East Bearskin Lake Campground

- 124 E Bearskin Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

East Bearskin Lake Campground is a quintessential Minnesota North Woods destination, perfectly situated on the historic Gunflint Trail just north of Grand Marais. For those living in the state, this spot offers a rare and desirable blend: the convenience of car camping with direct, immediate access to the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It serves as the ideal basecamp for locals who want a wilderness experience without the full-portaging commitment of a deep BWCA trip.

The campground sits on the shores of East Bearskin Lake, a beautiful, clear-water lake known for excellent fishing—including walleye, lake trout, and smallmouth bass—and its tranquil setting. The surrounding area is part of the vast Superior National Forest, offering a deeply wooded, private atmosphere that is highly valued by visitors. With 32 campsites, including standard tent/RV sites and comfortable camper cabins, East Bearskin Lake Campground is large enough to offer variety but secluded enough to feel like a true Northwoods retreat.

Local reviews consistently highlight the site's privacy and quiet nature. The campsites are generously spaced and often tucked away among majestic red and white pines, balsam fir, and birch, providing a welcome sense of seclusion. The opportunity to launch directly onto the lake for a day of kayaking to nearby natural landmarks, such as the impressive Crocodile Falls, makes this campground a genuinely dynamic outdoor hub for all ages and skill levels. Whether you are looking for a comfortable base before paddling into the BWCA or simply a quiet, picturesque place to relax by a fire, East Bearskin Lake Campground delivers.

Location and Accessibility

East Bearskin Lake Campground is nestled deep in the Arrowhead region of Northeastern Minnesota, accessible via the famous Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12). Its specific location is at 124 E Bearskin Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, approximately 26 miles northwest of the charming harbor town of Grand Marais on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Accessibility is one of the campground’s main advantages for locals. It is a car-accessible campground, meaning you can drive right to your site. To reach it from Grand Marais, you simply take the Gunflint Trail north for about 25.5 miles, then turn right onto East Bearskin Road (Forest Road 146) for the final mile to the campground entrance. This convenient vehicle access is particularly beneficial for those hauling gear, kayaks, or small fishing boats.

Furthermore, East Bearskin Lake is a designated BWCA Entry Point (#64). While a section of the lake is outside the wilderness boundary and permits motorized boating (limited to 25 h.p.), the eastern bays of the lake flow directly into the BWCAW, offering a superb, non-portaging entry for day trips or a simplified launch point for full overnight canoe expeditions into the wilderness proper. The small, designated lake access is described by users as "perfect for launching canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and small fishing boats."

Services Offered

As a US Forest Service campground, East Bearskin Lake provides necessary amenities designed for comfortable car camping while maintaining a rustic, non-developed feel. Services are focused on essentials for an enjoyable, safe stay:

• Standard Campsites: 32 sites are available, accommodating tents and moderately sized RVs/trailers (no electrical hookups or dump stations available). Each site includes space for one vehicle, with an additional vehicle allowed for a half-fee.
• Camper Cabins: Several small, cozy, primitive cabins are available for rent, offering a more sheltered sleeping option. They include foam mattresses and an indoor table but require campers to bring their own bedding, cooking equipment, and to use the communal campground restrooms.
• Water Access: A convenient lake access point and boat ramp for launching all types of small watercraft, from canoes and kayaks to fishing boats.
• Potable Water: A solar-powered drinking water system with faucets is provided throughout the campground area.
• Fire and Cooking: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and an accessible steel fire ring featuring a grill grate. User reviews praise the "very nice" fire pits.
• Restroom Facilities: New vault toilet buildings are strategically located throughout the campground loops. (While convenient, users should set expectations for rustic, vault-style cleanliness).
• Waste Disposal: Complimentary garbage containers are provided, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and reducing attraction for wildlife, like the common black bear.
• Nearby Outfitting: Access to the nearby Bearskin Lodge for equipment rentals (canoes, kayaks), firewood, bait, ice, and basic necessities, as well as assistance with BWCAW permits.

Features / Highlights

East Bearskin Lake Campground stands out for the distinct experiences it offers, appealing to both wilderness purists and family campers alike:

• Unmatched Privacy and Seclusion: The spacious, well-forested sites are "very secluded from the other and spaced out generously," ensuring a quiet and private camping experience, often rare in popular campgrounds.
• Cabin Option for Comfort: The availability of "very comfy" camper cabins provides a desirable alternative to tenting, particularly appreciated during inclement weather or for those seeking an easy, rustic shelter.
• Exceptional Lake-Centric Recreation: The calm waters of East Bearskin Lake are perfect for paddling and fishing. The ability to easily kayak 5 miles (round trip) to sights like Crocodile Falls directly from the launch area is a major highlight.
• Direct BWCAW Gateway: The campground’s location at BWCA Entry Point #64 makes it the perfect logistical staging area for multi-day wilderness canoe trips, simplifying the entry and exit process.
• Value and Affordability: Compared to nearby lodging options, the sites are noted to be "very cheap for the area," offering high value for the proximity to the wilderness.
• Wildlife and Scenic Views: Situated within the Superior National Forest, the area is rich in wildlife, and the dense forest cover provides beautiful scenery throughout the camp and on the lake.

Contact Information

For reservations, up-to-date fees, and to check availability, visitors are directed to the national reservation system. For local inquiries, the primary contacts are:

Address: 124 E Bearskin Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone: (218) 388-2292 (Managed by a local cooperator for the Forest Service).

Note: Cell phone service is generally unavailable in this remote location on the Gunflint Trail, so planning ahead is strongly recommended.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

East Bearskin Lake Campground is tailor-made for Minnesotans because it strikes the perfect balance between the rugged Northwoods tradition and modern family-friendly accessibility. For many locals, a trip "Up North" means escaping the city but still being able to bring some comforts. The car-accessible sites and charming camper cabins satisfy this need, providing a cozy, private experience amidst the pines. Crucially, its location on the Gunflint Trail provides the closest possible car-camping proximity to the BWCAW, allowing Minnesotans to stage a full-scale wilderness adventure or simply enjoy a relaxing day paddle on an adjacent, motor-friendly lake before returning to a picnic table and campfire. It’s a low-barrier-to-entry way to access the state’s most pristine region. The strong sense of quiet and seclusion—a feature local campers particularly appreciate—ensures that every visit to East Bearskin Lake Campground feels like a genuine, refreshing retreat into Minnesota's wilderness heritage.

East Bearskin Lake Campground

124 E Bearskin Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA