Elbow Lake (Gunflint)

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2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,726 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gunflint Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website

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Quick Facts

1,726 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gunflint Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Elbow Lake (Gunflint)

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at the dispersed sites on Elbow Lake does not require a fee.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Campground Map

2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Elbow Lake (Gunflint)

2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Driving directionsFrom Grand Marais take the Gunflint Trail north for 12 miles. Go west for 1 mile on Elbow Lake Landing Road.

The access road to Elbow Lake is described as a combination of paved (Gunflint Trail) and smaller roads (Elbow Lake Landing Road).

Nearby places

Grand Marais (12 miles, approx. 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The closest town with supplies, including groceries and fuel, is Grand Marais, approximately 12 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Elbow Lake (Gunflint)

Elbow Lake transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering distinct adventures throughout the year. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline embrace, with temperatures hovering around a brisk 22°F during the day and plunging to a teeth-chattering 9°F at night. Heavy snowfall—sometimes accumulating over 5 inches in a single week—creates a pristine wonderland while making access a true expedition. Summer brings gentle relief with comfortable 73°F afternoons perfect for paddling and exploring. Spring and fall paint the boreal forest in stunning transitions, though visitors should come prepared for nature's unpredictable moods.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer likely best for boating, fishing and easiest access; peak usage implied.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall foliage in boreal forest likely attractive, but seasonal specifics not detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers transitional conditions; accessibility and activities may be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but access varies; winter amenities and access details are lacking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is not explicitly defined. However, accessibility and usage may be higher during summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, though accessibility may vary with seasonal conditions.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Elbow Lake (Gunflint)

Hidden deep in Minnesota's wilderness, Elbow Lake beckons adventurous souls seeking true solitude. This remote sanctuary offers two exclusive boat-access campsites, where the modern world fades away and nature takes center stage. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with essential amenities—a sturdy fire grate for evening gatherings and a discrete latrine—while encouraging a harmonious relationship with the wilderness through Leave No Trace camping. Here, your journey begins where the road ends, and every arrival feels like discovering a secret the forest has been keeping.

Elbow Lake (Gunflint) features dispersed camping only, with sites accessible by non-motorized boating.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Elbow Lake remains as quiet as its undisturbed waters, this pristine wilderness has long served as a sanctuary for those seeking connection with Minnesota's untamed northwoods. The untouched landscape speaks to centuries of natural cycles, where indigenous peoples once traveled these waterways and early explorers marveled at the endless forests.

Weather and SeasonsElbow Lake transforms dramatically with each passing season, offering distinct adventures throughout the year. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline embrace, with temperatures hovering around a brisk 22°F during the day and plunging to a teeth-chattering 9°F at night. Heavy snowfall—sometimes accumulating over 5 inches in a single week—creates a pristine wonderland while making access a true expedition. Summer brings gentle relief with comfortable 73°F afternoons perfect for paddling and exploring. Spring and fall paint the boreal forest in stunning transitions, though visitors should come prepared for nature's unpredictable moods.

ElevationNestled within the rolling terrain of Minnesota's boreal region, Elbow Lake rests at an elevation that captures the essence of the northern wilderness experience. The surrounding landscape creates natural amphitheaters of forest and water, offering varied perspectives from shoreline to ridgeline.

Natural Features and ScenerySprawling across 408 magnificent acres, Elbow Lake presents nearly 7 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline that curves and winds through ancient boreal forest. Despite its impressive size, the lake maintains an intimate character with shallow waters reaching just 9 feet at their deepest—perfect for observing aquatic life and wade-fishing. The surrounding forest creates a living tapestry of spruce, fir, and pine, while wildlife thrives in this protected haven. Eagles soar overhead, loons call across the morning mist, and moose occasionally emerge from the treeline to drink at water's edge. This unspoiled wilderness offers the kind of raw, authentic beauty that photographers dream about and memories are built upon.

Geological RegionElbow Lake lies at the heart of Cook County's Superior National Forest, a testament to the ancient geological forces that shaped Minnesota's iconic northwoods. This 408-acre wilderness lake exemplifies the boreal forest ecosystem—a vast expanse of coniferous woodlands interspersed with pristine waterways carved by glaciers millennia ago. The region's unique geology creates a landscape of gentle hills, exposed bedrock, and interconnected water systems that define the character of this northern wilderness. Here, the Canadian Shield's ancient foundations peek through thin soils, supporting a resilient ecosystem perfectly adapted to the harsh beauty of the far north.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

First-come, first-served. No formal check-in time.

Check-out

First-come, first-served. No formal check-out time.

Stay Limit

Nine people per site limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Nine guests are allowed per site as per the wilderness regulations.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features two dispersed backcountry sites.

Reservation PlatformsCamping is non-reservable; no online or offline reservation system applies.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. There are no reservations, and sites fill accordingly.

Cancellation PolicyDispersed camping is first-come, first-served; there is no reservation system or associated cancellation policy.

AccessibilityThis is a backcountry campsite with no accessibility features mentioned. Access is only via a boat ramp, requiring boating to reach the sites.

Site SizeThe two campsites appear to have standard sizes, but specific measurements are not provided.

PrivacyGiven the only two sites on the lake, campers can expect high privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesSite choice is limited to the two available dispersed sites. Campers should select based on proximity to water or personal preference.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Elbow Lake (Gunflint) include both motorized and non-motorized boating, fishing in a well-stocked lake, and scenic viewing opportunities. The emphasis on dispersed camping fosters a quiet, back-to-nature experience.

FishingFishing is supported with species such as bluegill, northern pike, pumpkinseed, sunfish, walleye, yellow perch, and others available in the lake. Anglers can expect a variety of fish in the 408-acre lake.

BoatingThe lake is accessible by motorized and non-motorized boats. There is a concrete slab ramp and a dock for launching.

Wildlife viewingViewing scenery is noted as an activity, which implies opportunities for wildlife observation in the area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be aware of wildlife, especially black bears, and should use bear-proof containers for food. The absence of potable water and restrooms means campers must plan accordingly. Winter access is challenging due to snow and ice.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in the provided fire grates. Campers must extinguish all fires before leaving the site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specified quiet hours.

Emergency ServicesGunflint Ranger District Office at 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604, Phone: (218) 387-1750. Office hours are from April 28 to September 30, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash, and no recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesCampground is directly on Elbow Lake, offering 7 miles of lake shoreline. Access to water activities is immediate.

Camp HostThere is no host available at these dispersed sites.