Kabetogama State Forest, Ely, Minn
The outdoors were needed when that heat wave hit back in June of 2021. It broke records, hitting the high 90s and passing the 100 mark in Fargo. I absolutely hate the heat and traveling north to find cooler weather always helps. All I need are tall red and white pines and a small breeze blowing off the water, and instant satisfaction takes place.
I spent a few days up in Bear Head Lake State Park in mid-June, 2021.
Located just 30 minutes southwest of Ely, this park wraps around Bear Head Lake and its bays that wander through the forest. The smaller bodies of water allow a great experience paddling through these areas without getting blown off course on a windy day. I personally enjoy exploring smaller bodies of water that branch out, wrapping around corners almost like a flowing river. The landscapes here remind me of canoeing in the Boundary Waters, just without all the work and quite a few nice camping amenities.
The sites at Bear Head are very nice, most are large enough to pitch two or three medium-sized tents or shelters. I run with a four-person tent when I am with my dog Gobee. It gives her plenty of room to get comfortable. My friend Micah has a two-person tent, and we set up a large tarp over both tents to keep us dry during a couple of brief rains. We had plenty of room.
Ground cover varies from soft soil to pine needle-covered sites. It’s been so dry this year that the site never got muddy when it did rain. A good amount of undergrowth between each site provides isolation and privacy. You have a mix of large red and white pines towering within the park while the birch, aspen and fir trees are fighting for their own space to grow.
A lake trail system runs along most of the campgrounds and has several paths to the lake with a small simple dock or easy put-in spot for a canoe or kayak. If you are lucky enough to get a site just off the lake, campsites 51 to 57, you have your own personal put-in across the road.
What is unique about the park are the two small lakes that are stocked with trout. Both are very picturesque and just a small hike off the main road that enters the park, right before the Park Office. The bright blue water of Norberg Lake makes it feel like a mountain lake. I discovered Norberg on my first hike through the park. We later went back to the lake and threw a few lines into the water. We did NOT have much luck but it gave Gobee the opportunity to cool off, which may have led to the bad fishing.
A hike in the morning after a cup or two of coffee is usually how I like to start my day. The trails in the park are not too strenuous for anyone. There are a couple little technical areas within their trail system but nothing to worry about, because their trails are well-hiked and -maintained.
The Hikers Club Trail is the perfect length for a get-out-quick jaunt, maybe about three to four miles depending on whether you stay on the main trail. There are three other trails inside the park, Beach Trail, Becky and Blueberry Lake Trail and Cub Lake Trail. All are easy.
If you need to do more hiking there are plenty of trails nearby. Open your All-Trails app, type in the Ely area and watch them roll out.
Being so close to Ely (25 minutes), you can run into town for a bite to eat or supplies. Ely is a hub for outfitters for the Boundary Waters, with plenty of cool little shops for unique gifts or tokens of your travels.
We have been going to Piragis Outfitters for the last few years. They carry high quality gear and have just about everything you need. I did price-check a number of items and they seemed to be right on par. Remember, they do carry the higher quality items and the prices reflect that.
Bear Head Lake State Park was rated Best Park in America 2010. It is one of my favorite campgrounds in the state, plenty to do and I just love the entire Ely area. I highly recommend making this a park to visit, and be sure to bring your canoe.
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YOU SHOULD KNOW
Suggested stay length: At least three to four days.
Campground: Drive-in electric, Drive-in non-electric, hike-in, boat-in, camper cabins.
Wi-Fi: Yes, but not great for certain services.
Wood: For sale at Camp Office.
Pets: Yes, must be on leash. I was able to find a few areas where my dog could go swimming and I could jump in with her.
Activities: Swimming beach, fishing pier, biking, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing. There is an enclosed fish-cleaning area that was very clean and well-maintained.
Water: Mineral tasting, maybe a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. We would much rather have found better water.
Favorite sites: The sites along the lake would be my first choice. Most of these sites are similar. Next-best reservation will be 22 and 28 they are larger, with red and white pines surrounding them.
Surrounding Area: Lots of attractions including Lake Vermillion State Park and the town of Ely close by. This is a great summer vacation destination.
Winter: 7 miles of Cross Country trails, Snow Shoeing allowed but stay off groomed trails, heated trail center.
Link to DNR site: Bear Head lake State Park
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