Go if
Paddlers chasing walleye, northern pike, or bass in the Boundary Waters region will find this a solid weekday base. Free sites, boat ramp access on the southwest end, loons at dawn, and only three spots keeping the crowd small.
Nels Lake
3.007 reviews1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Summer Destination
Featured in:Primitive Camping Minnesota
Quick Facts
1,440 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Quick Facts
1,440 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Nels Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Dispersed camping sites at Nels Lake have no associated fees. Sites are first-come, first-served.
No paid fee categories listed.
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USFS
Provider(218) 365-7600SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
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Campground Map
1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Nels Lake
1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Nearby places
Ely, MN is approximately 5.2 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained from Ely, MN, which offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Weather at Nels Lake
About Nels Lake
Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist
Skip if
No potable water on-site means hauling or treating everything you drink. Weekends fill all three sites fast with no reservations possible, and there's no cell signal to check conditions before you commit to the drive from Ely.
From the U.S. Forest Service
Reference information about Nels Lake sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
Overview
<p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
Activities
<p> This lake is a part of a canoe route, access to the 3 sites on this lake is boat ramp on the South West end of the lake. This canoe route has access to the BWCAW, if traveling into the Wilderness you will need a permit.</p>
