Bear Head Lake Campground

Introduction / Overview

For many Minnesotans, the true escape begins where the blacktop ends, deep in the Northwoods. Bear Head Lake State Park, and its exceptional campground, is the epitome of this experience. This park is a beloved regional destination, often praised for its unique ability to deliver a genuine wilderness feel—reminiscent of the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)—while still providing the comforts of modern State Park amenities.

The Bear Head Lake Campground itself is the heart of the park's overnight facilities. It features 73 semi-modern campsites, including 45 with electric hookups, all nestled under a majestic canopy of red and white pines, birch, and aspen. As one enthusiastic visitor noted, this is "by far my favorite state park," primarily because the campground is large, yet somehow manages to give a "sense of privacy." This is achieved through the thoughtful, spacious layout of the sites, which are intentionally spread out and tucked into the terrain, maintaining a peaceful, secluded atmosphere even when the park is full. Beyond the generous drive-in sites, the park offers a variety of overnight options including camper cabins, group camps, and remote backpacking and canoe-in sites, catering to every style of adventurer looking to experience the beauty of Minnesota's deep woods and clear, cool lakes.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Head Lake Campground is located within Bear Head Lake State Park, near the historic and vibrant gateway town of Ely, MN 55731. The official park address is 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN 55731.

Getting there is part of the experience, as the park is intentionally situated deep off the main highway, ensuring a true wilderness immersion. Access requires traveling approximately 9 miles east from Tower on US Highway 169, and then turning south onto St. Louis County Highway 128 (Bear Head State Park Road) for a final 6 to 7 miles. This deep-woods approach ensures that once you arrive, you are fully immersed in the tranquility of the Northwoods. The campground itself is located on the northwestern corner of the park, near the North Bay of Bear Head Lake. The drive-in sites are generally back-in, designed to accommodate RVs up to 60 feet, with mostly level gravel or natural surfaces. The relatively long drive off the main road is what truly makes the park feel "out in the wilderness," setting it apart from more accessible State Parks.

Services Offered

Bear Head Lake Campground offers a comfortable blend of modern amenities and traditional State Park services, ensuring a convenient and high-quality stay for all visitors. The campground typically operates seasonally, though the park is open year-round for cold-weather activities.

• Campsites: A total of 73 drive-in campsites are available for tents and RVs. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends.
• Electric Hookups: 45 sites feature electric hookups (up to 50 amp service) for RVs and campers requiring power.
• Comfort Stations: Modern, updated restroom buildings with flush toilets and hot showers are available during the main season (typically May through September), often praised by users for being "clean and modern."
• Water: Potable drinking water is available via spigots located throughout the campground loops. Vault toilets are also available year-round.
• Waste Management: A central sanitary dump station is available for RVs, and a fish cleaning building is provided for anglers.
• Camp Furnishings: All sites include a large picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate. Firewood is available for purchase at the park office.
• Rentals: The park office offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing boats/motors for exploring the lake.
• Other Lodging: The park also offers five accessible Camper Cabins and a large Guesthouse rental for larger groups seeking full amenities and creature comforts.

Features / Highlights

The primary appeal of Bear Head Lake Campground lies in its pristine wilderness setting and its unique features that cater to water and trail enthusiasts alike.

• Campground Marina/Boat Tie-Ups: A major highlight, particularly noted by locals, is the presence of several small docks and designated spots near the campground loops (especially sites in the 50s) where campers can tie up their personal boats and canoes right near their campsite. This convenience is rare in Minnesota State Parks and is invaluable for anglers and paddlers.
• Boundary Waters-Like Scenery: The park's landscape, with its numerous small lakes, rugged topography, and thick pine forests, offers a true taste of the BWCAW experience without the need for a permit or complex portaging.
• Excellent Fishing: Bear Head Lake itself is known for walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and crappies. The park also features two dedicated trout fishing lakes (Cub and Norberg), which are regularly stocked.
• Wildlife Viewing: Situated in prime Northwoods habitat, the park is home to moose, black bears, bald eagles, and wolves, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, which is a major draw for visitors.
• Extensive Trail System: The park maintains over 17 miles of hiking trails in summer, with groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter, including a spur to the Taconite State Trail.
• Natural Swimming Beach: A large, sandy swimming beach is available near the day-use area, providing a safe and scenic spot for families to cool off during the summer months.

Contact Information

Bear Head Lake State Park Campground is an official Minnesota State Park facility. All reservations and essential information are handled through the State Park office or the DNR system.

• Managing Agency: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - Bear Head Lake State Park
• Address: 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN 55731, USA
• Park Office Phone: (218) 235-2520 (This is the verified park office number, superseding the provided Wisconsin-based number.)
• Reservations: Reservations are made through the Minnesota DNR's official online platform, available up to 120 days in advance.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Bear Head Lake Campground is choosing the ultimate, convenient gateway to Minnesota's deep wilderness without sacrificing comfort. It is truly worth the drive into the woods.

The number one reason to choose Bear Head Lake is its unique combination of seclusion and amenities. Reviewers unanimously praise the privacy and spaciousness of the sites, which feel more like secluded private retreats than typical State Park plots. This is crucial for Minnesotans seeking a quiet, authentic Northwoods experience—a "slice of heaven" as some call it—without the commitment of a BWCAW trip.

The second major draw is the exceptional boat access for campers. The ability to tie up your personal boat or canoe right next to your campsite is a rare and highly prized amenity that elevates the fishing and paddling experience. This feature turns a good fishing trip into a great one, allowing anglers to maximize their time on the water chasing walleye or pike, or simply enjoying the tranquil early morning paddle. The availability of boat and canoe rentals on site further enhances the experience for those traveling without their own watercraft.

With clean, modern facilities, ample electric hookups, and a true sense of being on the edge of the wilderness, Bear Head Lake Campground is unequivocally one of the finest, most well-rounded State Park campgrounds in the entire state.