10 Best Camping Spots Near Gunflint Trail, Minnesota

gunflint trail camping
Alex
Alex 
Published
| 5 min read

Many people throughout North America might know the Appalachian Trail, but Gunflint Trail is a lesser-known and gorgeous route in Cook County, Minnesota. Starting from the shores of Lake Superior, the path ends in Saganaga Lake 57 mi (92 km) away. For nature lovers, trekking on Gunflint Trail is a marvelous experience. See local flora and fauna such as moose, fox, and deer living nearby, as well as pines, firs, and spruces billowing in the distance. For those who love fishing, trout, pike, and bass are abundant. Several houses, towns, and businesses dot the trail, so civilization is never really that far away. It’s also one of the most picturesque places to camp in the state. If you’re looking to pitch your tent or drive with your RV, check out the best camping spots near Gunflint Trail, Minnesota.

RV campgrounds & RV sites

1. East Bearskin Lake Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Bearskin Lodge on Sunday, June 30, 2019

Located on the shores of East Bearskin Lake, this campground is a great option for summer camping. Groups and families can spend some time on the water to do a little fishing or canoeing. They may also explore the nearby waterfalls.

All 32 sites have picnic tables and fire pits. While there are no electric hook-ups available, there is a toilet and a solar-powered water pump. Canoe or kayak rental is available on site, and there is a small restaurant within the premises.

East Bearskin Lake Campground

Address: 124 E Bearskin Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: East Bearskin Lake Campground

2. Okontoe Fellowship Inc

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Okontoe Fellowship Inc on Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Whether you’re here for a spiritual retreat or to spend a quiet weekend with your family by the lake, Okontoe Fellowship Inc is a great spot for your next camping vacation. There are 32 campsites offering lake views, forest views, or total privacy off the path. The recommended maximum size per RV is 24 ft (7 m), but there are 2 pull-through sites that can accommodate bigger motorhomes.

There are outhouses and a shower house available, but note that there is no electricity and cell service in the area. The small beach on the lake is great for cooling off in the summer months and for launching canoes or kayaks.

Okontoe Fellowship Inc

Address: 110 Bow Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Okontoe Fellowship Inc

3. Nor’Wester Lodge & Outfitters

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Nor' Wester Lodge & Outfitters on Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Spend a summer on the waterfront with friends and take in the gorgeous views of the sunset over Poplar Lake. Nor’Wester Lodge & Outfitters offers accommodations for people with RVs, but tent sites and cottages are also available for rent.

Everyone can enjoy views of the lake and take a stroll to the dock. Sites come with electricity and water access. Do some fishing or canoeing on the lake in summer, or check out the local hiking trails and cross country skiing in winter.

Nor’Wester Lodge & Outfitters

Address: 7778 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Nor’Wester Lodge & Outfitters

4. Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Northwoods is a great place to find your “me time”.

Posted by Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground on Thursday, July 15, 2021

Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground has been operating since 1978. Hike and enjoy the fall colors, cross-country ski in the winter, or swim in the lake in the summer. The site is a perfect all-year-round place to come with family or friends.

This pet-friendly campsite offers water and power hook-ups, fire pits, picnic tables, and an on-site store. You can surround yourself with nature but still enjoy comforting amenities.

Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground

Address: 217 S Gunflint Lake Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Gunflint Pines Resort and Campground

5. Grand Marais Campground & Marina

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Grand Marais Municipal Campground and Marina on Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Featuring campsites on the beautiful Lake Superior, Grand Marais Campground & Marina is open all year round. Experience hiking and cross country skiing in winter or canoeing and fishing on the lake in summer. Reservations are recommended between June and September.

Playgrounds and beaches make it ideal for families with kids, while the on-site restaurant offers WiFi and coffee for older campers. Guests arriving with an RV will have electricity and water hook-ups. Tent sites offer picnic tables and campfire pits.

Grand Marais Campground & Marina

Address: 114 S 8th Ave W, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Grand Marais Campground & Marina

6. Flour Lake Campground

Flour Lake Campground on the Gunflint Trail, Minnesota (40838903012)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tony Webster used under CC BY 2.0

Flour Lake Campground offers 37 different campsites that come with some basic amenities to make your stay here a fun option. Campsites offer picnic tables, fire pits, and access to a boat ramp if you plan on fishing. The peak season from early May to early October requires reservations.

All these amenities make it ideal for people camping solo, with friends, or with family. If you are into fishing, walleye and lake trout are abundant in the lake. Bike paths and hiking trails are nearby. If you’re visiting in the winter, bring your ski gear and snowshoes and hike the snowy trails.

Flour Lake Campground

Address: 468 Clearwater Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Flour Lake Campground

7. Kimball Lake Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Anglers will enjoy spending time at Kimball Lake Campground. Bring along a few friends and cast out onto the lake where you can enjoy some great trout fishing in the summer. Note that people looking to fish here must have a license.

The nearby Mink Lake is where you can swim and lounge in the small beach area. Canoeing is also possible. Nearby trails are great for hiking, and campsites come with outhouse-style bathrooms and solar-powered water pumps. Kimball Lake Campground offers plenty of seclusion for those looking to truly immerse themselves in nature.

Kimball Lake Campground

Address: FR 140, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Kimball Lake Campground

8. Trail's End Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Trail’s End Campground sits amidst red and white pine trees, making it a beautiful option to camp in, especially in the fall when the colors of the leaves are changing. Blankenburg Landing is nearby, featuring a sandy beach where you can swim.

The space is also very secluded, but many campsites have access to water and nearby spots for canoe or kayak rental, shower access, and even a nearby restaurant. Whether you’re looking to spend some time with the kids out in the wilderness or with some friends away from the city, Trail’s End Campground is a great option.

Trail's End Campground

Address: Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Trail’s End Campground

9. Iron Lake Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Take your family or a group of friends and unplug from modern living. Iron Lake Campground is remote and small, providing privacy for those seeking it. Its peak season is from May to October.

Sitting right on the lakefront, the site is perfect for anglers because Iron Lake has tons of northern pike and walleye. Canoeing and blueberry picking are also fun options for things to do here in the summer. Amenities are few, but there is an outhouse and access to a solar-powered faucet for water, so plan accordingly.

Iron Lake Campground

Address: Old Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Iron Lake Campground

10. Two Island Lake Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Two Island Lake Campground is near the town of Grand Marais but still offers plenty of seclusion and privacy. You’ll feel like you’re off the beaten path while still being relatively close to the town.

The area is great for nature lovers and anglers. If you’re into hiking, bird watching, and fishing, Eagle Mountain Trail offers great picture and sighting opportunities while the lake is loaded with walleye and smallmouth bass. Boat ramps, toilets, and water pumps are available here, along with separate trash containers.

Two Island Lake Campground

Address: Ball Club Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604, United States (map)

Website: Two Island Lake Campground

Catch great spots and beautiful views near Gunflit Trail

Gunflint Trail is a large area, and that’s what makes it ideal for exploration. The dozens of lakes, forests, and trails make it a perfect place to spend snowy winters cross-country skiing or swimming in the lakes during summer. Bring your RV or pitch your tent, and enjoy this section of Minnesota.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Alex is a Canadian university graduate with degrees in English literature and History. He was born in Montreal and when he's not traveling he enjoys movies, video games, playing the drums and...Read more

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