Camping near Biwabik offers varied terrain with access to northern Minnesota's interconnected waterways spanning the Mesabi Iron Range. The region sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with forest coverage primarily consisting of aspen, birch, and pine. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, while winters drop to -10-20°F with significant snowfall accumulation from November through March.
What to do
Fishing on multiple lakes: At Bear Head Lake State Park, visitors have excellent fishing options. "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," reports one visitor.
Hiking trail system: Explore the network of trails at Bear Head Lake State Park, which offers routes for all skill levels. "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," notes one camper, who also mentions several other trails including "Norberg Lake Trail is a easy 1.5 mile trail."
Biking the Mesabi Trail: The 132-mile Mesabi Trail connects several campgrounds in the region. Sherwood Forest Campground provides direct access, with one camper noting it's "right on the Mesabi trail and OHV trail" and another mentioning "it not only has full hook-ups and overlooks a lake, but is right on the Mesabi Bike Trail."
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds operate May through October, winter activities abound in the region. Bear Head Lake State Park offers "cross country ski trail (groomed), snowshoe trails, and snowmobile trails" according to one experienced visitor.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. At Bear Head Lake State Park, one visitor noted the "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." Another camper simply stated: "Have camped here a few times!!! LOVE it!! Generous secluded sites!!"
Water activities: Access to lakes ranks high on campers' lists. One visitor to Bear Head Lake mentioned, "I really enjoyed this Campground for the water activities! we rented paddle boards everyday we were here. The lake is so relaxing to paddle board around and the water is so clear and fun to look at. Best part was a quiet Sunday morning watching a deer drink from the lake while we were out there!"
Spacious sites: Campgrounds offering larger sites receive consistent praise. At Sherwood Forest Campground, "the sites were spacious. It was so peaceful!" according to one camper. Another noted it has "large spots not stacked on top of each other."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited winter availability. Fisherman's Point City Campground runs specifically "May 1 to September 15" according to their listing information, while Sherwood Forest operates "May 1 to October 31."
Rustic options available: For those seeking more primitive camping experiences, options exist. Pfeiffer Lake offers a "very basic campground with vault toilets and drinking water available. About half the sites can be reserved on Recreation.gov," according to one visitor. Another notes it's a "great place for rustic camping" with "vaulted toilets and drinking water, there is a small playground, swimming beach and fishing pier."
Cell service varies: Connectivity differs across campgrounds. Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park offers exceptional connectivity with "top rate" cell service. One camper noted, "If you are looking for a state park campground to work remotely, this would be a great choice."
Water access considerations: Not all campgrounds provide direct lake access from campsites. One visitor to Lake Vermillion-Soudan observed: "No view of the lake" and "long walk to the lake from campsites. Wish there were sites on or closer to the lake."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Fisherman's Point City Campground offers excellent water recreation options. One visitor described it as "kid friendly, lost of lake sites, playgrounds, and atv friendly!" Another mentioned it's "beautiful with water and trees everywhere."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Eveleth Veterans Park Campground is described as "a great place for anyone and is especially great for those with young children. Direct access to a great beach, plenty of space to safely roam, and a park to play in."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families enjoy nature observation at several parks. At Bear Head Lake, one camper described the joy of "watching a deer drink from the lake" while paddle boarding, and the park provides "perfect 'up north' experience with fishing, canoeing, hiking, all amongst the tall pines!"
Educational options: The region offers learning opportunities for children. One visitor recommended: "In Ely both the Wolf Center and the Bear Center are great places to visit. If you can only visit one I would recommend the Bear Center as you get to see the animals more up close and the guided tour is very informative."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: When selecting a campground, consider space constraints. At Big Rice Lake, one RVer noted, "Very easy to pull our 20' nobo through the loop (yes...the road access loops around and puts you out by the boat landing... so, no worries about getting in and out) and backing into the site was a breeze."
Hookup availability: RV amenities vary across campgrounds. Sherwood Forest provides "full hook-ups" while Fisherman's Point offers electric but "no water hook ups" according to reviewers.
Road access considerations: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Big Rice Lake, one visitor reported: "The gravel road is a maintained gravel road. Easy for any type of car," though other campgrounds may have different access conditions.
Campsite surface types: Pay attention to the surface of sites when planning. Lake Vermillion-Soudan's sites are described as "mostly gravel not ideal for tents more aimed at the rvs. 100-200 campsites seem better for tents over 300 sites."
