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Established Camping

Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 4, 2024

Great Place!

We arrived late and set up in the dark, but were pleasantly surprised in the morning. Quiet except for the nature sounds - fronts, owls, loons at night. Hiking trails right out of the campsite.

Site16
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Kara B., June 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Kara B., June 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Kara B., June 4, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2022

Quite

Very nice northern Mn. Campground . Semi primative. Stayed 2 nights and kayaked close to shore out of the wind. Caught a couple of Northerns. I think other campsites are better but this was the only one available.

Site32
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2022

Remote, quiet campground

We showed up around 8 PM on a Friday and was still able to get a spot at this nice, quiet campground. It was a very peaceful spot since the gravel leading To it is quite a few miles off the highway. The lake was gorgeous with little boat traffic as well. Sites were large, private, and spread out. Some sites are reservable while others are FCFS. There were still a few open sites throughout the weekend.

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Zack H., June 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Zack H., June 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Zack H., June 26, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2020

Nice little campground

The sites had good privacy due to the trees, and I managed to set the tent up at the way back of the site, so you couldn't see it from the road. The pit toilet was pretty clean and there were even hand sanitizer bottles outside for use. The well water available had a bit of an off smell and came out a little more yellow/brown than I prefer so I did not use it.

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2017

Fishing

We came for the fishing! Beautiful scenery as well!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Anne G., July 18, 2017
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Anne G., July 18, 2017
  • Review photo of Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites by Anne G., July 18, 2017
  • (14) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Birch Lake Campground?

Birch Lake Campground offers semi-primitive amenities with pit toilets that are regularly maintained and include hand sanitizer dispensers. The campground provides well water, though it may have a slight odor. Sites are spacious, private, and nicely separated by trees for good privacy. Hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground, and the lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The campground's peaceful setting with minimal boat traffic makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts looking to enjoy the sounds of frogs, owls, and loons.

Is Birch Lake Campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service?

While specific management information isn't directly stated, Birch Lake Campground appears to be a public campground with characteristics typical of U.S. Forest Service management. The semi-primitive nature, basic amenities like pit toilets and well water, and the remote natural setting are consistent with Forest Service campgrounds. For confirmation about management authority and any related regulations or permits, contact the nearest Forest Service office or check the official Forest Service website before your visit.

Are there photos or maps available of Birch Lake Campground?

Photos and maps of Birch Lake Campground are available through various camping resources including The Dyrt. These visual resources can help you see the campground's spacious sites, surrounding forest, and beautiful lake views. Maps will show the campground layout including hiking trails that connect directly to the campsites. For the most detailed and up-to-date maps, contact the managing agency directly or check their official website, as they often provide downloadable maps showing campsite locations, facilities, and nearby recreational opportunities.

Where is Birch Lake Campground located in Minnesota?

Birch Lake Campground is located in northern Minnesota, situated several miles off the highway down a gravel road, creating a secluded and peaceful atmosphere. The campground is near the towns of Babbitt and Ely, in an area known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The remote location contributes to the quiet environment, with minimal traffic both on roads and on the lake itself.