Flour Lake Campground

- 468 Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine Northwoods camping experience, far removed from the hustle of daily life, Flour Lake Campground stands out as an exceptional choice. Situated approximately 30 miles up the historic Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, this United States Forest Service campground offers a deep dive into the Superior National Forest. It is revered by local campers for its beautiful scenery, incredibly quiet atmosphere, and crucial location right on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

Flour Lake itself is a quiet, 352-acre body of water, and the campground’s sites are nestled in a thick, majestic stand of mixed hardwoods and pine, offering superb natural privacy. Unlike many commercial parks, Flour Lake Campground maintains a "rustic" feel, appealing to those who desire a true "off-the-grid" experience. Visitors consistently report that the sites are "well spaced & rustic," creating the perfect environment to be "lulled to sleep by Loons" and reconnect with the unspoiled nature of northern Minnesota. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, including smallmouth bass, walleye, and lake trout, and its shallow bays are a prime location for viewing wildlife.

It is important to note that this is a true rustic campground—meaning no electricity or running water at individual sites—which is precisely what many local users seek for a refreshing, unplugged retreat. It perfectly combines the simplicity of traditional camping with the convenience of car access, making it one of the most beautiful and highly recommended campgrounds in the region for those who cherish solitude and abundant nature.

Location and Accessibility

Flour Lake Campground is located deep within Cook County’s wilderness, directly accessible from the famed Gunflint Trail, which winds through some of the state's most spectacular landscapes.

The physical address is 468 Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA.

Driving to the campground is straightforward, though it requires a significant journey up the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) from Highway 61 in Grand Marais. From Grand Marais, you travel north on the Gunflint Trail for about 27 miles before turning right onto Clearwater Road (County Road 22, formerly CR 66). The campground entrance is approximately three miles down Clearwater Road. The final campground road is dirt/gravel.

As a car-camping facility, both tents and moderate-sized RVs are accommodated, offering drive-in access to the sites. Its accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to the BWCAW border. Flour Lake has two portages on its eastern edge that lead directly into the wilderness area (to East Bearskin Lake and Moon Lake), positioning the campground as a prime logistical starting point for both quick day paddles into the BWCA and more extended overnight excursions.

Services Offered

Flour Lake Campground is intentionally maintained as a rustic facility, offering essential services that ensure comfort while preserving the natural environment. It is operated by Golden Eagle Lodge under a permit from the US Forest Service, with an on-site campground host often available during the main season.

• Campsites: A total of 37 sites are available, including designated tent-only sites and standard sites that can accommodate tents or RVs/trailers (note: there are no electrical hookups or dump stations on site). Sites are available on both a first-come, first-served basis and through online reservation.
• Water Access: A public boat ramp is located within the campground, providing easy motorboat (Flour Lake allows motors), canoe, and kayak access to the lake.
• Drinking Water: Water is supplied by a solar-powered drinking water system, utilizing wells scattered throughout the camp. Visitors should bring ample water containers for their stay.
• Restroom Facilities: Accessible vault toilets are dispersed across the campground loops, ensuring basic sanitation is available near all sites.
• Site Amenities: Every campsite includes a sturdy picnic table and a steel campfire ring with a cooking grill grate.
• Nearby Services: The concessionaire, Golden Eagle Lodge, is less than one mile away. Campers can access their facilities for amenities not provided by the USFS, such as pay-per-use showers, groceries, ice, and BWCAW permits.
• Firewood: Firewood must be purchased on the way up the Gunflint Trail or at one of the local lodges, as moving firewood from outside the area is strictly prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Features / Highlights

Flour Lake Campground is celebrated by local campers for its unique advantages that elevate the typical Minnesota camping trip:

• Exceptional Solitude and Privacy: Sites are well-wooded, private, and “well spaced,” appealing strongly to campers who prioritize being "far from others." This is one of the quietest campgrounds on the entire Gunflint Trail.
• Unrivaled Wildlife Viewing: Visitors are often fortunate enough to see "moose, deer, wolves," and the iconic "loons calling every night and morning on the lake," affirming its deep wilderness location.
• Direct Lake Access and Views: Several sites—including customer favorites like #18, #19, #20, #26, #36, and #37—offer direct access to Flour Lake with "amazing views," perfect for early morning paddles or sunset viewing.
• BWCA Portaging Access: The campground’s location provides a valuable and convenient access point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness via short portages to East Bearskin Lake and Moon Lake (BWCA Entry Point 64).
• Honeymoon Bluff Trail: The short, rewarding hike to Honeymoon Bluff begins just up the road from the campground entrance, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding wilderness and Hungry Jack Lake, particularly beautiful at sunset.
• Motorized Lake Recreation: Unlike the BWCAW, Flour Lake allows motorboats, providing opportunities for diverse fishing and water sports for those who prefer more than just paddling.

Contact Information

For information regarding reservations, which are managed through the federal system (Recreation.gov), or for general inquiries, please use the following contact details.

Address: 468 Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone: (800) 346-2203

Note: Due to the remote location on the Gunflint Trail, cell phone service is generally non-existent at the campground. Visitors should complete all communication and navigation tasks before traveling to the site.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Flour Lake Campground is uniquely suitable for Minnesotans because it embodies the quintessential, rugged appeal of the Northwoods wilderness without forcing a full-scale expedition. Locals cherish the opportunity to truly "get off the grid" and find peace in nature, and Flour Lake offers exactly that: a place where the primary sounds are "loons calling" rather than traffic or crowds. For Minnesota families and outdoor enthusiasts, this campground provides a comfortable, drive-in solution for accessing world-class recreation. You can easily launch a canoe for a day trip into the legendary BWCAW via a quick portage or simply spend the day fishing for walleye on a calm, motor-accessible lake—all from a private, well-forested basecamp. It is a highly valued gateway for exploring the Superior National Forest and a pristine haven for serious wildlife watchers, offering an unforgettable and restorative escape that reinforces the state's deep connection to its wilderness areas.

Flour Lake Campground

468 Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA