North Fowl Lake
00 review2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
North Fowl 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
Dispersed camping at North Fowl Lake is free, but permits are required for travel within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
About this campground
Escape to the pristine solitude of North Fowl Lake, where a single backcountry campsite awaits adventurous souls seeking true wilderness immersion. Accessible only by foot or boat, this dispersed camping gem offers an authentic off-grid experience complete with basic amenities including a fire grate and latrine, with a picnic table sometimes available. Here, self-reliance is key – you'll need to treat or boil lake water for drinking and carry out every trace of your stay, ensuring this near-wilderness sanctuary remains untouched for future explorers.
North Fowl Lake offers a dispersed camping experience in a backcountry setting. It includes one single-party site accessible only by boat or foot.
Historical SignificancePerched on the edge of the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this campsite serves as your gateway to one of America's most storied paddling destinations. The BWCAW has captivated generations of canoeists and wilderness enthusiasts with its interconnected waterways and unspoiled natural beauty, carrying forward centuries-old traditions of exploration and adventure that echo through these northern forests.
Weather and SeasonsNorth Fowl Lake transforms with the seasons, from winter's crystalline landscape of snow and ice to summer's warm embrace. While winter brings a stark beauty with its cold, dry conditions and frequent snowfall, the true magic unfolds from late spring through early fall. Savvy campers target weeks 9, 22, and 27 for the perfect blend of moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies. Those brave enough to venture during weeks 47-49 will face winter's full fury with extreme cold – a challenge best left to the most experienced winter campers.
ElevationThe gentle terrain of this northern wilderness creates an accessible camping experience, though specific elevation details remain part of the site's untamed mystery.
Natural Features and SceneryNorth Fowl Lake stretches across 1,040 acres along the dramatic United States-Canadian border, creating a vast aquatic playground despite its surprisingly shallow 10-foot maximum depth. This unique characteristic makes the lake particularly responsive to weather changes, creating stunning light displays across its surface. Surrounded by the untouched wilderness of the BWCAW, campers find themselves immersed in a living gallery where eagles soar overhead, loons call across the water, and the northern forest provides an ever-changing backdrop of wildlife encounters.
Geological RegionNestled within the ancient geological tapestry of Superior National Forest, North Fowl Lake tells a story written in stone and water. This shallow border lake, carved by glaciers and time, sits at the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – a landscape where billion-year-old bedrock meets pristine waters. The lake's modest 10-foot depth belies its significance as part of this internationally renowned wilderness ecosystem, where the Canadian Shield's exposed granite creates a rugged beauty found nowhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are described for this campsite.
Sites SizeThe site accommodates a single party, with a group size limit of nine people.
Sites PrivacyThis is a single-party site, which provides privacy but is subject to first-come, first-served availability.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150 ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage, and Leave No Trace."
Best CampsitesOnly one site available; no distinctions between sites.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Nine people per site limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Nine people per site.
Groups
- There is no dedicated group site
- however, the single site allows up to nine people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle dispersed site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen starting April 15. Closing season not explicitly mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as the site is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis for one dispersed camping site.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at North Fowl Lake include fishing, non-motorized boating, and wildlife viewing. The area is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a backcountry experience.
Fishing
Fishing is available in North Fowl Lake, which hosts species such as burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, and various types of shiners and minnows.Boating
Boating is limited to non-motorized watercraft. Access to the lake is through South Fowl Lake and the Royal River.Wildlife viewing
The site offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, though specific species are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, and the site's use may be limited during this season due to access challenges.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing and paddleboarding are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- "Only use facilities provided for fires." Fire grate available at the site.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife interactions, cold weather exposure, and lack of potable water or restroom facilities.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.8 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 (Address: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, Phone: (218) 387-1750) for general inquiries and BWCAW permits. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Grand Marais.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to pack out their garbage as there are no trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to North Fowl Lake with access to South Fowl Lake and Royal River.
Common complaintsCommon complaints may include the challenge of accessing the site via portages and the lack of facilities such as potable water and restrooms.
HostNo campground host; managed by the Gunflint Ranger District.
Campground Map
2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Driving directionsAccess to the one campsite is through South Fowl Lake via the Royal River from John Lake, and then Little John Lake.
This site is accessible only by foot or boat, and it requires navigating waterways including South Fowl Lake, Royal River, John Lake, and Little John Lake. "This lake may be a part of or has portage or waterway access into the BWCAW."Nearby places
Grand Marais (approx. 38 miles). Travel time unavailable.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely to be found in Grand Marais, MN, including groceries, fuel, and camping supplies. Specific locations and distances are not provided.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
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Review Summaries
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025