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Superior/Birch Lake
Overview
Birch Lake Campground, located within the Superior National Forest, offers a quintessential Northwoods experience just south of Ely, Minnesota. This destination is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in a rugged landscape characterized by dense forests and crystal-clear waters. As a gateway to the wilderness, the park provides a peaceful retreat for RVers seeking to reconnect with nature while staying near the world-renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
The park is nestled along the rocky shores of Birch Lake, a sprawling 7,000-acre body of water known for its irregular shoreline and scenic islands. Surrounded by towering white pines and paper birch trees, the setting is incredibly serene and remote. Its location in Northern Minnesota ensures cool summer temperatures and breathtaking natural scenery, making it a prime spot for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot moose or bald eagles in their natural habitat.
Amenities & Park Features
While the experience leans toward the rustic side, the park provides the necessary features for a comfortable and functional stay in the forest. Facilities include:
- Multiple boat launches for easy lake access.
- A dedicated sandy swimming beach for families.
- Spacious sites designed for large RV rigs.
- Access to drinking water and vault toilets.
The park is designed for the self-contained traveler, emphasizing large gravel pads and natural privacy rather than high-tech amenities.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is always within reach with the charming town of Ely only a short drive away. Guests can explore the International Wolf Center or the North American Bear Center for unique educational wildlife encounters. For those drawn to the water, Birch Lake is a premier destination for walleye and northern pike fishing. Additionally, numerous hiking trails wind through the forest, offering glimpses of the region's diverse ecosystem and unique geological history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is perfectly suited for nature lovers and families who prioritize wilderness access over resort-style luxuries. It is a haven for serious anglers, paddlers, and those looking for a quiet home base while exploring the surrounding national forest. If you enjoy stargazing and campfire nights in a true wilderness setting, this location provides the authentic Minnesota lake life experience that many travelers crave.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Vincent Schneider
Excellent campground that is well kept. Sites were clean, bathrooms were cleaned, stocked and even lit at night view small solar motion lights! Of particular note, the bugs were much lighter than expected, definitely less mosquitos than we were figuring would be there during the wet year we've had! 😊
Jerry Schleicher
They have a few cabins, but we haven't used them. We use our motorhome. Very secluded and primitive. Great!
Dayna Guinn
Hidden campground & lake in Oklahoma! I wouldn't have found this place unless my husband and I went for a drive or if you were a local. Hidden gem, a nice lake, and clean. Not super big which is kinda nice. Wasn't super busy when we went for 4 days recently. 83/84 spots Pros- water & electricity, spots are within reason of being spaced apart and level (although the one my parents parked in was not the greatest) we made do! The swimming section was close and easily accessible. Has plenty of picnic tables. The man who cleans does a very good job with the bathrooms. Cons- not enough bathrooms or ventilation inside especially during the summer, expect all bugs, especially scorpions. Not all spaces have water when it clearly states it does online. Overall fun camping week with my family. Good memories were made. The dogs loved it! Awesome sunsets!!
Bradley Boots
Far off of the pavement, a wonderful secluded little camp area. No power or running water but there is a well with a hand pump and the water from it was good. Really recharged my inner self while here. Worth the 12 hour drive to get here. Fishing wasnt good but met a guy who pulled a 3 1/2 lb pike. Nights are super quiet. Facilities are kept clean and neat.
Jack K
August, 2023: We stayed for a few days at Kawishiwi River Campground, yet we were still looking for a nice campsite for the upcoming week, including the Labour Day long weekend. We were told to drive to the Birch Lake Campground and check out the 3 existing first-come-first-serve campsite. We did and took a quick peek at all 3 available campsites and unanimously decided to grab a site. After registering and talking to Tony, the excellent host, we headed back to start packing. The campsite was one of the better sites we had stayed on. It was very spacious, private and meters from Birch Lake, on which shores we often sat, enjoying the relaxing view and sunsets. Because the campsite was very large and had two picnic tables, we set up a big tarp over one of them as a rain shelter. Our tent was located over 10 meters from the center of the campsite, close to the lake. Several times we spoke to the campground host, Tony, who used to serve in the US Army and who was also very helpful in us getting the campsite. While we did not see any bigger animals (black bears or raccoons), there were plenty of Blue Jays, chipmunks, squirrels and a resident garter snake. Amazingly, mosquitoes hardly bothered us—I never used mosquito spray! We had one rainy and cloudy day, as well as a quick storm rolled over the area once, yet it was hot and humid. There were some edible mushrooms (Chanterelle), which I picked, dried and either ate raw or added to soups—the latter was not a good idea, however. Although we did not see any bears—even though there were warnings posted about bear sightings not long before our arrival—on several occasions we spotted a big garter snake on our campsite—of course, my friend did not appreciate its company too much. Once she saw it on the path leading to our tent—amazingly, it just started to consume a frog—which it let go of once she interrupted his eating ritual! Another time we observed the snake on our campsite—and there was a smallish bird almost following it! The bird was certainly too small to hunt & eat the snake (if anything, it could be vice-versa) and I wonder if anyone can provide more info on this phenomenon.