Minnesota / Cook County

East Bearskin Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 10 through October 21. Winter camping is allowed but roads are not plowed, water is shut off, and there is no garbage collection.

About

East Bearskin Lake Campground is located on the 643-acre East Bearskin Lake at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Superior National Forest, 26 miles northwest of Grand Marais along the historic Gunflint Trail. The campground features 32 sites including standard campsites, walk-in tent sites, and four rental cabins (Alder, Aspen, and Tamarac) that accommodate 5-7 people with foam mattresses but no bedding or cooking facilities. The campground and surrounding area is shaded with majestic red and white pines, balsam fir, spruce, birch and aspen trees. A thick understory offers excellent privacy between campsites arranged along one large loop and three smaller loops. Each site includes a fire ring with grill grates and picnic table. While a few sites provide limited water views, all sites are within walking distance of the lake. The two eastern bays of East Bearskin Lake extend into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness at Entry Point 64, making this an ideal basecamp for BWCAW exploration. A boat ramp allows access for motorboats and canoes, with portages linking to Flour Lake. The lake offers excellent fishing for bass, walleye and lake trout. East Bearskin Lake features several shallow bays that attract moose, beavers, eagles, ducks, loons, songbirds and bears. Nearby trails provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Directions

From Grand Marais, turn north on County Road 12 (Gunflint Trail) and travel 25.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 146 (East Bearskin Lake Road) and continue 1 mile to the campground entrance on right.

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