Gunflint Lake
Gunflint Lake is a 4,009 acre lake that is half in the US and half in Canada.
With a shoreline of 39 miles there are plenty of places to pull up for a little shoreline fishing or camping at one of the six campsites that are only accessible by foot or boat.
The boat launch, located just off the Gunflint Trail, is concrete and a good put-in for motorized boats. Motorboats are allowed on the entire lake, as it isn't within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
The boat launch is a launching point for paddlers entering Magnetic Lake and South Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so it can be busy during the summer. From here you can also access Little Gunflint Lake.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 6 sites is a boat ramp on the South end of the lake.
15 April
Open 24 hours/day
If you are using the Gunflint Lake Boat Launch to access Entry Point 57 (Magnetic Lake) or Entry Point 58 (South Lake) - a permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Visitors using the boat launch to access Gunflint Lake, or Little Gunflint Lake do not need a permit.
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.
No fees are required for this site
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.
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: 48.08481496
Longitude: -90.75591423
Directions
From Grand Marais
- Travel north on Gunflint Trail for 43.7 miles
- Turn right onto S. Gunflint Lake Road and travel .4 miles
- Turn left and travel 49 feet before veering right and traveling 210 feet to the parking area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The lake is 200 feet at its deepest point.
Fish Species
bluegill, burbot, cisco species, lake trout, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, shortnose cisco, smallmouth bass, tullibee (cisco), walleye, yellow perch, longnose sucker, white sucker, rainbow smelt, sculpin, slimy sculpin, trout-perch
Fishing - River/Stream Info
You can access the Pine River from Gunflint Lake.
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
The 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail takes visitors across federal, state, county and private land. Upon completion the trail will extend from Crown Poi