Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so it is unsurprising that more than a dozen Minnesota state parks are centered around or named after lakes. Nor should it come as any shock when someone recommends an RV road trip to one of the North Star State’s tens of thousands of bodies of water!
One such locale, situated up near the northernmost reaches of America’s second northernmost state, is Bear Head Lake State Park.
What Is Bear Head Lake State Park?
Established in 1961, Bear Head Lake State Park is located four hours north of the Twin Cities, a reasonably short drive from the Canadian border. The park’s approximately 5,540 acres make the most of its surroundings. There are several lakes, of course, of which Bear Head Lake is the largest. You can swim or fish in the lakes or hike around them on one of the park's trails.
Fun fact: While Bear Head Lake State Park isn’t much known outside of Minnesota (where annual attendance numbers are in the hundreds of thousands, it actually won the title of “America’s Favorite Park” in an online poll of millions in 2010.
What To Do at Bear Head Lake State Park
With 23 miles of lakeshore to enjoy, activities at Bear Head Lake State Park tend to revolve around watery delights — and what delights there are!
Swimming, Boating, and Paddle Boarding
Bear Head Lake has a swimming beach and also offers canoeing and kayaking; stand-up paddle boards are also available for short-term rentals.
Fishing
As for fishing, you can do that from the shoreline of 670-acre Bear Head Lake itself or the park’s three other fishing lakes; you can also take your own boat out on the water. Didn’t bring a boat or motor? Rent both!
Bear Head Lake is home to northern pike, walleye, bluegill, crappie, perch, and largemouth bass. If trout is more your kind of catch, cast a line at Norberg Lake and Cub Lake, which are designated trout lakes (FYI, you’ll need a trout stamp and a Minnesota fishing license).
Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowmobiling
And, when the weather gets colder? Well, there’s still much fun to be had at Bear Head Lake State Park! Once it snows, Bear Head Lake State Park truly becomes a winter playground. You can experience snowshoeing (you can rent snowshoes if you need them) or head out on a groomed snowmobiling or cross-country skiing trail once enough powder has accumulated.
Hiking
Since enjoying the outdoors, in general, is many visitors’ main reason to visit Bear Head Lake State Park, hiking is always an option. There are several trails you can explore, from the 3.5-mile loop of the Norberg Lake Trail to the 6-mile loop made up of the Becky and Blueberry Lake Trails.
Can You Go RV Camping at Bear Head Lake State Park?
Those planning on a visit to Bear Head Lake State Park will be happy to learn that, yes, you can go RV camping there. If you’ve brought your boat along with your RV, you can make use of the docks available for all guests at the campground or use them to cast a fishing line in Bear Head Lake. With 73 campsites that can accommodate RVs, a fish-cleaning shack, and seasonally-available showers, the stage is set for a good stay on Bear Head Lake’s east bay.
If visiting in cooler months, only use approved firewood (to help stop the spread of tree-killing insects) for your campfire. For your best bet at getting a good campground site, you should make Bear Head Lake State Park reservations in advance.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Bear Head Lake State Park?
The best time to visit Bear Head Lake State Park depends on what you want to do once you’re there. Temperatures rarely get higher than the high 70s Fahrenheit from June through August, though humidity that stays between 70-80% will make the weather feel warmer and heavier. Temps usually take a dip in September, when they fall to an average in the mid-60s F.
Average highs in October stay in the high 40s, and overnight lows creep closer to freezing — lows will usually get that cold by November. December through April are quite cold; highs in January and February average in the mid-teens, but by April, things will have warmed up to the mid-40s. Snow lovers should visit from December through March!
Head To Bear Head Lake State Park With Cruise America
Bear Head Lake State Park is a family-friendly destination that you’re now primed to enjoy. How do you plan on getting there? Obviously, you’ll go in an RV, but where can you find great deals on RV rentals to get you to Bear Head Lake State Park in comfort and style? The answer is Cruise America! Whatever your desired length or RV floor plan, Cruise America can help.
Yes, you can be sure you’ll find your next road trip vehicle amongst Cruise America's fleet of rental RVs. Are you ready to have a good time at Bear Head Lake State Park? Then get in touch with Cruise America today to get on the road and get your next RV adventure started!
