Ham Lake
Ham Lake is a 119-acre lake with 3.8 miles shoreline and a maximum depth of 40 feet. This lake is just outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is only accessible by foot or boat.
The Cross River flows into Ham Lake. As the river enters the lake there are rapids, at the point where the river exists the lake the river is calmer.
From the parking lot you can walk along or paddle down the Cross River. The first portage is 66 rods, after paddling through a 5-mile stretch of the Cross River that is relatively large you'll come to the rapids. At this point there is a 30 rod portage from the river to Ham Lake.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 4 sites is a carry down access at the North West end of the lake. Each have a fire grate and a latrine.
15 April
A permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You do not need a permit if you do not enter the 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: 48.06879574
Longitude: -90.81177752
Directions
From Grand Marais
- Travel on the Gunflint Trail for 46.4 miles
- Turn left onto Round Lake Road and travel .6 miles.
- The access site is on the left.
Parking
Parking is at a parking lot off of County Road 47. Access to the lake is by foot or paddle only.
The parking area can fit 20 vehicles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Fish species: burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, common shiner
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
There is a ramp into the water. You may need to portage at several points when travelling to Ham Lake from the boat access.
Recreation Groups
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