Established Camping
Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites
Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites, near Ely, Minnesota, is a peaceful spot tucked away in the Superior National Forest. This place is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, with nature sounds like frogs and loons providing a soothing soundtrack.
The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it versatile for different camping styles. Visitors have noted the spacious and private sites, which are surrounded by trees, allowing for a sense of seclusion. One camper mentioned, “The sites had good privacy due to the trees,” which adds to the overall tranquility of the area.
If you’re into fishing or kayaking, Birch Lake is a great spot for that. Reviewers have praised the beautiful scenery and the chance to catch some northern pike while enjoying the calm waters. As one happy camper put it, “Birch has a huge area you can camp out in and do a lot of canoeing and fishing.”
For those who love hiking, there are trails right out of the campsite, so you can easily explore the stunning surroundings. The lack of electric hookups and showers keeps things rustic, but the drinking water and clean pit toilets ensure you have the essentials covered. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Birch Lake Campground offers a refreshing retreat into nature.
Description
Overview
Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 13 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It is an ideal place to relax while enjoying fishing, boating and other recreational activities.
Recreation
Fishing, boating and canoeing are popular on Birch Lake. Anglers can use the boat ramp or try their luck from shore to catch northern pike, perch, crappie and walleye. There are no horsepower limitations for boats on the lake. The shoreline is inviting for campers interested in canoeing. Families also enjoy berry picking during the summer and early fall months. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Facilities
The campground features shaded campsites, each with a picnic table, tent pad and campfire ring with grill. Campsites are organized into two loops, all near the water and well-separated by dense forest. The north loop also has a group site to accommodate up to 45 people with eight back-in parking spurs and an open play area. The south loop has two camper cabins. These cabins are two room cabins with two sets of bunk beds (4 beds) in the back bedroom, and a main area with a table, chairs, and futon in the front room. The cabins sleep up to 6 persons and offer the indoor/outdoor camping experience with a front porch. A heater is provided for those cooler Minnesota nights. Please note: guests must supply their own linens and supplies; no electricity, water or indoor kitchen. Vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water are provided, and firewood is available for purchase.
Natural Features
Birch Lake covers 7,628 acres and is one of a series of lakes in the area. The campground lies in aspen and birch forest. Birds and wildlife are abundant. Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, is comprised of 3-million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways. Campers can also explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 1-million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extends nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
Location
Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites is located in Minnesota
Directions
From Ely, Minnesota, travel about 8 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior, until Forest Road 429 (Little Lake Road). Turn right on Forest Road 429 and continue 4 miles to the campground entrance road. Turn left onto the campground road and continue 1 mile to the campground.
Address
KAWISHIWI RANGER DISTRICT
1393 HIGHWAY 169
Ely, MN 55731
Coordinates
47.7569444 N
91.7836111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Detours Nearby
Superior National Forest McDougal Lake Campground
33 min away
Sand Lake Rustic Campground
35 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 47 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 50 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 4 hrs 4 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 4 hrs 4 min from Eau Claire, WI
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
