Kimball Lake Campground

Star4.36
37 reviews
12 miles north of Grand Marais, MN
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,520 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gunflint Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Kimball Lake Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$22 per night regular single-site fee. Premium single sites may have additional fees for features such as water access or view.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(218) 387-1750SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 37 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulclean

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and excellent fishing opportunities. The vault toilets are frequently praised for being clean and well-stocked. Some users note that the sites are rocky, which can make setting up tents challenging."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

12 miles north of Grand Marais, MN

Kimball Lake Campground

12 miles north of Grand Marais, MN

Driving directionsFrom MN 61, turn north on County Road 12 (Gunflint Trail). Follow Cty 12 10.7 miles to Forest Road 140 (Trout Lake Rd). Turn right on FR 140. Continue 2 miles to campground entrance on right.
The campground road has regular dog mushing traffic during the winter months, so vehicle access is limited. Access routes include paved roads until Forest Road 140, which is gravel.
Nearby places
Grand Marais (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving distance)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries, are available in Grand Marais, 12 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Kimball Lake Campground

From May through October, Kimball Lake transforms with the seasons. Spring arrives with crisp mornings perfect for casting lines as the forest awakens. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. As autumn approaches, cooler temperatures paint the surrounding forest in brilliant golds and reds, creating a photographer's paradise. When winter's snow blankets the landscape, the campground rests quietly, accessible only to those adventurous souls exploring the frozen wonderland on cross-country skis or snowshoes.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers beach use, warm days, fishing and boating; peak season services available Memorial Day–Sept 30.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall brings crisp mornings and good fishing; seasonal reviews note pleasant fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers crisp mornings and early-season fishing, but services are limited before Memorial Day.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (May–Oct); winter access limited and services closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Likely Memorial Day weekend to September 30 based on service availability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 10 to October 21. Limited services available before Memorial Day weekend and after September 30.
  • Current Alerts: As of a recent user review, there is still a fire ban in effect.

About Kimball Lake Campground

Nestled in the heart of Minnesota's wilderness, Kimball Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where pristine waters meet untouched forest. This hidden gem attracts devoted anglers drawn to Kimball Lake's rainbow trout-filled depths and families who gather at Mink Lake's inviting sandy beach. With its wheelchair-accessible fishing pier extending over crystal-clear waters, this rustic retreat welcomes all who seek the simple pleasures of campfire stories, morning mist on the lake, and the thrill of a tight fishing line.
Kimball Lake Campground provides rustic camping options suitable for tents and moderately sized vehicles. Sites are available on a loop and a spur near the boat ramp.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 days per stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kimball Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, non-motorized boating, and hiking. A sandy beach and a trail circling the lake are highlights.
HikingA non-maintained trail circles Kimball Lake, providing opportunities for hiking and fishing. User reviews mention it as a 'fun 2-mile trail,' though it is not well-maintained.
FishingThe lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishing requires a license with a trout stamp. Nearby Mink Lake offers additional fishing opportunities.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Kimball Lake. A boat ramp is available, but no additional details are provided on docking facilities.
Wildlife viewingUsers report sightings of various wildlife around the lake, enhancing the camping experience.
Beach activitiesNearby Mink Lake offers a sandy beach for activities such as sunbathing and swimming.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rocky terrain for tent placement, wildlife such as bears requiring careful food storage, and fire bans during dry conditions.
Active AlertsAs of a recent user review, there is still a fire ban in effect.

Weather at Kimball Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
37 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kimball Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and excellent fishing opportunities. The vault toilets are frequently praised for being clean and well-stocked. Some users note that the sites are rocky, which can make setting up tents challenging.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is praised for its cleanliness ('cleanest bathrooms'), quiet and peaceful setting ('makes for a peaceful camping experience'), and excellent fishing ('great fishing spots').
Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include rocky ground at campsites, making it difficult to set up tents, and the lack of full RV hookups. Some users also mentioned bugs being an issue.
Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing cash or checks for payment. Ensure you have appropriate tent stakes due to rocky ground, and prepare for a rustic experience as there are no showers or full RV hookups.
Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as peaceful even during holiday weekends, but the fire ban and rocky ground are noted as challenges during summer. Winter access is limited due to dog mushing traffic on...
Show more
Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great off the beaten path if you want remote car camping while visiting the north shore.' - Hailey Macias. 'Even though we were there over a holiday weekend, they made sure to keep all the concrete...
Show more
Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and a barrier-free fishing pier at Mink Lake are noted, but no detailed user feedback on these features is provided.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly. Users appreciate the space for pets and the opportunity to hike with them on trails. Specific rules such as leashing and waste disposal are emphasized.
Based on 37 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Kimball Lake Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Minnesota

Campgrounds
Superior National Forest
Kimball Lake Campground