Bear Head Lake Group Campground

Open — Open year-round by reservation. Reservations required and can be made online at reservemn.usedirect.com or by calling 866-857-2757.

About

Bear Head Lake Group Campground offers a secluded wilderness camping experience for large groups in the pristine northwoods of northeastern Minnesota. This primitive group site accommodates up to 50 people and is positioned on the shores of Bear Head Lake's East Bay, providing stunning lake views and a sense of remoteness while remaining accessible via a park road. The campground is surrounded by stands of white and red pine towering over birch, aspen, and fir trees within the 4,200-acre Bear Head Lake State Park. The group camp comes equipped with essential amenities including water pumps, bear boxes for secure food storage, picnic tables, and primitive toilets. Located near the Norberg Lake Trail, campers have easy access to the park's hiking system and two designated trout lakes. The park is home to diverse wildlife including black bears, nesting eagles, timber wolves, and moose. Bear Head Lake itself spans 670 acres and offers excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, bass, and northern pike. The park is located just outside Ely, Minnesota, a popular launching point for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness adventures. Winter camping is available, making this a year-round destination for groups seeking an authentic Minnesota northwoods experience. The group campground provides a true backcountry atmosphere while offering more amenities than the park's backpack sites.

Directions

From Ely, Minnesota, drive 9 miles east on Highway 169, then turn south onto County Road 128 (Bear Head State Park Road) and continue for 7 miles to the park entrance.

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