Birch Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites

Campground closure

Site Partially Closed

Conditions of Use Restrictions for the Superior

Forest Order 09-09-24-01

Limits camping at developed sites to 14 days, prohibits camping at Jeanette Lake Island, Birch Lake "TP Island", and Grassy Lake Island; also prohibits using roads for commercial hauling with a permit or written authorization and operating an over-snow vehicle on designated ski trails.

Prohibitions

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest lands within the Superior National Forest.

Occupancy and Use

Camping within a developed recreation site for a period longer than 14 days, except as otherwise posted. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (a).
Camping is prohibited at the “Restricted Area’s” listed below and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A 36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (e).
1. Jeanette Lake Island, LaCroix Ranger District, T65N, R15W, Section 6, Lot 12
2. Birch Lake “TP Island”, Kawishiwi Ranger District, T61N, R12W, Section 21
3. Grassy Lake Island, Kawishiwi Ranger District, T64N, R12W, Section 28

National Forest System Roads and Trails

Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or other written authorization. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54 (c).
Operating an over the snow vehicle on a designated ski trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55 (c).

Exemptions

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty

Implementation

This Order will be effective on April 19th, 2024 at 0800, and shall remain in effect until April 19th, 2029, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
A map identifying the “Restricted Area’s” are attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. A map identifying the the Superior National Forest is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit B.
Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).
Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the any Ranger District Office or located at the National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Duluth, MN.

Done in Duluth, MN, this 19th day of April, 2024.

The Birch Lake Campground is located on the shore of Birch Lake, a 21-mile long lake with 80 miles of shoreline and many beautiful islands. The site provides a remote, quiet atmosphere and is especially popular with people who enjoy fishing for walleye, northern pike, small mouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Two camper cabins are available in the South Loop of the campground: Popple Cabin across from site 20 and Tamarack Cabin across from site 26. There are also 14 back country campsites scattered across Birch Lake (more information at bottom of page).

Downloadable information and map - Birch Lake Campground

Downloadable information and map - Birch Lake Back Country

Fees

Single Site: $19/night Group Site: $60/night Cabin Rental: $89/night

Rules

Maximum of 9 people per site. There is space for 1 vehicle and 1 towed vehicle (such as a boat trailer). Additional vehicles at the site require additional half fee and must park on the spur. No vehicles may park on the grass or where they impede traffic. ATVs not allowed.

Directions

Birch Lake Campground is located about 13 miles southeast of Ely. Follow State Highway 1 for 8 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 429 for 4 miles on gravel road to campground entrance. Turn left and continue one mile to campground.