Kimball Lake Campground

- FR 140, Grand Marais, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape into the unspoiled beauty of the North Woods, the allure of the Superior National Forest is unmatched. Nestled just a short drive from the charming harbor town of Grand Marais, Kimball Lake Campground offers a rustic, quiet, and deeply natural camping experience that resonates with the spirit of Minnesota’s wilderness tradition. This is a place where the stars are bright, the waters are clear, and the noise of everyday life is replaced by the soothing sounds of nature. As a small, wooded destination, Kimball Lake provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the legendary Gunflint Trail and the broader North Shore region, making it an ideal choice for local outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who prioritize tranquility and trout fishing.

This campground is not a bustling, amenity-heavy resort; rather, it embraces a more primitive style of camping, perfect for those who want to unplug and reconnect. It is a true Minnesota gem managed by the Superior National Forest, offering a limited number of sites that keep the atmosphere intimate and peaceful. Whether you’re planning a weekend fishing trip, a base for kayaking adventures, or simply a quiet retreat from the city, Kimball Lake Campground delivers an authentic taste of the northern Minnesota experience.

Kimball Lake Campground enjoys a prime location in Cook County, placing it within the vast and stunning Superior National Forest. Its positioning on the Gunflint Trail offers both accessibility and a true sense of being "up north."

The physical address is FR 140, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, but its proximity to major landmarks is more telling. The campground is situated approximately 12 miles north of Grand Marais, making it easily reachable from Minnesota State Highway 61.

To reach the campground from Highway 61, you will turn north onto County Road 12, famously known as the Gunflint Trail. After traveling about 11 miles up the scenic Gunflint Trail, a right turn onto Forest Road 140 (also referred to as Trout Lake Road) leads you directly to the campground entrance just two miles down the road. This short drive off the main trail quickly immerses you in a deep, wooded environment, signaling your arrival at a peaceful, secluded haven. The location is strategic—close enough to Grand Marais for quick supply runs or a day of exploring the North Shore's cultural and dining offerings, yet far enough into the wilderness to offer solitude. The immediate area also provides access to numerous other lakes and trails, making it a central point for many different types of day trips and adventures into the surrounding forest.

Kimball Lake Campground is structured to provide a classic, rustic camping experience, focusing on necessary amenities without the distractions of modern hook-ups. The goal is a quiet, low-impact stay, which is reflected in the services provided.

Key services for campers include:

• Potable Drinking Water: Available on-site, sourced from a well and dispensed via a solar-powered faucet. Campers appreciate the quality of the good well water.
• Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (outhouses) are available for camper convenience.
• Campsites: A total of 10 wooded campsites are available. Nine of these are noted to be suitable for RVs, though length is limited and larger trailers/motorhomes may find maneuvering difficult.
• Parking: Space is available for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (e.g., a boat trailer) per site, with additional vehicle parking on the spur for a half-fee.
• Waste Disposal: Trash collection and recycling bins are provided for maintaining a clean, natural environment.
• Accessibility: The campground features accessible campsites, and nearby Mink Lake offers a barrier-free fishing pier.
• First-Come, First-Served: All 10 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. Campers must register upon arrival.

The true appeal of Kimball Lake lies in its natural features and the low-key, recreational opportunities it provides. It is especially renowned for its fishing and surrounding nature trails.

Highlights that attract Minnesota locals include:

• Trout Fishing Destination: Kimball Lake is a small, state-managed lake specifically stocked with rainbow trout. Due to this special designation, anglers must possess a valid Minnesota fishing license and a trout stamp to fish in the lake.
• No Electrical Hook-ups & Quiet Atmosphere: A major draw for those seeking peace. There are absolutely no electrical, water, or sewer hook-ups, which helps ensure a tranquil environment. Generators are highly discouraged or prohibited, as noted by local visitors who value the quiet setting.
• Lake Trail: A non-maintained trail circles Kimball Lake, offering opportunities for hiking and shore casting for trout. The trail is noted as rocky and uneven but manageable.
• Boat Access: A boat ramp is available for non-motorized and smaller motorized watercraft, perfect for launching canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the lake.
• Proximity to Mink Lake: Adjacent Mink Lake provides a sandy swimming beach, a recreational alternative to Kimball Lake, along with a barrier-free fishing pier.
• Spacious, Wooded Sites: The 10 campsites are set in a wooded environment, offering a degree of privacy, though some sites are closer together than expected. They include picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
• Wildlife Viewing: Located deep in the Superior National Forest, the area is excellent for viewing local Minnesota wildlife and enjoying the pristine natural scenery.

For information regarding the campground, fees, or current conditions, visitors should contact the managing district office.

Contact: Gunflint Ranger District (Superior National Forest)

Address: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone: (218) 387-1750

Mobile Phone: +1 218-387-1750 (Same as office line)

For those who call Minnesota home, Kimball Lake Campground offers more than just a place to pitch a tent; it provides a connection to the state’s wild, natural heritage. Located just off the historic Gunflint Trail, this small, rustic, and quiet retreat is an antidote to the over-commercialized camping experience. Its first-come, first-served policy favors the spontaneous adventurer and the dedicated local who knows where to find the best secluded spots.

The emphasis on a generator-free, non-electric environment ensures a true immersion into the Superior National Forest's tranquility—a feature consistently praised by local campers. It's the ideal destination for the trout fisherman, the kayaker, or the hiker looking for a challenging but rewarding path around the lake. While previous visitors have noted occasional maintenance needs, the overall consensus highlights the beautiful setting, the clean vault toilets, and the value of its serene atmosphere. Kimball Lake is perfectly positioned for locals who want to use it as a peaceful home base to explore the entire North Shore region, from the artistic community of Grand Marais to the deeper wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. By choosing Kimball Lake, you are choosing an authentic Minnesota outdoor experience, unplugging from the daily grind, and embracing the quiet beauty of the North Woods.

Kimball Lake Campground

FR 140, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA