Vernon Lake
About Vernon Lake
Vernon Lake is a 240-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 101 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tullibee (cisco), and lake whitefish. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Vernon Lake
- 240 acres, up to 101 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tullibee (cisco), and lake whitefish
- Average water clarity around 14.9 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 240 acres
- Max depth
- 101 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 70 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
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 2024
- 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 Vernon 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 Vernon Lake
Compare Vernon Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Vernon Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Vernon Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Vernon Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Vernon Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Echo Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill121 acres
1.9 miles away
Swan Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais199 acres
2.4 miles away
Winchell Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais876 acres
3.5 miles away
Star Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen107 acres
4.1 miles away
Gaskin Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill372 acres
4.3 miles away
Ball Club Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais206 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vernon Lake?
Vernon Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 240 acres and reaches 101 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Vernon Lake?
Vernon Lake covers 240 acres with about 6.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 101 feet.
What fish can you catch at Vernon Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tullibee (Cisco), and Lake Whitefish. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Vernon Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Vernon Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Vernon 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 Vernon Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Vernon Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Vernon Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.