Best Tent Camping near Tower, MN
Superior National Forest surrounding Tower, Minnesota offers numerous backcountry tent camping options, particularly along the Echo Trail and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Nels Lake Backcountry Campsites, located northwest of Ely, provide primitive tent-only sites that don't require BWCA permits. Meander Lake features three walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits, accessible via a short hike from the parking area. Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds serve as a gateway to both Voyageurs National Park and the BWCA, with free first-come, first-served tent sites. BWCA Trout Lake offers boat-in tent camping with permits required from the DNR station, while Slim Lake provides flat, pine-needle covered tent pads for those with proper BWCA permits.
Most tent campsites in the Tower region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Fire rings are standard at most sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds, while backcountry sites often have rustic latrines. Tent pads vary from flat pine-needle surfaces at BWCA sites to more rugged terrain at primitive locations. According to reviews, water access requires filtration at most sites, with few exceptions like Mukooda Lake Campground which has a fresh water well. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly those outside the BWCA permit system. Access roads to primitive tent campgrounds can be rough but are generally passable with standard vehicles.
In early fall, tent campers experience fewer crowds and vibrant foliage throughout the region. One visitor noted that Meander Lake offers "a magical escape without crowds or any sign of the modern world," with campers likely having the entire lake to themselves. At Divide Lake, campers reported hearing loons calling throughout the night and enjoying a peaceful hiking trail around the lake. The tent sites at Nels Lake are described as "very large and private and secluded, with nice lake access for swimming, paddling, and fishing." Wild blueberries are abundant in July and August at many locations, adding a natural treat for backcountry tent campers. Trees suitable for hammocks are plentiful at most sites, providing additional comfort options for tent camping enthusiasts.
