Elbow Lake (Gunflint)
00 review2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Elbow Lake (Gunflint)
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Camping at the dispersed sites on Elbow Lake does not require a fee.
About this campground
Hidden deep in Minnesota's wilderness, Elbow Lake beckons adventurous souls seeking true solitude. This remote sanctuary offers two exclusive boat-access campsites, where the modern world fades away and nature takes center stage. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with essential amenities—a sturdy fire grate for evening gatherings and a discrete latrine—while encouraging a harmonious relationship with the wilderness through Leave No Trace camping. Here, your journey begins where the road ends, and every arrival feels like discovering a secret the forest has been keeping.
Elbow Lake (Gunflint) features dispersed camping only, with sites accessible by non-motorized boating.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Elbow Lake remains as quiet as its undisturbed waters, this pristine wilderness has long served as a sanctuary for those seeking connection with Minnesota's untamed northwoods. The untouched landscape speaks to centuries of natural cycles, where indigenous peoples once traveled these waterways and early explorers marveled at the endless forests.
Weather and SeasonsElbow Lake transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering distinct adventures throughout the year. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline embrace, with temperatures hovering around a brisk 22°F during the day and plunging to a teeth-chattering 9°F at night. Heavy snowfall—sometimes accumulating over 5 inches in a single week—creates a pristine wonderland while making access a true expedition. Summer brings gentle relief with comfortable 73°F afternoons perfect for paddling and exploring. Spring and fall paint the boreal forest in stunning transitions, though visitors should come prepared for nature's unpredictable moods.
ElevationNestled within the rolling terrain of Minnesota's boreal region, Elbow Lake rests at an elevation that captures the essence of the northern wilderness experience. The surrounding landscape creates natural amphitheaters of forest and water, offering varied perspectives from shoreline to ridgeline.
Natural Features and ScenerySprawling across 408 magnificent acres, Elbow Lake presents nearly 7 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline that curves and winds through ancient boreal forest. Despite its impressive size, the lake maintains an intimate character with shallow waters reaching just 9 feet at their deepest—perfect for observing aquatic life and wade-fishing. The surrounding forest creates a living tapestry of spruce, fir, and pine, while wildlife thrives in this protected haven. Eagles soar overhead, loons call across the morning mist, and moose occasionally emerge from the treeline to drink at water's edge. This unspoiled wilderness offers the kind of raw, authentic beauty that photographers dream about and memories are built upon.
Geological RegionElbow Lake lies at the heart of Cook County's Superior National Forest, a testament to the ancient geological forces that shaped Minnesota's iconic northwoods. This 408-acre wilderness lake exemplifies the boreal forest ecosystem—a vast expanse of coniferous woodlands interspersed with pristine waterways carved by glaciers millennia ago. The region's unique geology creates a landscape of gentle hills, exposed bedrock, and interconnected water systems that define the character of this northern wilderness. Here, the Canadian Shield's ancient foundations peek through thin soils, supporting a resilient ecosystem perfectly adapted to the harsh beauty of the far north.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis is a backcountry campsite with no accessibility features mentioned. Access is only via a boat ramp, requiring boating to reach the sites.
Sites SizeThe two campsites appear to have standard sizes, but specific measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyGiven the only two sites on the lake, campers can expect high privacy and seclusion.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite choice is limited to the two available dispersed sites. Campers should select based on proximity to water or personal preference.
Best CampsitesWith only two campsites, no specific details about 'best' sites are available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
First-come, first-served. No formal check-in time.
Check-out
First-come, first-served. No formal check-out time.
Stay Limit
Nine people per site limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine guests are allowed per site as per the wilderness regulations.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two dispersed backcountry sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though accessibility may vary with seasonal conditions.
Reservation PlatformsCamping is non-reservable; no online or offline reservation system applies.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. There are no reservations, and sites fill accordingly.
Cancellation PolicyDispersed camping is first-come, first-served; there is no reservation system or associated cancellation policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Elbow Lake (Gunflint) include both motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing in a well-stocked lake, and scenic viewing opportunities. The emphasis on dispersed camping fosters a quiet, back-to-nature experience.
Fishing
Fishing is supported with species such as bluegill, northern pike, pumpkinseed, sunfish, walleye, yellow perch, and others available in the lake. Anglers can expect a variety of fish in the 408-acre lake.Boating
The lake is accessible by motorized and non-motorized boats. There is a concrete slab ramp and a dock for launching.Wildlife viewing
Viewing scenery is noted as an activity, which implies opportunities for wildlife observation in the area.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned in the provided material.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned specifically, although canoeing is necessary to reach the sites.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are only allowed in the provided fire grates. Campers must extinguish all fires before leaving the site.
- Quiet hours are No specified quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsCampers should be aware of wildlife, especially black bears, and should use bear-proof containers for food. The absence of potable water and restrooms means campers must plan accordingly. Winter access is challenging due to snow and ice.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.9 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 at 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604, Phone: (218) 387-1750. Office hours are from April 28 to September 30, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, closed on weekends and federal holidays.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is not explicitly defined. However, accessibility and usage may be higher during summer months.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash, and no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is directly on Elbow Lake, offering 7 miles of lake shoreline. Access to water activities is immediate.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints are reported in the source.
HostThere is no host available at these dispersed sites.
Campground Map
2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Driving directionsFrom Grand Marais take the Gunflint Trail north for 12 miles. Go west for 1 mile on Elbow Lake Landing Road.
The access road to Elbow Lake is described as a combination of paved (Gunflint Trail) and smaller roads (Elbow Lake Landing Road).Nearby places
Grand Marais (12 miles, approx. 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The closest town with supplies, including groceries and fuel, is Grand Marais, approximately 12 miles away.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Elbow Lake (Gunflint) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available in the provided source, preventing a summary of user sentiments.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
User reviews are not available to extract positive highlights.
Common Concerns
No user complaints are provided in the source information.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user recommendations are provided in the source material.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No user quotes are included in the information provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are provided.
Accessibility Features
User reviews addressing accessibility features are not available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No pet-related user reviews are present.
Last updated August 10, 2025