How much does camping cost at Bear Island Lake?

Camping fees at Bear Island Lake range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Island Lake before I book?

Yes! Bear Island Lake has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Island Lake?

Bear Island Lake is open Peak season dates are not specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear Island Lake?

Bear Island Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Bear Island Lake?

Fire policies at Bear Island Lake: No specific fire policies are noted, but fire rings are provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bear Island Lake have?

Bear Island Lake has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Island Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Island Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bear Island Lake?

Bear Island Lake offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Island Lake?

Popular activities at Bear Island Lake include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Island Lake

Q: Is Bear Island Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Island Lake operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is dispersed and operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are 4 backcountry campsites available.

0 review

Bear Island Lake, Superior National Forest

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Island Lake

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are mentioned for reserving campsites, suggesting they may be free or require other arrangements.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

(218) 365-7600SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Bear Island Lake, Superior National Forest

Bear Island Lake

Bear Island Lake, Superior National Forest

Nearby places

Ely, MN (10 miles southwest).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely found in Ely, MN, approximately 10 miles away. Specific stores or facilities are not mentioned.

Weather at Bear Island Lake

Best Time to Camp at Bear Island Lake

Summer brings the warmest conditions, with daytime highs between 65–80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-40s to low 60s°F. This is prime time for paddling, swimming, and using the beach without ice or high shoulder-season winds. July weekends see the most use, though backcountry access keeps crowds limited. Winter transforms the area into frozen terrain for those comfortable with cold. Spring and fall bring variable conditions and occasional rain that keeps the forest lush.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps 65–80°F; prime for paddling, swimming and beach use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but specific seasonal restrictions are not mentioned.

About Bear Island Lake

Bear Island Lake sits deep in Superior National Forest's backcountry, accessible only by water, with four primitive tent sites. The campground features a rare sand beach and fire rings at each site. Pack out all trash. No potable water or restrooms.

Bear Island Lake is designed for backcountry and dispersed camping. There are no developed facilities or cabins, emphasizing a primitive experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest conditions, with daytime highs between 65–80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-40s to low 60s°F. This is prime time for paddling, swimming, and using the beach without ice or high shoulder-season winds. July weekends see the most use, though backcountry access keeps crowds limited. Winter transforms the area into frozen terrain for those comfortable with cold. Spring and fall bring variable conditions and occasional rain that keeps the forest lush.

ElevationNestled within the rolling terrain of Minnesota's North Woods, Bear Island Lake rests at an elevation that captures the essence of the boreal forest landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's standout feature is its sand beach, unusual in this backcountry setting and formed by ancient glacial deposits. The lake connects to a chain of smaller waters: Johnson Lake, One Pine Lake, and Whisper Lake. Shoreline varies from sandy stretches to rocky outcrops backed by boreal forest. The surrounding terrain reflects the Canadian Shield's geology, carved by glaciers into the interconnected waterways that define this paddler's landscape at 1,414 feet elevation.

Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of Superior National Forest, where Bear Island Lake represents the quintessential backcountry experience of this vast wilderness preserve. This geological wonderland showcases the ancient Canadian Shield's influence through its interconnected waterways and rugged terrain. The rare sand beach formation tells a story of glacial deposits from thousands of years past, while the surrounding landscape exemplifies the boreal forest ecosystem. The nearby lake chain – including Johnson Lake, One Pine Lake, and Whisper Lake – demonstrates the intricate water systems carved by glaciers, creating a paddler's paradise amidst towering pines and pristine wilderness that defines this remarkable corner of Minnesota.

Scenic ViewsThe campground provides views of Bear Island Lake's shoreline, natural landscapes, and possibly nearby resorts.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or lodges at Bear Island Lake. The focus is on backcountry camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

N/A

Check-out

N/A

Stay Limit

Not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour dispersed backcountry sites, each with a fire ring, tent pad, and latrine. No formal loop or defined spacing between sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations do not appear to be required as the campground operates on a dispersed camping model.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is dispersed and operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are 4 backcountry campsites available.

Cancellation PolicyNo information is provided about cancellation policies.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned, which may indicate limited accommodations for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campsites are backcountry-style, which usually implies smaller sizes suitable for tents.

PrivacySites are likely to be secluded given the backcountry setting, but the exact level of privacy is not detailed.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific recommendations are provided for choosing campsites.

Amenities available

Restrooms are not available at this site. Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Island Lake offers activities focused on the natural environment, including motorized and non-motorized boating, as well as lake fishing. Hunting is also listed as a recreational opportunity.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lack of potable water and restrooms, and the need for bear-resistant containers for food storage.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided. Campers are expected to use latrines if available or engage in minimal-impact practices.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are noted, but fire rings are provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No quiet hours are specified.

Emergency ServicesKawishiwi Ranger District, 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731, Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends and federal holidays).

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out all garbage. There is no mention of centralized trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Bear Island Lake and near Johnson Lake, One Pine Lake, and Whisper Lake.

Camp HostNo campground host is mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Bear Island Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

No review summaries available for this campground yet.

Check back later as we continuously analyze new reviews.

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Go if

Canoe or kayak campers looking for a genuine backcountry site with a rare sand beach will find it here. Bring a filter for water, pack out everything, and aim for a July or August weekend when the lake is paddleable and the beach is actually usable.

Skip if

No potable water, no flush toilets, and no road access make this a bad fit for anyone who didn't arrive by boat. Emergency services are weekdays-only out of Ely, and cell coverage is a genuine unknown.

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Bear Island Lake

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bear Island Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Bear Island Land has a sand beach and 4 back country campsites. There are resorts on portions of the shoreline on the lake.</p><p>Nearby lakes include: <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/superior/recarea/?recid=37057">Johnson Lake</a>, One Pine Lake and Whisper Lake.</p>