FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Bear Island Lake

Babbitt, Minnesota · St. Louis County · Facility

Bear Island Land has a sand beach and 4 back country campsites. There are resorts on portions of the shoreline on the lake.Nearby lakes include: Johnson Lake, One Pine Lake and Whisper Lake.

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
47.77783, -91.94624
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Bear Island Lake

Bear Island Land has a sand beach and 4 back country campsites. There are resorts on portions of the shoreline on the lake.Nearby lakes include: Johnson Lake, One Pine Lake and Whisper Lake.

Plan Your Visit to Bear Island Lake

Heading to Bear Island Lake? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Bear Island Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Bear Island Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/240999) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Bear Island Lake?

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

Guides & rankings

More on Minnesota parks & hiking

View all posts →
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Minnesota, Ranked

Minnesota's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Minnesota's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Minnesota trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team5 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Minnesota

Ten gentle, well-marked Minnesota trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Minnesota

Minnesota's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Minnesota

Federal parks and recreation areas in Minnesota ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Minnesota: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Minnesota's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min