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Bear Head Lake State Park

9301 Bear Head State Park Road
Ely, MN 55731

218-365-7229

Secluded in the Northwoods,this park contains pristine lakes; it is home to black bears, nesting eagles, wolves and moose. Stands of white and red pine trees tower over the birch, aspen and fir trees. Located just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the park shares a similar wilderness quality. Explore miles of shoreline by canoe. Swim at the beach, picnic in the shelter building, or fish for walleye, bass, crappies or trout. Trails in the park link-up with the Taconite State Trail and offer snowmobilers, skiers and hikers plenty to enjoy. Rent a three-bedroom guest house or camper cabin any season of the year.

Park Highlights:

Camping
Fishing
Great Hiking Trails
Wilderness Atmosphere
Wildlife
23 Miles of Lakeshore

Camping

Drive-in Sites 73 Semi-Modern Sites
One campground, in wooded area. Fairly secluded sites.

Electric Sites 45 Sites
One campground in wooded area (two loops in same campground as drive-in sites). Fairly secluded. In winter, a number of electric and non-electric sites remain available for camping.

RV Length Limit 60 Feet
Length measures from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.

Backpack Sites 4 Sites
Located from 3/4 mile to 2 miles from parking area.

Canoe Sites 2 Sites
One of the 5 backpack sites is accessible by canoe. One additional site is accessible only by boat or canoe.

Group Camp 1 Site - Accommodates up to 50 people
Site is located on the east bay of Bear Head Lake and accommodates tents only. Hand pump for water, vault toilet and bear-proof food lockers on site. Camp open through the end of September.

Trails

Summer

Hiking 14 Miles
Connects with the Taconite State Trail.

Winter

Cross Country Skiing 9 Miles
Seven miles of these trails are groomed in winter.

Snowmobile 4.5 miles
1 mile spur connects users to Taconite State Trail, giving trail users access to 165 miles of groomed trail.

Snowshoe Anywhere in Park
Snowshoers are asked to stay off groomed trails.

Recreation Facilities

Summer

Picnic Area Near Beach
Has fire rings and a picnic shelter.

Picnic Shelter Open Shelter
Open shelter building with a great view. Wheelchair accessible. Can be reserved by calling park.

Winter

Other Heated Trail Center

Water

Fishing Pier Wheelchair accessible
Swimming Beach Within the park
Boat Access Drive-in
Canoe Access

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