🌤 Weather at Bear Head Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10–62 °F | 49–77 °F | 18–65 °F | -7 to 21 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Babbitt, 8 mi away, elevation 1,481 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
BWCA gateway with primitive campsites.
Wildlife & Nature
Bear Head Lake SP — near Ely — provides a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The park’s boreal forest, rocky shoreline, and clear lakes support black bears, gray wolves, and moose. Common loons nest on every lake. Bald eagles fish from above. Northern lights are visible on clear nights.
Nearby Attractions
Ely — 10 miles north — is the gateway to the BWCAW and has the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Tower — adjacent. Soudan Underground Mine SP — 5 miles west.
Why unique?
BWCA gateway with primitive campsites.
Things to Do
Minnesota’s state parks celebrate the Land of 10,000 Lakes — offering everything from boreal forests and Lake Superior’s dramatic North Shore to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and glacial lakes. Activities include hiking through pine and birch forests, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass in park lakes, canoeing and kayaking pristine wilderness waterways, camping under northern skies, swimming at sandy lake beaches, cross-country skiing on groomed winter trails, snowshoeing through silent forests, mountain biking singletrack, and birdwatching along one of the nation’s most active migratory flyways. The North Shore parks along Lake Superior — Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche — rank among the most scenic in the Midwest.
Best Time to Visit
Minnesota’s outdoor season varies dramatically. Summer (June–August) brings warm temperatures (70s–80s°F), excellent fishing, and long northern days — peak camping season. Fall (September–October) delivers extraordinary color, especially along the North Shore and in the Boundary Waters region, peaking late September to mid-October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but brings rushing waterfalls and migrating birds. Winter (December–March) is legendary in Minnesota — parks transform into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping destinations. The North Shore of Lake Superior is stunning in every season but can see severe winter storms. Always carry warm layers near Lake Superior, as temperatures drop dramatically near the water.
Visitor Tips
Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit ($7/day or $35/year). The annual permit covers all 75 state parks and recreation areas. Camping reservations are made through the Minnesota DNR reservation system up to 120 days in advance. North Shore parks (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock, Tettegouche) book up fast for fall weekends — reserve by mid-summer. Most parks have excellent visitor centers with naturalist programs. Ticks are a significant concern May through October — perform tick checks after every hike and use repellent. Winter campers should note that many water systems are shut off November through April.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Bear Head Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park (a short drive away) or Lake Vermilion-Soudan State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Bear Head Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 73 back-in sites for tents and RVs — 45 electric sites (sites 25-72, excluding #51 and #70); remainder non-electric |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 5 camper cabins (2 ADA-accessible), each 12x16 ft, sleep up to 6 (bunk beds w/ mattresses), table with benches, screened porch, electric outlets, heat for cooler months; no indoor plumbing (comfort stations with flush toilets/hot showers open May-Sept). Guesthouse: modern 2-story split-level, sleeps up to 10 (3 bedrooms + 2 sleeper sofas), full kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, dining area, two living spaces. |
| Pets | Statewide MN DNR policy: leashed/enclosed, attended; only service animals in guesthouse/camper cabins/buildings. |
| Reservations | reservemn.usedirect.com or 866-857-2757; vehicle permit required. |
| Season notes | Comfort stations (flush toilets/hot showers) seasonal, May-Sept. |
Camping questions about Bear Head Lake State Park
Can you camp at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Yes. Bear Head Lake State Park has 73 back-in sites for tents and RVs. 45 electric sites (sites 25-72, excluding #51 and #70); remainder non-electric.
How do you reserve a campsite at Bear Head Lake State Park?
reservemn.usedirect.com or 866-857-2757; vehicle permit required.
Are there cabins at Bear Head Lake State Park?
5 camper cabins (2 ADA-accessible), each 12x16 ft, sleep up to 6 (bunk beds w/ mattresses), table with benches, screened porch, electric outlets, heat for cooler months; no indoor plumbing (comfort stations with flush toilets/hot showers open May-Sept). Guesthouse: modern 2-story split-level, sleeps up to 10 (3 bedrooms + 2 sleeper sofas), full kitchen, 2 full bathrooms, dining area, two living spaces.
Are pets allowed at the Bear Head Lake State Park campground?
Statewide MN DNR policy: leashed/enclosed, attended; only service animals in guesthouse/camper cabins/buildings.
Source: dnr.state.mn.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bear Head Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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