Backcountry campsites at Meander Lake
This campsite location is perfect for a weekend backcountry camping experience along the Echo Trail north and west of Ely. It would also be a good place to spend the night before launching off onto a BWCA river trip on the Indian Sioux River or the Moose River, both of which have entry points nearby. The Forest Service refers to the three campsites here as "backcountry sites," meaning they are rustic and dont have the amenities of Forest Service group campgrounds like Jeanette Lake and Fenske Lake further along the Echo Trail, but also have the advantage of being a bit less primitive and a bit more accessible than canoe-in only sites within the BWCA. There is no permit required nor campground registration needed, so staying here is on a first come first served basis. be advised though, that the sites provide only a fire grill, picnic table, and tent site, and are a pretty good hike in from the parking area, from which you will have to carry all your gear. However, it is worth the effort as you will likely be the only one, or one of few campers, at the lake, which is pristine and beautiful. A disastrous forest fire swept the north and west sides of the lake in 1970, followed by major wind storms and tree loss in the late 1980's and early 1900's, however the forest has slowly and surely recovered and the shores are beautiful once again.