Bear Island Lake (South)

This boat ramp on the southwest side of Bear Island Lake provides convenient access to a large 2,351-acre lake located 10 miles southwest of Ely near Babbitt. The ramp is reached via County Highway 21 north from Babbitt to CR 904, then west on Bear Island Lake Road (CR 490)—follow signs to the facility. The lake offers up to 62 feet of depth with mostly rubble, boulder, and gravel substrates, and features bog-stained water typical of the region.

Bear Island Lake has three public access points with boat ramps, giving paddlers and boaters flexibility. The lake is known for its backcountry campsites and sandy beach area, with nearby resorts along portions of the shoreline. Nearby lakes including Johnson Lake, One Pine Lake, and Whisper Lake provide additional paddling and exploring opportunities in the area.

This is an unserviced, non-reservable access point. For camping, the Birch Lake Campground is available within 10 miles and offers reservable sites. Paddlers should expect typical Superior National Forest conditions and may want to confirm current access conditions before visiting.

Bear Island Land has a sand beach and 4 back country campsites. There are resorts on portions of the shoreline on the lake.Nearby lakes include: Johnson Lake, One Pine Lake and Whisper Lake.