Hey folks,

We’re tentatively planning a Seagull Lake basecamp trip over Memorial Day weekend. I understand it could be quite busy and worry about campsites being full (we’ll have some first timers and would rather not have to go into Alpine, etc). We’re planning on staying in Grand Marais that Thursday evening—which means we could put in on Seagull early Friday morning (9AMish, hopefully).

Is this worry about campsites well-founded? Would appreciate any input, advice, or stories from similar trips.

Thanks everyone!!

Each entry has only a certain number of permits released. You may not find the exact site you want on Seagull, but you shouldn't have a problem getting one. Usually an early start is the best plan.

Shoot for campsite #444 (island campsite), just beyond 3-Mile island. Absolutely beautiful site that the fire didn't hit. BUT, if rain is in the forecast, I wouldn't set up tents in the lower grassy areas.

Your worry is well-founded but curable for the time being. Trails End Campground still has a few sites that can be reserved here (but they're going fast). I wouldn't count on getting a first-come site that weekend.

Trails End Campground reservations

EDIT: I just realized that you want to camp inside the BWCA. Seagull is a very popular destination and I would want to be on the water long before 9 a.m. that weekend.

It's all a crap shoot. I've had times I thought would be busy have tons of sites open, and I have had times I thought no one would be there where every site was taken! There seems to be no rhyme or reason.

I would recommend trying to get up to Trails End or the Seagull outfitters bunkhouse the night before if possible. Much easier to get an early start than coming up from Grand Marais.
For some reason the drive up the Gunflint always takes longer than I anticipate. Just missed getting our target campsite one year because of that.