 tent-only sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
The longest site here provides 30 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at East Bearskin Lake Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. Maximum of nine people per site.
Source: Fire nearby
Are there accessible sites at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
Sites Alder Cabin, Aspen Cabin, Tamarac Cabin, and Jack Pine Cabin are listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at East Bearskin Lake Campground?
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 Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to East Bearskin Lake Campground?
Grand Marais, Minnesota. Boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the neighboring Bearskin Lodge.
Source: Getting there
What if East Bearskin Lake Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Flour Lake Campground (1.3 mi, partly first-come), Iron Lake (10.4 mi, partly first-come), and Two Island Lake Campground (11.1 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby