Crocodile Lake
About Crocodile Lake
Crocodile Lake is a 295-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 11.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.5 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including walleye and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2014.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Crocodile Lake #1 and Crocodile Lake #2 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Crocodile Lake
- 295 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.5 feet
- Camping close to the water at Crocodile Lake #1 and Crocodile Lake #2
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 295 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 247 acres
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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 2 portage accesses
- Camping: Crocodile Lake #1, Crocodile Lake #2, and Crocodile Lake #3
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 3
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2014
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Crocodile Lake #1, Crocodile Lake #2, Crocodile Lake #3, and Crocodile Lake #4 are mapped on or near Crocodile 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 Crocodile Lake
Compare Crocodile Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Crocodile Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Crocodile Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Crocodile Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Crocodile Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Moon Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais148 acres
1.6 miles away
Alder Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais529 acres
1.7 miles away
East Bearskin Lake
77 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais593 acres
1.7 miles away
Caribou Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais462 acres
2.5 miles away
Jim Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais59 acres
2.9 miles away
Flour Lake
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais330 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crocodile Lake?
Crocodile Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 295 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Crocodile Lake?
Crocodile Lake covers 295 acres with about 11.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Crocodile Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Crocodile Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Crocodile Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Crocodile 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.
Is Crocodile Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Crocodile Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Crocodile Lake?
Yes. Crocodile Lake #1, Crocodile Lake #2, and Crocodile Lake #3 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.