East Bearskin Lake Campground

Star4.07
135 reviews
124 EAST BEARSKIN ROAD, EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Grand Marais, MN, 55604, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,739 ft

Price

$24 - $86/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bearskin Lodge site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
East Bearskin Lake Campground
$24.00 - $86.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range from $24 for standard nonelectric and tent sites to $86 for cabins during peak season. Displayed rates do not include discounts,...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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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Provider
(218)388 2292stay@bearskin.com
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What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 135 reviews

36 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationwaterwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to the Boundary Waters. Complaints focus on maintenance issues, lack of cell service, and privacy concerns at certain sites."

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Campground Map

124 EAST BEARSKIN ROAD, EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Grand Marais, MN, 55604, USA

East Bearskin Lake Campground

124 EAST BEARSKIN ROAD, EAST BEARSKIN LAKE CAMPGROUND, Grand Marais, MN, 55604, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground can be accessed by vehicle. The roads leading to the campground are narrow gravel roads with occasional potholes. Roads may pose challenges during rainy weather, as reviewed by users: 'In rainy weather its mud in many locations' and 'The rut down by the boat landing continues, year after year.'
Nearby places
Grand Marais (26 miles, ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Bearskin Lodge is nearby for boats, canoes, kayaks rentals, fishing licenses, groceries, ice, firewood, maps, and fishing guide services.

Best Time to Camp at East Bearskin Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of Minnesota's changing seasons at East Bearskin Lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with gentle snowfall averaging 1.9 inches per week creating a pristine blanket across the forest floor. As summer arrives, warm days invite endless outdoor adventures, though the moderate humidity brings nature's own welcoming committee – mosquitoes. Pack your bug spray and embrace the authentic northwoods experience, where every season tells its own compelling story.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season with boating/fishing; reviews note mosquitoes and occasional maintenance issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews highlight quieter, less crowded conditions and fall colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Season opens May 10; spring offers lake access but can be buggy and variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground open May 10–Oct 31; closed for main camping in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 10, 2025 - October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is May 10, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Reservable season starts June 24, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Occasional fire bans are issued during extreme wildfire conditions. Users reported poor communication about bans.

About East Bearskin Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of East Bearskin Lake in Northern Minnesota's wilderness, this enchanting campground serves as your gateway to adventure. Whether you're seeking the comfort of a cozy cabin, the simplicity of a standard campsite, or the solitude of a walk-in tent site, East Bearskin Lake Campground delivers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness immersion. As a premier launching point for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness expeditions, you'll find yourself at the crossroads of convenience and untamed nature, where car camping meets backcountry dreams.
East Bearskin Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and cabin stays. It also serves as a staging point for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trips.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

East Bearskin Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, and motorized boating on East Bearskin Lake. Winter sports such as cross-country skiing are also available.
HikingThe campground is adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which offers 12 hiking trails covering various difficulty levels. Trail maps and guides are available at nearby locations.
FishingFishing is a major draw for visitors, with East Bearskin Lake offering opportunities to catch bass, walleye, and lake trout. A boat ramp enables easy lake access.
SwimmingSwimming is possible at designated areas such as the boat launch and specific campsites near the lake.
BikingMountain biking trails are available in the vicinity, offering varied terrain suitable for different skill levels.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity, supported by a boat ramp at the campground. Both motorized boats and non-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks are permitted.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including moose, beavers, eagles, ducks, loons, and bears. Wildlife viewing is especially common near the lake and surrounding forest.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal mosquitoes can be overwhelming. Bears are frequent visitors, requiring proper food storage.
Active AlertsOccasional fire bans are issued during extreme wildfire conditions. Users reported poor communication about bans.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at East Bearskin Lake Campground

Reviews

4.1
135 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
East Bearskin Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to the Boundary Waters. Complaints focus on maintenance issues, lack of cell service, and privacy concerns at certain sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 135 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful and remote location, excellent fishing and kayaking, clean vault toilets, well-maintained cabins, and great access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Based on 135 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues include unclean bathrooms, overgrown campsites, and poorly graded roads. Privacy is limited at some sites, and cell phone service is nonexistent.
Based on 135 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring screened tents to combat mosquitoes, purchase firewood before arrival, and verify seasonal restrictions such as fire bans.
Based on 135 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention mosquitoes and maintenance issues, while fall reviews highlight quieter and less crowded conditions. Winter reviews emphasize opportunities for solitude and cross-country...
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Based on 135 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bearskin Campground is heaven on earth." - Sara R. "East Bearskin is consistently my favorite campground along the Gunflint Trail." - Joseph F. "Absolutely zero cell phone service (not poor, zero)...
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Based on 135 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #3 offers beautiful water access but privacy issues due to loud neighbors. Campsite #26 is close to a cabin but convenient for kayaking. Cabin Aspen receives mixed reviews for maintenance...
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Based on 135 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 135 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Bryan T. praised the pet-friendly options, stating, "The camper cabin we stayed in was a perfect blend of roughing it and having it easy. There aren't many options like this for those of us who like...
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Based on 135 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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