A Travel Mom’s Review of Basecamp Bungalows in Grand Marais
This post, featuring my review of Basecamp Bungalows in Grand Marais for families, may contain affiliate links. This article was written after a paid stay at Basecamp Bungalows. This review was not part of the deliverables and was completed after our partnership ended-all thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
If you're wondering where to stay in Grand Marais, Minnesota, let me introduce you to one of the town's best-kept secrets. Enter Basecamp Bungalows! As a travel mom, I'm always looking for a place that balances convenience and comfort. And, this micro-hotel checks all the boxes.
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Grand Marais, Basecamp Bungalows is just a quick walk from downtown (less than 8 minutes to the harbor beach!). It feels like a hidden gem, ideally situated for exploring nearby trails, shops, and Lake Superior (and everything else that makes Grand Marais great for families!).
There are 4 units at Basecamp Bungalows. We stayed in The Homebase. This unit is a fully furnished 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment with a stocked kitchen, and a cozy living space (which doubles as the second living space. Plus, thoughtful touches like board games and local trail guides. It was ideal for our family (low-key, affordable, and flexible). It gave us the chance to slow down this winter by cooking in the unit, enjoying slow mornings with great coffee, and spending lazy afternoons playing games together.
Basecamp Bungalows is more than just a place to sleep. Housed in the historic Fenstad's Motel building, lovingly renovated in 2018 by hosts Keith and Laurel, it's a space that feels personal, welcoming, and perfectly suited for families. If you're searching for the best places to stay in Grand Marais with kids, this is an option you don't want to miss. Keep reading this review to learn more about why we recommend Basecamp Bungalows to families planning a trip to the North Shore.
About Basecamp Bungalows in Grand Marais
Here's a snapshot of what you need to know about staying at Basecamp Bungalows in Grand Marais, Minnesota, with your kids.
Location: This micro-hotel is located near downtown Grand Marais (less than an 8-minute walk to the harbor beach!).
Accommodation Type: 4 traditional hotel rooms and suites. Each one sleeps 2-5. We stayed in the Homebase, which sleeps 5.
Season: Open year-round.
Best for: This hotel is ideal for any occasion or visit to Grand Marais (especially if you are looking for an affordable room). Families, solo travelers, and couples will all appreciate the central location and comfortable rooms.
Snapshot of Amenities for Basecamp Bungalows
- 4 rooms or suites
- Sleeps 2 – 5
- Most rooms offer a kitchen
- Parking available on-site
- Fully renovated in 2018
- Location adjacent to downtown Grand Marais
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome
- Friendly hosts who give great advice!
- Book directly to avoid added fees
- Affordable (under $249/night, even in the high season)
My Review of Staying at Basecamp Bungalows in Grand Marais
Honestly, we really enjoyed our family stay at Basecamp Bungalows this winter! Before our stay, I'd never heard of it (even after traveling to Grand Marais for nearly 20 years!). The property is underrated and feels like a hidden gem-just minutes from downtown. Here is my overall review and impression of the Basecamp Bungalows.
Would we recommend it? Without question, yes!
More on What We Loved at Basecamp Bungalows with Kids
One of the biggest perks for families is Basecamp Bungalows’ proximity to downtown Grand Marais. It's less than 15 minutes from most of downtown and the harbor beach. We loved being able to walk to meals, the harbor beach, and the charming shops without needing a car. While we visited in winter, this is a massive perk for summer visitors, when parking in town can be trickier.
The beds are comfortable, and the showers have fantastic water pressure, making mornings easier for everyone. I seriously slept SO well here!
The kitchen is fully equipped, so we easily made breakfast and even cooked dinner one night-plus, if you want a take-and-bake pizza, the nearby Cook County Co-op has you covered.
For families watching their budget, Basecamp Bungalows is one of the more affordable stays in town. It's under $249 per night, even during the peak holiday and summer seasons.
There's plenty of storage for winter or outdoor gear, too. This is a must when you're hauling everything for snowshoeing, hiking, or exploring.
Board games are provided, which are perfect for older kids and teens (though families with babies or toddlers will want to bring a few favorites along). Overall, the property has been beautifully renovated, feels cozy and welcoming, and was a joy to come back to after long days of North Shore adventures. Hopefully, my review of Basecamp Bungalows showcases that well!
Things of Note
I'd be remiss in my review of Basecamp Bungalows if I didn't share a few things families should know before booking.
At the Homebase, the living room serves as a shared second sleeping space at Basecamp Bungalows. This works well for many families (like ours), but may not be ideal if your crew needs complete privacy or quiet sleeping spaces. Noise from other guests can occasionally be heard, so it's something to keep in mind when planning your stay.
Then, remember that Basecamp Bungalows is not a luxury resort. So, if you're expecting a pool, daily housekeeping, or fancy extras, this probably isn't the right fit. That said, the beds are comfortable, the showers have amazing water pressure, and the space is thoughtfully set up for families. It's perfect for those who want a low-key, homey stay close to downtown Grand Marais.
3 Reasons Why Families Should Book Basecamp Bungalows for Their Own Trip to Grand Marais
If you're wondering where to stay in Grand Marais, Minnesota, you may be considering Basecamp Bungalows! And, there's good reason to, especially if you are looking for affordable places to stay. Here are three reasons why I think families will enjoy staying at Basecamp Bungalows.
Affordability
North Shore trips can get spendy fast-especially for families. Between lodging, meals, and activities, costs add up quickly. With an equipped kitchen for home-cooked meals and bed space for 5 (at the Homebase), Basecamp Bungalows makes North Shore trips easier for those on tight budgets. In fact, it's one of the more affordable places to stay in Grand Marais.
That affordability really shines if you're willing to visit off-peak. Winter is an especially great time to explore Grand Marais. You still get stunning Lake Superior views. Plus, snowy trails, cozy shops, and fewer crowds at a much lower nightly rate. Because Basecamp Bungalows is located right in town, you don't need a special vehicle to navigate winter roads to get here, which helps keep travel costs (and stress) down too.
For families looking to stretch their travel dollars without sacrificing comfort or location, this is the kind of place that makes a North Shore trip feel genuinely doable rather than aspirational.
Proximity to Outdoor Adventures
If outdoor adventure is part of your North Shore plans (and it definitely should be!), Basecamp Bungalows puts you in an ideal home base. Located right in Grand Marais, you're minutes from Lake Superior, the harbor, and countless trailheads.
From here, it's easy to explore some of the North Shore's most iconic spots. Cascade River State Park is about 10 minutes away, Judge C.R. Magney State Park is under 20 minutes, and Oberg Mountain's sweeping overlooks are just a quick drive away, too. Even Grand Portage State Park (home to Minnesota's tallest waterfall) is an easy day trip. It's less than an hour from the hotel. Whether you're hiking, chasing waterfalls, or just squeezing in a quick nature break between meals in town, there's no shortage of options for every skill level near Basecamp Bungalows.
In warmer months, you'll also find kayaking, canoeing, fishing, e-biking, and mountain biking close by. Then, winter brings snowshoeing, fat biking, and other snowy trail adventures. Basecamp Bungalows has plenty of space to stash bulky gear for families, which makes a big difference when you're traveling with kids. Not to mention, all the layers that come with the North Shore's quick-changing weather.
Within Walking Distance of Downtown Grand Marais
One of the things we loved most about staying at Basecamp Bungalows was how walkable everything felt. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood, the property is just a short, easy walk to everything in downtown Grand Marais. It's close enough to leave the car parked for most of the trip, but far enough away to enjoy peaceful evenings back at your stay.
From Basecamp, it's simple to grab morning coffee, wander into local shops, or head down to the harbor to skip rocks and watch boats come and go. We loved strolling along Harbor Beach and making our way out to Artist's Point and the Grand Marais Lighthouse. This is still one of our favorite spots on the North Shore (especially at sunset!).
Downtown is full of family-friendly stops, too, from bookstores and galleries to the Cook County History Museum (open seasonally). If you're visiting in summer, keep an eye out for kid-friendly events, such as children's story time at Drury Lane Books.
When it's time to eat, you're within walking distance of everything from fresh fish at The Fisherman's Daughter to tacos at Hungry Hippie. Most restaurants in town are less than a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
If you're wondering where to stay in Grand Marais with kids, Basecamp Bungalows truly makes it incredibly easy to enjoy the best of town.
Top Things to Do + Eat near Basecamp Bungalows
Looking for family-friendly things to do and places to eat near Basecamp Bungalows? Here are a few of our favorites! (This list is not exhaustive; I have several articles on Grand Marais in all seasons to help you find more ideas.)
A Snapshot of Our Favorite Things to Do near Basecamp Bungalows
Here are a few fun things to do near Basecamp Bungalows for families:
- Hiking-try Cascade River State Park, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Oberg Mountain Trail, and more.
- Shop and explore downtown Grand Marais (there are tons of cute shops, eateries, and places to enjoy within walking distance of the hotel).
- Visit the Grand Marais Harbor, Artist’s Point, + the Lighthouse.
- Enjoy the rotating exhibits at Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.
- Explore local history at the Cook County History Museum (summer only).
- Check out the Heritage Center at Grand Portage National Monument (about 45 minutes away, but worth the trek!). There are hiking trails here, too.
A Snapshot of Our Favorite Restaurants near Basecamp Bungalows
These are just a few of the best restaurants in Grand Marais within walking distance of the property:
- Java Moose Espresso Cafe
- Crosby Bakery
- The Gunflint Tavern
- Hungry Hippie Tacos
- The Fisherman's Daughter
- Angry Trout Cafe
- Voyageur Brewing Company
Ready to Book or Explore More?
Check pricing and date availability, then book your stay at Basecamp Bungalows! Thank you for reading my review of Basecamp Bungalows.
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
