Two Island Lake Campground

- Ball Club Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents seeking a genuine Northwoods camping experience away from the hustle of developed resorts, Two Island Lake Campground is a celebrated destination. Tucked deep within the Superior National Forest, this rustic gem offers a peaceful retreat while remaining conveniently accessible from the iconic North Shore town of Grand Marais. It perfectly balances a sense of remote tranquility with the comfort of essential campground amenities.

Two Island Lake Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and features approximately 38 individual, first-come, first-served campsites, many of which are situated right along the shoreline of the beautiful Two Island Lake. The atmosphere here is one of quiet seclusion; the sites are widely spaced and buffered by dense forest, providing campers with exceptional privacy—a quality highly valued by local users. The lake itself is a draw for anglers, known for its healthy populations of Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. It is a fantastic basecamp for those wishing to explore the rugged landscape of the Gunflint Trail area, offering a prime starting point for fishing, paddling, and hiking adventures, including the famed Eagle Mountain trail. This is the place for Minnesotans who prefer a rustic, self-sufficient camping trip where the true amenities are the natural surroundings.

Location and Accessibility

Two Island Lake Campground is situated in Cook County, Minnesota, providing a true escape into the northern wilderness, yet it is only about 15 miles from the dining and artisan community of downtown Grand Marais. This proximity offers campers the best of both worlds: deep forest solitude with easy access to town for supplies or a meal.

The location is accessed off the scenic Gunflint Trail (County Road 12). From Highway 61 in Grand Marais, travelers drive north on the Gunflint Trail for approximately 3.7 miles. They then turn west onto County Road 8 for about 6 miles, followed by a turn north onto Ball Club Road. The campground entrance is located off Ball Club Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA.

While the Gunflint Trail is a paved National Scenic Byway, the final access roads are typically well-maintained gravel or dirt forest roads. The drive-in campsites are generally large enough to accommodate tents, camper trailers, and smaller RVs, though no hook-ups are provided, reinforcing the rustic nature of the site. Its relatively remote location contributes to the desired lack of reliable cell phone service, ensuring a true digital detox for campers.

Services Offered

As a well-established but primitive Forest Service facility, Two Island Lake Campground provides basic, essential services designed to ensure comfort without detracting from the natural environment. The campground operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are typically not accepted, requiring campers to secure their site upon arrival.

The essential services and amenities provided at this fee campground include:

• Campsites: Approximately 38 individual campsites across several loops, accommodating both tent and RV/trailer camping (no hookups).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained non-flush restrooms (outhouses) are available throughout the campground.
• Potable Water: Community access to drinking water via hand pumps or faucets.
• Campsite Features: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a sturdy metal fire ring/grate.
• Boat Ramp: A public boat launch allows for easy access to Two Island Lake for boating, paddling, and fishing.
• Trash Disposal: Designated trash and recycling containers are available to encourage visitors to keep the area clean.
• Pet Policy: Pets are permitted on a leash, in accordance with Superior National Forest regulations.

Features / Highlights

Two Island Lake Campground is celebrated for its unique features that cater directly to Minnesotans’ love for authentic outdoor recreation. It is frequently highlighted for its beautiful setting, its access to key area attractions, and the overall peaceful environment it provides.

Key features and highlights for visitors include:

• Secluded Lakefront Sites: Many of the campsites offer stunning lake views, with some even boasting private, rock-beach access directly from the site, perfect for watching loons and sunsets.
• Exceptional Fishing Lake: Two Island Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, attracting local anglers targeting Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass.
• Proximity to Eagle Mountain: The campground is only about four miles from the trailhead for Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota, offering a challenging and rewarding day hike into the adjacent Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
• Gateway to the Twin Lakes Canoe Route: A short drive away is the non-permit required Twin Lakes Canoe Route, offering an opportunity for a backcountry-like paddling and portaging trip, similar to the BWCAW.
• Privacy and Space: The sites are wooded, spacious, and spread out across three loops, ensuring a high degree of privacy between campers—a significant upgrade from many other North Shore campgrounds.
• First-Come, First-Served Access: Eliminating the need for advance reservations provides flexibility for spontaneous local road trips and mid-week camping excursions.

Contact Information

The Two Island Lake Campground is part of the Superior National Forest and is typically managed by the Gunflint Ranger District. For current conditions, operating seasons, and fee inquiries, local users should reach out to the Ranger District Office.

Address: Ball Club Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Campground Location)

Phone: (218) 387-1750 (Gunflint Ranger District Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-387-1750

(Note: Cell service is typically non-existent at the campground itself, so all communication should be planned before departure from Grand Marais.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota locals, Two Island Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an accessible portal to the authentic Northwoods experience. It holds a special appeal because it delivers genuine seclusion and high-quality outdoor recreation—especially fishing and proximity to a major state hiking peak—without the logistical barriers of a full-wilderness entry permit.

The campground’s first-come, first-served policy is ideal for the flexible Minnesota adventurer, making it easy to grab a spur-of-the-moment weekend escape. Reviewers frequently praise the spacious, private, and often lakeside sites, highlighting the chance to truly disconnect and watch the loons on the water. It’s the perfect spot for Minnesotans seeking to use their local knowledge to find a hidden gem: a tranquil, fee-based campground with basic services that still feels like you're miles from civilization. Whether you’re casting a line for Walleye or preparing for a hike up the state’s highest peak, Two Island Lake Campground serves as a superior, rustic, and profoundly peaceful North Shore basecamp for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Two Island Lake Campground

Ball Club Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA