Bear Head Lake Campground

Hello, fellow Minnesotans! Are you dreaming of a tranquil escape to the majestic Northwoods, where towering pines meet pristine lake waters? Look no further than Bear Head Lake Campground, a truly exceptional destination within Bear Head Lake State Park in Embarrass, Minnesota. This campground consistently receives high praise from visitors for its blend of natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and abundant recreational opportunities. For those of us living in Minnesota who cherish outdoor adventures – from boating and fishing to hiking and simply relaxing under a star-filled sky – Bear Head Lake Campground offers an ideal setting for creating lasting memories.

Bear Head Lake Campground stands out as a "last-minute gem" for many, and for good reason. It provides a state park experience that balances the wild, undeveloped feel of the Boundary Waters region with the added conveniences of modern amenities. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a fishing trip with friends, or a quiet solo retreat, understanding what makes this campground so special is key. This article is crafted to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Bear Head Lake Campground, detailing its prime location, convenient accessibility, a comprehensive list of services offered, and the unique features that make it a favorite among local campers. From the perspective of a Minnesota local, we'll guide you through what to expect for a truly peaceful and scenic getaway in our beautiful state.

Bear Head Lake Campground is nestled within Bear Head Lake State Park, located at 9301 Bear Head Lake State Park Road, Embarrass, MN 55732, USA. This places it in the heart of Minnesota's Iron Range and just south of the vast Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). For Minnesotans, this is a prime location for experiencing the rugged beauty and serene solitude of our northern wilderness, yet with the convenience of road access.

Accessibility to Bear Head Lake Campground is straightforward by vehicle. The park is approximately 18 miles east of Tower, Minnesota. Visitors typically take U.S. Highway 169 east to St. Louis County Highway 128, then follow Highway 128 south for about six miles directly to the park entrance. The drive from major Minnesota urban centers, such as the Twin Cities, involves a scenic journey north, taking a few hours but leading you directly into the heart of the Northwoods.

Once inside Bear Head Lake State Park, the campground is easily navigable with paved roads leading to various loops and individual campsites. Unlike backcountry sites, this is a drive-in campground, offering the ease of parking your vehicle directly at or very near your campsite. Its location also makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby towns like Ely, which is about 20 minutes away, for supplies or local attractions. The combination of its wilderness feel and convenient road access makes Bear Head Lake Campground highly accessible and appealing for all types of Minnesota campers, from tenters to RV enthusiasts.

• Spacious Drive-In Campsites: The campground offers 73 back-in sites for tents and RVs. Reviewers consistently praise the sites for being "large and spread out" and "under majestic pines," providing a good sense of privacy.

• Electrical Hookups: Out of the 73 sites, 45 have electrical hookups (sites 25-72, excluding #51 and #70), catering to RVs and those needing power for their camping setup.

• Modern Restroom Facilities: The campground boasts "nice modern and updated bathroom buildings" with flush toilets and hot showers, a highly valued amenity that enhances comfort, especially after a day of outdoor activities.

• Drinking Water: Water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground, providing access to potable water nearby, as confirmed by reviewers who noted the "water source was nearby."

• Dump Station: For RV campers, a dump station is available for waste disposal, ensuring a convenient and hygienic stay.

• Boat Launch and Docks: A significant service is the public boat launch on Bear Head Lake, along with "little docks next to the campground" where you can "tie up your boat." This is a unique feature for a state park campground.

• Boat Rentals: The park office offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and even motorboats, providing opportunities to explore the lake even if you don't bring your own watercraft.

• Swimming Beach: A large, sandy swimming beach is available for campers and day-use visitors, perfect for cooling off on warm Minnesota days.

• Fish Cleaning Shack: For anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning building is provided, making it easy to prepare your catch without attracting critters to your campsite.

• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Each campsite comes equipped with a fire ring for campfires and a picnic table for outdoor dining.

• Camper Cabins: The park also offers five camper cabins with bunk beds, electricity, simple furnishings, and screened porches, providing a more rustic cabin experience.

• Group Camp: A secluded group camp is available for larger gatherings, accommodating up to 50 tenters, complete with its own water pump, bear boxes, picnic tables, and outhouses.

• Lakefront Access and Boat-Friendliness: A major highlight is its direct access to Bear Head Lake, offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The unique feature of having "little docks next to the campground" and a "marina" (implying ample boat tie-up spots) is exceptional for a Minnesota State Park.

• Stunning Fall Colors: Reviewers rave about the "stunning fall colors" and "vibrant fall foliage," making it an incredibly picturesque destination during the autumn months.

• Spacious, Wooded Sites: Most campsites are "large and spread out and under majestic pines," providing a sense of privacy and the classic Northwoods camping ambiance, unlike some more cramped campgrounds.

• Modern and Clean Facilities: The "nice modern and updated bathroom buildings" and overall cleanliness of the campground contribute significantly to a comfortable and pleasant stay.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Bear Head Lake itself is known for good fishing, with species like northern pike, walleye, bass, and crappie. The presence of fishing piers and boat docks near the campground enhances the experience for anglers.

• Wilderness Atmosphere with Conveniences: The park offers scenery similar to the nearby Boundary Waters, providing a "wilderness atmosphere," yet with the "added conveniences of road access, modern facilities, and motorboating."

• Diverse Camping Options: From electric and non-electric drive-in sites to camper cabins, group sites, and even remote backpack and canoe-in sites, the park caters to a wide range of camping preferences.

• Extensive Trail System: The park offers 17 miles of hiking trails, with additional access to the Taconite State Trail for biking, hiking, and snowmobiling, ensuring plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.

• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, nesting eagles, wolves, and moose, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Listen quietly for the call of the loon.

Bear Head Lake Campground is part of Bear Head Lake State Park, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Address: 9301 Bear Head Lake State Park Road, Embarrass, MN 55732, USA

Park Office Phone: (218) 235-2520 (This is the most relevant number for park and campground inquiries)

The phone numbers provided in the initial information, (608) 343-1203 and +1 608-343-1203, appear to be generic reservation numbers or an outdated contact. For the most accurate and up-to-date information directly pertaining to Bear Head Lake State Park and its campground, Minnesotans should use the park's official DNR contact.

For reservations, park permits, or more detailed information, it is highly recommended to visit the Minnesota DNR's official website for Bear Head Lake State Park or use the statewide reservation system:

• Online Reservations: https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/

• Phone Reservations (Toll-Free): (866) 857-2757

Always verify details directly with the park or the DNR reservation system before planning your visit to ensure you have the most current information on site availability, park conditions, and any specific regulations.

For Minnesotans seeking an unparalleled camping experience that combines the serene beauty of the northern wilderness with thoughtful amenities, Bear Head Lake Campground is an absolutely ideal choice. Its location in Embarrass, nestled within Bear Head Lake State Park, offers that coveted "up north" feeling without requiring the extensive planning of a Boundary Waters trip. Locals will particularly appreciate the balance struck here: the park provides a "wilderness atmosphere" similar to the BWCAW, yet with the crucial "added conveniences of road access, modern facilities, and motorboating."

The consistently positive reviews from fellow Minnesotans highlight key factors that make this campground perfect for our community. The "large and spread out" campsites under "majestic pines" ensure privacy and a genuine connection to the forest, a valued aspect often missing in more urbanized campgrounds. The "nice modern and updated bathroom buildings" are a significant comfort, especially for families or those accustomed to more developed facilities, making the transition to the outdoors much smoother.

Furthermore, the unique feature of having "many spots where you can tie up your boat to little docks next to the campground" is a game-changer for Minnesota's abundant boating and fishing enthusiasts. This direct lake access, coupled with the ability to rent various watercraft on-site, makes it incredibly convenient for locals to get out on the water and enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities. The vibrant "stunning fall colors" mentioned by a reviewer also solidify its appeal as a multi-season destination for those chasing Minnesota's breathtaking autumn displays. Bear Head Lake Campground truly caters to the diverse needs of our local outdoor community, offering a peaceful, scenic, and well-equipped base for exploring the best of northern Minnesota. It’s a gem that promises a rewarding and memorable getaway for any Minnesotan looking to connect with nature.

Bear Head Lake Campground

Embarrass, MN 55732, USA