Devil Track Lake Campground

4.26

40 reviews

Devil Track Lake Campground, 12 miles north of Grand Marais on Co. 57, Minnesota

Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Minnesota

Quick Facts

1,520 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,520 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Devil Track Lake Campground

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsites are $22 per night, applicable during regular season. Winter camping is free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Standard Site Fee$22.00

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

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USFS

Provider

(218) 387-1750SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 40 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyspaciouslakesites

"User reviews of Devil Track Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting its secluded nature, spacious sites, and scenic lake views. However, many reviewers emphasize the presence of mosquitoes as a significant drawback to the camping experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Devil Track Lake Campground, 12 miles north of Grand Marais on Co. 57, Minnesota

Devil Track Lake Campground

Devil Track Lake Campground, 12 miles north of Grand Marais on Co. 57, Minnesota

Driving directionsFrom MN 61 in Grand Marais, turn north on Co 12, the Gunflint Trail. Follow Co 12 about 4 miles to Co 8. Turn left on Co 8 and follow it 5.7 miles to the fork of Co 8 and 27. Veer left to stay on Co 8. Follow 8 about 2.7 miles until you reach the campground. Past the campground, 8 is Co 57. Note: The roads are paved to the campground drive. Take paved roads at forks.

The roads to the campground are paved and accessible with clear signs. The route includes several turns but is well-marked. Seasonal snow or ice may impact accessibility during winter.

Nearby places

Grand Marais: 12 miles, approximately 20-minute drive

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Grand Marais, approximately 12 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Devil Track Lake Campground

Experience the full majesty of Minnesota's seasonal transformations at Devil Track Lake. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and fishing, though wise campers come prepared for the mosquitoes that thrive in late spring and early summer – consider them part of the authentic wilderness experience! As autumn paints the poplars in brilliant golds, the bugs disappear and crisp air invites cozy campfires. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, where snowmobile trails weave through the frozen forest and ice fishing enthusiasts dot the lake's solid surface.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm days and fishing but mosquitoes are frequently cited as a major negative.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely excellent with colors, lake views and fewer bugs per seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open May 10; spring offers quiet lake access and fishing though early season limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Top 18% in MN

Winter camping year-round and snowmobile trail access, but limited facilities noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 10 through October 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 10 to October 21 for regular camping. Winter camping is available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.

About Devil Track Lake Campground

Nestled on a pristine peninsula that juts into the crystalline waters of Devil Track Lake, this intimate 16-site campground offers an authentic North Woods escape. Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves at your lakefront site, where morning mist dances across 1,873 acres of pure wilderness water. Young pines whisper in the breeze, creating a natural sanctuary where eagles soar overhead and loons call across the water. Adventure awaits with a convenient carry-down boat launch and fishing pier right at your doorstep, while those with larger watercraft can access the drive-in boat ramp just a half-mile down the forest road.

Devil Track Lake Campground offers a mix of camping experiences, with options suitable for tent camping, RVs, and those seeking a rustic, primitive experience.

Historical SignificanceThe haunting beauty of Devil Track Lake carries echoes of its Ojibwe origins, where the name derives from their word for 'spirit' – a translation that barely captures the sacred essence this place held for Native peoples. Local elders speak of ancient pathways and seasonal camps along these shores, where generations gathered wild rice and honored the spirits of the water. Today's visitors can still sense that timeless connection between land, water, and sky that made this place special to the area's first inhabitants.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full majesty of Minnesota's seasonal transformations at Devil Track Lake. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for swimming and fishing, though wise campers come prepared for the mosquitoes that thrive in late spring and early summer – consider them part of the authentic wilderness experience! As autumn paints the poplars in brilliant golds, the bugs disappear and crisp air invites cozy campfires. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, where snowmobile trails weave through the frozen forest and ice fishing enthusiasts dot the lake's solid surface.

ElevationPerched at 1,520 feet above sea level, Devil Track Lake Campground enjoys the perfect elevation for comfortable camping throughout the season. This moderate altitude brings refreshingly cool nights even during summer's warmest days, ensuring restful sleep under star-filled skies. Come winter, the elevation guarantees reliable snowfall that transforms the landscape into a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paradise, with powder that stays fresh long after storms pass.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape in beautiful transition, where resilient young pines and shimmering poplars create a mosaic of green against the sapphire expanse of Devil Track Lake. While the regenerating forest offers dappled rather than deep shade, it provides exceptional wildlife viewing – watch for deer browsing at dawn, black bears foraging for berries, and countless bird species that thrive in this edge habitat. Summer brings a bounty of wild blueberries and raspberries along sunny trails, while the lake itself harbors prized populations of walleye, northern pike, and lake trout that challenge anglers year-round.

Geological RegionSet within the vast wilderness of Superior National Forest, Devil Track Lake Campground occupies a special corner of Minnesota's Arrowhead region along the northeastern shore of its namesake lake. This remarkable landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers that carved deep basins and left behind countless lakes, creating the boundary waters that define this region. The young forest regenerating here speaks to the area's resilience – a living testament to nature's ability to renew itself after disturbance, whether from historic logging or natural fire cycles that have shaped these woods for millennia.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of nine people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 16 campsites are laid out along a short peninsula, with a mix of lakefront and forested sites. Tables and fire grilles are available at all sites.

Reservation PlatformsThis campground does not accept reservations; all sites are first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 16 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites reportedly fill during peak times such as weekends.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as reservations are not allowed.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been reported. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being large enough to accommodate larger RVs, while others are more modest. Sites not directly on the lake tend to be 'gigantic,' as noted by Stephanie Kruse.

PrivacyPrivacy is a notable feature of this campground. Many campsites are described as 'secluded' and 'private,' as highlighted by reviews from users like Troy Molde and Drey Loge.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites for better views and direct water access. Site 8 is recommended for privacy.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Devil Track Lake Campground provides several recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, and scenic viewing. During winter, the site becomes part of the Expressway Snowmobile Trail.

HikingThe Expressway Snowmobile Trail is available for hiking and mountain biking during non-winter months.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Devil Track Lake, which spans 1,873 acres. Trout fishing is also available in nearby streams.

BikingMountain biking is allowed on the Expressway Snowmobile Trail during the summer.

BoatingBoating activities include both motorized and non-motorized options. A carry-down boat launch is situated within the campground, and a drive-down boat ramp is located half a mile away.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's wooded setting, featuring many young pines, makes it an excellent spot for wildlife observation.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a recurring concern, particularly in late spring and summer. Wildlife may be present, making food storage a critical practice.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesGunflint Ranger District Office: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, Phone: (218) 387-1750. Closest hospital: North Shore Health in Grand Marais, approximately 12 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are provided for waste disposal. Campers are reminded to pick up and bag their dog’s waste and dispose of it properly.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located directly on the shores of Devil Track Lake, with several campsites offering direct access or views of the water.

Camp HostNo information available about hosts onsite.

Weather at Devil Track Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3

40 reviews

Satisfactory

Devil Track Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Devil Track Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting its secluded nature, spacious sites, and scenic lake views. However, many reviewers emphasize the presence of mosquitoes as a significant drawback to the camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include the spaciousness of campsites, privacy, and proximity to lake access. Stephanie Kruse noted, 'We stayed in number 8 which I believe is the best site for seclusion and lake...

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a major issue. One reviewer described them as 'the worst I've ever seen in my life.' Another said, 'We couldn't stay however due to the amount of mosquitoes at...

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ample mosquito protection, including repellents and netting. Select lakefront sites early, as they are popular. Site 8 is recommended for its seclusion and lake access.

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes are particularly problematic during the summer months, especially in June and July. Seasonal trends suggest the campground is less crowded during weekdays.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Absolutely great sites here - large and quite secluded from other campers.' - Drey Loge - 'Nice big sites. Very private. I was here the last week of June, and the sites weren't full Tuesday...

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8 is highlighted as the best option for seclusion and lake access. Lakefront sites are highly sought after and may have occupants even if appearing unoccupied during the day.

Based on 40 reviews