Bear Head Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Bear Head Lake State Park is a 5,540-acre preserve in a remote northeast Minnesota location. The focal point of the park is the 670-acre Bear Head Lake, though there are three other lakes in the park as well. Fishing is a popular activity amongst park visitors, as are kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. The park shares a sizable boundary with Bear Island State Forest.
Spring 12 - 65 F
Summer 49 - 80 F
Fall 21 - 68 F
Winter -4 - 23 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Bear Head Lake State Park
The lone campground in the park has 73 total sites. Two of the loops have electricity hookups. The Bear Head Lake Campground is in the middle of the park near the North Bay of Bear Head Lake. Sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet in length. Campers can expect to find a fire ring with a grill and picnic table at each site. There are also restrooms, showers, and a fish-cleaning station. The campground is pet-friendly. Drinking water can be found year-round at a tap outside the park office.
What to Do at
Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park offers visitors a wide variety of activities throughout the year. In the spring and summer months, parkgoers can enjoy four hiking trails, swimming, picnic areas, or boating on the lake. If you do not have any outdoor gear but would still like to partake in the activities offered at the park, rental equipment is available at the park office. This rental equipment includes rowboats with trolling motors, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and snowshoes in the winter.
No matter what you like to do while camping outdoors, Bear Head Lake State Park is sure to have an adventure waiting for you.
Fishing
Rent a boat and cast a line in Bear Head Lake to try your luck catching walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, and panfish. A fishing pier is also available. A state of Minnesota fishing license is required, which you can get online before you arrive.
Nature Watching
The 674-acre Bear Head Lake provides a home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, black bears, moose, wolves, red squirrels, and snowshoe hares. Birdwatchers love the park for the numerous songbirds that pass through, including red-breasted nuthatches, red crossbills, boreal chickadees, and bald eagles.
Stargazing
Bear Head Lake State Park is located in a remote area of northern Minnesota, far away from any light pollution, making it an excellent destination for stargazers. At certain times of the year, and with the right circumstances, the Northern Lights are viewable in this region.
Hiking
Visitors can enjoy over 8 miles of hiking trails. The Norberg Lake Trail is the most popular route and offers rugged terrain with steep hills. All the trails offer lake views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Boating
Personal watercraft and rowboats with trolling motors are available to rent at the park office. There is a boat launch just south of the campground and a carry-in access point at the north end of Holter Lake.
Swimming
A designated swim area with a sandy beach can be found off the point between the East and North Bay of Bear Head Lake.
How to Get to
Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park is located near the town of Ely. If you are traveling to the park from Duluth, MN, you will need to take MN-135 N until it runs into MN-169 N. When you reach MN-169 N, you will turn right onto MN-169N/State Hwy 1 E. Stay on this road for 9 miles and turn right onto Bear Head State Park Rd. This road will take you to the park.
Entering Bear Head Lake State Park
The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. When you enter, you will drive in from the north side until you reach a fork in the road just north of Norberg Lake. If you turn right, you will see a parking area on your left. If you continue down the road after making your turn, you will reach the Bear Head Lake Campground after passing by the park office. There are parking areas near the office, the boat launch, and the swimming area south of the campground.
A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required to enter the park. This can be purchased online or at the park office. An annual pass costs $35, while a daily pass is $7.
Daily Pass : $7.0
Annual Pass : $35.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Head Lake State Park
The best time of year to visit Bear Head Lake State Park depends on what you like to do while in the wilderness. Summer is best for hiking, swimming, and fishing. However, once the snow flies, you can take advantage of the groomed cross-country skiing trails and snowmobile routes.
While you explore the park, you may spot black bears, moose, deer, grey wolves, and otters. Birders can look forward to seeing a variety of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots in the lone campground. The sites can accommodate an RV up to 60 feet in length.
You need to reserve a camping spot when staying at this park. Reservations can be made online. Electric sites cost $35 per night, while non-electric sites are $25.
Pets are welcome at Bear Head Lake State Park but must be kept on a six-foot leash. Also, they are not allowed in any buildings or on the beach.