Birch Lake Campground

About

Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest approximately 13 miles southeast of Ely, Minnesota, near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground occupies a scenic position on Birch Lake, a 7,628-acre reservoir with 80 miles of shoreline and many islands. Sites are shaded by aspen and birch forest and arranged in two loops, with the north loop containing a group site for up to 45 people and the south loop featuring two rental cabins. Each campsite includes a picnic table, tent pad, and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and potable water from solar-powered and hand-pump wells are provided. Firewood is available for purchase. The two cabins (Popple and Tamarack) are two-room structures with bunk beds sleeping four in the back bedroom and a futon in the main area; they include a heater but no electricity, running water, or indoor kitchen. Fishing is the primary draw, with walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, perch, and crappie available. A boat ramp provides access to the lake, which has no horsepower restrictions. Many sites have space to beach a boat. Fourteen backcountry campsites are scattered across Birch Lake for paddlers seeking more solitude.

Directions

From Ely, travel about 8 miles south on State Highway 1. Turn right on Forest Road 429 (Little Lake Road) and continue 4 miles on gravel to the campground entrance road. Turn left and continue 1 mile to the campground.