Bear Paw Campground

About

Bear Paw Campground is one of two main campgrounds in Itasca State Park, offering 79 campsites in a classic northwoods setting near the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The campground includes the popular Lakeview Loop positioned along Lake Itasca's shores, providing scenic water views and easy access to the park's extensive trail system and historic sites. The campground features a mix of electric and non-electric sites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 60 feet. Each site includes a fire ring with cooking grate and picnic table. Modern facilities include restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, as well as an on-site dump station. Wireless internet access is available throughout the Bear Paw area, and ADA-accessible sites are available. Itasca State Park encompasses over 32,000 acres with more than 100 lakes, old-growth pine forests, and 49 miles of hiking trails. The park is famous as the source of the Mississippi River, where visitors can walk across the mighty river at its humble beginning.

Directions

From Park Rapids, head north on US-71 for approximately 20 miles, then follow signs to Itasca State Park. Bear Paw Campground is located within the park.