Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds
Open year-round for backcountry camping with free permits required at least two weeks in advance. The Grand Portage Trail may have challenging conditions including flooded creek crossings due to beaver activity.
Canoe Loading across from the Historic Site
From Thursday August 7 to Sunday August 10, please load/unload canoes off road near the Grand Portage trailhead sign at the corner of Store and Mile Creek Roads. Please do not cross the intersection with packs or canoes during this time.
Flood Advisory issued May 1 at 9:54AM CDT until May 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of runoff from heavy rains and snowmelt from earlier this week. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. * WHAT...Flooding caused by runoff from rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties. * WHEN...Until 700 PM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 948 AM CDT Friday, automated river gages and the public reported flooding in the advisory area. Minor flooding is occurring. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Forest Center, Little Saganaga Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Snowbank Lake, Alpine Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Isabella, Saganaga Lake, Basswood Lake, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness North of the Gunflint Trail, Pine Lake, Alice Lake, Malberg Lake, Lake Polly and Thomas Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
Fort Charlotte Backcountry Campgrounds offers a true wilderness camping experience at Grand Portage National Monument, with two primitive campsites positioned at the historic Fort Charlotte site on the Pigeon River, marking the United States-Canada border. These remote sites are only accessible to determined hikers willing to trek the 8.5-mile Grand Portage Trail from Lake Superior or to canoeists navigating down the Pigeon River from South Fowl Lake. Each of the two campsites is limited to 9 people and requires Leave No Trace camping practices. The sites are situated at the northern terminus of the historic Grand Portage, an 8.5-mile footpath that fur traders once used to bypass waterfalls and rapids on the Pigeon River. Hikers can access the trail from the historic depot area on Grand Portage Bay or from an alternative trailhead where Old Highway 61 intersects the portage along County Road 17. This is the only location within Grand Portage National Monument where camping is permitted. Free backcountry camping permits are required and available through the National Park Service, with at least two weeks advance notice recommended for permit processing. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities or services at the remote sites.
Directions
Accessible by hiking the 8.5-mile Grand Portage Trail from the historic depot area on Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior, or from an alternative trailhead where Old Highway 61 intersects the portage along County Road 17. Also accessible by canoe down the Pigeon River from South Fowl Lake.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| GRPO_Back_Country@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (218) 475-0123 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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