Bear Head Lake State Park offers a secluded Northwoods retreat near Ely, Minnesota, delivering scenery and wilderness comparable to the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — with the added convenience of modern amenities and road access. Nestled among pristine lakes and boreal forest, the park is home to black bears, bald eagles, timber wolves, moose, and over 100 bird species, making it a premier destination for nature lovers and wildlife watchers in northeastern Minnesota.
The campground features 73 back-in sites suitable for tents and RVs, including 45 sites with electrical hookups (30-amp and 50-amp available), water hookups, a dump station, and shower facilities. Big rig friendly, each site comes equipped with a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. Camper cabins and a group camp round out the overnight options.
On the water, guests can swim at the sandy beach, fish for walleye, bass, crappies, or trout, or launch a boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Hiking and multi-use trails wind throughout the park, and a handicapped-accessible fishing pier provides inclusive access. Winter visitors enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Bear Head Lake State Park is an ideal base camp for exploring Minnesota's wild Iron Range.