Devil Track Lake Campground
4.2215 reviewsDevil Track Lake Campground, 12 miles north of Grand Marais on Co. 57, Minnesota
Devil Track Lake Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single campsites are $22 per night, applicable during regular season. Winter camping is free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis.
About this campground
Nestled on a pristine peninsula that juts into the crystalline waters of Devil Track Lake, this intimate 16-site campground offers an authentic North Woods escape. Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves at your lakefront site, where morning mist dances across 1,873 acres of pure wilderness water. Young pines whisper in the breeze, creating a natural sanctuary where eagles soar overhead and loons call across the water. Adventure awaits with a convenient carry-down boat launch and fishing pier right at your doorstep, while those with larger watercraft can access the drive-in boat ramp just a half-mile down the forest road.
Devil Track Lake Campground offers a mix of camping experiences, with options suitable for tent camping, RVs, and those seeking a rustic, primitive experience.
Historical SignificanceThe haunting beauty of Devil Track Lake carries echoes of its Ojibwe origins, where the name derives from their word for 'spirit' – a translation that barely captures the sacred essence this place held for Native peoples. Local elders speak of ancient pathways and seasonal camps along these shores, where generations gathered wild rice and honored the spirits of the water. Today's visitors can still sense that timeless connection between land, water, and sky that made this place special to the area's first inhabitants.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full majesty of Minnesota's seasonal transformations at Devil Track Lake. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and fishing, though wise campers come prepared for the mosquitoes that thrive in late spring and early summer – consider them part of the authentic wilderness experience! As autumn paints the poplars in brilliant golds, the bugs disappear and crisp air invites cozy campfires. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, where snowmobile trails weave through the frozen forest and ice fishing enthusiasts dot the lake's solid surface.
ElevationPerched at 1,520 feet above sea level, Devil Track Lake Campground enjoys the perfect elevation for comfortable camping throughout the season. This moderate altitude brings refreshingly cool nights even during summer's warmest days, ensuring restful sleep under star-filled skies. Come winter, the elevation guarantees reliable snowfall that transforms the landscape into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paradise, with powder that stays fresh long after storms pass.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape in beautiful transition, where resilient young pines and shimmering poplars create a mosaic of green against the sapphire expanse of Devil Track Lake. While the regenerating forest offers dappled rather than deep shade, it provides exceptional wildlife viewing – watch for deer browsing at dawn, black bears foraging for berries, and countless bird species that thrive in this edge habitat. Summer brings a bounty of wild blueberries and raspberries along sunny trails, while the lake itself harbors prized populations of walleye, northern pike, and lake trout that challenge anglers year-round.
Geological RegionSet within the vast wilderness of Superior National Forest, Devil Track Lake Campground occupies a special corner of Minnesota's Arrowhead region along the northeastern shore of its namesake lake. This remarkable landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers that carved deep basins and left behind countless lakes, creating the boundary waters that define this region. The young forest regenerating here speaks to the area's resilience – a living testament to nature's ability to renew itself after disturbance, whether from historic logging or natural fire cycles that have shaped these woods for millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been reported. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being large enough to accommodate larger RVs, while others are more modest. Sites not directly on the lake tend to be 'gigantic,' as noted by Stephanie Kruse.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is a notable feature of this campground. Many campsites are described as 'secluded' and 'private,' as highlighted by reviews from users like Troy Molde and Drey Loge.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakeside sites for better views and direct water access. Site 8 is recommended for privacy.
Best CampsitesSite 8 is frequently mentioned as the best campsite for seclusion and lake access.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of nine people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe 16 campsites are laid out along a short peninsula, with a mix of lakefront and forested sites. Tables and fire grilles are available at all sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 10 to October 21 for regular camping. Winter camping is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservation PlatformsThis campground does not accept reservations; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 16 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites reportedly fill during peak times such as weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as reservations are not allowed.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Devil Track Lake Campground provides several recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, and scenic viewing. During winter, the site becomes part of the Expressway Snowmobile Trail.
Hiking
The Expressway Snowmobile Trail is available for hiking and mountain biking during non-winter months.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Devil Track Lake, which spans 1,873 acres. Trout fishing is also available in nearby streams.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on the Expressway Snowmobile Trail during the summer.Boating
Boating activities include both motorized and non-motorized options. A carry-down boat launch is situated within the campground, and a drive-down boat ramp is located half a mile away.Wildlife viewing
The campground's wooded setting, featuring many young pines, makes it an excellent spot for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
During winter, the campground reopens as part of the Expressway Snowmobile Trail, catering to snowmobiling enthusiasts.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported through the carry-down boat launch.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are a recurring concern, particularly in late spring and summer. Wildlife may be present, making food storage a critical practice.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Gunflint Ranger District Office: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, Phone: (218) 387-1750. Closest hospital: North Shore Health in Grand Marais, approximately 12 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10 through October 21
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are provided for waste disposal. Campers are reminded to pick up and bag their dog’s waste and dispose of it properly.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly on the shores of Devil Track Lake, with several campsites offering direct access or views of the water.
Common complaintsHigh mosquito activity during the summer months is a common complaint among visitors. Some users have commented about the dark restrooms requiring a flashlight.
HostNo information available about hosts onsite.
Campground Map
Devil Track Lake Campground, 12 miles north of Grand Marais on Co. 57, Minnesota
Driving directionsFrom MN 61 in Grand Marais, turn north on Co 12, the Gunflint Trail. Follow Co 12 about 4 miles to Co 8. Turn left on Co 8 and follow it 5.7 miles to the fork of Co 8 and 27. Veer left to stay on Co 8. Follow 8 about 2.7 miles until you reach the campground. Past the campground, 8 is Co 57. Note: The roads are paved to the campground drive. Take paved roads at forks.
The roads to the campground are paved and accessible with clear signs. The route includes several turns but is well-marked. Seasonal snow or ice may impact accessibility during winter.Nearby places
Grand Marais: 12 miles, approximately 20-minute drive
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Grand Marais, approximately 12 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.2
15 reviews
Devil Track Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Devil Track Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting its secluded nature, spacious sites, and scenic lake views. However, many reviewers emphasize the presence of mosquitoes as a significant drawback to the camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praises include the spaciousness of campsites, privacy, and proximity to lake access. Stephanie Kruse noted, 'We stayed in number 8 which I believe is the best site for seclusion and lake...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a major issue. One reviewer described them as 'the worst I've ever seen in my life.' Another said, 'We couldn't stay however due to the amount of mosquitoes at...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring ample mosquito protection, including repellents and netting. Select lakefront sites early, as they are popular. Site 8 is recommended for its seclusion and lake access.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Mosquitoes are particularly problematic during the summer months, especially in June and July. Seasonal trends suggest the campground is less crowded during weekdays.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Absolutely great sites here - large and quite secluded from other campers.' - Drey Loge
- 'Nice big sites. Very private. I was here the last week of June, and the sites weren't full Tuesday...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 8 is highlighted as the best option for seclusion and lake access. Lakefront sites are highly sought after and may have occupants even if appearing unoccupied during the day.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but reviews emphasize the importance of keeping dogs on leashes and managing their waste responsibly.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025