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Access Site MN

Mattila's Birch Lake Resort

Birch Lake

Source: u_s__geological_survey Updated 1 year ago

City: Babbitt, MN
County: St. Louis County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 47.71839830, -91.87585506
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Mattila's Birch Lake Resort offers a gravel/dirt boat ramp providing access to Birch Lake, a 26-foot-deep lake located in Superior National Forest near Babbitt, approximately 13 miles south of Ely. The resort features a secure harbor with launch facilities and docks, making it a convenient put-in for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The family-owned operation (since 1938) is situated on Dunka River Bay and provides additional amenities including canoe and kayak rentals, a swimming beach, and fishing access for northern pike, perch, crappie, and walleye.

**Directions & Contact:** From Ely, travel about 8 miles south on State Highway 1 toward Lake Superior, then turn right onto Forest Road 429 (Little Lake Road) and continue 4 miles to the campground entrance. For information or reservations at the nearby Birch Lake Campground, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 218-365-7600 or the concessionaire at 218-365-2963 during summer months. The resort itself also offers overnight accommodations including cabins and RV/tent campsites with full hookups and shower facilities.
Federal Facility Information
Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 13 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It is an ideal place to relax while enjoying fishing, boating and other recreational activities.Recreation
Fishing, boating and canoeing are popular on Birch Lake. Anglers can use the boat ramp or try their luck from shore to catch northern...

Overview
Birch Lake Campground is located in Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 13 miles from Ely, Minnesota. It is an ideal place to relax while enjoying fishing, boating and other recreational activities.Recreation
Fishing, boating and canoeing are popular on Birch Lake. Anglers can use the boat ramp or try their luck from shore to catch northern pike, perch, crappie and walleye. There are no horsepower limitations for boats on the lake.
The shoreline is inviting for campers interested in canoeing. Families also enjoy berry picking during the summer and early fall months.
View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Facilities
The campground features shaded campsites, each with a picnic table, tent pad and campfire ring with grill. Campsites are organized into two loops, all near the water and well-separated by dense forest. The north loop also has a group site to accommodate up to 45 people with eight back-in parking spurs and an open play area. The south loop has two camper cabins. These cabins are two room cabins with two sets of bunk beds (4 beds) in the back bedroom, and a main area with a table, chairs, and futon in the front room. The cabins sleep up to 6 persons and offer the indoor/outdoor camping experience with a front porch. A heater is provided for those cooler Minnesota nights. Please note: guests must supply their own linens and supplies; no electricity, water or indoor kitchen. Vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water are provided, and firewood is available for purchase.
Natural Features
Birch Lake covers 7,628 acres and is one of a series of lakes in the area. The campground lies in aspen and birch forest. Birds and wildlife are abundant.

Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, is comprised of 3-million acres. The forest spans 150 miles along the United States-Canada border.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 365-2963.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous outdoor recreation opportunities lie within Superior National Forest's 77 lake accesses, 13 fishing piers, 10 swimming beaches and 22 picnic areas. The forest is also home to three scenic byways.

Campers can also explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Over 1-million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extends nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.

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Nearby Campgrounds (1 within 10 miles)
BIRCH LAKE CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable