Minnesota / Lake County / Bear Island State Forest

Birch Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates May 5 through October 21. Reservations available through Recreation.gov, with some sites first-come, first-served.

About

Birch Lake Campground is situated on the shores of Birch Lake, a 7,628-acre lake with 80 miles of shoreline and numerous islands in Superior National Forest. Located about 13 miles southeast of Ely, Minnesota, the campground provides an ideal base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campground features 30 well-separated campsites organized into north and south loops, all nestled in dense aspen and birch forest near the water. Each site includes a picnic table, tent pad, and campfire ring with grill. The north loop hosts a group site capable of accommodating up to 45 people, complete with eight parking spurs and an open play area. The south loop features two rustic camper cabins (Popple and Tamarack), each sleeping four people with bunks, propane heat, gas lighting, and basic furniture. Fourteen additional backcountry campsites are scattered around Birch Lake for those seeking more remote experiences. Birch Lake is renowned for fishing, with healthy populations of walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. The campground provides boat ramp access, and there are no horsepower limitations on the lake. The extensive shoreline invites exploration by canoe, and families often enjoy berry picking during summer and early fall. The campground sits in Superior National Forest's 3-million-acre expanse, offering access to hiking trails, canoe routes, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities.

Directions

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

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