Caribou Lake
About Caribou Lake
Caribou Lake is a 462-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Caribou Lake #1 and Caribou Lake #2 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Caribou Lake
- 462 acres, up to 65 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Average water clarity around 13.8 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Caribou Lake #1 and Caribou Lake #2
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 462 acres
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.8 ft
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Caribou Lake #1, Caribou Lake #2, and Caribou Lake #3
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Camping & Reservations
Caribou Lake #1, Caribou Lake #2, Caribou Lake #3, and Caribou Lake #4 are mapped on or near Caribou Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Caribou Lake
Compare Caribou Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Clearwater Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais1,344 acres
0.9 miles away
Moon Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais148 acres
1.4 miles away
Alder Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais529 acres
1.8 miles away
Watap Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill199 acres
2.3 miles away
Crocodile Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais295 acres
2.5 miles away
East Bearskin Lake
77 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais593 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 462 acres and reaches 65 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake covers 462 acres with about 8.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 65 feet.
What fish can you catch at Caribou Lake?
The DNR has no fish survey on file for Caribou Lake.
Is there a public boat launch on Caribou Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Caribou Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Caribou Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Can you camp at Caribou Lake?
Yes. Caribou Lake #1, Caribou Lake #2, and Caribou Lake #3 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Caribou Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Caribou Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.