North Fowl Lake

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2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,470 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open starting April ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gunflint Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,470 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open starting April ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gunflint Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

North Fowl Lake

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Dispersed camping at North Fowl Lake is free, but permits are required for travel within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

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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2 Google reviews

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Campground Map

2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

North Fowl Lake

2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Driving directionsAccess to the one campsite is through South Fowl Lake via the Royal River from John Lake, and then Little John Lake.

This site is accessible only by foot or boat, and it requires navigating waterways including South Fowl Lake, Royal River, John Lake, and Little John Lake. "This lake may be a part of or has portage or waterway access into the BWCAW."

Nearby places

Grand Marais (approx. 38 miles). Travel time unavailable.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely to be found in Grand Marais, MN, including groceries, fuel, and camping supplies. Specific locations and distances are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at North Fowl Lake

North Fowl Lake transforms with the seasons, from winter's crystalline landscape of snow and ice to summer's warm embrace. While winter brings a stark beauty with its cold, dry conditions and frequent snowfall, the true magic unfolds from late spring through early fall. Savvy campers target weeks 9, 22, and 27 for the perfect blend of moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies. Those brave enough to venture during weeks 47-49 will face winter's full fury with extreme cold – a challenge best left to the most experienced winter campers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers boating, fishing and warm conditions; site open after April 15.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn likely strong for color, light and solitude though specifics aren't provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Site opens Apr 15; spring offers thaw and changing conditions but can be variable (bugs, mud).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter described as crystalline with ice/snow but no winter services; access and comfort limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open starting April 15. Closing season not explicitly mentioned.

About North Fowl Lake

Escape to the pristine solitude of North Fowl Lake, where a single backcountry campsite awaits adventurous souls seeking true wilderness immersion. Accessible only by foot or boat, this dispersed camping gem offers an authentic off-grid experience complete with basic amenities including a fire grate and latrine, with a picnic table sometimes available. Here, self-reliance is key – you'll need to treat or boil lake water for drinking and carry out every trace of your stay, ensuring this near-wilderness sanctuary remains untouched for future explorers.

North Fowl Lake offers a dispersed camping experience in a backcountry setting. It includes one single-party site accessible only by boat or foot.

Historical SignificancePerched on the edge of the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this campsite serves as your gateway to one of America's most storied paddling destinations. The BWCAW has captivated generations of canoeists and wilderness enthusiasts with its interconnected waterways and unspoiled natural beauty, carrying forward centuries-old traditions of exploration and adventure that echo through these northern forests.

Weather and SeasonsNorth Fowl Lake transforms with the seasons, from winter's crystalline landscape of snow and ice to summer's warm embrace. While winter brings a stark beauty with its cold, dry conditions and frequent snowfall, the true magic unfolds from late spring through early fall. Savvy campers target weeks 9, 22, and 27 for the perfect blend of moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies. Those brave enough to venture during weeks 47-49 will face winter's full fury with extreme cold – a challenge best left to the most experienced winter campers.

ElevationThe gentle terrain of this northern wilderness creates an accessible camping experience, though specific elevation details remain part of the site's untamed mystery.

Natural Features and SceneryNorth Fowl Lake stretches across 1,040 acres along the dramatic United States-Canadian border, creating a vast aquatic playground despite its surprisingly shallow 10-foot maximum depth. This unique characteristic makes the lake particularly responsive to weather changes, creating stunning light displays across its surface. Surrounded by the untouched wilderness of the BWCAW, campers find themselves immersed in a living gallery where eagles soar overhead, loons call across the water, and the northern forest provides an ever-changing backdrop of wildlife encounters.

Geological RegionNestled within the ancient geological tapestry of Superior National Forest, North Fowl Lake tells a story written in stone and water. This shallow border lake, carved by glaciers and time, sits at the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – a landscape where billion-year-old bedrock meets pristine waters. The lake's modest 10-foot depth belies its significance as part of this internationally renowned wilderness ecosystem, where the Canadian Shield's exposed granite creates a rugged beauty found nowhere else on Earth.

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Stay Limit

Nine people per site limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Nine people per site.

Groups

There is no dedicated group site
however, the single site allows up to nine people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle dispersed site.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as the site is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis for one dispersed camping site.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not required.

AccessibilityNo accessibility features are described for this campsite.

Site SizeThe site accommodates a single party, with a group size limit of nine people.

PrivacyThis is a single-party site, which provides privacy but is subject to first-come, first-served availability.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesHang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150 ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage, and Leave No Trace.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at North Fowl Lake include fishing, non-motorized boating, and wildlife viewing. The area is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a backcountry experience.

FishingFishing is available in North Fowl Lake, which hosts species such as burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, and various types of shiners and minnows.

BoatingBoating is limited to non-motorized watercraft. Access to the lake is through South Fowl Lake and the Royal River.

Wildlife viewingThe site offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, though specific species are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife interactions, cold weather exposure, and lack of potable water or restroom facilities.

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

Fire Policy"Only use facilities provided for fires." Fire grate available at the site.

Emergency ServicesGunflint Ranger District Office (Address: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, Phone: (218) 387-1750) for general inquiries and BWCAW permits. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Grand Marais.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out their garbage as there are no trash or recycling facilities on-site.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to North Fowl Lake with access to South Fowl Lake and Royal River.

Camp HostNo campground host; managed by the Gunflint Ranger District.

Weather at North Fowl Lake

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

North Fowl Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

There are no user reviews provided to summarize.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

No specific positive feedback is available.

Common Concerns

No user complaints are recorded.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends from user reviews are provided.

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are available.

Site-Specific Reviews

There is no information on reviews for specific sites within the campground.

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility features are provided.

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specific to pet policies or experiences with pets are included.

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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