Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

Campsite was good size and relatively private in the non electric area. Beautiful park overall and love the proximity from Ely and Lake Vermillion. I did find bear scat near our site so be sure to practice proper bear safety precautions.

Tough hike in to the backpack site. But once we arrived we had a beautiful little lake all to ourselves. Didn't pass another person in the 1.5 mile hike in. Quiet, secluded, and relaxing. Site had some log benches and a table if I remember correctly as well as a bear box.

The view from this campsite was absolutely incredible. It’s right off Blueberry Lake, which is an appropriate name as we found plenty of wild blueberries near our campsite.

The hike to get to this campsite was rough. Trails were very overgrown and there was an unfortunate amount of black flies and mosquitoes. Bug nets, permethrin treated clothing and bug spray were no match for the amount of bugs we encountered.

They do have a bear locker available which is nice as this campsite is very remote. No pit toilet though so be sure to pack a trowel.

If you are looking for a rugged, backpacking adventure then this campsite is for you!

There was quite a few other campers here and we were pleasantly surprised how ‘private’ the camping sites are. Don’t get me wrong you can still hear your neighbors and see signs of life but you’re definitely not combat camping here!

Heavily wooded campground, sites are a little close but acceptable.

I was so impressed by the trails and the lake-it felt very well maintained and also quite private. I can’t wait to stay again!

The trails were so beautiful and it felt like there were options to explore everywhere. Firewood was about $7/bundle and restrooms were clean. I want to go back and try to fish next time! There’s individual docks for fishing!

We have enjoyed staying here. Minnesota does a nice job with their state parks. The campsites are varied in types, sizes and layouts. Ours works great for our 26’ travel trailer and truck, and includes electrical. Main restroom has showers. Nice canoeing lake adjacent to the campground. The Taconite State Trail is nearby. Only complaints are campsites are close to each other and only one bar of service on T-Mobile phone.

This is a popular spot and it was pretty noisy. The camp host were great. I didn’t have reservations so I had to move around a lot because I wanted to stay for a few days. There’s lots of things to do And the water is just beautiful. Great places to hike around.

This was a wonderful stay. Very family friendly with a lot to do! There are modern facilities in the drive in campground, nothing fancy but they got the job done. We stayed mid-week and the park was busy but not overly full. You can rent kayaks, canoes, etc. at the park office of a decent price. Lots of critters to see and hear. Ely is a short drive down the road. We will definitely be coming back to this campground.

Well kept campground with 73 camping sites. 24 have no electricity. Has public boat launch for canoes and kayaks. Has a beach for swimming. Most sites can handle a medium sized 5th wheel, some are very shallow. We have a 27ft pop up and there was just enough room for it and my truck. Planning our next trip here again soon

Stayed at a camper cabin- had the park to ourselves! Absolutely gorgeous. The drive off the main highway is a few miles, so you really end up out in the wilderness! We also appreciated that this park doesn’t allow hunting so you know you are safe during that season. 

The campground is along a series of winding lakes, with multiple access points to the water. Very spaced out and easy access to vaulted toilets and water. A couple of different fishing piers and docks right near the campground itself. Has electric and non-electric sites. Definitely impressed with the campground itself. Very pretty no matter where you camp. 

Park has:

- fishing pier

- hiking trails

- fish cleaning building

- stocked backcountry fishing lakes

- canoe rental

- a trail center with a community fire ring and comfy chairs

- dump station

- RV sanitation station

- camper cabins

- group camp

- swimming beach

- trailer access

- watercraft and backpack sites 

We enjoyed night walks and star gazing- we decided it was the best stars we had ever seen! Even saw shooting stars. Cooked some great meals, and enjoyed the hiking club walk through the woods to some super-secret small lakes. 

Checked out the group site- so cool. Right on the water with a personal dock and toilets.

This park is truly in the wilderness, felt like actually being in the Boundary Waters! Crystal clear water, thick gorgeous forests, and an amazing sky. 

Head into Ely, maybe 20 mins, if you need supplies or a break from the woods. Also can access the BWCAW there too. 

We appreciated that this park is open year-round, but can’t wait to go back in the summer!

I spent 3 nights in a tent and my friends had a large camper in the same site. They were clean and the chipmunks were our pets for the weekend. The docks are convenient for your boats or pontoons. The fishing is phenomenal and beautiful! Definitely recommend for hiking, site seeing, swimming at the beach, fishing and other things 😊

The sites weren’t particularly large, the singular available vault toilet for the tenting sites was usually in disarray and the general noise level was surprising....but even with all of these unexpected speed bumps the trip was great!

Everyone was super friendly and I appreciated being able to have my 3-legged companion along for the adventure. Sites were clearly marked and easy to find, along with trails to the beach area. Lots of families with children, so if you’re looking for a place to bring your littles, this should be on your list.

6/25-6/27/20. BP5

Bear Head Lake has it all. Camping, fishing, boating, swimming and hiking. The lake itself is fully private and the only access is through the state park. There was very little boat traffic during our stay and we were able to paddle most of the lake. We really enjoyed some of the calmer bays. The temps were close to 90 during our stay and the beach was busy. There is a nice sandy area and the water shallow and warm. There are several small docks along the campground for people to tie up motorboats, it was a fun little section to walk. Sites 51-58 are closest to the lake (but they don’t have actual lake views) and have the nearest access to these docks, though anyone can use them. There is also a fishing pier and another dock by the beach.

Not only is the lake a huge draw, but so is the hiking. Norberg Lake was absolutely gorgeous and the trail that passed through. There is also a little sandy spot and people (and dogs) were swimming here. We also enjoyed the Blueberry Lake trail (around the backpack sites) and the Becky Lake trail.

The sites in the campground seems very close together and small. Even the sites near the water. We prefer more remote sites and were able to book BP5. This site was on Bear Head lake itself so we were able to paddle across the water from the beach area. Our site had its own dock and I think it was the best in the park. The site itself was very spacious, with a bear locker, fire pit, picnic table, hammock spot and sunset views. We were able to go into two other backpack sites because they were vacant and they were also very spacious and private We loved our time at Bear Head and will be returning next summer.

Sites leaning towards more of an rv type of site with the gravel and lots of large rocks in the ground but an amazing location. The hiking trails are fantastic and they have many hike in sites that appear to be in super cool locations. We are definitely making a return trip here!

Stopped here on the way to the Boundary Waters. A lot of the campground was closed and there was some rough weather, but still had a great time. At the campground you can do some hiking and also some water sports. 

The Campground Beach...not too much of a beach as it is a shallow spot, but it is still perfect for families to lounge in on a hot day. There are lots of shade trees to relax under if you like so that is nice. 

The Hiking...I hiked all the hikes and I can honestly say there are some good sites to see. I would recommend Blueberry Lake and Becky Lake hike. It is a mixture of rolling grass and rocky terrain. I did it in the rain so mosquitos were not as bad and was able to pass by the back country sites as well. You are mostly covered under the pine forest but you do get to glance some of the views. The hiking club hike (Norberg) isn't too bad, but it is very heavily trafficked. I saw more nature on the backcountry hike than the hiking club. 

The water...some good look nooks to get into in the east and north bays. The actual lake itself is pretty windy and made kayaking difficult. I would say it would be a great paddle on a calm day or early morning. Caught several pikes and many bass. There are also loads of panfish. The shallows have crystal clear water so it is nice to just sneak up on the pan fish to see them. 

The campground...I was in site 43 and it was pretty nice and secluded. The DNR had blocked off over half the sites due to the Covid. They also had the bathrooms closed along with the fish cleaning shanty. The cabins were opening up on the 1st for families. The sites that are back to back with the other loop (59-73 and 26-39) don't have much privacy at the back of their sites. Most sites have simple pathways to the sites on either side, but mines was pretty secluded and a good location. The sites along the water (51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58) all have pathways down to the water and some docks to hold boats over. It was a nice campground and there really is a lot to do. The sunset are great and the big field by the campground cabin was a great place to put a blanket and watch the sun set behind the trees.

Campground is quite busy, but there is enough foliage in the summer to make it more private. Sites are good sizes and a good distance from each other. Great for families. Very picturesque, provides perfect "up north" experience with fishing, canoeing, hiking, all amongst the tall pines!

Secluded and beautiful sites. Wonderful lake with boats available for rent. Not many hiking trails (my only complaint).

Stayed just one night here on our way through. Site was a little tight but still nice for our 30’ travel trailer. Bathrooms and showers were nice. Our kids had a blast biking the trails. Didn’t get a chance to do much else but hope to come back with more time to enjoy getting out on the lakes for fishing and the swimming beach. The campground was full but it was still private enough to feel secluded. Bugs weren’t bad at all for the beginning of July. Star gazing at night from our site was beautiful! Hope to be back soon.

Swimming beach has nice clean water. Trails are well kept. Beautiful trout lakes.

Lots of trees and lots that are just secluded enough. Perfect for anyone!

All around great place to camp. I have been going here since I was a child. Campsites are big,private. Bathroom always clean. Beautiful lake,good fishing. Wish I could stay all summer

Bear Head Lake State Park is just south of the Boundary Waters, and shares a comparable wilderness element.  The shoreline is beautiful and very fun to explore by kayak.

Campground features: Cabin rentals, tent sites, and RV sites.  The campground is open in fall & winter. The campsites are private, well shaded, and level. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, group sites, and electric are also available.

Hiking at Bear Head Lake State Park

• Bear Head Lake State Park Trail is a moderate 3.2 mile trail. This hike is a loop route. Dogs are allowed but only on leash.
• Norberg Lake Trail is a easy 1.5 mile trail. It is a trail for all skill levels and dogs are allowed but only on leash. Mostly wooded.
• Blueberry Lake Trail is a easy 4.5 mile trail. Longer than the other listed trails. It is an out and back hike that is mostly wooded. Dogs are allowed on leash.
• Becky Lake Trail is a easy 2.7 mile hike. Beck Lake is a loop hike that is mostly wooded. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Fishing at Bear Head State Park

Bass, northerns, walleye, panfish, and trout can be caught at this State Park. Many people fish from the fishing dock or shoreline. Panfish are all over the lake and most likely the first ones biting. Good walleye fishing after 6pm.

Other activities:

Boat rentals, cross country ski trail (groomed), snowshoe trails, and snowmobile trails.

Great fishing, canoeing!! Secluded sites!!

Wow! What a beautiful campground. I camped here in #8 for an overnight stay. Geocaching the State Parks, this was night 3 of a 4 night trek! Very nice Trail Center and cool puzzle. Watching the sunset was fabulous!!

Camping spaces are standard, geared more towards RVs and campers unless you pick the hike in sites. For those of us who tent or find ourselves too lazy and recline in the back of a vehicle, your needs will be met. On a whim we left for northern MN and were grateful for the last site at this park. Love that a Wednesday in August has full campgrounds. Also love that this park still has Rangers on site. A few years back the state moved to a 3rd party reservation center and funding for Rangers decreased.

The campground is nice. The sites are very private which I enjoyed. Had boat rentals available to go out on the beautiful lake.

I would like to say this park is very tranquil. Great sites and nice fishing!

Tower and Ely are near to get bait or items if needed.

Our most visited favorite park!

Quiet campground with a short walk to the lake. RV and tent camping had separate areas. Restrooms and showers were clean. Close to Ely.