By:
Submission
East Bearskin Lake Campground is located on its namesake lake, at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. It is a perfect spot for visitors who want the experience found in Boundary Waters and the convenience of car camping. Visitors can reserve standard or walk-in tent sites, or rent small cabins that accommodate up to five or seven people. Canoeing, kayaking and motorized boating is available on East Bearskin Lake. The facility can be conveniently accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Over a million acres in size, the [Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5202169) extends nearly 150 miles along the borders of the United States and Canada, containing over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
The two eastern bays of the lake are within the boundaries of Boundary Waters, thus the campground attracts canoe enthusiasts. Portages link to Flour Lake. Entering the wilderness area requires a special permit. Day permits for non-motorized use are available at the campground, but overnight and motor use permits must be obtained in advance. More information on the Boundary Waters region can be found [here](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5202169).
East Bearskin Lake features several shallow bays, making the campground and shoreline good places for wildlife watching. Moose, beavers, eagles, ducks, loons, songbirds and bears are the most common visitors. See [recreation guides and maps](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5202373) of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Fishing is also a huge draw for the area, with East Bearskin Lake offering great fishing for bass, walleye and lake trout. A boat ramp at the campground allows motorboats and canoes access to the lake. Back on shore, a variety of hiking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails are nearby.
Campsites are arranged along one large loop and three smaller loops within the campground. A few sites provide a limited view of the water and all sites are within walking distance of the lake. Each campsite has an accessible fire ring with grill grates and a picnic table. Vault toilets and a solar-powered drinking water system are provided throughout the campground.
The four rental cabins sleep five or seven people, respectively. Each has a single bed, double bed and set of bunk beds, while one has an additional bed. The cabins have no running water, electricity, heating or cooking facilities. Cabin visitors must use the campground's toilet and water facilities.
Cabin campers must bring their own sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cooking gear and food. Flashlights are also recommended.
The campground and surrounding area is shaded with majestic red and white pines, balsam fir, spruce, birch and aspen trees. A thick understory offers plenty of shade and excellent privacy between campsites. The campground lies on the shore of the 643-acre East Bearskin Lake, a typical loon nesting site.
The surrounding Superior National Forest is located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region and is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the border of the United States and Canada. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters area.
Boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the neighboring Bearskin Lodge. The store also offers fishing licenses, day use permits, groceries, ice, firewood, maps and fishing guide services for sale.
East Bearskin Lake Campground is located 26 miles from Grand Marais, on the historic Gunflint Trail. From Duluth, take Highway 61 north to Grand Marais. Turn left (north) on Gunflint Trail and proceed about 26 miles to East Bearskin Road. Turn right and follow the signs to the campground.
Yet another incredible 8 days off the grid. Reset for your soul.
If you’re looking to stay in a cabin here (within the campground not the lodge cabins) definitely choose the Alder Cabin. Also you do not need to check in at the Bear Skin Lodge for keys, unless you want to (and it’s a $5 deposit for the keys) otherwise just go to the cabin. Also the check out at 11am and check in at 3pm is worthless considering it’s not like they clean them between. If you show up early and the last people are gone, you’re free to set up.
We stayed one night in Alder and then changed to Aspen. I thought given the way the map looks that Aspen would have been closer to the water than Alder but it wasn’t really. Neither cabin can see the lake but both have a short, tight, wooded walk to a private area at the lake. However the Aspen cabin has a useless landing, it’s small, with very large rocks and weeds. I don’t think you could even get a canoe in or out (there’s a small community canoe launch within the campground, along with a separate large boat launch). Alder has much better area it’s a bigger slightly grassy area with easy large-rock-free entrance to the lake, also not weedy. Great for dogs as it’s very private and could easily canoe/kayak in and leave it down there. Might even be able to keep small aluminum boat tied up as well.
Alder also has a much larger area outside the cabin around the picnic table/fire pit and the woods weren’t over grown so the dogs could trot around and be seen easily. Alder does not have a screened in porch like the other 3 and does not have a loft. Has a full size and 3 twins.
Aspen is tiny outside, couldn’t even set up a big screen tent around the picnic table without it hitting the fire pit. Also has a sudden drop along one edge could be dangerous for uncoordinated dogs or small kids. Aspen does have a screened in porch and a loft area to sleep probably 2 more people. But honestly not sure how 7 people would hangout at a campsite this small.
Tamarack and Jack Pine are no where near the water, but both have screened in porches and Tamarack looked to be the newest.
Picture with the rocks is Aspen’s landing. Picture with the dogs is Alder’s water landing.
Also we rented a dog friendly pontoon ($90/4hrs) from Bear Skin Lodge, it wasn’t fancy but was nice.
Spectacular 24hr stay here! Met the owners, really sweet & accommodating. The bundled up fur baby spent a lot of time making swirls in the water, bouncing around & just being a puppy. Falling asleep to the sounds of nature, & waking up just as peaceful made it very hard to leave. I would definitely recommend this campground, if not for the natural beauty, but for the amazing service we were given - even though we were couple days early before it truly opened. Worth the 200+ miles we drove just to get there❣️
The camp ground ran out of firewood and someone stole the wood we purchased from town. However, the cabin was clean and you can see stars clearly
I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews on this campsite.
My experience was pretty positive.
I booked online via Recreation.gov — However when I arrived at my site it didn’t have any reservation papers attached to the sign. We also were never approached by any “camp host.”
The lake access is small but perfect for launching canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and small fishing boats.
The first day we kayaked roughly 5 miles (round trip) to Crocodile falls.
It sits on a very calm lake. Which attaches to about a dozen other lakes.
THE SITE:
- It was a bit rocky but had a semi grass patch where we pitched tent
- Picnic table to gross but it is to be expected
- Very cheap for the area
- The fire pit was very nice!
THE CAMP GROUND:
- It was super super quiet
- Each site was very secluded from the other and spaced out generously
- Short walk to nearest bathrooms (which were very nasty.. but to be expected)
THE BUGS:
- I visited in Early-June and they were absolutely terrible
- We visited in Mid-July and they were tolerable with some deep woods off
Overall, I would return.
