Bae & Steve’s Beach, Ely, MN

The Ely, Minnesota area is renowned across the nation as the gateway to the world-famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While many visitors seek the challenge of a true, permit-required wilderness trip, a growing number of local adventurers are discovering the immense appeal of the region's smaller, more secluded, privately-owned campgrounds. These hidden gems often offer a unique blend of quiet tranquility and convenient proximity to the Northwoods' best recreational opportunities. Among these personalized retreats is Bae & Steve’s Beach, a destination offering a unique basecamp experience for Minnesotans looking to explore the beautiful forests and waterways surrounding Ely.

This location stands out as an ideal choice for local residents who appreciate a more intimate and less commercialized camping atmosphere than large public parks can provide. The focus here is on a connection to the natural environment without the hustle and bustle of high-traffic areas. By choosing a smaller, private venue, visitors often benefit from a more personalized host experience and a deeper sense of community. This environment is particularly well-suited for those making multiple trips to the Northwoods throughout the year, or for those seeking a less strenuous, drive-in alternative to the intense effort required for a BWCA permit trip.

The journey to Ely itself is a time-honored Minnesota tradition, a scenic drive that gradually trades cityscapes for vast forests. Bae & Steve’s Beach promises to be a peaceful retreat at the end of that journey, serving as a perfect launchpad for fishing, hiking, and canoeing in the myriad of surrounding lakes and state forest trails. For the local user, this is a chance to claim a quiet corner of the esteemed Northwoods, providing a comfortable spot to rest before or after their daily adventures. We delve into the specifics of this inviting spot to help you plan your next Northern Minnesota escape.

Location and Accessibility

Bae & Steve’s Beach is officially located at 3248 Shady Rest Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This address places it within the immediate vicinity of Ely, a community that sits surrounded by the Superior National Forest. The "Shady Rest Road" name itself evokes the peaceful, wooded setting characteristic of this region. Ely's accessibility is excellent for those driving from the Twin Cities or other parts of Minnesota, typically involving a scenic route north via Highway 169.

Accessibility to the campsite itself is drive-in, as is standard for non-wilderness campgrounds, allowing guests to bring the comfort of their own vehicles and camping setups. While the precise distance from downtown Ely may require checking a map, the location on Shady Rest Road suggests it is far enough from town to ensure a quiet environment but close enough to access local amenities. These amenities include grocery stores, outfitting services for Boundary Waters trips, and local restaurants and attractions like the International Wolf Center and the Dorothy Molter Museum.

Furthermore, the location provides excellent regional accessibility to various lakes and trail systems. The area is peppered with public access points to lakes like Shagawa, Fall, and White Iron, allowing for easy boat launching for fishing or pleasure cruising. The numerous state and national forest trails nearby—both for hiking and ATV use—are readily available to campers, meaning a wide range of outdoor activities are always just minutes away from your site at Bae & Steve’s Beach. This ideal geographical placement makes it a highly convenient option for local users familiar with the region's layout.

Services Offered

As a privately-managed camping area, the exact services offered at Bae & Steve’s Beach may be tailored by the hosts. Based on the standard expectations for small, private campgrounds in the Ely area, visitors can typically expect a focus on providing the essential infrastructure for comfortable, rustic camping. It is highly recommended that guests confirm specific services directly with the hosts, particularly regarding utility hookups.

Designated Campsites: Established, clear areas for pitching tents or parking an RV/camper. These sites are likely spread out to offer a sense of seclusion and privacy, a signature feature of smaller, private venues.
Fire Rings or Pits: Each site is typically equipped with a dedicated fire ring for safe, contained campfires, essential for cooking and evening relaxation. Guests should plan to either purchase firewood locally or gather dead and down wood, adhering to any local burning restrictions.
Parking Availability: Drive-in access with parking either directly on the site or in a dedicated nearby area, ensuring the convenience of unloading and securing vehicles.
Basic Sanitation: While specific details are unconfirmed, small, private sites often provide a clean, well-maintained wilderness latrine or portable toilet facility. Modern flush toilets or shower facilities may vary and should be confirmed with Bae & Steve directly.
Proximity to Water Access: Given the name, the location is strongly implied to be near a lake, river, or pond access, meaning guests have the benefit of using the water for recreation, whether through paddling or swimming.

This level of service caters perfectly to the self-sufficient Minnesota camper who is well-equipped for the outdoors and prefers a hands-off, nature-focused experience over resort-style amenities.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Bae & Steve’s Beach lies in its unique, personal charm and its strategic location in the heart of Northern Minnesota's recreational landscape.

The 'Beach' Feature: The inclusion of "Beach" in the name strongly implies an area of natural sand or smoothed shore, providing easy access to the water for swimming, launching a canoe, or simply sunbathing. This feature is a major draw for families and water-sports enthusiasts.
Shady Rest Environment: Situated on Shady Rest Road, the campground is likely nestled within the mature, wooded landscape of the Superior National Forest region, offering ample shade, a beautiful backdrop, and a truly tranquil atmosphere.
Ideal BWCA Basecamp: For those planning a full BWCA excursion, this site serves as an invaluable basecamp. It is a secure, comfortable place to stay the night before an early permit start or to recover and regroup after a strenuous wilderness trip, providing a bridge between civilization and the deep woods.
Proximity to Ely Attractions: Guests have the advantage of being close to the renowned cultural and nature centers in Ely, including the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center, adding an educational component to the outdoor adventure.
Access to Diverse Recreation: Being in the Ely area means immediate access to thousands of acres of public land for hiking, mountain biking, fishing for Walleye and Northern Pike, and enjoying the distinct sound of the Minnesota loon on nearby waters.

Contact Information

As Bae & Steve’s Beach appears to be a private or host-run operation, direct public contact information like a dedicated phone line is typically managed through online booking platforms such as Hipcamp, Airbnb, or a dedicated local website.

To ensure an accurate and secure booking and to confirm current availability and amenities, visitors are advised to search online for the campground name, "Bae & Steve’s Beach," along with the city, "Ely, MN." This search should lead to the host's direct listing, which will provide the current contact methods and booking details.

Address: 3248 Shady Rest Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: Search for "Bae & Steve’s Beach Ely MN" online for the host's current booking platform and contact information.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Bae & Steve’s Beach represents the ideal Minnesota getaway for the local user. It is a geographically convenient escape that captures the essence of the Northwoods without demanding the intensive logistical planning of a state or federal wilderness permit. For Minnesotans, it offers a crucial middle ground: the quiet solitude of the forest combined with the accessibility of a drive-in location.

The private, small-scale nature of the campground fosters a deeper sense of relaxation and connection to the landscape. It is the perfect venue for a weekend recharge, a family gathering, or a fishing trip basecamp. Its location near Ely leverages the region's reputation as an outdoor hub, ensuring that whether you want to paddle on the vast lakes, hike the forest trails, or simply sit by a campfire under the stars, your adventure starts effortlessly.

By choosing a location like this, local campers are not just booking a campsite; they are securing a personalized retreat in the most cherished corner of their home state, supporting local private enterprise, and embracing the deep tradition of Northwoods camping that is central to Minnesota identity.