Bear Head Lake State Park - United States
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About Bear Head Lake State Park
RV quick facts for Bear Head Lake State Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Max RV length | Typical drive-in sites accommodate RVs up to about 40 ft; confirm specific site length when reserving |
| Full hookups | No full hookups; electric-only sites are available in the main campground |
| Dump station | Seasonal dump station on site at the main campground |
| Generator hours | Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.; generator use limited to daytime and must not disturb neighbors |
| Cell service | Limited and carrier-dependent; expect weak or no signal inside the park, better service toward Ely |
| Road restrictions | Paved entrance road; no tunnels or steep grades, but narrow shoulders on approach highways |
| Reservation window | Minnesota State Parks reservations open 120 days in advance through the MN DNR reservation system |
| Vehicle permit | A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required for entry, daily or annual |
Featured RV rentals for Bear Head Lake State Park
Best time to visit Bear Head Lake State Park
Mid-June through early September offers the warmest weather, the fullest services at the campground, and ice-free paddling and swimming. Late June and August balance long daylight hours with slightly smaller crowds than the July 4 peak. September brings cool nights, fewer bugs, and early fall color across the aspen and birch, which is ideal for RV travel. Spring shoulder season can be wet and buggy, and black fly and mosquito pressure is highest in late May and June.
Campground closed to drive-in camping; park open for winter day use and skiing
Campground closed; winter trails and camper cabins may be available
Campground closed; snow and ice on trails and lakes
Campground typically opens in late spring; expect mud and lingering ice on lakes
Black flies emerge mid to late May
Peak mosquito season; reservations fill quickly
Warmest month and busiest; book early
Warm days, cooler nights, fewer bugs than July
Early fall color; excellent RV shoulder season
Peak color early in the month; nights can dip below freezing
Drive-in campground typically closes for the season; snow possible
Campground closed; park open for winter day use
Things to do at Bear Head Lake State Park
- Bear Head Lake Swimming Beach EasyRV parking available
The park's sandy swimming beach sits on the south shore of Bear Head Lake with a gradual drop-off and shoreline picnic area. It is a short walk from the main campground and day-use parking, with RV-friendly lots near the trailhead. A good stop on hot afternoons after paddling or hiking.
- Becky Lake Trail Moderate
Becky Lake Trail is a forested loop through red and white pine that leads to a quiet backcountry lake inside the park. The path crosses gentle terrain with roots and occasional wet spots and connects to the wider park trail system. Trailheads have space for tow vehicles after unhitching at camp.
- Norberg Lake Trail Moderate
Norberg Lake Trail leads to a small, clear inland lake known for quiet paddling and shoreline fishing. The route is a manageable half-day hike suitable for most fitness levels and offers a chance to see loons, beaver sign, and boreal forest birds. Parking at the main trailhead accommodates passenger vehicles.
- Paddling on Bear Head Lake EasyRV parking available
Bear Head Lake is the park's centerpiece for canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling, with a public boat launch and canoe and kayak rentals available seasonally. The lake supports walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish. The launch area has pull-through parking that works for tow vehicles.
- Cub Lake Trail Moderate
Cub Lake Trail is a longer loop through mature northwoods forest with hills, wetlands, and access to a remote backcountry lake. Expect 4 to 5 miles of hiking with moderate elevation change and varied tread. It is a full half-day outing for fit hikers starting from the main trailhead near the campground.
- Taconite State Trail Connection ModerateRV parking available
The park connects to the Taconite State Trail, a long multi-use corridor running between Ely and Grand Rapids that is groomed for snowmobiling in winter and used for hiking and biking in summer. From the park, users can sample the trail on day trips without needing to move the RV. Trailhead parking is suitable for tow vehicles.
- Fishing Pier and Shoreline Fishing EasyRV parking available
An accessible fishing pier on Bear Head Lake provides shore access to walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish without needing a boat. It is a short walk from the day-use lot and works well for families and anglers with mobility needs. Parking accommodates tow vehicles and smaller RVs.
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RV Rentals Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park, MN, United States
How to get to Bear Head Lake State Park
The park is about 18 miles east of Tower and roughly 17 miles southwest of Ely via U.S. Highway 169 and County Road 128, a paved park entrance road suitable for RVs. From Duluth, plan about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and from the Twin Cities allow roughly 4 hours via I-35 and Highway 33 to Highway 53. Roads are generally flat to rolling with no tunnels or steep mountain grades, but watch for frost heaves in spring, logging trucks on Highway 169, and wildlife at dawn and dusk. Duluth International Airport (DLH) is the closest regional airport for fly-and-rent trips, while Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) is the nearest major hub.
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