If there’s one thing Minnesotans know how to do, it’s enjoy the outdoors. Our hundreds of campgrounds are a testament to just how much we love being outside. But there’s more to camping than just sleeping under the stars, and Riverway Campground at William O’Brien State Park proves it.
Just an hour northeast of the Twin Cities, this epic campground is great for a weekend trip.
With so much to do, it may be time to break out the s’mores and pitch a tent a Riverway Campground in William O’Brien State Park. Have you ever camped at this epic campground? What do you like to do there?
Just about everyone knows that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a land of extremes, where we can experience scorching summers and some pretty long, and often harsh, winters - they don't call us Minne-snow-ta for nothing, right? But one of the things that I really appreciate about living here is that it's by no means a hunker-down-and-wait-until-its-over state. We get outside and enjoy it all year long! (And, frankly, if we didn't, we'd spend more time hibernating than bears do.) So, if you're like me and enjoy Minnesota camping in the shoulder seasons as much as you do in summer - or if you're hardier than me and don't mind a campsite covered in snow - you'll appreciate this all-season campground in Minnesota's Bear Head Lake State Park.
You'll find Bear Head Lake State Park a few miles east of Tower and about half an hour southwest of Ely, stretched along the shoreline of its eponymous lake. Adjacent to both Bear Island State Forest and Superior National Forest, the park truly feels like "the land of sky blue waters" - beautiful, clear lakes, encircled by miles of Northwoods. The park slowly comes to life in the springtime. In summer, though, it's a perfect place to spend a long weekend - or more - camping, fishing, hiking, or getting out on the water. Boat, motor, canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals are seasonally available here.
The park is a fall foliage wonderland when autumn rolls around. There's nothing quite like hiking through the woods with the smell of fall in the air, leaves crunching underfoot, and nary a mosquito to be seen.
During the winter months, the park is fantastic for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing on nine miles of trails (seven of which are groomed), and ice fishing. Snowshoe rentals are available for park visitors.
Bear Head Lake is even open for winter camping. Unlike many other state parks, Bear Head Lake offers year-round drinking water, electric hook-ups, and even firewood. Folks who prefer solid walls in inclement weather will appreciate the five all-season camper cabins and guest house that are available for rental.
If you love the Land of 10,000 Lakes in all seasons - even when the lakes are frozen - you'll really love Bear Head Lake State Park. Visit Bear Head Lake's page on the DNR website to reserve a campsite or heated camper cabin (hey - I'm old; a little comfort goes a long way). Bring along All Trails Plus to keep yourself oriented when you're out hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Pro-tip: Be sure to grab some grub at Vermilion Club near Tower - it's only 20 minutes or so from the park, and it's worth a stop in its own right.
In what seasons have you visited Bear Head Lake State Park? What are some of your other favorite spots for all-season camping in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments.
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s not too difficult to find a beautiful body of water among the thousands of Minnesota lakes. All but four Minnesota counties have at least one natural lake. On the flip side, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, has more lakes than any other county in the United States.
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But where do you go when you’re looking for a place to get away from it all? There are plenty of lakes to choose from, but some are more remote than others. If you want to truly get away from it all, consider a trip to Knife Lake. It’s in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (“BWCAW”) on the Canadian border, not only is Knife the most remote lake in Minnesota, it’s also the most peaceful. To get there, though, you’re going to have to paddle, so make sure you’ve got all the right equipment!
Knife Lake is a huge body of water in the BWCAW along the Minnesota-Ontario border. It covers more than 3,500 acres and has 99 miles of shoreline.
Those that do will find an incredible wilderness area that is miles from any town and hundreds of miles from any major cities. In short, it’s likely the most remote lake in Minnesota.
The scenery in and around this lake is nothing short of spectacular. Huge, thick forests surround the lake. These may make for some difficult portages depending on your route.
Along the way, you may spot some of the many critters that make homes along the lakes.
There will be birds aplenty, as well as small mammals such as squirrels and rabbits. Larger mammals are also around, though they are much more elusive.
There are also some historic spots in the lake. Dorothy Molter lived on the lake for decades starting in 1934. She became famous for providing root beer to passing paddlers. You can visit Isle of Pines, the island where she lived for 56 years.
You can taste still taste her root beer recipe on a visit to the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely.
When it comes time to rest, there are many rustic campsites along the lake. You must reserve them in advance at the time your Boundary Waters permits are issued.
At night, your remote location will be underscored by the scene that stretches out above you. Far from any source of light pollution, the night sky above this Boundary Waters lake is the best entertainment you’ll ever find. It is simply spectacular!
All in all, this remote lake is a beautiful destination for those looking to truly get away from it all. With a little legwork and a lot of paddling, you can experience it for yourself!
Check out YouTuber Mark Potaczek’s trip to Knife Lake:
All in all, this remote lake is a beautiful destination for those looking to truly get away from it all. With a little legwork and a lot of paddling, you can experience it for yourself! Have you been to Knife Lake? What are your other favorite Minnesota lakes? Feel free to let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form!
