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Nels Lake Back country campsites

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Nels Lake Back Country Campsites are located near a lake surrounded by forested terrain in Minnesota. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F in summer and 0°F to 20°F in winter. Visitors can explore the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, known for its extensive network of waterways and trails.

Description

USDA Forest Service

This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near- wilderness single party site and is accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served. There are 2 sites on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table. A few reminders: Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage and Leave No Trace. Use a Forest Map to locate campsites and accesses. (You can purchase a map on line at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/ or at any of the District offices or by mail.) This lake may be a part of or has portage or waterway access into the BWCAW. When portaging or paddling out of this lake and into another you’ll want to check to see if you’ll be entering into the BWCAW. Permits are always required while traveling in the BWCAW. If traveling for the day by paddle or foot you can use a self issued permit found at any Ranger District office or at the kiosk at the official entry point. Motor powered watercraft is permitted only on designated lakes. When traveling over night or using a motor please look at the BWCAW portion of this web site or take a look at the reservation site at www.recreation.gov for more information. Remember to Leave No Trace.

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Location

Nels Lake Back country campsites is located in Minnesota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

48.0196763 N
91.905276 W

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Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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5.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Nov. 15, 2017

Nels Lake backcountry campsites on the Echo Trail

Nels Lake is off the Echo Trail north and west of Ely. It is within the Superior National Forest and has an access to the Boundary Water Canoe Area, but the campsites are just outside the official BWCA border. Nels Lake has several backcountry campsites on the lake, all of which ate paddle-in sites, and one you can hike in to. You cant reserve these sites, but you also dont need a BWCA permit nor is there a fee like there is at the official National Forest campgrounds. These campsites are primitive like typical BWCA campsites, there is no picnic table or water pump, but there is a USFS fire grate and a latrine albeit al fresci. We stayed at the himein site, it is very large and private and secluded, with nice lake access for swimmming, paddling, and fishing. You could make this any easy destination weekend campsite, using it a a base for day trips in the area, or stay here one night before launching into a BWCA trip. There are many paddling options nearby, plus also several great hiking trails. We have been here several times and always found this site available so it seems this lovation is not heavily used, all the better for folks who want a secluded BWCA experience with easy access!

SiteHike-in
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Nels Lake Back country campsites by Janet R., November 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Nels Lake Back country campsites by Janet R., November 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Nels Lake Back country campsites by Janet R., November 15, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Nels Lake Back country campsites?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Nels Lake Back country campsites, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Nels Lake Back country campsites have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Nels Lake Back country campsites does not have wifi.