Bearskin Lake Backcountry Site
Bearskin lake is 500 acres with 8 miles of shoreline. It borders Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on part of its north shoreline.
There are two boat ramps, the northeastern one of Highway 66 and the southern access off County Road 65.
General Information
Camping
Access to this 1 site is either of 2 boat ramps one on the South West side and one on the South East side of the lake. The campsite is located on the northern shoreline of the lake, across the lake and to the east a little from the boat launch on the south east side of the lake.
Bearskin Lake boat launches and the campsite are not within Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but do border the wilderness. You do not need a permit if you do not enter the wilderness.
This lake is an entry point for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for Entry Point 60 (Duncan Lake) and Entry Point 61 (Daniels Lake). You will need a permit to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: (218) 387-1750
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no Eastern National Forest Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 48.0702467
Longitude: -90.44267203
Directions
From Grand Marais
Eastern Boat Launch
- Take Highway 12 23 miles to Highway 66.
- From Highway 66 drive 2.6 miles to E Shore.
Southwest Boat Launch
- Take 12 for 23 miles to County Road 65
- County Road 65 ends at the boat launch
Parking
Northeast Boat Launch
There is room for 8 vehicles; there is room for four vehicles with trailers.
Southwest Boat Launch
There is room for 5 vehicles; there is no room for trailers at this parking lot.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The lake is 78 feet at it's deepest and anglers will find bluegill, coho salmon, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, lake trout, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, golden shiner, rainbow smelt, and sculpin
Boating - Motorized Info
Northeast Boat Launch
This boat launch has a concrete boat ramp and a dock.
Southwest Boat Launch
This boat launch has no ramps and no docks.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Northeast Boat Launch
This boat launch has a concrete boat ramp and a dock.
Southwest Boat Launch
This boat launch has no ramps and no docks.
Swimming Info
The lake is very clear, but has a rocky bottom.
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Gunflint Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motoriz
These sites are ones where you travel through Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to get to where you are going, either paddling, hiking, or portaging from one lake to an