Kemo Lake
Kemo Lake is a 189-acre lake with 3 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 65 feet. It is the largest lake on the Twin Lakes Canoe Route.
Portages
- Pine Lake to Kemo Lake - 75 rods
- Kemo Lake to Talus Lake - 30 rods
General Information
Camping
There is one campsite on Kemo Lake with a fire grate and a latrine.
15 April
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: 47.90051971
Longitude: -90.42651391
Directions
North Entrance:
East and West Twin Lakes boat landing is 26 miles northwest of Grand Marais.
- 27 FR 1365 From MN 61 in Grand Marais, take the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) north for 16.5 miles.
- Turn left (west) on Forest Road 325 and travel 6 miles.
- Turn left (south) on FR 152 and go 4 miles to the boat landing.
South Entrance:
There is also a canoe landing on Pine Lake. It can be accessed from County 27 from the south.
- From MN 61, take the Gunflint Trail north for 3 miles.
- Turn left on County 8 and travel along the north edge of Devil Track Lake to County 27.
- Follow 27 an additional 4 miles to FR 1365.
- The canoe access is 1.5 miles up this minimal maintenance road.
Parking
Parking is at the canoe launch between East and West Twin Lake or at the Pine Lake access.
- West/East Twin Lakes - 3 vehicle/trailer parking spaces
- Pine Lake - 4 vehicle parking spaces
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: brook trout, lake trout, splake, white sucker, blacknose dace (western), brook stickleback, common shiner, creek chub, fathead minnow, northern pearl dace, northern redbelly dace
Recreation Groups
This is a pleasant wilderness-like canoe trip with three short portages and one longer portage.