Overview East Bearskin Lake Campground is located on its namesake lake, at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. It is a perfect spot for visitors who want the experience found in Boundary Waters and the convenience of car camping. Visitors can reserve standard or walk-in tent sites, or rent small cabins that accommodate up to five or seven people. Canoeing, kayaking and motorized boating is available on East Bearskin Lake. The facility can be conveniently accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Over a million acres in size, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness extends nearly 150 miles along the borders of the United States and Canada, containing over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. The two eastern bays of the lake are within the boundaries of Boundary Waters, thus the campground attracts canoe enthusiasts. Portages link to Flour Lake. Entering the wilderness area requires a special permit. Day permits for non-motorized use are available at the campground, but overnight and motor use permits must be obtained in advance. More information on the Boundary Waters region can be found here. East Bearskin Lake features several shallow bays, making the campground and shoreline good places for wildlife watching. Moose, beavers, eagles, ducks, loons, songbirds and bears are the most common visitors. See recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Fishing is also a huge draw for the area, with East Bearskin Lake offering great fishing for bass, walleye and lake trout. A boat ramp at the campground allows motorboats and canoes access to the lake. Back on shore, a variety of hiking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails are nearby.Facilities Campsites are arranged along one large loop and three smaller loops within the campground. A few sites provide a limited view of the water and all sites are within walking distance of the lake. Each campsite has an accessible fire ring with grill grates and a picnic table. Vault toilets and a solar-powered drinking water system are provided throughout the campground. The four rental cabins sleep five or seven people, respectively. Each has a single bed, double bed and set of bunk beds, while one has an additional bed. The cabins have no running water, electricity, heating or cooking facilities. Cabin visitors must use the campground's toilet and water facilities. Cabin campers must bring their own sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cooking gear and food. Flashlights are also recommended.Natural Features The campground and surrounding area is shaded with majestic red and white pines, balsam fir, spruce, birch and aspen trees. A thick understory offers plenty of shade and excellent privacy between campsites. The campground lies on the shore of the 643-acre East Bearskin Lake, a typical loon nesting site. The surrounding Superior National Forest is located in northeastern Minnesota's arrowhead region and is comprised of 3 million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the border of the United States and Canada. Visitors can find recreation opportunities year-round, including travel in the famous Boundary Waters area. Nearby Attractions Boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the neighboring Bearskin Lodge. The store also offers fishing licenses, day use permits, groceries, ice, firewood, maps and fishing guide services for sale.
Reviews of East Bearskin Lake Campground
1 person has reviewed this location
Ratings Summary
Cell Coverage
Verizon 5G
Confirmed by 1 users | Last reported on July 09, 2020Reviews
Date July 2-5, 2020
East Bearskin Lake Campground is just off the Gunflint Trail, 26 miles up from Grand Marais.
It is a US Forest Service Campground with no hookups, there are Pit Toilets and a solar powered water pump.
Some sites and camper cabins can be reserved on Recreatiton.gov others are 1st come 1st served.
Bearskin Lodge is the concessionaire that manages the campground.
They are a neighboring resort with some boat/canoe rentals, firewood, etc.
But no access to showers or other lodge facilities.
The Lodge and campground are on the western end of East Bearskin Lake.
The eastern edge of the lake is actually part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Which means there is a boat motor size limit. I think it is 25 hp and there are very few boats you will see or hear.
Site 3 is right next to the water pump and near toilets. It is also on the lake with a nice pebble landing good for boat/canoe/kayak landing or tube floating and swimming. Very private.
This is an excellent central trail campground providing great access to hiking trails and BWCA canoe routes.
I've found these types of activities more enjoyable to the classic canoe camping experience.
Some of the great nearby hiking I have done are Honeymoon Bluff, Blueberry hill, Magnetic Rock and Caribou Rock trail. These are varying degrees of difficulty, do your research before you strike out for one.
We recently experienced very rare hot (90 degree) weather and having the lake to cool off in after a mid-morning hike was just awesome.
Just a few miles up the trail be sure to stop at Loons Nest Gifts. It is a cute little craft shop stocking locally made souvenirs and gifts. Very affordable.
Poplar lake area has Trail Center lodge with Bar and Restaurant and shop for last minute supplies and maybe gas but unsure with Covid going on. Did not stop this last time but it looks nice.
One caveat: The bugs! pretty constant between day-time horse flies and evening mosquitoes, bring spray and some even bring a screened in tent.
Nightly Rate: $20.00
Days Stayed: 3
Site Number: 3
Cell Coverage Rating
Verizon
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East Bearskin Lake Campground
Hours
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Check In
- 3:00 PM
- Max Stay
- 14
- Check Out
- 11:00 AM
- Max Length
- 20
- Affiliation
- National forest
- Sites Count
- 33
- Last Nightly Rate
- 20.0
- Lowest Nightly Rate
- 20.0
- Longest Vehicle Length Reported
- 25.0
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Sites
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Laundry
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Propane
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Showers
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Big Rigs
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Boondock
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Firewood
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Fifty Amp
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Tent Sites
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Cabin Sites
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Full Hookup
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Dump Station
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Mobile Homes
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Public Water
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Pull Through
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Reservations
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Sewer Hookup
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Water Hookup
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Age Restricted
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Dispersed Sites
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Open Seasonally
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Permit Required
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Group Tent Sites
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Fulltime Residents
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Standard Tent Sites
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Pull Through RV Sites
Campground, Restrooms