Ojibway And Triangle Lakes

4.68

22 reviews

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Minnesota Primitive Camping Minnesota Group Camping Minnesota +7 more

Quick Facts

1,496 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,496 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Ojibway And Triangle Lakes

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

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

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 22 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"User reviews consistently highlight the campground's rustic and secluded nature, the ease of access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the pristine lake environments."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Ojibway And Triangle Lakes

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Driving directionsFrom Ely, take State Highway #169 (Fernberg Road #18) east for 14 miles to Forest Road 1540. Turn right on Forest Road 1540 and travel 1/2 mile to the Ojibway Lake access.

The roads are accessible year-round but include unpaved sections. A short roller portage connects Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake.

Nearby places

Ely (14 miles northeast, approximately 25-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Ely, approximately 14 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Ojibway And Triangle Lakes

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Woods, where each season paints these lakes in entirely different palettes. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, with temperatures that invite long evenings around the campfire. Autumn arrives in a blaze of gold and crimson, offering crisp air and spectacular reflections on the water. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with temperatures that demand respect but reward the hardy with serene, frozen beauty. Spring awakens the forest with rushing streams from snowmelt, wildflowers dotting the shores, and the return of migrating birds filling the air with song.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm days for paddling and swimming; many positive summer reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Dramatic seasonal colors and quiet, scenic lakes ideal in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers changing palettes and paddling but may have variable access during thaw.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 3% in MN

Open year-round; reviewers mention snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round

About Ojibway And Triangle Lakes

Discover the pristine wilderness of Ojibway and Triangle Lakes, where island camping meets untouched beauty in the heart of Superior National Forest. Ojibway Lake welcomes adventurers with its intimate picnic area and convenient boat launch, while offering exclusive access to two secluded island campsites that promise nights under starlit skies. Sister lake Triangle mirrors this remote camping experience with its own pair of water-accessible island sites. Whether you're casting a line for trophy fish, paddling through mirror-still waters, or simply soaking in the raw magnificence of the North Woods, these twin lakes deliver an authentic backcountry escape where the only sounds are lapping waves and calling loons.

The campground features dispersed backcountry camping on two lakes, with a total of four campsites on islands that are accessible exclusively by water.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Woods, where each season paints these lakes in entirely different palettes. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and paddling, with temperatures that invite long evenings around the campfire. Autumn arrives in a blaze of gold and crimson, offering crisp air and spectacular reflections on the water. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with temperatures that demand respect but reward the hardy with serene, frozen beauty. Spring awakens the forest with rushing streams from snowmelt, wildflowers dotting the shores, and the return of migrating birds filling the air with song.

Natural Features and SceneryThese pristine lakes serve as liquid gems set within an emerald expanse of towering pines, paper birch, and ancient cedars. The crystal-clear waters reveal rocky bottoms and submerged logs that create perfect habitat for the diverse fish populations below. Morning mists rise from the lake surfaces like nature's own theater curtains, revealing shores lined with granite outcroppings and secluded coves. Wildlife thrives here—watch for moose wading in the shallows, beavers engineering their lodges, and eagles soaring overhead. The underwater world teems with prized game fish including feisty northern pike lurking in the weed beds, walleye patrolling the depths, acrobatic bass defending their territories, and the elusive lake trout cruising the cold, deep waters.

Geological RegionNestled within the legendary Superior National Forest, these lakes exemplify the raw beauty of Minnesota's Arrowhead region. This ancient landscape, carved by glaciers and polished by time, showcases the Canadian Shield's exposed bedrock and countless pristine waterways. The rugged terrain creates a mosaic of interconnected lakes, dense boreal forests, and rocky ridges that have remained largely unchanged for millennia. This is quintessential canoe country, where paddlers can trace routes used by Native Americans and voyageurs, surrounded by the same towering pines and granite shores that have stood sentinel for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

There is no information about group-specific sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping with backcountry sites accessible by water only on two lakes.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityDetails on accessibility features are not provided. The campsites are only accessible by water, which may limit accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe campground includes backcountry campsites with undefined sizes, as these are on islands.

PrivacyThe sites are secluded and accessible only by water, offering significant privacy.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around the lakes, including fishing, boating, and observing the natural surroundings. Access is ideal for activities like paddling into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for extended adventures.

FishingOjibway Lake and Triangle Lake offer fishing opportunities for lake trout, walleye, bass, and northern pike. "The lake contains crystal clear waters and a variety of fish."

BoatingBoating options include both motorized and non-motorized activities. Access to Triangle Lake is via a short roller portage from Ojibway Lake.

Wildlife viewingThe remote setting of the campsites provides an immersive natural experience, likely offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species are not mentioned.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and challenging terrain. Boil or filter water as potable water is not available.

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

Weather at Ojibway And Triangle Lakes

Reviews

4.7

22 reviews

Top-Rated

Ojibway And Triangle Lakes is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently highlight the campground's rustic and secluded nature, the ease of access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the pristine lake environments.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers emphasized the remote and tranquil atmosphere. "Easy access and nice camp sites," one user wrote. Another pointed out the ability to camp without requiring a permit, which adds to the...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints were noted in the reviews; this may indicate general satisfaction with the sites.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer mentioned that the area is ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, suggesting it may be a worthwhile off-season destination.

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews are predominantly positive throughout the year. The winter season is specifically highlighted for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, adding unique value to the campground in colder...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Easy access and nice camp sites. No permit required." - William Whaley. "Awesome couple of lakes. While it's one of the BWCA entrances, you can stay on Ojibway and Triangle without a BWCA permit." -...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews did not mention specific campsites by number or name, but all refer to the two island sites on each lake.

Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.

Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground allows dogs, and general guidelines for responsible pet ownership are provided. However, no specific user reviews addressed pet-related policies or experiences.

Based on 22 reviews

0 review