Camping on East Bearskin Lake
All campsites at the East Bearskin Lake Campground are $18.00 per night. One vehicle is included and an additional vehicle is $8.00 There is a limit of 8 people and 2 vehicles per site.
This campground is a National Forest Service campground. Bearskin Lodge provides services for the campground, but it is not part of the Lodge. Like most Forest Service campgrounds, this is fairly rustic. There are not showers, nor are there electrical hookups.
Some sites in the East Bearskin Lake Campground have been added to the ReserveAmerica reservation website. Many sites are still on a first come, first served basis. Reservations will only be taken 4 or more days ahead of the desired dates. We cannot make reservations at the lodge.
Cash or personal checks are accepted. A kiosk located near the Campground entrance has self registration instructions with payment envelopes. The following items are available at Bearskin Lodge:
Firewood: $5.00
Canoe: $28.00/day
Boat/motor: $70.00/day
Kayak: $20.00 – $42.00
Ice: $2.50/bag
Fishing Guide (inquire at Bearskin)
Bait: night crawlers and leeches
Bearskin’s famous ice cream sandwiches $3.75
We also have some groceries, bug spray, sunscreen and other necessities. Have a refreshing cold beer of glass of wine in the lodge.
The New East Bearskin Lake Camper Cabins
East Bearskin Lake Campground now has two “Camper Cabins.” Each cabin has bunk space for 5 people, an indoor table, and a porch. Outside the camper cabin there is a fire ring, a picnic table, and a wooded path down to the lake. Access to water and the campground bathrooms is just a short walk away. Camper cabins are an ideal way to experience “edge of the wilderness” camping, but in a more sheltered indoor environment. Families love the camper cabins, and they also make a great bunkhouse for beginning a BWCA trip at the East Bearskin Lake entry point.
Camper cabins can be rented on a “walk-up, first come first serve” basis when available, or reserved ahead of time through www.reserveamerica.com. They rent for $60/night. We are not able to make reservations at the lodge. On the www.reserveamerica.com site, the camper cabins are located at the end of the campsite list, on page 2 of the campsites. We’re recommending that you make an online reservation for these for 2012, rather than plan on getting one as a “walk-up” reservation. Both camper cabins were reserved for most dates in 2011. Plan ahead.
Amenities
Even though you are “roughing it up North”, East Bearskin Lake Campground does offer a few comforts. A large deep water boat launch ramp, numerous complimentary garbage containers, solar powered and hand powered drinking water, new ADA approved toilets, and well maintained sites are all available for guests.
Running through the Campground is Bearskin Lodge’s hiking trail system. This is an extensive network of well marked trails that meander through the area and provide incredible viewing of wildlife and scenery. Stop by Bearskin Lodge for a map of the trails. Many other trails are maintained in the immediate area. Hiking, biking, fishing, berry picking, birding, photography, and swimming are just a few of the things to do.
Location
The East Bearskin Lake Campground is approximately 27 miles from the Lake Superior town of Grand Marais. From Grand Marais take the Gunflint Trail (Cty. Rd. 12) about 26 miles to the East Bearskin Lake Road. Turn right and continue about 1 mile until you come to the Campground. You will pass another sign along the gravel road for Bearskin Lodge, but keep going. The campground is at the next entrance to your right. It well-marked as a National Forest Service campground.
Questions?
Please call (218) 388-2292 for info about the campground. Please remember, we cannot make reservations at Bearskin Lodge. This is a Superior National Forest campground and reservations must be made through ReserveAmerica. We are happy to answer basic questions about the campground, but cannot provide you with complete availability information.
