Reservations are available year-round at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground, which sits a few miles off the main highway outside Ely, accessed by a paved drive that takes campers well into the north woods. Nightly rates run $23 to $90, covering a range of options from tent sites to electric hookups that accommodate RVs up to 60 feet. The campground includes flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and firewood for sale at the park office.
The layout follows a series of loops along Bear Head Lake, and site quality varies noticeably depending on location. Sites 51 through 58 sit closest to the water and have pathways down to small docks where motorboats can tie up. The back-to-back loops between sites 59 to 73 and 26 to 39 offer less privacy at the rear of each site, while mid-loop sites tend to feel more separated from neighbors. The campground runs busy on summer weekends, though mid-week stays draw noticeably lighter crowds. One reviewer noted the vault toilet serving the tent sites was often "in disarray," so managing expectations about facilities is worth factoring into trip planning.
Fishing draws consistent attention from visitors. Bass, northern pike, walleye, panfish, and trout are all present in the lake, with two fishing piers and several docks accessible from the campground. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park office. The hiking network covers several named routes, including the Blueberry Lake trail and Becky Lake loop, both of which pass through mixed pine forest and connect to backcountry sites. The swimming area has a sandy shallow section that works well for families with young children.
Bear Head Lake is roughly 20 minutes from Ely, which provides resupply options and serves as a staging point for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trips. "Stopped here on the way to the Boundary Waters," writes Scott M., a common pattern given the park's proximity to the BWCAW entry points. For those interested in alternative accommodations within the park, the Guest House — Bear Head Lake State Park provides a cabin-style option steps from the same trailheads and docks. Campers who want to explore the broader region can also find places to camp near Bear Head Lake State Park across the surrounding lakes country.
Clear skies away from city light make the park a reliable spot for stargazing after dark. "Even saw shooting stars," notes HollyRose M., who visited in December and had the campground largely to herself. The park stays open all year and grooms cross-country ski trails in winter, giving it a longer useful season than most Minnesota state park campgrounds.
Description
Campground is open year-round
Arrive prepared. Go to mndnr.gov/bearhead for visitor alerts and seasonal updates.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be hazardous. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBear Head Lake State Park Campground is located in Minnesota near Tower
Directions
From town: Go 9 mi E on Hwy 169, then 7 mi S on CR 128 (Bear Head State Park Rd).
Address
9301 Bear Head State Park Road
Ely, MN 55731
Coordinates
47.79121139 N
92.084848 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 53 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 37 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 3 hrs 51 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 4 hrs 7 min from Eau Claire, WI
