Kemo Lake

Star0
1 review
2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,926 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from April 15th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Superior National Forest site

Official Website
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Kemo Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There is no fee for camping at the site as this is a dispersed backcountry camping location.
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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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"User reviews highlight the site's remote and primitive nature. Some users appreciate the solitude, while others note challenges such as difficult terrain and limited facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Kemo Lake

2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Driving directionsNorth Entrance: East and West Twin Lakes boat landing is 26 miles northwest of Grand Marais. From MN 61 in Grand Marais, take the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) north for 16.5 miles. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 325 and travel 6 miles. Turn left (south) on FR 152 and go 4 miles to the boat landing. South Entrance: There is also a canoe landing on Pine Lake. It can be accessed from County 27 from the south. From MN 61, take the Gunflint Trail north for 3 miles. Turn left on County 8 and travel along the north edge of Devil Track Lake to County 27. Follow 27 an additional 4 miles to FR 1365. The canoe access is 1.5 miles up this minimal maintenance road.
The campground is accessible via paved and unpaved roads. FR 1365 is noted as a 'minimal maintenance road,' which may pose challenges for some vehicles. Seasonal closures are not explicitly stated.
Nearby places
Grand Marais: 26 miles northwest (approximately 38-45 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Grand Marais offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel. The Gunflint Ranger District Office does not provide retail sales or permit issuance.

Best Time to Camp at Kemo Lake

From its April 15th opening through the warm days of summer, Kemo Lake transforms with the seasons. Spring arrives tentatively, with winter's grip sometimes lingering as late snowfall dusts the forest floor and moderate temperatures coax life back into the wilderness. As summer unfolds, comfortable conditions invite long days of exploration, though afternoon rain showers often sweep across the lake, creating dramatic skies and refreshing the boreal air. Come prepared for nature's moods—this is a place where weather shapes each day's adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open from April 15; warm weather offers paddling, fishing and solitude.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely scenic and accessible, but specifics are not detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Opens Apr 15 but spring can have lingering snow and boggy conditions per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter camping/access not emphasized; site opens Apr 15 so winter use is unclear.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not applicable; dispersed camping does not have peak pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 15th onwards. Closing dates are not explicitly mentioned.

About Kemo Lake

Escape to the solitude of Kemo Lake, where a single dispersed campsite awaits those seeking a true wilderness adventure. Whether you arrive by paddling across pristine waters or hiking through ancient forests, you'll discover a near-wilderness sanctuary equipped with only the essentials—a fire grate and latrine. This remote retreat demands self-sufficiency and rewards visitors with unparalleled tranquility. Remember to embrace Leave No Trace principles as you immerse yourself in this untouched corner of the north woods, where preparation meets paradise for the well-equipped backcountry camper.
Kemo Lake offers a single, primitive backcountry campsite accessible only by foot or boat. It is first-come, first-served and emphasizes a wilderness experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Not applicable
  • campsite is first-come, first-served.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum of nine people per site. Campers must pack out all garbage.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kemo Lake provides opportunities for a range of outdoor activities suited to its remote, backcountry setting. Popular activities include day hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
HikingDay hikes are available in the surrounding areas. Trails are accessible via portages and provide scenic views of the Superior National Forest.
FishingFishing is a popular activity on Kemo Lake. Anglers can catch species such as brook trout, lake trout, and splake.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted and is the primary means of accessing the campsite. Canoeing is especially popular as the lake is part of a portage route.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (bears), boggy terrain, and limited potable water. Campers must hang food packs and treat or boil all water.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kemo Lake

Reviews

0.0
1 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Kemo Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the site's remote and primitive nature. Some users appreciate the solitude, while others note challenges such as difficult terrain and limited facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

The serene setting and the opportunity for solitude are major positives. As one official source notes: 'This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near-wilderness single party site.'
Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues cited by users include 'big boggy area with low water' and the presence of a 'burnt area,' making the site less appealing for camping.
Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to wear good boots due to boggy terrain and to prepare for the absence of facilities by bringing all necessary supplies.
Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The site is open starting from April 15, aligning with warmer seasons. Winter camping is not emphasized due to accessibility and weather challenges.
Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

Chase Weathersend notes, 'Big boggy area with low water wear good boots noplace to camp. Burnt area.'
Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback mentions challenges with the 'boggy area' and limited camping space.
Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities were found, but the site's primitive nature suggests limited accessibility.
Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews are available, but guidelines for pet owners emphasize leash use and safety measures.
Based on 1 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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