Bear Head Lake Campground

- Embarrass, MN 55732

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential "Up North" experience—one defined by towering red and white pines, pristine waters, and the chance to hear a timber wolf howl—Bear Head Lake Campground is a celebrated destination. Nestled within Bear Head Lake State Park near the town of Ely, this campground offers a truly secluded Northwoods wilderness feel, reminiscent of the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), but with the comfort and accessibility of a top-tier state park facility.

Often cited by locals as a favorite state park, the campground is renowned for its natural beauty and well-designed layout. The sites are intentionally large and spread out, separated by majestic trees and natural foliage, ensuring a refreshing sense of privacy that is rare in many modern campgrounds. Whether you are tenting, bringing an RV, or opting for one of the park’s cozy camper cabins, Bear Head Lake provides a perfect base for exploring the region's wilderness. Established in 1961, the park has been recognized nationally for its beauty, and continues to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts interested in fishing, canoeing, hiking, and watching Minnesota's iconic wildlife.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Head Lake Campground is situated deep within the forested landscape of St. Louis County, offering an immediate sense of being immersed in the wild.

Address: 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN 55731 (The nearest town for navigation is often listed as Embarrass, MN 55732)

The campground is strategically located off Highway 169, approximately four hours north of the Twin Cities, making it a manageable drive for a week-long vacation or an extended weekend. To reach the park entrance, visitors will typically take a turn onto County Road 128 (Bear Head State Park Road) and continue for several miles, a drive that reinforces the park's secluded, remote nature.

Despite its deep wilderness setting, the park serves as a gateway to other major Northwoods attractions. It is just a short drive from the historic mining town of Tower and the vibrant recreational hub of Ely, where visitors can find the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center, or access permits for the BWCAW. This unique balance of isolation and accessibility to essential services and attractions makes it a highly convenient location for Minnesota residents looking for a true northern escape without committing to the full rigors of a wilderness trip. A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required for entry, which can be purchased daily or annually.

Services Offered

As a well-maintained Minnesota State Park facility, Bear Head Lake Campground offers a range of services designed for comfort and convenience while preserving the natural setting.

• Campsites: The campground features 73 total campsites, including approximately 45 sites with electrical hookups (30-amp and 50-amp available). There are also non-electric sites, as well as primitive tent, backpack, and canoe-in sites for a more rustic experience.
• Modern Sanitation Facilities: Loop 1-24 often receives high marks for its modern, updated bathroom buildings, which include flush toilets and seasonally available hot showers. Vault toilets are also available in other sections of the park.
• Water and Dump Station: While water hookups are not available at individual sites, plentiful clean water is available throughout the campground, and a sanitary dump station is provided for RV waste.
• Camper Cabins and Guest House: For those who prefer a roof overhead, the park offers several heated camper cabins with screened porches, bunks, and electricity, plus a larger three-bedroom guest house available for year-round rental.
• Equipment Rentals: The park office offers seasonal rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing boats, and motors, making it easy to enjoy the lake without hauling your own equipment.
• Fishing Services: A dedicated fish cleaning shack is available near the boat launch for anglers to process their catch.
• Firewood: Approved firewood is available for purchase at the park office, as gathering wood is prohibited and only approved wood can be used to prevent the spread of tree-killing insects.

Features / Highlights

The main draw of Bear Head Lake Campground is its exceptional natural setting and the abundance of recreational features centered on the lake and surrounding forest.

• Lake Access and Marina: The campground is situated on Bear Head Lake, a 674-acre lake ideal for fishing, swimming, and paddling. A marina and boat launch are conveniently located near the campground, with small docks often available for campers to tie up their watercraft.
• Secluded and Large Sites: The campsites, especially those in the 50s loop and 1-24 loop, are praised for being spacious, heavily wooded, and naturally separated by trees and brush, offering a strong sense of privacy.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach near the picnic area provides a safe and picturesque spot for families to enjoy the clear lake waters.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 17 miles of hiking trails—including the Norberg Lake Trail and the Blueberry Lake Trail—wind through the park, offering opportunities to explore pine forests, look for wildlife, and connect to the multi-use Taconite State Trail.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park lives up to its Northwoods reputation, with frequent sightings of wildlife including deer, red squirrels, black bears, and a variety of birds. The surrounding area is also home to moose and timber wolves.
• All-Season Recreation: The park remains a destination outside of summer, with groomed trails available for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter, making the camper cabins a popular cold-weather option.

Contact Information

Bear Head Lake Campground is part of the Minnesota State Park system. The main point of contact is the park office.

Address: 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 235-2520 (Bear Head Lake State Park Office)

Note: For general state park information or reservations, it is best to use the Minnesota DNR state parks reservation system. The phone numbers provided, (608) 343-1203 and +1 608-343-1203, may be associated with the booking system or a specific host but the main park line is preferred for direct inquiries.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bear Head Lake Campground is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals because it offers an authentic, deep-wilderness experience that closely mirrors the famed Boundary Waters, but within a highly accessible and reliably maintained State Park structure. For those who cherish privacy and quiet, the large, secluded campsites set beneath majestic pines are a significant draw, ensuring a true break from suburban or city life. The combination of excellent fishing for walleye and bass, the convenience of on-site rentals, and the availability of clean, modern facilities—particularly the updated restrooms—make the wilderness accessible to families and campers of all experience levels. It’s a place where you can launch your boat directly onto a pristine lake, spend the day hiking through a stunning forest, and return to a comfortable, private site. This proximity to genuine Northwoods solitude, coupled with a full suite of park amenities, establishes Bear Head Lake Campground as an invaluable recreational asset and a favored Minnesota tradition.

Bear Head Lake Campground

Embarrass, MN 55732, USA