How much does camping cost at East Bearskin Lake Campground?

Camping fees at East Bearskin Lake Campground range from $24-$86/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is East Bearskin Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

East Bearskin Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at East Bearskin Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! East Bearskin Lake Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit East Bearskin Lake Campground?

East Bearskin Lake Campground is open May 08 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at East Bearskin Lake Campground?

East Bearskin Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does East Bearskin Lake Campground have?

East Bearskin Lake Campground has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at East Bearskin Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at East Bearskin Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at East Bearskin Lake Campground?

East Bearskin Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at East Bearskin Lake Campground?

Popular activities at East Bearskin Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

East Bearskin Lake Campground

4.02

135 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Minnesota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Bearskin Lodge Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Bearskin Lodge Official Website

Get Directions

East Bearskin Lake Campground

$24.00 - $86.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $86.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(218)388 2292stay@bearskin.com

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Grand Marais (26 miles, ~40 minutes)

Weather at East Bearskin Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at East Bearskin Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of dramatic northern woods color, cooler comfortable days, and far fewer mosquitoes and crowds than summer. Expect daytime highs in September around 50–60°F and cooling into the 30s–40s at night in October, perfect for crisp hikes, paddle trips, and photography. Fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent as animals prepare for winter and loons remain active on the lake, while campsites feel quieter and more solitary. Peak months: September, October, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall rated best: cooler days, few insects, thinner crowds and good foliage color.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 10, 2025 - October 31, 2025. Reservable season starts June 24, 2025.

About East Bearskin Lake Campground

East Bearskin Lake Campground sits on a remote lake in Superior National Forest near Grand Marais, operated by Bearskin Lodge with direct access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV spots, primitive options, and cabins across forested foothills terrain. Visitors come for fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing in one of Minnesota's most scenic backcountry settings.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of dramatic northern woods color, cooler comfortable days, and far fewer mosquitoes and crowds than summer. Expect daytime highs in September around 50–60°F and cooling into the 30s–40s at night in October, perfect for crisp hikes, paddle trips, and photography. Fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent as animals prepare for winter and loons remain active on the lake, while campsites feel quieter and more solitary. Peak months: September, October, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1739 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies shoreline on East Bearskin Lake at 1,739 feet elevation, where red and white pines tower over balsam fir, spruce, birch, and aspen. The multi-layered canopy creates deep shade at many sites. Loons nest on the lake and call at dawn and dusk. Moose, black bears, and bald eagles appear regularly. The ancient bedrock beneath the forest was carved by glaciers into the lakes and waterways that define this corner of the Arrowhead region.

Lodging & AccommodationsFour rental cabins are available, each equipped with a single bed, double bed, and bunk beds. One cabin features an additional bed. These cabins are rustic and lack running water, electricity, heating, or cooking facilities. Cabin campers must bring their own sleeping gear, cooking supplies, and food. Flashlights are strongly recommended.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational resources such as recreation guides and maps for the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest are available. Interpretive programs were noted but not detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests must adhere to site-specific capacities. Information is not explicitly provided for general sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityCampsites include accessible fire rings and picnic tables. No specific accessibility features for cabins were noted in the provided information.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating multiple tents or vehicles. Cabins feature bunk beds and lofts.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; some are secluded with thick understory for shade, while others are closer to the road and lack privacy.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, campsite #8 was noted. For camper cabins, Aspen Cabin had positive reviews for convenience and comfort.

Best CampsitesSite 3 sits close to the water. Site 21 has direct lake access. Privacy varies across the loops. Some sites have thick understory for seclusion, while others sit near the road with little screening.

Need help booking East Bearskin Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

East Bearskin Lake Campground offers a range of amenities suitable for both tent and cabin campers. Amenities include vault toilets, accessible fire rings with grill grates, picnic tables, and a solar-powered drinking water system. The campground features a boat ramp for motorboats and canoes, providing easy access to East Bearskin Lake. Four rental cabins are available, offering sleep accommodations for five to seven people. These cabins lack running water, electricity, heating, or cooking facilities, and cabin visitors must use the shared toilet and water facilities within the campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground offers only vault-style toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

135 reviews

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

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...

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...

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)...

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...

Based on 135 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want wilderness lake access for fishing and paddling with cabin or campsite options near the Boundary Waters.

Skip if

You need site privacy, want to avoid mosquitoes, or prefer campgrounds with full-time staff oversight.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.1

(115)

Flour Lake Campground

Golden Eagle Lodge, 468 Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Flour Lake Campground sits in Superior National Forest near Grand Marais, operated by Golden Eagle Lodge with tent, RV, and primitive sites spread across foothills terrain. The mid-sized campground offers direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating, plus hiking and biking trails through surrounding forest. Well-spaced sites provide privacy, and facilities include showers, a dump station, and potable water.