Bear Head Lake State Park
Overview
Experience an “Up North, Boundary Waters feel” as you hike, camp, fish and recreate in the park’s more than 4,000 acres. The lakes, hills and rocky landscape you’ll explore were shaped by glaciers. Walk beneath large pines that avoided heavy logging as early as 1895, a time when they were too small to be cut. Glimpse a variety of wildlife including black bears, grey wolves, white-tailed deer, pine marten, otters and moose. Visit in winter to ski, snowshoe, snowmobile or cozy up in one of the reservable cabins or guesthouse. The park was created in 1961 as a place for visitors to enjoy year-round. In 2010, it won the America’s Favorite Park contest.
- Trails
- 6
- Viewpoints
- 3
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 33
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Picnic Shelter
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Bear Head Lake State Park is an active wildlife habitat where black bears are common.
- Visitors must strictly practice proper bear awareness by keeping all food, trash, and scented items locked securely inside closed vehicles or certified bear-resistant containers, never inside tents.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking/Skiing (Norberg Lake Trail)
Hiking (Becky Lake Trail)
Hiking/Skiing (Cub Lake Trail)
Hiking (Blueberry Lake Trail)
Hiking/Skiing (Norberg Lake Trail)
David Dill-Taconite State Trail (Hiking/Snowmobile)
Nearby Viewpoints
Swimming Beach
Swimming
0.8 mi
Picnic Area
0.9 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
1.8 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Bear Head Lake State Park?
Bear Head Lake State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Bear Head Lake State Park?
Experience an “Up North, Boundary Waters feel” as you hike, camp, fish and recreate in the park’s more than 4,000 acres. The lakes, hills and rocky landscape you’ll explore were shaped by glaciers.
Where is Bear Head Lake State Park located?
Bear Head Lake State Park is located in Ely, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Bear Head Lake State Park has 6 mapped trails covering 10.6 miles in total. The longest is David Dill-Taconite State Trail (Hiking/Snowmobile) at 2.6 miles.
What is there to see at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Places to see at Bear Head Lake State Park include Swimming Beach, Watercraft Campsite, Camper Cabin/Guest House, Carry-in Access, Dock, Fishing Pier and 3 more.
What facilities are available at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Facilities at Bear Head Lake State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Picnic Shelter, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming Areas / Beaches and 1 more.
Is there parking at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Yes, Bear Head Lake State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Yes, Bear Head Lake State Park has 7 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack/Watercraft Campsite, Campground, Primitive Group Camp and RV Sanitation Station.
How can I contact Bear Head Lake State Park?
You can contact Bear Head Lake State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Bear Head Lake State Park know?
Bear Head Lake State Park is an active wildlife habitat where black bears are common. Visitors must strictly practice proper bear awareness by keeping all food, trash, and scented items locked securely inside closed vehicles or certified bear-resistant containers, never inside tents. Additionally, the park's dense woods mean cellular service is highly unreliable; hikers and paddlers should download offline maps, pack the ten essentials, and notify someone of their itinerary before heading out.
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