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Best Tent Camping near Ely, MN

391 Reviews

The northern wilderness surrounding Ely, Minnesota offers tent campers varied options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Canoe Country Campground provides tent sites with amenities like showers and drinking water, while primitive tent camping can be found at places like Cliff Wold's Campground. Tent campers seeking more isolation can explore the Superior National Forest's walk-in tent sites at locations such as Meander Lake, where three primitive tent campgrounds offer fire rings and picnic tables without the crowds often found at developed facilities.

Most walk-in tent sites in the Ely region feature fire grates, primitive pit toilets, and tent pads situated on pine needles or forest duff. The Forest Service backcountry sites typically provide only basic amenities - a fire grill and designated tent area - requiring campers to carry in all gear and supplies from parking areas. Several tent campgrounds, including those at Eighteen Lake and Divide Lake, offer vault toilets but no drinking water. Many primitive tent sites in the Superior National Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis without permits required, except for BWCA sites which demand advance permits during the quota season (May 1-September 30).

Tent campers frequenting the backcountry sites near Ely often enjoy exceptional privacy and natural settings. Areas like Triangle Lake Campsite provide remote tent camping accessed by boat, featuring "good landing, up on a hill, great views and whispering pines," according to a recent visitor. The walk-in tent sites at Meander Lake are particularly appealing for their seclusion - a reviewer noted that "you will most likely have the whole place to yourself, with your choice of the three campsites." For tent campers seeking walk-in tent locations with swimming access, Divide Lake's tent sites offer a quiet, rarely-used option with excellent trout fishing. Nels Lake's backcountry tent sites provide a secluded experience with easy access that one camper described as "a secluded BWCA experience with easy access."

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Best Tent Sites Near Ely, Minnesota (34)

    1. Canoe Country Campground and Cabins

    2 Reviews
    Ely, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-4046

    "The city of Ely is close for supplies and grocery shopping. Two large grocery stores. Friendly people throughout this town. Will camp here again."

    2. Cliff Wold's Campground

    1 Review
    Winton, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-3267

    3. Nels Lake Backcountry Campsites

    1 Review
    Winton, MN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    "Nels Lake is off the Echo Trail north and west of Ely."

    4. BWCA Entry Point: 6 - Slim Lake - Campsite 2031

    1 Review
    Ely, MN
    8 miles
    Website

    "The portage is FIRST from the parking lot- not even a half mile on a very well maintained trail/path that's fairly flat to a very nice landing on Slim Lake.

    Great flat tent pads!!"

    5. Triangle Lake Campsite

    1 Review
    Superior National Forest, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7600

    "Has a fire ring and rustic latrine.

    Some cabins on the lake but very remote.

    A great secluded site for a somewhat easy quick getaway. Big enough for a 2/4 tents."

    6. BWCA Lake Three

    2 Reviews
    Superior National Forest, MN
    19 miles
    Website

    "The kids can run around (and so can the dogs) and no one can really get lost. It was several acres big, covered in tall pines, with little trails all over the place."

    "The two short portages to get from the Lake One access weren't too bad and it took us about 3 hours to paddle to a really good campsite. We liked it so much we stayed there for 3 nights."

    7. BWCA Lake One

    2 Reviews
    Superior National Forest, MN
    18 miles
    Website

    "We found a pretty good campsite that was tucked away from main traffic. It was a nice campsite but it was a little buggier than the last campsite."

    8. Meander Lake

    2 Reviews
    Crane Lake, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 626-4300

    "This campsite location is perfect for a weekend backcountry camping experience along the Echo Trail north and west of Ely."

    "The boundary waters are one of the few places in the United States that you can go to be without any man-made sounds - no nearby cities, no planes flying above. Just the wildness."

    9. BWCA Trout Lake

    1 Review
    Tower, MN
    22 miles
    Website

    $16 - $32 / night

    "Boat in from Lake Vermillion and take the portage to Trout Lake. You can pay $35.00 for a round trip on the portage. Sites cannot be reserved but permits must, 1st come 1st serve."

    10. Williams and Hall Outfitters

    1 Review
    Superior National Forest, MN
    17 miles
    Website

    $17 - $24 / night

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ely, MN

50 Photos of 34 Ely Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ely, MN

391 Reviews of 34 Ely Campgrounds

  • Jennifer H.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Trail's End Campground

    Bears! Site 17

    Drive in site with a designated parking spot. Same parking area and walk in trail as site 15 and 16. Last site of three on the small path. Very unique and very large. You can hear your neighbors but there is more coverage between them than the rest. There are a few steep built in steps to get up to this site, but the main area is very flat. Cliff front might not be small kid friendly, but there is a path down to the water. Stunning view. There is good tree coverage to put a tarp up, but also to see the stars. It can get windy, so bring the good tent stakes. The site has plenty of rocks to pound them in place. There is more than one space to put a tent.

    We had a bear visit us about 8:30 after we had put the fire out in a very windy night. He has walked up from the water using the area between site 17 and 16. These three sites are near a dumpster, you can hear the lid close occasionally and I assume this was the bears motivation. Keep you food, trash, and grey water taken care of. You will have visitors.

    . Drinking water is next to the bathrooms, which is about 300 feet away. This site has a waterfront view of one of the Saganaga Lake coves. You can walk your way down to the water. Might not be little kid friendly, but the water and view are beautiful. This site has a ground inset fire pit with grate and picnic table, but no bear box. You will need a bear bag or put your food in your vehicle. There are bears.

  • Jennifer H.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Trail's End Campground

    Site 15

    Drive in site with a designated parking spot. Same parking area and walk in trail as site 16 and 17. First site of three on the small path. Good size, but very little privacy. The neighboring site 14, has a few trees between, but you can see through and hear everything.

    Drinking water is next to the bathrooms, which is about 300 feet away. This site has a waterfront view of one of the Saganaga Lake coves. You can walk your way down to the water. Might not be little kid friendly, but the water and view are beautiful. This site has a ground inset fire pit with grate and picnic table, but no bear box. You will need a bear bag or put your food in your vehicle. There are bears.

  • Jennifer H.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Trail's End Campground

    Site 16

    Drive in site with a designated parking spot. Same parking area and walk in trail as site 15 and 17. Second of three on the small path. Very small and no privacy. You can see straight to the main path and hear everyone. There is Medium coverage between site 17 and 15.

    Drinking water is next to the bathrooms, which is about 300 feet away. This site has a waterfront view of one of the Saganaga Lake coves. You can walk your way down to the water. Might not be little kid friendly, but the water and view are beautiful. This site has a ground inset fire pit with grate and picnic table, but no bear box. You will need a bear bag or put your food in your vehicle. There are bears.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2018

    South Kawishiwi River Recreation Area

    Quiet, lovely and had a beautiful swimming lake

    Quiet and full of trees, it's a great place to drop for the night. We didn't have a camper, but there was room for one. If you don't have a camper, you could actually fit several tents in the space where a camper would be parked. Ours, site #18, had a few steps that led to the picnic table and fire ring. Up there, we found another tent pad. That would have been the ideal spot for a tent (level and under trees), but we'd already set up at the bottom of the stairs.

    The fire ring was next to the table, almost too close, but not a problem. There were, however, lots and lots of mosquitoes (end of June). There was also a mamma bear and 2 cubs there, but they didn't bother us at all.

    The bathrooms were the nicest vault toilets that we've seen. Glad air freshener and everything!

    Although we didn't swim, they had a very lovely area in the lake that was sectioned off for swimming. It also appeared as though they had canoes for free use as well. They also had firewood for sale, but it was $7 for a bundle. That seemed very steep to me.

    Typical cost for a state forest campground in MN (cheaper, by far, than state park camps) and it was $15 for the night for a non electric site. Electric (30 amp) was $19 and electric (50 amp) was $21.There was also a $7 charge for extra vehicles at the site.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Wakemup Bay — Kabetogama State Forest

    Off the beaten path and great for fishermen

    This is a small state forest campground on a small bay of the larger Vermilion Lake.  There is a nice beach, group picnic shelter, docks, and an adjacent public boat landing. For folks who are looking for a quiet place to stay while on a fishing trip at Vermilion, this wold be a good location, though more rustic than a state park. There are 5 fairly open sites close to the shelter and beach where RV's and trailers could easily park, but there are no hook-ups so be prepared. There is drinking water available in several locations throughout the campground, though this is shut off by mid September. There are  latrine toilets, and garbage collection.  There are also a group of 5 tent sites located close together that would work well as a group camp area, also cloe to the beach and docks. Further back in the woods, however, at sites 12-19, there  are larger more private sites spaced much further apart and set beautifully in among shady woods. Further along the campground loop road goes up a hill with more quiet sites, and two REALLY  exceptional hike-in sites at #20 and 21.  Site # 20 is a true gem, beautiful tall pines, picnic table, fire ring and tent pad in a very secluded setting but still just a short hike from where you park your car. There is a path down the hill to the beach and dock area. Really a primo campsite if you can get it, though all the sites are First Come-First Served and not reserveable.

  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground

    Nice tucked away campground

    Nice national forest campground that seems well run, has sites with decent privacy and nice bathrooms.

    Sites vary a lot in size and some are quite unlevel so luck of the draw on whether your rig can fit, but worth trying.

    I'd you have a Class B, B+, or small C, try to snag Site 42. It's around the curve from other sites on the loop and has great privacy. Parking spot is down a small hill from your picnic table and fire ring but the parking is quite level.

    Bathrooms only have one shower per gender but work well and have good hot water.

    You can get water here but note there is no RV dump station.

    Lake is on the smaller side and seemed peaceful the one day we were here. Decent boat ramp for access Swimming beach isn't much but works if you want it to.

    Overall a nice tucked away campground in the forest with a lake, a short paved biking/hiking trial, decent amenities and friendly staff.

    Plus it's only about 8 miles from Ely if you need provisions.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2018

    Bear Head Lake State Park Campground

    Secluded in the Northwoods

    Bear Head Lake State Park is just south of the Boundary Waters, and shares a comparable wilderness element.  The shoreline is beautiful and very fun to explore by kayak.

    Campground features: Cabin rentals, tent sites, and RV sites.  The campground is open in fall & winter. The campsites are private, well shaded, and level. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Flush toilets, hot showers, dump station, group sites, and electric are also available.

    Hiking at Bear Head Lake State Park

    • Bear Head Lake State Park Trail is a moderate 3.2 mile trail. This hike is a loop route. Dogs are allowed but only on leash.
    • Norberg Lake Trail is a easy 1.5 mile trail. It is a trail for all skill levels and dogs are allowed but only on leash. Mostly wooded.
    • Blueberry Lake Trail is a easy 4.5 mile trail. Longer than the other listed trails. It is an out and back hike that is mostly wooded. Dogs are allowed on leash.
    • Becky Lake Trail is a easy 2.7 mile hike. Beck Lake is a loop hike that is mostly wooded. Dogs are allowed on leash.

    Fishing at Bear Head State Park

    Bass, northerns, walleye, panfish, and trout can be caught at this State Park. Many people fish from the fishing dock or shoreline. Panfish are all over the lake and most likely the first ones biting. Good walleye fishing after 6pm.

    Other activities:

    Boat rentals, cross country ski trail (groomed), snowshoe trails, and snowmobile trails.

  • Jeremy B.
    Sep. 19, 2020

    George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Campground

    Rugged, Beautiful, Challenging

    The trails of this park are either a hikers dream or nightmare. Exposed roots, large rocks, and elevation changes are common. Good potential for a twisted ankle. I would not advise bringing small children or inexperienced hikers as they will likely not have a very good time. Although there is the Bensen Lake trail that is a wooden boardwalk that rings Bensen Lake. This trail connects to the picnic grounds that is a great place for a day outing. You can drive almost right up to it and there is a vault toilet. The lake itself is fairly small. I don't know if it is worth the trouble of bringing a canoe or kayak unless you plan on taking some trout out of the lake.

    9/14/2020 - 9/16/2020
    I camped in site 19 which is only .5 miles from the parking lot. Flat road and wooden boardwalk sounds good until you get to the trail that leads from the boardwalk up a hill to the campsite. According to my GPS this is 138 feet of elevation. And remember what I said about the large rocks and exposed roots? This trail doesn't disappoint. Let's put it this way, you will not feel guilty for playing hooky from the gym during your stay here. This site is also not level. It has a pitch of about 5 degrees which doesn't sound like much until you attempt to balance your cookpot on your backpacking stove. There also isn't a bear box which I am told the other campsites do have. My guess is that nobody wanted to carry one up that hill.  You do get a field latrine and decent view of the sky. There is a rocky outcrop in the middle of the site that is a perfect platform to lay down on and stargaze. There is a couple of bushcraft style benches and a stool near the fire ring. Good luck finding dry deadfall for firewood around the campsite. If you want a fire you are going to have to bring your own up the hill. 

    I decided to take a look at the neighboring campsite 18 thinking that this must be a cakewalk compared to 19.  It wasn't on a hill but the trail resembled something like what Indiana Jones had to contend with getting into the Temple of Doom. I didn't even get all the way to it. Although I didn't come across any signs that said, "I'd Turn Back If I were You" - I turned back partially because I already had a long hike planned for that morning, and this isn't the trail I wanted to have to run down while being chased by a huge boulder. 

    All this toil has its payoff though. There are some great views. The cascades on the Manitou river, the overlooks, and the Matt Willis trial that looks like you are going to see Robin Hood come walking down the trial at any time. This trail seems like it hasn't been touched by humans in a while. There were lots of trees fallen over the trail and there are parts where it is difficult to tell where the trail goes. 
    Would I come back to this park? Absolutely. Will I reserve campsite 19 again? I think I will pass on that, and site 18 for that matter - wherever it is.

    Note - there is no cell service in the park, You do get it when you get out to the park entrance on county road 7. There is a hand pump for water near the entrance. Otherwise you will need to filter or boil the water you find in the park. The map shows springs that flow towards the Manitou river, although they are not marked as such.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Lake Vermillion - Soudan Mine State Park Campsites — Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

    Spacious Sites

    There were no problems getting to this state park. We pulled into the dump station just before entering the campground(CG) area to get fresh water. While we were there, a park ranger stopped to check us in, including processing us for a free annual MN state park pass for disabled veterans. We followed the site signage to electric(50/30/20 AMP) only site 110, which was an easy back-in. The site was long enough for our 40’ toy hauler to include putting our back patio down and parking our F-450. We especially liked how ample trees and bushes were separating the sites, and you are well away from your neighbors. The site gave us plenty of space to set up our chairs around a nice fire pit and one fine picnic table. Get water as you come into the CG, as the spigots throughout the park do not have threads. The 300 loop has pull-throughs that will handle large rigs, with 312 being the best. We got 5 bars 4G. on Verizon. We put Starlink on the roof and got a decent signal. There was a nice shower house/restrooms where the park also sold firewood. Formal trail systems are throughout the CG and park, and we enjoyed walking our dogs. We really like the variety of RV sites for all sizes of RVs, but it's too bad the CG area has no water views.

Guide to Ely

Ely, Minnesota, offers a fantastic array of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With pristine lakes and beautiful forests, it's a perfect getaway for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $35

  • Camping at Meander Lake is free, providing a serene escape with rustic amenities.
  • For a more structured experience, Canoe Country Campground and Cabins offers tent sites starting around $35, complete with showers and drinking water.
  • BWCA Trout Lake requires a permit but provides a unique boat-in experience for a small fee, making it an affordable option for adventurous campers.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Meander Lake, enjoy swimming, kayaking, and canoeing in warm waters during the summer months.
  • BWCA Lake One is a great starting point for canoe trips, with nearby portages leading to stunning lakes and rivers.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Eighteen Rustic Lake Campground, known for its clear waters and good fishing spots.

Unique features of the campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ely, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ely, MN is Canoe Country Campground and Cabins with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Ely, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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