Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ely, MN
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Ely? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Minnesota excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Ely, MN (7)
1. Superior Forest Blackstone Lake Backpack Campsite
1 Review•15 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Toilets
2. Lake Isabella Dispersed Open Field
1 Review•15 SavesWide open field type area that has a fire ring, but no amenities at all. A vault toilet is about 300 yards away at the BWCA Lake Isabella entry point. Ample space for a group, nice seclusion from the road. Easy access for tents and RVS since it's a wide open, flat space.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
3. Big Rice Lake
1 Review•15 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. State Land Lax Lake Area - Dispersed Camping
1 Review•9 Photos•76 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
5. Lake Isabella Hilltop Dispersed
Be the first to review!•13 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
6. Vermilion Gorge Trailhead Dispersed Camping
Be the first to review!•8 SavesThe Vermilion Gorge trailhead is located in the community of Crane Lake 27 miles northeast of Orr. In Crane Lake, keep left, watch for the Voyageurs National Park office. Trail parking is .1 mile past the Park Service office on the left. At a leisurely pace, this three mile trail can be easily hiked in three hours. The last portion of the trail parallels the Vermilion River Gorge – a rugged landscape of sheer granite cliffs and rock outcrops. From Crane Lake to Vermilion River the trail is graveled. Boardwalks cross wet areas. Near the crest of the first hill, the Voyageur’s Snowmobile trail branches to the left. Keep right on the gravel trail.
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ely
4 Reviews of 7 Ely Campgrounds
- S
Scott K.
Guide
Big Rice Lake
Peaceful location
Campground is small with 3 free campsites, all of which can fit a small Rv or travel trailer. There is a boat landing with a vault toilet that was clean. Verizon cell reception of 2 bars. I was able to stream YouTube video.
Lesley R.
Legend
State Land Lax Lake Area - Dispersed Camping
Back Country Wonder
If you like wilderness, rustic, resourcing wood for fires and pure relaxation in the woods, here’s the place for you to add to your trip. No where you’d find on the main searches, it’s a place to respect.
Amy G.LegendLake Isabella Dispersed Open Field
Wide open space for any number of people
This is an established dispersed site - there is a massive fire ring, but it's 100% primitive. There is a vault toilet about 300 yards away at the BWCA Lake Isabella entry point, so easy to drive to.
This site is fairly large and would easily accommodate any number of people We were in a group of 4 with 3 dogs, and there was more than enough room. There were a few trees for hammocks, decent shaded areas under pines for a few folks, but if you had more than a few tents/trailers, you'd be dropping camp in the sun. There is no potable water, so make sure to bring plenty. It's a long way back to a town to get more if you need it. We brought a 5 gallon jug with us and that worked for 2 days.
The site is set about 100 or more yards off the road, so it's pretty well secluded from traffic and it feels very private. Except for the grouse and birds and squirrels.
This site has a massive fire ring that has been built from rocks, but it's really far too big to be usable for a reasonable sized fire. Seems like someone might have built it for a ginormous bonfire when lots of people were here. We built a smaller fire to one side, but it was a bit of an odd situation to get 4 people around a warm fire when you could only really use part of it.
Lake Isabella entry point for the BWCA is by the vault bathroom, so you could easily boat in, get out and get to this camp with a fairly easy portage. About a 1/4 mile from the lake to the parking area and 300-ish yards to the campsite.
Lots of hunters this time of year (fall - October) so wear blaze orange is my recommendation. We heard shots fired for bird hunting, so just be aware it's allowed in this area (with a license) this time of year.
Janet R.Legend
Superior Forest Blackstone Lake Backpack Campsite
Boundary waters hike-in experience
If you like primitive wilderness camping but want to be only a short backpack hike away from your car, this campsite is for you! There are actually two campsites at this location, offset from each other on the lakeshore but close enough for a group to spread out into. This is a backcountry camping exprience on Blackstone Lake, of the Fernburg Trail east of Ely in the Superior National Forest. The trail access is near the Moose Lake entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness. You park your car, then have about a half mile hike in to the campsite. Once you are set up, you have an amzing pristine lake to gaze at or swim in, or paddle on if you portage in a canoe or kayak! Then, you have a maze of hiking trails to hike from the campsite, over rugged roky terrain and to some of the most breathtaking vistas in the area! If you are a rock climber, the cliffs at Ennis Lake are sought after by rock climbers all over the region who are up for the challenging hike in before even tackling the cliffs. Wildlife abounds, pristine wilderness beauty, an amazing opportunity! We came in the third week of June, and experienced no ticks, no bugs, which was blissful!
Guide to Ely
Camping near Ely, Minnesota, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures and serene natural beauty. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
What to do:
- Hiking: There are numerous trails around Ely, including those at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful park overall and love the proximity from Ely and Lake Vermillion."
- Fishing: The waters around Baptism River Campground are great for fishing. A reviewer said, "The campground has plenty of sites to see in the area. Plenty of hiking opportunities trails are rough so pulling a wagon with kids is tough but possible."
- Canoeing: Explore the Boundary Waters from Fall Lake Campground. One visitor noted, "The campground is a pretty good haul from Ely so you don't have a lot of traffic in and out of the campground."
What campers like:
- Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground. A review highlighted, "All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features and vegetation that adds to the privacy."
- Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. One reviewer at Temperance River State Park Campground said, "The pit toilets were clean and did not smell, and the shower house was so clean and nice it felt like home."
- Scenic Views: The stunning views are a big hit. A camper at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground remarked, "The campsite was clean and well taken care of. My daughter and I tented it. It was so much fun!"
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A visitor at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground warned, "The hike to get to this campsite was rough... there was an unfortunate amount of black flies and mosquitoes."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Trail's End Campground, have limited amenities. A camper noted, "Some sites have great views of Lake Superior! Showers are in the upper campground."
- Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Attempted to camp here 2 years before, in Sept 2021, but the campground was crowded and booked."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. One family at Burlington Bay Campground appreciated, "Clean showers and located close to Two Harbors."
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Baptism River Campground said, "The park has excellent mountain bike course and is linked to the paved Gitchie-gumi bike trail."
- Pack Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, it's essential to bring bug spray. A visitor at Temperance River State Park Campground advised, "The mosquitos were pretty bad when I was here in June, so be prepared with insect repellant."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: RVers should be mindful of site sizes. A camper at Fall Lake Campground mentioned, "Be mindful of your camping equipment and the size of the sites - it varies widely."
- Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Baptism River Campground. One reviewer noted, "Variety of sites. Some with electric and some without electric."
- Dump Stations: Some campgrounds lack dump stations, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Bear Head Lake State Park Campground reminded, "Only bummer is the lack of dump/fill station onsite."
Camping near Ely, Minnesota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ely, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ely, MN is Superior Forest Blackstone Lake Backpack Campsite with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ely, MN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Ely, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.