East Bearskin Lake Campground

About

East Bearskin Lake Campground provides the ideal balance between wilderness experience and developed camping convenience. Located 26 miles north of Grand Marais on the historic Gunflint Trail, the campground occupies a forested shoreline shaded by red and white pines, balsam fir, spruce, birch, and aspen. The thick understory provides excellent privacy between sites. All 28 tent sites feature fire rings with grill grates and picnic tables, while vault toilets and solar-powered drinking water are available throughout. Four rental cabins named Alder, Aspen, Jack Pine, and Tamarac offer an alternative to tent camping. Three cabins sleep up to 7 people and one sleeps 5, with foam mattresses provided but no bedding, cooking facilities, or bathrooms. Campers must bring their own sleeping gear, wash basin, and cook stove. The campground serves as a staging area for Boundary Waters exploration. The two eastern bays of East Bearskin Lake lie within BWCAW Entry Point #64, with portages linking to Flour Lake. Day permits for non-motorized entry are available at the campground; overnight and motorized permits require advance arrangement. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with moose, beaver, eagles, loons, and bears frequently spotted along the shallow bays.

Directions

From Grand Marais, take Highway 61 to County Road 12 (Gunflint Trail). Follow the Gunflint Trail north 25.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 146 (East Bearskin Lake Road) and continue 1 mile to the campground entrance on the right.