Trail's End Campground

Area Status: Open

This beautiful campground features bedrock outcrops among white and red pine. The 2007 Ham Lake Fire bounced through the area, leaving some heavily burnt sites, now regenerating, and some untouched sites. It is an excellent spot to see fire ecology in action. Many campsites are hike-in, view or access water, or have steep drop-offs. Commercial services include canoe rental, outfitting, showers, and sales of groceries and gear, and a restaurant. The campground provides access to entry points 54, 55, & K for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. There is long and short term parking for the BWCAW. Day use and overnight BWCAW permits (if quotas allow) are available for those entering the BWCAW.

Downloadable information and map.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Opens May 6, 2024 and closes October 21, 2024.
Reservations:	Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov.
Fees:	Single Site: $22/night Premium Site: $24/night Premium single site: Fee for single site with premium feature(s) such as water access, view, etc.
Permit Info:	Portions of Seagull Lake extend into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. If you plan to enter the BWCAW, you will need either a self issued day use permit available at the campground or an overnight permit (see BWCAW page).
Open Season:	May 6 - October 21
Restrictions:	Maximum of nine people per site. There is space for one vehicle and one towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer). Additional vehicles on the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur. No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic.
Closest Towns:	Grand Marais
Water:	Solar powered faucet, some sites have individual faucets.
Restroom:	Outhouse (vault style)
Information Center:	Gunflint Ranger District Email \| Call \| Address \| Webpage

General Information

Directions:

Trail’s End Campground is about 57 miles northwest of Grand Marais at the end of Co. 12 (the Gunflint Trail).

From MN 61 in Grand Marais, turn north on Co 12 (Gunflint Trail).
Follow Co. 12 for 57 miles to the end of the Trail!

General Notes:

This campground has both canoe and boat launches and a wide range of commercial services. A short distance away, you will find trails and displays in the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center in the restored Chik-Wauk Lodge, and a sandy beach where you can swim at Blankenburg Landing (no life guards or roped off swim area - use at your own risk).

Black bears are common visitors to Trail's End Campground.

Be bear aware while camping. Close and fasten campground waste containers. Lock food securely in vehicles - bears have been known to break into pick-up toppers and RV screen doors. Never burn food waste or packaging, and never store food in tents.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.
Dispose of waste in containers provided.
Water faucets are for drinking water only, do not use as wash areas.
Noise limits enforced, respect your fellow campers.

No. of Sites

RV Camping

Most sites are pull-in and not specifically designed for RVs. Most can accommodate a moderately sized vehicle, some may not be suitable for an RV, and some are walk-in.

Trail's End does have a few pull through sites and some sites with water faucets; however, the faucets were not designed as water hook-ups.