Swamp Lake
About Swamp Lake
Swamp Lake is an 181-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Swamp Lake
- 181 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 181 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 181 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
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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
1 campground is mapped on or near Swamp 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 Swamp Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Caribou Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais246 acres
1.3 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill188 acres
1.5 miles away
Poplar Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais764 acres
1.7 miles away
Leo Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais102 acres
1.9 miles away
Vista Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais166 acres
2.5 miles away
Moss Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais254 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Swamp Lake?
Swamp Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 181 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Swamp Lake?
Swamp Lake covers 181 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Swamp Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Swamp Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Swamp Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Swamp 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 Swamp Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Swamp Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Swamp Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.