Kimball Lake Campground
4.3513 reviews12 miles north of Grand Marais, MN
Kimball 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
$22 per night regular single-site fee. Premium single sites may have additional fees for features such as water access or view.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's wilderness, Kimball Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where pristine waters meet untouched forest. This hidden gem attracts devoted anglers drawn to Kimball Lake's rainbow trout-filled depths and families who gather at Mink Lake's inviting sandy beach. With its wheelchair-accessible fishing pier extending over crystal-clear waters, this rustic retreat welcomes all who seek the simple pleasures of campfire stories, morning mist on the lake, and the thrill of a tight fishing line.
Kimball Lake Campground provides rustic camping options suitable for tents and moderately sized vehicles. Sites are available on a loop and a spur near the boat ramp.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, Kimball Lake transforms with the seasons. Spring arrives with crisp mornings perfect for casting lines as the forest awakens. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. As autumn approaches, cooler temperatures paint the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and reds, creating a photographer's paradise. When winter's snow blankets the landscape, the campground rests quietly, accessible only to those adventurous souls exploring the frozen wonderland on cross-country skis or snowshoes.
ElevationPerched at 1,520 feet above sea level, Kimball Lake Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate that provides natural air conditioning during summer months. This elevated position creates perfect sleeping weather—cool, crisp nights that invite deep rest under star-filled skies, while mornings often greet campers with mystical fog dancing across the lake's surface.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient granite outcroppings frame a landscape where towering pines and birches create a living cathedral around two pristine lakes. The clear waters of Kimball and Mink Lakes mirror the sky and surrounding forest, while rocky shores provide natural amphitheaters for wildlife watching. Eagles soar overhead, loons call across the water at dusk, and lucky visitors might spot deer coming to drink at dawn's first light. The interplay of water, stone, and forest creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Superior National Forest, Kimball Lake Campground occupies a unique position between two glacier-carved lakes. This ancient landscape, sculpted by ice and time, showcases the raw beauty of the Canadian Shield with its characteristic exposed bedrock, boulder-strewn shores, and pristine waters. The surrounding forest grows from thin soils over billion-year-old granite, creating a rugged yet beautiful environment that defines Minnesota's iconic Northwoods character.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, and a barrier-free fishing pier is located at nearby Mink Lake. No additional details on accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate moderately sized vehicles but may not be suitable for large RVs.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as having plenty of space between them, offering a sense of privacy and a more outdoorsy experience.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the lake may offer better views or proximity to water access.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 days per stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 9 guests per site.
Groups
Group camping sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a loop layout with some campsites on a spur near the Kimball Lake boat ramp. Sites are designed with gravel parking aprons.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 10 to October 21. Limited services available before Memorial Day weekend and after September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not available; campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with 10 available sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservation rules not explicitly mentioned; reservations not available.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kimball Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, non-motorized boating, and hiking. A sandy beach and a trail circling the lake are highlights.
Hiking
A non-maintained trail circles Kimball Lake, providing opportunities for hiking and fishing. User reviews mention it as a 'fun 2-mile trail,' though it is not well-maintained.Fishing
The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing requires a license with a trout stamp. Nearby Mink Lake offers additional fishing opportunities.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Kimball Lake. A boat ramp is available, but no additional details are provided on docking facilities.Wildlife viewing
Users report sightings of various wildlife around the lake, enhancing the camping experience.Beach activities
Nearby Mink Lake offers a sandy beach for activities such as sunbathing and swimming.Winter Activities
During winter, the campground road experiences dog mushing traffic, limiting vehicle access.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported at Kimball Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Use fire rings provided; fire bans may prohibit campfires during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rocky terrain for tent placement, wildlife such as bears requiring careful food storage, and fire bans during dry conditions.
Active alertsAs of a recent user review, there is still a fire ban in effect.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 45%
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); Nearest hospital likely in Grand Marais.
Good to know
Peak season datesLikely Memorial Day weekend to September 30 based on service availability.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are provided for waste disposal. Campers are encouraged to use these facilities to keep the campground clean.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated between Kimball Lake, a trout lake, and Mink Lake, which includes amenities like a swimming beach and fishing pier.
Common complaintsSome users reported challenges with rocky ground for tent stakes and noted the presence of bugs.
Campground Map
12 miles north of Grand Marais, MN
Driving directionsFrom MN 61, turn north on County Road 12 (Gunflint Trail). Follow Cty 12 10.7 miles to Forest Road 140 (Trout Lake Rd). Turn right on FR 140. Continue 2 miles to campground entrance on right.
The campground road has regular dog mushing traffic during the winter months, so vehicle access is limited. Access routes include paved roads until Forest Road 140, which is gravel.Nearby places
Grand Marais (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving distance)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, are available in Grand Marais, 12 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Kimball Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and excellent fishing opportunities. The vault toilets are frequently praised for being clean and well-stocked. Some users note that the sites are rocky, which can make setting up tents challenging.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its cleanliness ('cleanest bathrooms'), quiet and peaceful setting ('makes for a peaceful camping experience'), and excellent fishing ('great fishing spots').
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include rocky ground at campsites, making it difficult to set up tents, and the lack of full RV hookups. Some users also mentioned bugs being an issue.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing cash or checks for payment. Ensure you have appropriate tent stakes due to rocky ground, and prepare for a rustic experience as there are no showers or full RV hookups.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is described as peaceful even during holiday weekends, but the fire ban and rocky ground are noted as challenges during summer. Winter access is limited due to dog mushing traffic on...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Great off the beaten path if you want remote car camping while visiting the north shore.' - Hailey Macias. 'Even though we were there over a holiday weekend, they made sure to keep all the concrete...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites and a barrier-free fishing pier at Mink Lake are noted, but no detailed user feedback on these features is provided.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is described as pet-friendly. Users appreciate the space for pets and the opportunity to hike with them on trails. Specific rules such as leashing and waste disposal are emphasized.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025