East Bearskin Lake Campground
4.2474 reviews124 EAST BEARSKIN ROAD, EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Grand Marais, MN, 55604, USA
East Bearskin Lake Campground
$24.00 - $86.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Nightly rates range from $24 for standard nonelectric and tent sites to $86 for cabins during peak season. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of East Bearskin Lake in Northern Minnesota's wilderness, this enchanting campground serves as your gateway to adventure. Whether you're seeking the comfort of a cozy cabin, the simplicity of a standard campsite, or the solitude of a walk-in tent site, East Bearskin Lake Campground delivers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness immersion. As a premier launching point for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness expeditions, you'll find yourself at the crossroads of convenience and untamed nature, where car camping meets backcountry dreams.
East Bearskin Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and cabin stays. It also serves as a staging point for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trips.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in centuries of human history, where ancient Native American portage routes once connected waterways and communities. This sacred ground near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has witnessed the passage of indigenous peoples for generations, followed by European explorers who marveled at the same untouched beauty that greets visitors today. Every paddle stroke and hiking step connects you to this rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Minnesota's changing seasons at East Bearskin Lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with gentle snowfall averaging 1.9 inches per week creating a pristine blanket across the forest floor. As summer arrives, warm days invite endless outdoor adventures, though the moderate humidity brings nature's own welcoming committee – mosquitoes. Pack your bug spray and embrace the authentic northwoods experience, where every season tells its own compelling story.
ElevationThe campground's elevation creates the perfect vantage point for experiencing the diverse ecosystems of Northern Minnesota's wilderness, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery upon arrival.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of towering red and white pines that have stood sentinel for centuries, their branches whispering ancient stories above your campsite. The aromatic balsam fir mingles with sturdy spruce, while paper birch and quaking aspen create a mosaic of textures and colors throughout the seasons. East Bearskin Lake itself serves as nature's amphitheater, where haunting loon calls echo across mirror-like waters at dawn and dusk. Keep your camera ready for magnificent wildlife encounters – majestic moose may emerge from morning mists, bald eagles soar overhead on thermal currents, and black bears remind visitors they're guests in this wild kingdom.
Geological RegionDiscover the heart of northeastern Minnesota's legendary Arrowhead region, where East Bearskin Lake Campground claims its place within the vast Superior National Forest. This geological wonderland sits at the edge of the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where ancient bedrock tells the story of glaciers that carved these countless lakes and waterways. The campground's shoreline location on East Bearskin Lake – a renowned loon nesting sanctuary – places you amid a diverse forest ecosystem where majestic red and white pines tower alongside balsam fir, spruce, birch, and aspen, creating a multi-layered canopy that shelters an abundance of northwoods wildlife.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsites include accessible fire rings and picnic tables. No specific accessibility features for cabins were noted in the provided information.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating multiple tents or vehicles. Cabins feature bunk beds and lofts.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; some are secluded with thick understory for shade, while others are closer to the road and lack privacy.
Total Campsites43 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, campsite #8 was noted. For camper cabins, Aspen Cabin had positive reviews for convenience and comfort.
Best CampsitesSite recommendations include #3 for proximity to water and #21 for access to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests must adhere to site-specific capacities. Information is not explicitly provided for general sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne large loop and three smaller loops. Campsites are within walking distance of the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is May 10, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Reservable season starts June 24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome first-come, first-served sites are available within the campground. No specific quantity mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before arrival with a $10 fee, plus forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. Late cancellations apply starting from midnight one calendar day before scheduled check-in for campsites and 14 calendar days or fewer for cabins.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
East Bearskin Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, and motorized boating on East Bearskin Lake. Winter sports such as cross-country skiing are also available.
Hiking
The campground is adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which offers 12 hiking trails covering various difficulty levels. Trail maps and guides are available at nearby locations.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw for visitors, with East Bearskin Lake offering opportunities to catch bass, walleye, and lake trout. A boat ramp enables easy lake access.Swimming
Swimming is possible at designated areas such as the boat launch and specific campsites near the lake.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available in the vicinity, offering varied terrain suitable for different skill levels.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, supported by a boat ramp at the campground. Both motorized boats and non-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks are permitted.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in wildlife, including moose, beavers, eagles, ducks, loons, and bears. Wildlife viewing is especially common near the lake and surrounding forest.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational resources such as recreation guides and maps for the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest are available. Interpretive programs were noted but not detailed.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing is available in the surrounding area during winter.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are popular. Paddleboarding opportunities were not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed unless restricted by fire bans during wildfire-prone periods.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal mosquitoes can be overwhelming. Bears are frequent visitors, requiring proper food storage.
Active alertsOccasional fire bans are issued during extreme wildfire conditions. Users reported poor communication about bans.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
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
Nearest emergency services are available in Grand Marais, which includes hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 10, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available but may overflow during busy periods, as noted in user reviews. Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on East Bearskin Lake with access to nearby Flour Lake via portages.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor site maintenance, mosquito prevalence, lack of privacy at some sites, and noise disturbances from other campers.
HostThe campground is managed by Bearskin Lodge under a concessionaire agreement. Some complaints about lodge unresponsiveness during burning bans.
Campground Map
124 EAST BEARSKIN ROAD, EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Grand Marais, MN, 55604, USA
Driving directionsFrom Duluth, take Highway 61 north to Grand Marais. Turn left (north) on Gunflint Trail and proceed about 26 miles to East Bearskin Road. Turn right and follow the signs to the campground.
The campground can be accessed by vehicle. The roads leading to the campground are narrow gravel roads with occasional potholes. Roads may pose challenges during rainy weather, as reviewed by users: 'In rainy weather its mud in many locations' and 'The rut down by the boat landing continues, year after year.'Nearby places
Grand Marais (26 miles, ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Bearskin Lodge is nearby for boats, canoes, kayaks rentals, fishing licenses, groceries, ice, firewood, maps, and fishing guide services.
Camper Reviews
4.2
74 reviews
East Bearskin Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to the Boundary Waters. Complaints focus on maintenance issues, lack of cell service, and privacy concerns at certain sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 74 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful and remote location, excellent fishing and kayaking, clean vault toilets, well-maintained cabins, and great access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Based on 74 reviewsCommon Concerns
Maintenance issues include unclean bathrooms, overgrown campsites, and poorly graded roads. Privacy is limited at some sites, and cell phone service is nonexistent.
Based on 74 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring screened tents to combat mosquitoes, purchase firewood before arrival, and verify seasonal restrictions such as fire bans.
Based on 74 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention mosquitoes and maintenance issues, while fall reviews highlight quieter and less crowded conditions. Winter reviews emphasize opportunities for solitude and cross-country...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bearskin Campground is heaven on earth." - Sara R. "East Bearskin is consistently my favorite campground along the Gunflint Trail." - Joseph F. "Absolutely zero cell phone service (not poor, zero)...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite #3 offers beautiful water access but privacy issues due to loud neighbors. Campsite #26 is close to a cabin but convenient for kayaking. Cabin Aspen receives mixed reviews for maintenance...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 74 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Bryan T. praised the pet-friendly options, stating, "The camper cabin we stayed in was a perfect blend of roughing it and having it easy. There aren't many options like this for those of us who like...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025