Big Lake

0 review

Big Lake, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,440 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,440 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Big Lake

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Big Lake.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(218) 365-7600SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

"No user reviews were provided to evaluate the overall sentiment and direct camper experiences."

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Campground Map

Big Lake, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Big Lake

Big Lake, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Driving directionsBig Lake is located 21 miles northwest of Ely on County Road 116 (Echo Trail). From Ely take Highway 169 east 1 mile to County Road 88. Turn left, go 2 miles to County Road 116 (Echo Trail). Follow County Road 116 for 18 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 1872.

The campground is accessible via County Road 116 (Echo Trail) and Forest Road 1872. Roads are likely to be unpaved in this remote forested area, but no specific navigation challenges were noted.

Nearby places

Ely (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The closest town with supplies is Ely, located 21 miles away, which likely offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Big Lake

Experience the dramatic personality of Minnesota's northwoods as the seasons transform Big Lake throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for paddling and swimming, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant reds and golds. Winter transforms this water wonderland into a frozen paradise, with temperatures plunging well below zero and snow blanketing the landscape in pristine white. Spring arrives with a flourish of wildflowers and migrating birds, though savvy campers pack layers for those surprise cold snaps and refreshing rain showers that keep the forest lush and green.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings warm days ideal for paddling and swimming and active water use.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn 'transforms' the northwoods; fall colors likely enhance scenery and paddling.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal change noted but no specific spring activities or conditions described.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but no winter activities described; cold MN winters limit camping appeal.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round. Operational hours are 24 hours a day.

About Big Lake

Nestled deep within Minnesota's pristine wilderness, Big Lake beckons adventurers with its crystal-clear waters and secluded camping opportunities. Three tranquil backcountry campsites dot the shoreline, offering intimate encounters with nature for those seeking solitude far from the crowds. For the ultimate wilderness experience, a fourth campsite awaits within the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), where paddlers can immerse themselves in one of America's most cherished wild places—just remember to follow BWCAW regulations for this special site.

Big Lake features three dispersed backcountry campsites outside the BWCAW and one inside, which requires compliance with BWCAW guidelines.

Historical SignificanceBig Lake's western shores touch the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a million-acre sanctuary that has captivated generations of paddlers and wilderness enthusiasts. This protected landscape represents one of North America's most significant wilderness preservation achievements, where ancient travel routes once used by Indigenous peoples and voyageurs now offer modern adventurers a glimpse into a timeless world. Here, the call of loons echoes across waters that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of Minnesota's northwoods as the seasons transform Big Lake throughout the year. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for paddling and swimming, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant reds and golds. Winter transforms this water wonderland into a frozen paradise, with temperatures plunging well below zero and snow blanketing the landscape in pristine white. Spring arrives with a flourish of wildflowers and migrating birds, though savvy campers pack layers for those surprise cold snaps and refreshing rain showers that keep the forest lush and green.

ElevationSet within the gently rolling landscape of northern Minnesota's lake country, Big Lake rests among the ancient hills and valleys carved by glaciers millennia ago. This classic northwoods terrain creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, where the subtle changes in elevation reveal hidden coves, scenic overlooks, and secret portage trails that have connected these waterways for generations.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering pines and paper birches create a living cathedral above Big Lake's mirror-like waters. This pristine freshwater gem sparkles beneath dense forest canopies, offering paddlers and anglers endless opportunities to explore hidden bays and rocky shorelines. The rugged beauty of Superior National Forest surrounds you here, where morning mists dance across the water and the haunting calls of wildlife remind you that this is their home, and you are merely a guest.

Geological RegionBig Lake lies at the heart of Superior National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a masterpiece of forests, lakes, and exposed bedrock. This remarkable landscape tells the story of glaciers that once covered the region, leaving behind a intricate network of waterways and the rugged, rocky terrain that defines northern Minnesota. Here, the Canadian Shield's ancient granite provides the foundation for one of America's great wilderness treasures, creating the perfect playground for those who seek adventure in truly wild places.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group sites are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe sites are dispersed around Big Lake, with one site located within the BWCAW and three others outside the BWCAW.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations are required.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the descriptions.

Site SizeThe sites are described as dispersed backcountry campsites.

PrivacyThe privacy level of campsites is not discussed in the source materials.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesThe three backcountry sites outside the BWCAW are recommended for easier access and fewer restrictions compared to the site within the BWCAW.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating (motorized and non-motorized), and other water-based activities. Hunting and shooting are also mentioned.

FishingFishing in Big Lake is permitted, and campers should adhere to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed at Big Lake. Campers are also reminded to follow Minnesota State boating laws.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards may include wildlife encounters (e.g., bears), variable weather conditions, and remote access. Campers are advised to store food securely and exercise caution.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampers are encouraged to use fire rings at campsites and follow Minnesota state fire regulations.

Emergency ServicesKawishiwi Ranger District Office: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731. Phone: (218) 365-7600. Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are instructed to pack out their garbage, indicating no on-site trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesThe three backcountry campsites are directly adjacent to Big Lake. Water activities such as boating and fishing are popular.

Weather at Big Lake

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Big Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews were provided to evaluate the overall sentiment and direct camper experiences.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Lack of fees and the availability of boating and fishing make this campground appealing.

Common Concerns

No complaints are documented due to lack of user reviews.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations mainly center around adhering to BWCAW regulations and practicing Leave No Trace principles.

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal review trends are available.

Camper Quotes

No user quotes are included in the materials.

Site-Specific Reviews

There is no information detailing the best or worst campsites by number.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific reviews are absent.

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related guidelines are detailed, emphasizing leash requirements, waste disposal, and preventing pets from drinking lake water.

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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