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Itasca/Bear Paw
Overview
Itasca/Bear Paw, commonly known as Bear Paw Resort, offers a classic Minnesota Northwoods experience tucked away near the headwaters of the Mississippi. Situated along the peaceful shores of Two Inlets Lake, this park provides a serene escape for RV travelers looking to reconnect with nature. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, emphasizing the quiet beauty of the surrounding forest rather than the bustle of larger commercial resorts.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a few miles north of Park Rapids, MN, the park serves as a gateway to the region’s famous glacial lakes and towering pine forests. Its most significant neighbor is Itasca State Park, situated only minutes from the campground entrance. The resort itself is nestled within heavy timber, providing ample shade and a sense of privacy. The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife, where it is common to hear the call of loons across the water at dusk.
Amenities & Park Features
The park caters to modern travelers with a variety of thoughtful conveniences. RVers will find spacious sites featuring full hookups with 30 and 50-amp electrical service. Guests have access to high-quality facilities designed for comfort and recreation, including:
- A heated outdoor pool and sun deck
- A central lodge with a game room and snacks
- Dedicated boat and motor rentals for lake access
- Modern laundry facilities and a fish cleaning house
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is undoubtedly the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park, where you can walk across the stones where the great river begins. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the region through several popular activities:
- Cycling the scenic Heartland State Trail
- Fishing for walleye and northern pike on Two Inlets Lake
- Exploring the charming boutiques and restaurants in downtown Park Rapids
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for family vacationers and retirees who appreciate a slower pace of life and a community-oriented environment. It is particularly well-suited for those who want a comfortable home base while exploring the natural wonders of Northern Minnesota. If you enjoy lakeside living and prefer a rustic yet well-maintained environment over a high-traffic urban park, Bear Paw provides the perfect balance of comfort and wilderness immersion.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tom Casey
We were on our way back to the Twin Cities from Bemidji, and had never walked across the mouth of the Mississippi river. My wife kept asking me what’s the big deal about walking across the bridge on the Mississippi until we got there and she realized that we were going to be walking across rocks at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi. So literally you walk across the Mississippi on rocks Very cool experience beautiful huge state park lots of great camping spots you could easily spend a weekend in here and never hit all the trails We were here a little past the changing of the leaves, there was still some color and we really enjoyed our short stop at the park and plan on spending more time again
Roberta W.
I went here to see the Mississippi headwaters and not only did I see it, but the park is an amazingly beautiful even beyond just Lake Itasca. I traveled in the Fall and the colors were stunning. I stayed in a rustic cabin which had a half bath, futon, bed, microwave, kitchen sink and dorm refrigerator. The campgrounds, lodges, gift shops and visitors center were very clean. The one-way drive was beautiful and worth doing after seeing the headwaters. The shower house had great water pressure and clean. I will definitely come again.
Boni McKee
How cool is it to walk across the Mississippi River! The headwaters are in Itasca State Park. There's a wonderful hands-on children's section in nature in one of the visitors' Centers. There are lots of trails to walk, bike or ride. There's even a 100' tower one can climb and look out over the canopy of trees! It's a great park to visit!
Allison Carlson
By far my favorite state park yet! It was worth the drive. We loved the paved bike trail right through nature. And the headwaters of the Mississippi was a nice quick stop
Mike “Mike H” Halls
This is a great park. It is massive, so have a rough plan if only going for the day. We camped for 5 nights. Wonderful campground. Very well maintained facilities and sites. All staff we encountered (besides one at the camping office) were delightful. The headwaters is a really great area, it is also very crowded at times. Be prepared to encounter a lot of people and families. We were never bored during our stay!
Jen S
Fun way to spend a day outside. Lots of hiking paths and different things to see. The visitor center is clean and has really nice bathrooms. We went on a day where the park was just about empty. Mid week in April. Great time to go if you don't like crowds! The main road around the park is one way, so keep that in mind. Quite a few lakes to see! Lots of camping areas too.
Sarah Huntley
My grandparents took me to the headwaters as a child and my mother took her grandchildren. It’s a great family tradition. the park is beautiful. Lots of trails. The roads are also well maintained.
Priyanka Kumari
I took a midday hike at Itasca State Park, and since it’s not peak season, the trails were quiet with only a few people around. I imagine it gets much busier in the summer. One thing that immediately stood out was the visitor center—much grander than what I’ve seen in most state parks, except perhaps those farther up north. The staff was incredibly helpful, even recommending I get the LaSalle Lake SRA stamp, which is just 20 miles away. For this hike, I followed one of my hiking club trails—the Ozawindib Trail to Deer Park Trail—and it did not disappoint. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the varied terrain and stunning views. The trail wasn’t just flat; it had a mix of ascents and descents, with breathtaking lake views framed by towering pine trees. I could instantly imagine how spectacular it must look in summer and fall, and I’m eager to return in other seasons. There was still some lingering ice, so wearing cleats made all the difference—I didn’t have to worry about slipping at all. I even met a group who noticed my cleats and mentioned they wished they had worn some too, which reinforced how useful they were. Given the elevation changes, they’re definitely a good idea for hiking in snowy conditions. Overall, this was an easy yet scenic hike, with ample parking, plenty of bathrooms along the trail, and numerous camping grounds and cabins nearby. I’ve already decided to come back in summer to explore more, especially the Mississippi River Headwaters. Highly recommend this beautiful and diverse state park!
Michael Hecker - Park Reviewer
This was on our Minnesota bucket list and it did not disappoint. Beautiful park! It's pretty amazing to be at the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi! We live near the Mississippi and have been to the end of this mighty river in New Orleans. The rocks at the headwaters can be quite slippery so be careful! I would highly recommend water shoes or just do it and take the one in a life time challenge. We enjoyed this park in late summer when it was mot crowded. We also stopped at the fire tower. It's 135 steps to the top of the tower. There is a 1/2 hike to the tower which involves a fairly steep, long incline.
Cody Thompson
Itasca State Park is great! We try to make a trip up there once a year, and our kids enjoy exploring as much as we do. They have plenty of parking, great trails, and a nice visitor center. Some of the views are breathtaking! We plan on using the campsite later this year and plan on reviewing that. The pictures are obviously from different years, but I just realized I've never reviewed it when Google suggested it to me.