How much does camping cost at Big Lake?

Camping fees at Big Lake range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Lake operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations are required.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Lake before I book?

Yes! Big Lake has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Lake?

Big Lake is open Open year-round. Operational hours are 24 hours a day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Lake?

Big Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Lake?

Fire policies at Big Lake: Campers are encouraged to use fire rings at campsites and follow Minnesota state fire regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Lake have?

Big Lake has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Lake?

Big Lake offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Lake?

Popular activities at Big Lake include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Lake

0 review

Big Lake, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Summer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Minnesota

Quick Facts

1,440 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Lake

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Big Lake.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Lake, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Big Lake

Big Lake, Superior National Forest, Minnesota

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.

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.

Weather at Big Lake

Best Time to Camp at Big Lake

Summer is the prime season. Daytime temperatures run 65–80°F, nights drop to 45–55°F. The lake is ice-free, portages are clear, and fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass peaks. July and August see moderate crowds at popular BWCAW entry points, but the three dispersed sites remain secluded. Winter transforms the area into a frozen landscape with temperatures well below zero and heavy snow cover, opening opportunities for winter sports. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, though cold snaps and rain showers are common.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime: 65–80°F, ice-free lake, clear portages, peak fishing season.

Planning Tips

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

About Big Lake

Big Lake sits deep in Superior National Forest near Ely, Minnesota, at 1,440 feet elevation. Three dispersed backcountry campsites ring the shoreline outside the BWCAW boundary, plus one site lies within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness itself. The BWCAW site requires permits and adherence to wilderness regulations. No fees, no reservations.

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

Historical Significance

The western edge of Big Lake borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a million-acre protected area that preserves ancient travel routes once used by Indigenous peoples and voyageurs. The BWCAW represents one of North America's significant wilderness preservation achievements.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the prime season. Daytime temperatures run 65–80°F, nights drop to 45–55°F. The lake is ice-free, portages are clear, and fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass peaks. July and August see moderate crowds at popular BWCAW entry points, but the three dispersed sites remain secluded. Winter transforms the area into a frozen landscape with temperatures well below zero and heavy snow cover, opening opportunities for winter sports. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, though cold snaps and rain showers are common.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies forest and shoreline along Big Lake, part of the glacially carved network of waterways that defines this section of the Canadian Shield. Ancient granite bedrock underlies the dense stands of pines and birches. The lake itself offers clear water, rocky shorelines, and forested bays. This is rugged northern Minnesota terrain: exposed rock, thick forest, and water in every direction.

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.

Scenic ViewsThe area provides scenic views of the lake and surrounding forested landscape. The sites are designed to blend into the natural environment, offering a secluded and peaceful setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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. One site sits within the BWCAW boundary, the other three lie outside it in Superior National Forest.

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

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

Big Lake campground offers dispersed camping with three backcountry sites located outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and one additional site within it, which requires adherence to BWCAW regulations. Amenities include fire rings, tent pads, and latrines.

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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.

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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.

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.

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and paddlers who want a free base camp for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass on a remote Minnesota lake with both motorized and canoe access, and don't need hookups or running water.

Skip if

No potable water on site means hauling your own from Ely, 21 miles out. Anyone expecting a staffed campground, reservable sites, or reliable cell service will find this setup frustrating.

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