Bear Head Lake State Park Campground
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2020

Great Northern Minnesota Option

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.

Site43
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Campground by Scott M., July 1, 2020
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