Trails End Campground
Trail's End Campground is located next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in a remote area of Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. It is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy life, or get out on the water to canoe and fish. Berry picking and wildlife viewing are also great fun.
Many campsites are walk-to sites designated for tent camping only. Some have a view of or access to water, while other have steep drop-offs. Other campsites can accommodate equipment ranging in size from tents to 45-foot RVs. The campground is routinely patrolled by the County Sheriff and campground host.
Trail's End sits along the Seagull River and provides access to Seagull, Gull and Saganaga Lakes. Numerous species of wildlife live in and around the campground, and blueberries grow abundantly on the forest floor.
White and red pine, aspen and birch trees grow in the forested parts of the facility, providing shade. The fire burned a mosaic pattern, reducing some areas to ash while leaving others untouched. Many trees survived and burned areas have begun to grow again.
This is a great opportunity to see a young forest rejuvenate after a fire. Post-fire soils and young trees are delicate, so caution should be taken while walking in the forest.
Trail's End includes four entry points (54, 55, J and K) into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offering plenty of boating, canoeing and fishing opportunities. Overnight, day use and boat motor permits are required for entry, and horsepower limits are in effect. Day use and overnight permits are available at the campground.
Wildlife viewing is exceptional for bald eagles, osprey, loons and moose, and fishing is good for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and lake trout.
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.
Reservations
Some sites are reservable through Recreation.gov.
General Information
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
32
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.
May 4 - October 18
Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
When visiting, please remember
- 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.
Portions of Seagull Lake extend into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. If you plan to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, you will need either a self issued day use permit available at the campground or an overnight permit.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $24 per night
- Single Site: $24/night
Premium single site: Fee for single site with premium feature(s) such as water access, view, etc.
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or 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.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle 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: May 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. No BWCAW permit issuance and no Eastern National Forests Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 48.15910194
Longitude: -90.89911055
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!
Parking
Long and short term parking for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is available.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Solar powered faucet, some sites have individual faucets.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Other Amenities
Host, pay phone, firewood vendor
