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Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In — Tettegouche State Park

Two first-come, first-served tent sites on the shore of Bear Lake sit roughly three miles from the Superior Hiking Trail parking lot off Penn Boulevard in Silver Bay, making this one of the more logistically demanding overnight spots in Tettegouche State Park. There are no reservations and no guarantee of a site, so arriving early matters. A pit toilet sits up the hill from the sites; bring your own toilet paper. Pets are welcome.

The hike in follows the Twin Lakes Trail, gaining elevation before opening onto overlook views of both Bean and Bear Lakes roughly 1,000 feet below. The descent brings campers down to the lakeshore, where the two sites each have a fire ring and benches. One reviewer notes the ground at the farther site is not entirely flat, so tent placement takes some attention. The trail can collect standing water after rain or in early spring, and mud can be significant enough that waterproof footwear is worth packing.

Bear Lake is clear enough that campers use it for swimming and as a water source for cooking, though water treatment is still recommended. Hammock spots exist between the trees near the sites. Wildlife sightings, including deer, are mentioned across multiple reviews. Cell service is listed as available, though conditions vary on the North Shore.

The one-night maximum stay limit reflects how consistently these sites fill up. Andrea G. sums up the crowd dynamic plainly: "An amazing Campsite if you're lucky enough to beat the crowds there." Campers who want a fallback can look at Bear Lake Campsite - Superior Hiking Trail along the same trail corridor, or explore places to camp around Silver Bay for sites with more availability. For the Bean and Bear Lakes sites specifically, a summer weekday arrival gives better odds than a weekend.

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Map & DirectionsBean and Bear Lakes Hike-In is located in Minnesota near Silver Bay

Public Campground

Coordinates

47.31384414 N
91.28862255 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Reservations

+18668572757

Drive Time

1 hr from Duluth, MN
3 hrs 17 min from Eau Claire, WI
3 hrs 20 min from St. Cloud, MN
4 hrs 28 min from Wausau, WI

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Reviews12 Camper Reviews - Bean and Bear Lakes Hike-In

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

12 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the spacious lakeside sites and peaceful atmosphere, accessible via scenic 1.5-3 mile hikes. Many mentioned excellent cabin amenities and hot showers, though securing spots requires advance planning due to high demand.

Layla M.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 27, 2024

Gorgeous

The hike up there always kicks my ass! The views are so gorgeous though

Month of VisitAugust

andrew S.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2021

Awesome place to go

Love this hike it is one of the best me and my fiancé did this hike twice and then at the end we went and introduced a puppy she is a little stinker now but that’s ok we love her anyhow but this lake is a must see and a must do

Month of VisitSeptember

Kari K.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 8, 2019

Tettegouche Camp at Tettegouche State Park

Amazing hike in only campground. 1.7 mile hike into Tettegouche camp. It has 4 cabins for rent and a main lodge available for use. Has a one room cabin for 2 people with a queen bed, small refrigerator, an electric cook top, dishes and a table with 2 chairs. Heated by a wood stove and has back up furnace if temperature goes below 50 degrees. Very cute, cozy, romantic cabin! There are also three 2 bedroom cabins that sleep 4-6 people. NO RUNNING WATER OR BATHROOM IN THE CABINS but there is a very clean, very nice bathroom house with electricity on site. Your cabin rental includes a canoe to use on beautiful Mic Mac Lake. There is no WiFi and this is not a pet friendly campground. It is very peaceful and quiet. We saw deer and rabbits roaming about. Amazing hiking trails near by and very near the shore of Lake Superior. The cabins are reservable and hard to secure as they are in high demand. I gave this campground 5 out of 5 stars because it is amazing!

SiteCabin D

Month of VisitOctober

(16) View All

Kelly K.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2019

My favorite so far!

This is my favorite state park in MN thus far. Not as popular as ones like Gooseberry Falls but SO GORGEOUS! We stayed at a group campsite that was cart-in, and it was lovely. The site was surrounded by plenty of trees and set a little bit away from the other group sites. A++

SiteGroup camp

Month of VisitJune

Bri M.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2018

Beautiful secluded spot on a backcountry lake

This is my favorite MN campground and I always hesitate to tell people about this hidden gem because it is non-reservable and you already have to get out there early enough to claim your spot!

One- the location can’t be beat, anywhere along the North Shore is guaranteed to be beautiful but this campsite is set right on the shore of a pristine lake surrounded by forest covered hills. Just out of Silver Bay, it’s easy to find the trailhead and it meets up with the Superior Hiking Trail.

Two- the hike in is just as beautiful as your destination, over the 3-4 miles you cover on the Twin Lakes trail to get to the campsite you gain some elevation and get some great views of Lake Superior first, and then as you head farther inland you come on stunning views of Bean and Bear lakes about 1000 feet below. This is one of my favorite spots to sit on the edge of the cliff and have a snack while we take it all in. The trail goes in and out of beautiful forest and the is fairly well maintained, just be sure to wear waders if you are going in the spring or if there has been a lot of rain as the trail can get really muddy.

As you continue your descent, you come down to the shore of bear lake where there are two first come- first serve sites that can accommodate a few tents and each has its own fire ring and benches. There is a pit toilet a little ways up the hill as well, just remember to bring your own toilet paper.

The lake is fantastic for swimming in the summer and clear enough to purify for drinking water or cooking. There are great places to hang a hammock as well.

When you hike back out, you can either complete the Twin Lakes loop and finish back where you started at the Penn Blvd parking lot, or you can go north another 8 miles or so to Tettegouche State Park on the SHT. This whole area is MN backpacking at its finest!

SiteBear Lake

Month of VisitJuly

(12) View All

Paige J.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2018

Worth the Hike!

This is one of my all time favorite hikes and camp spots "up north". The hike into the Bean and Bear Lakes is fun and has some great views in itself. Though the best and most gratifying part of the hike is getting to the top of the overlook and seeing both lakes. Since you definitely have to HIKE IN to this camp spot I wouldn't suggest it to beginner campers

Month of VisitSeptember

(7) View All

savannah N.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2018

A little of everything!

we loved camping at Tettegouche! it was surprisingly quiet and peaceful for the middle of summer. you also get a mix of waterfalls, forest, and shoreline that make it a beautiful place to stay and explore.

Theresa D.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2018

Our hike in site was quiet and charming

Had a lovely walk into the site on an old road. Found our cabin to be quaint, but a few too many mice for my liking! I'm not opposed to their finding shelter, but their skittering throughout the night not enjoyable! Did enjoy the lake and the early morning canoe ride. Nice hikes and lots of wildflowers.

Andrea G.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

Bear Lake Campsite - Awesome!!

An amazing Campsite if you’re lucky enough to beat the crowds there! This site sits directly on Bear Lake near Silver Bay, MN. There are 2 relatively close sites here and this review is for the further back one. The ground isn’t exactly flat so your tent might be a little slanted - but it’s worth it for the views!

The site has a 1 night stay maximum because of its popularity and is located about 3 miles from the Superior Hiking Trail parking lot in Silver Bay. You can hike up above the lake for an amazing view of both Bear and Bean Lakes.

SiteBear Lake Campsite on the Superior Hiking Trail

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

ERolf P.

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2017

Tettegouche Hike In Cabin (B) Review

The Tettegouche Hike In Cabins are located on the back (North West) side of the park, a side not frequented by the many day hikers and the rest of the campers. The cabins are located 1.7 miles away from the parking area, accessible only by foot. The hike to the cabins is along a minimum maintentce service road, so the going is fairly easy, but there is a fair amount of vertical tilt to the hike, so be prepared to shed a layer or two, especially if you're not in great shape.

The cabins themselves are situatied on Mic Mac Lake, which is a remote freshwater lake. Cabin rental comes with access to the centrally localed shower house (running water and hot showers!), all the firewood you can hope to burn, a hand pump for water, and access to the main cabin lodge, perfect for large group lunches.

Cabin B has two bunk rooms, each with a full size bunk bed with full size bunks on top and bottom, which means you could (in theory) put 8 people in the cabin without resorting to putting anyone on the floor or on the couches in the living space. There is also a cooktop, mini fridge and freezer. The cabin is heated with a woodstove (which we put through it's paces on a breezy and chilly late May weekend).

We spent time hiking the nearby trails up to Mount Baldy and taking in the views of Lax Lake, Mic Mac Lake, Lake Tettegouche and many of the nearby ponds and streams. When it started raining, we played a few dozen games of cribbage and took advange of the cooktop to be able to cook our camp meals inside while we stayed warm and dry. There is also a camp ring and bbq grate outside the cabin for outdoor cooking and s'mores in nicer weather.

Cabin B is my favorite cabin at Tettegouche Camp, situated right on the edge of Mic Mac Lake (like 3 feet away)!

SiteHike In Cabin B

Month of VisitMay

(12) View All

ERolf P.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2016

Camper Cabins

We spent a chilly November night in one of the camper cabins. The cabins are about a 1.5 mile walk from the parking lot, up and over a hill. We arrived after 10pm and make the hike to camp in the dark with the help of our headlamps. Cabins themselves were nice, bed, wood burning store, kitchen prep area, and a small table. There are several cabins for rent. The cabins are alongside a lake, with beautiful views and plenty of access to hiking trails and the Superior Hiking Trail as well.

(4) View All

Jen E.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

Walk-in campgrounds are awesome

The walk-in campgrounds here are fantastic. THey are very spacious and private, located on a bluff on the edge of Lake Superior. Sleep to the sound of crashing waves. Scramble down the bluff to a virtually private beach. Use a rickshaw to bring your stuff to your campground; I think we had to walk 1/4 mile from the parking lot to our campsite. Awesome campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the Bean and Bear Lake trail for camping?

To access the Bean and Bear Lake trail for camping, start at the Tettegouche State Park trailhead near Silver Bay, MN. The hike to the campsites is approximately 1.7 miles from the parking area and follows a moderately challenging trail with some elevation changes. The path offers beautiful views along the way, making the journey itself rewarding. Pack light but bring all necessary camping supplies, as these are hike-in only sites with no vehicle access. Headlamps are recommended if you might be hiking in during late hours.

What hiking opportunities are available around Bean and Bear Lake Loop?

The Bean and Bear Lake Loop is considered one of the best hikes on Minnesota's North Shore. This challenging but rewarding trail offers spectacular panoramic views of both lakes from elevated overlooks. The loop takes you through diverse terrain including forests and rocky outcrops. From the highest points, you'll enjoy breathtaking vistas that make the effort worthwhile. Beyond this signature loop, Tettegouche State Park features an extensive network of trails that connect to waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, and other scenic areas. The variety of landscapes makes it perfect for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking adventures with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Is camping allowed at Bean and Bear Lake in Minnesota?

Yes, camping is allowed at Bean and Bear Lake in Tettegouche State Park. There are designated backcountry campsites directly on Bear Lake that require hiking to access. The sites are non-reservable and available on a first-come, first-served basis. While the ground may not be perfectly flat, the spectacular lakeside setting makes it worthwhile. These sites are popular, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. The campsites offer a true wilderness experience with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

What are the best campgrounds near Bean and Bear Lake on Minnesota's North Shore?

Beyond the Bean and Bear Lakes hike-in sites, Tettegouche State Park offers several excellent camping options. The park features walk-in campsites located on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves and access a nearly private beach. There are also rustic camper cabins available for rent that provide a comfortable wilderness experience. For groups, cart-in group sites surrounded by trees offer privacy and natural beauty. All these options provide great access to the park's extensive trail system, waterfalls, forests, and Lake Superior shoreline.

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