Pine Lake

Star4.33
6 reviews
2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,706 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gunflint Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website
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Pine Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are mentioned for camping, as this is a dispersed camping site.
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

4.33

Recommended

Based on 6 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

"User reviews highlight the spaciousness of campsites and the well-maintained common areas. Some criticism is directed at the lack of privacy between sites and the condition of the swimming area."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Pine Lake

2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Road access involves traveling on the Gunflint Trail and County Road 27, with the final stretch requiring a 1.5-mile drive on a minimal maintenance road. Seasonal conditions may affect road conditions.
Nearby places
Grand Marais (approximately 3 miles from MN 61 to the Gunflint Trail turn-off)
Nearby supplies
Supplies for camping, groceries, and fuel are likely available in Grand Marais.

Best Time to Camp at Pine Lake

Pine Lake transforms with the seasons, each offering its own dramatic character. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, with temperatures plunging well below freezing. As spring awakens the forest, expect a temperamental mix of late snowfalls and early rains while nature transitions. Summer brings the sweet spot—balmy days in the 70s perfect for swimming and exploring, with cool nights in the 50s ideal for campfire conversations, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally rumble across the lake. Fall paints the boreal forest in brilliant golds before winter's return, with crisp air and possible early snow flurries.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer brings more activity and paddling/fishing opportunities; campsites still not crowded.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal transformation noted; likely scenic fall colors and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring conditions variable; ice-out and wet conditions possible, fishing and paddling resume.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but heavy snow/ice and limited access reduce winter recreational appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but accessibility may be affected by seasonal conditions.

About Pine Lake

Escape to Pine Lake, where a single, secluded campsite awaits on the southeastern shore of this pristine wilderness gem. This backcountry sanctuary demands your commitment—accessible only by paddle or trail, it rewards adventurous souls with an authentic near-wilderness experience far from the crowds and comforts of modern camping.
Pine Lake is a dispersed camping area with a near-wilderness experience. Campsites are accessible only by boat or foot and are first-come, first-served.
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Stay Limit
Nine people per site limit as per regulations.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Pine Lake offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and both motorized and non-motorized boating. The lake is part of the Twin Lakes Canoe Route, offering unique opportunities for paddling and portaging.
HikingHiking is available, with access to trails leading to and from Pine Lake. Portages to nearby lakes are also part of the experience.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity, with a variety of fish species available, including bluegill, brook trout, lake trout, and smallmouth bass.
SwimmingSwimming is possible, though the lake bottom near the beach is described as weedy and shallow. Campers may need to swim far from shore to reach deeper water.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are supported. The lake is part of a canoe route, and multiple portages are available to nearby lakes.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include interactions with wildlife, such as bears, and the challenges of navigating remote terrain. Campers are advised to hang food packs and store items securely.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pine Lake

Reviews

4.3
6 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pine Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the spaciousness of campsites and the well-maintained common areas. Some criticism is directed at the lack of privacy between sites and the condition of the swimming area.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Vault toilets are clean, common areas are mowed, and the on-site hosts are friendly and visible. First-come, first-served availability ensures flexibility for campers.
Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

The lake bottom near the beach is overgrown with vegetation, making swimming less appealing. Some sites lack vegetation, reducing privacy.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider bringing water and all necessary camping supplies, as amenities are minimal. Campers should also prepare to set up in areas with varying levels of shade and vegetation.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months bring more activity to the lake, but campsites generally do not reach full capacity. Stormy and cold weekends can result in lower occupancy.
Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were clean, common areas were mowed and well maintained - aside from the swimming area." "Hosts say the campground rarely fills to capacity. Everything here is first-come,...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned, but users highlight that some sites are sunnier with less privacy while others are deeply shaded.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but campers must follow strict leash and waste disposal rules. Dogs are permitted on hiking trails but must be leashed at all times.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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