Trails End Campground

Star4.52
270 reviews
WAY OF THE WILDERNESS, INC, TRAILS END CAMPGROUND, 12582 GUNFLINT TRL, GRAND MARAIS, MN 55604, USA
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,460 ft

Price

$22 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open May 6, 2025, to...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Gunflint Ranger District 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
Trails End Campground
$22.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Seasonal rates range between $22.00 and $24.00. Reservation fees start at $8 online or $9 through the contact center. Late cancellations incur a $10...
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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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Provider
(218) 387-1750
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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 270 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the natural beauty, clean facilities, and excellent access to outdoor activities. Some dissatisfaction was noted regarding amenity closures and occasional maintenance lapses."

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Campground Map

WAY OF THE WILDERNESS, INC, TRAILS END CAMPGROUND, 12582 GUNFLINT TRL, GRAND MARAIS, MN 55604, USA

Trails End Campground

WAY OF THE WILDERNESS, INC, TRAILS END CAMPGROUND, 12582 GUNFLINT TRL, GRAND MARAIS, MN 55604, USA

Driving directionsFrom Grand Marais, Minnesota, take Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) 57 miles north. Gunflint Trail ends at Trail's End Campground.
The Gunflint Trail is a paved road, but the last 20 miles are reportedly bumpy and can be challenging for vehicles towing campers. Seasonal conditions such as snow and ice may impact accessibility.
Nearby places
Grand Marais (57 miles, approximately 1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Way of the Wilderness, located nearby, offers firewood, groceries, canoe rentals, and gear. However, reviews indicate inconsistent availability.

Best Time to Camp at Trails End Campground

From the crystalline silence of frigid winters to the gentle warmth of northern summers, Trail's End showcases nature's dramatic seasonal transformations. Savvy campers time their visits for late spring's awakening or early fall's golden displays, when comfortable temperatures prevail and the infamous northwoods mosquitoes have retreated. These shoulder seasons reveal the forest at its most inviting, with perfect conditions for paddling, hiking, and fireside evenings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Peak season: glowing reviews for warm-weather canoeing, fishing and swimming.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall praised for scenic beauty and quieter visits; cooler temps but excellent foliage.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Late spring recommended; good canoeing/fishing as season opens (campground opens May 6).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter; open May–Oct.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 6, 2025, to October 12, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 6, 2025, to October 12, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Recent reviews indicate occasional closures due to forest fires. Water system repairs are also noted.

About Trails End Campground

Escape to the untamed wilderness at Trail's End Campground, where the modern world fades away and nature takes center stage. This remote, rustic retreat sits on the doorstep of the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering adventurers a perfect basecamp for exploration. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with an RV (up to 45 feet), you'll find the solitude you seek with the comfort of knowing a campground host is nearby and county sheriff patrols ensure your safety in this pristine backcountry setting.
Trail's End Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly spots.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Official check-in time not stated.
Check-out
Official check-out time not stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Trail's End Campground provides a wide array of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby cultural sites.
HikingHiking trails include access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and nearby pathways to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
FishingFishing is popular with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout both in the Seagull River and nearby lakes.
SwimmingSome campsites provide access to swimming areas, often described as scenic but occasionally challenging to access due to rocky terrain.
BoatingThe campground includes boat landings suited for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized boats. Permits are required for boating in the Boundary Waters.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is exceptional for bald eagles, osprey, loons, and moose. Beavers and grouse are also frequently observed.
Beach activitiesAlthough not traditional beaches, campers can enjoy sunbathing and relaxing by the rocky shores.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, steep drop-offs at some campsites, and unpredictable weather. Reviews mention overflowing dumpsters attracting wildlife.
Active AlertsRecent reviews indicate occasional closures due to forest fires. Water system repairs are also noted.

Weather at Trails End Campground

Reviews

4.5
270 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Trails End Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the natural beauty, clean facilities, and excellent access to outdoor activities. Some dissatisfaction was noted regarding amenity closures and occasional maintenance lapses.
Review Summaries
Based on 270 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's stunning views, spacious sites, and excellent access to canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Many users also appreciate the cleanliness and the friendly staff.
Based on 270 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include occasional issues with waste management, limited availability of advertised amenities such as firewood and showers, and varying levels of site privacy.
Based on 270 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood and extra toilet paper as amenities may not always be available. Consider reserving lakeside sites for the best views and access to water.
Based on 270 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer, with glowing reviews about warm weather activities like canoeing and fishing. Fall is noted for its scenic beauty but can be quieter and colder.
Based on 270 reviews

Camper Quotes

“The best camping experience I’ve ever had. Great campground with the best views.” — William Britt “Trail's End Campground is beautiful and remote, offering excellent wildlife viewing and hiking...
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Based on 270 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 16 is highly recommended for its views, while Site 18 offers proximity to rapids but less privacy. Site 8 is described as scenic but rocky and challenging for tents.
Based on 270 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campgrounds generally receive positive accessibility feedback, noting clean and well-maintained vault toilets, though some users mention inclined pathways as a slight challenge.
Based on 270 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but pet-owner-specific reviews are sparse. Always keep pets leashed and supervised when near wildlife.
Based on 270 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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