Bear Island Lake

0 review

Bear Island Lake, Superior National Forest

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website

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Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

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.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

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

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Campground Map

Bear Island Lake, Superior National Forest

Bear Island Lake

Bear Island Lake, Superior National Forest

Driving directionsBear Island Lake is located 10 miles southwest of Ely on Highway 21. Turn West on Escape Road.

The campground is accessible via paved roads up to Highway 21. The turn onto Escape Road may involve minor navigation challenges, but no seasonal closures or challenging terrain are explicitly noted.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Island Lake

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make Bear Island Lake a year-round adventure destination. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a frozen wonderland perfect for those who embrace the crisp, invigorating cold. As spring awakens the forest, visitors may encounter refreshing rain showers mixed with the last whispers of winter. Summer brings warm, inviting days with comfortable humidity levels – ideal for beach activities and water adventures, though occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and green. Autumn paints the landscape in brilliant colors while crisp air and variable conditions create perfect camping weather for those prepared for nature's surprises.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Beach, swimming, boating and fishing make summer a prime season here.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely offers colors and solitude; specific fall details not provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring brings thaw and boating/fishing opportunities but no specifics given.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round and 'winter blankets the landscape' but winter activities unspecified.

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.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Bear Island Lake

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Bear Island Lake, where four secluded backcountry campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic outdoor experience. This hidden gem features a beautiful sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxation, while the surrounding shoreline offers a blend of untouched nature and resort amenities. Each campsite comes equipped with essential comforts including fire rings for evening gatherings, designated tent pads for a good night's rest, and convenient latrines. As a true backcountry destination, visitors embrace Leave No Trace principles by packing out all garbage, preserving this natural paradise for future generations.

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

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this area remains unwritten in our sources, the untouched wilderness speaks to centuries of natural preservation and the enduring spirit of the North Woods.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make Bear Island Lake a year-round adventure destination. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a frozen wonderland perfect for those who embrace the crisp, invigorating cold. As spring awakens the forest, visitors may encounter refreshing rain showers mixed with the last whispers of winter. Summer brings warm, inviting days with comfortable humidity levels – ideal for beach activities and water adventures, though occasional rain showers keep the forest lush and green. Autumn paints the landscape in brilliant colors while crisp air and variable conditions create perfect camping weather for those prepared for nature's surprises.

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 SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where pristine waters meet ancient forests at Bear Island Lake. The crown jewel is the inviting sand beach – a rare find in the backcountry – where crystal-clear waters lap against golden shores. The diverse shoreline transitions from sandy stretches to rocky outcrops and dense forest edges, creating endless opportunities for exploration. This aquatic wonderland is part of a stunning lake chain that includes the tranquil waters of Johnson Lake, the secluded beauty of One Pine Lake, and the mysteriously named Whisper Lake, each offering its own unique character and paddling adventures.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

N/A

Check-out

N/A

Stay Limit

Not specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

There is no information about group sites, suggesting they may not be available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampsites are dispersed with no formal layout, featuring fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.

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

Fire rings

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.

FishingFishing is available in Bear Island Lake, which is described as a lake and pond fishing destination.

BoatingBear Island Lake supports both motorized and non-motorized boating. There is a carry-down access point on the east side of the lake and a boat ramp on the southwest side.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

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

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.