Kemo Lake
01 review2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Kemo Lake
$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
There is no fee for camping at the site as this is a dispersed backcountry camping location.
About this campground
Escape to the solitude of Kemo Lake, where a single dispersed campsite awaits those seeking a true wilderness adventure. Whether you arrive by paddling across pristine waters or hiking through ancient forests, you'll discover a near-wilderness sanctuary equipped with only the essentials—a fire grate and latrine. This remote retreat demands self-sufficiency and rewards visitors with unparalleled tranquility. Remember to embrace Leave No Trace principles as you immerse yourself in this untouched corner of the north woods, where preparation meets paradise for the well-equipped backcountry camper.
Kemo Lake offers a single, primitive backcountry campsite accessible only by foot or boat. It is first-come, first-served and emphasizes a wilderness experience.
Weather and SeasonsFrom its April 15th opening through the warm days of summer, Kemo Lake transforms with the seasons. Spring arrives tentatively, with winter's grip sometimes lingering as late snowfall dusts the forest floor and moderate temperatures coax life back into the wilderness. As summer unfolds, comfortable conditions invite long days of exploration, though afternoon rain showers often sweep across the lake, creating dramatic skies and refreshing the boreal air. Come prepared for nature's moods—this is a place where weather shapes each day's adventure.
ElevationElevation information is not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the majesty of Kemo Lake's 189 acres of crystal-clear water, where three miles of undeveloped shoreline create endless opportunities for discovery. As the crown jewel of the Twin Lakes Canoe Route, this 65-foot-deep sanctuary mirrors the surrounding boreal forest in its glassy surface. Ancient pines and paper birches frame spectacular vistas, while the pristine waters invite exploration by paddle. Here, the landscape remains as wild as it was centuries ago—a living gallery of northern wilderness where eagles soar overhead and loons call across the evening water.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Superior National Forest, Kemo Lake exemplifies the raw beauty of Minnesota's boreal wilderness. This glacially-carved gem stands as the largest lake along the renowned Twin Lakes Canoe Route, its waters cradled by rugged terrain that tells the story of ancient ice sheets and timeless forests. The surrounding landscape showcases the region's characteristic mix of pristine lakes, dense coniferous forests, and rocky outcroppings—a testament to the powerful geological forces that shaped this corner of the North American wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned. This is a primitive site that requires access by foot or boat, which may limit accessibility for some users.
Sites SizeThe single campsite is typical of a backcountry setup, with space for a single party.
Sites PrivacyHigh privacy is expected due to the lake having only one campsite.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPrepare for boggy terrain and bring sturdy boots. Ensure food is hung safely and water is treated prior to consumption.
Best CampsitesThere is only one campsite available at Kemo Lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Not applicable
- campsite is first-come, first-served.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum of nine people per site. Campers must pack out all garbage.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThere is one campsite with a fire grate and latrine. The dispersed nature means no defined loops or sections.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 15th onwards. Closing dates are not explicitly mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; this site operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll dispersed camping spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This includes the one campsite on Kemo Lake.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable due to non-reservable status.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kemo Lake provides opportunities for a range of outdoor activities suited to its remote, backcountry setting. Popular activities include day hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
Hiking
Day hikes are available in the surrounding areas. Trails are accessible via portages and provide scenic views of the Superior National Forest.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity on Kemo Lake. Anglers can catch species such as brook trout, lake trout, and splake.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted and is the primary means of accessing the campsite. Canoeing is especially popular as the lake is part of a portage route.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned as the site is primarily used during warmer seasons.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing are part of the activities available at the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campers must use the provided fire grate and extinguish fires completely before leaving the campsite. Creating new fire rings is prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife (bears), boggy terrain, and limited potable water. Campers must hang food packs and treat or boil all water.
Weather forecast
60
°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
Gunflint Ranger District Office: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, Phone: (218) 387-1750. Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot applicable; dispersed camping does not have peak pricing.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers must pack out all their garbage.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to Kemo Lake, which spans 189 acres with 3 miles of shoreline.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention boggy terrain and areas impacted by past burning, which may limit camping suitability.
HostThere is no campground host at this dispersed site.
Campground Map
2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Driving directionsNorth Entrance: East and West Twin Lakes boat landing is 26 miles northwest of Grand Marais. From MN 61 in Grand Marais, take the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) north for 16.5 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 325 and travel 6 miles. Turn left (south) on FR 152 and go 4 miles to the boat landing. South Entrance: There is also a canoe landing on Pine Lake. It can be accessed from County 27 from the south. From MN 61, take the Gunflint Trail north for 3 miles. Turn left on County 8 and travel along the north edge of Devil Track Lake to County 27. Follow 27 an additional 4 miles to FR 1365. The canoe access is 1.5 miles up this minimal maintenance road.
The campground is accessible via paved and unpaved roads. FR 1365 is noted as a 'minimal maintenance road,' which may pose challenges for some vehicles. Seasonal closures are not explicitly stated.Nearby places
Grand Marais: 26 miles northwest (approximately 38-45 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Grand Marais offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel. The Gunflint Ranger District Office does not provide retail sales or permit issuance.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Kemo Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the site's remote and primitive nature. Some users appreciate the solitude, while others note challenges such as difficult terrain and limited facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The serene setting and the opportunity for solitude are major positives. As one official source notes: 'This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near-wilderness single party site.'
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues cited by users include 'big boggy area with low water' and the presence of a 'burnt area,' making the site less appealing for camping.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to wear good boots due to boggy terrain and to prepare for the absence of facilities by bringing all necessary supplies.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The site is open starting from April 15, aligning with warmer seasons. Winter camping is not emphasized due to accessibility and weather challenges.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
Chase Weathersend notes, 'Big boggy area with low water wear good boots noplace to camp. Burnt area.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback mentions challenges with the 'boggy area' and limited camping space.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews from users with disabilities were found, but the site's primitive nature suggests limited accessibility.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews are available, but guidelines for pet owners emphasize leash use and safety measures.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025