Okontoe Fellowship Inc

- 110 Bow Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Nestled deep in the heart of the Superior National Forest, approximately 28 miles up the scenic Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, lies Okontoe Fellowship Inc. This is not just a campground; it is a beloved Christian family-friendly retreat center that offers a genuine, unplugged Northwoods experience. For Minnesotans seeking a blend of rustic wilderness immersion and family-focused community, Okontoe is a cherished destination. It serves as the perfect base camp for accessing the world-class hiking and canoeing of the Arrowhead region, yet it offers the peace and seclusion of its own private lake chain. Guests often describe it as a "hidden gem" that provides the tranquility of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) without the intensive paddling and portaging required for a deep wilderness trip.

Okontoe Fellowship Inc. operates on 80 acres of pristine wilderness, offering a variety of lodging options from spacious, secluded campsites to rustic cabins. The atmosphere is intentionally quiet, family-oriented, and centered around connecting with nature and loved ones. With a focus on simplicity and the outdoors, this campground encourages guests to step away from the noise of modern life, highlighted by a notable lack of cell service and limited Wi-Fi, fostering a truly restorative "media fast" that many local users now actively seek. Whether you are pitching a tent or settling into one of their charming rustic cabins, Okontoe provides an authentic slice of the Minnesota Northwoods experience.

Location and Accessibility

Okontoe is located on a private road just off the iconic Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12), a National Scenic Byway known for its stunning Boreal forest landscape.

The official address is 110 Bow Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA.

While the mailing address is Grand Marais, the physical location is approximately a 30-minute drive northwest of the harbor town. The drive along the Gunflint Trail is a scenic adventure in itself, passing multiple lakes, outfitters, and trailheads. This distance places Okontoe far enough up the trail to feel completely immersed in the wilderness, surrounded by Superior National Forest land and close to many BWCAW entry points, yet it remains accessible for a weekend getaway from the Twin Cities or other parts of the state. The campground is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day weekend through mid- to late-October, depending on weather conditions. Accessibility to the individual campsites is good, with sites offering a mix of tent-only spaces and designated electric hookup sites suitable for small to mid-size RVs, including two pull-through sites for larger rigs.

Services Offered

The campground offers a thoughtful blend of rustic charm and essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and restorative stay:

• Variety of Campsites: Over 30 spacious and secluded campsites, many offering lake views through the trees, suitable for both tent camping and RVs.
• RV Services: Approximately half of the campsites include electric hookups. An on-site dump station is available for guests.
• Essential Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.
• Clean Water and Facilities: Access to potable water via shared spigots and easy access to vault toilets throughout the camp.
• Hot Showers: A centralized Shower House provides hot showers, available to all campers and cabin guests (water service is seasonal and may close due to freezing temperatures).
• Rustic Cabin Rentals: Several clean, practical, and affordable rustic cabins are available, equipped with kitchenettes, wood stoves, and covered porches.
• Watercraft Use: Free use of Okontoe’s canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets is included with campsite and cabin rentals (restricted to Bow Lake and its connecting lakes).
• Group Camping: Dedicated Group Campsites are available for non-nuclear family groups ranging from 7 to 12 people.
• Limited Connectivity: Limited Wi-Fi access is available at the camp Library/Office for essential communications, as there is no cell service on this section of the Gunflint Trail.
• Community and Fellowship: Seasonal Saturday evening Community Campfires and optional Sunday morning Chapel services are offered.

Features / Highlights

Okontoe is celebrated by its loyal guests for several unique features that distinguish it from standard public or private campgrounds:

• Private Lake Access: Direct access to Bow Lake, a small, private, non-motorized lake. This lake is connected to two other small lakes (Quiver and Shoko) via short portages, creating a personal, low-impact paddling chain perfect for families and beginners.
• BWCAW-Style Experience Without the Permit Hassle: The secluded, heavily wooded, lakeside campsites and non-motorized waters offer the quiet, nature-immersed feeling of the Boundary Waters, but with vehicle access and basic amenities like hot showers.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The camp maintains a strict no-alcohol policy and daily quiet hours (10:00 pm to 8:00 am), ensuring a peaceful, safe environment ideal for children and family reunions.
• Scenic Base for Local Adventures: Its location is perfect for exploring the wider Gunflint Trail, including world-class hiking on trails like the Caribou Rock Trail, visits to the Chik-Wauk Museum, and day trips to various BWCAW entry points.
• Authentic Northwoods Charm: The facilities and surrounding environment embody the rustic appeal of the North Shore, creating a timeless experience that encourages relaxation, spiritual renewal, and a true appreciation for the Boreal forest ecosystem.

Contact Information

To make reservations or inquire about availability, please use the following contact details:

Address:

110 Bow Lake Rd

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone (Primary/Office):

(218) 388-2285

Phone (Mobile - for emergencies or general use):

+1 218-388-2285

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Okontoe Fellowship Inc. is uniquely positioned as a perfect retreat for Minnesotans. For those who grew up "Up North" or are looking to start their own family wilderness traditions, Okontoe offers both nostalgia and unparalleled value. It successfully bridges the gap between the demanding, permit-heavy Boundary Waters and the often-crowded State Park campgrounds. Locals appreciate the seclusion of the well-maintained sites and the genuine "unplugged" environment—a rarity in today's connected world. Having free access to on-site canoes and kayaks on a private, non-motorized lake makes introducing canoeing to children or casual users easy and safe. Furthermore, its location on the Gunflint Trail allows residents to use it as a highly affordable and flexible base for exploring the vast natural resources of Cook County, from Lake Superior's North Shore to the deepest BWCAW hiking trails. It is a place built on local values, offering quiet reflection, family bonding, and an authentic taste of the Minnesota wilderness that keeps generations of families returning year after year.

Okontoe Fellowship Inc

110 Bow Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA