How much does camping cost at Picket Lake?

Camping fees at Picket Lake range from $9/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Picket Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Picket Lake?

Picket Lake is open Peak season aligns with Information Center hours (April 28 – September 30).. 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 Picket Lake?

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

Can I have a campfire at Picket Lake?

Fire policies at Picket Lake: Fires must only be made in provided facilities. The creation of additional fire rings is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Picket Lake have?

Picket Lake has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Picket Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Picket 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 Picket Lake?

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

What activities can I do at Picket Lake?

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

Picket Lake

0 review

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Minnesota

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

$9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

April 28 – September...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

$9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

April 28 – September...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Picket Lake

$9.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A permit is required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, costing $9.

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

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Picket Lake

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Nearby places

Ely: 8 miles (approximately 15 minutes’ drive)

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in Ely, MN (8 miles away). Fuel, groceries, and camping equipment are accessible in this nearest town.

Driving directionsFrom Ely: Travel 8 miles on Echo Trail/Ely-Buycks Road, then turn right onto Grassy Lake Road and proceed 0.4 miles. Take a slight left onto North Grassy Road and continue for 3.9 miles. Stay on North Grassy Road for another 1.4 miles to reach the lake.

The roads leading to Picket Lake are unpaved but navigable. Access is limited to carry-down or foot travel to the campgrounds. Parking is available for 25 vehicles.

Weather at Picket Lake

Best Time to Camp at Picket Lake

Summer brings the warmest conditions, with daytime temperatures between 65 and 80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-40s to mid-50s. July and August see the most visitor use, though the remote location keeps crowds minimal. January temperatures drop to around 8°F. The lake freezes solid in winter, opening opportunities for ice fishing and cold-weather camping.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm summer temps, peak visitor use, lily pads and paddling make summer best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season aligns with Information Center hours (April 28 – September 30).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: April 28 – September 30 (Information Center open during this time). Access may vary by season.

About Picket Lake

Picket Lake sits within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, about 15 miles north of Ely. The single dispersed campsite accommodates up to nine people and costs $9 per night. Access requires paddling or portaging through wilderness, with no road entry.

Picket Lake is exclusively a dispersed camping site catering to minimalistic, backcountry camping experiences.

Historical Significance

The campground is Entry Points 22 and 23 into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Paddlers here follow water routes used by indigenous peoples and later by voyageurs.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest conditions, with daytime temperatures between 65 and 80°F and nighttime lows in the mid-40s to mid-50s. July and August see the most visitor use, though the remote location keeps crowds minimal. January temperatures drop to around 8°F. The lake freezes solid in winter, opening opportunities for ice fishing and cold-weather camping.

ElevationThe gentle terrain surrounding Picket Lake reflects the timeless character of the Boundary Waters region, where ancient geological forces have created a landscape of subtle beauty and accessible wilderness adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 68-acre lake reaches nine feet at its deepest point and sits at 1,414 feet elevation. Water lilies cover portions of the surface in summer. Dense boreal forest surrounds the shoreline. Pine, paper birch, and cedar growing from the billion-year-old bedrock of the Canadian Shield. Smooth granite outcroppings worn by ancient glaciers edge the water. The landscape is quiet except for loons and wind through the trees.

Geological RegionPicket Lake rests within the ancient heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a landscape sculpted by massive glaciers over millennia. This extraordinary region showcases nature's artistry through its countless interconnected lakes, carved granite outcroppings, and dense boreal forests. The glacial legacy is visible everywhere—from the smooth, water-worn rocks along the shoreline to the complex network of waterways that make this area a paddler's paradise. Here, the Canadian Shield's billion-year-old bedrock tells the story of Earth's ancient past while supporting one of North America's last great wilderness ecosystems.

Scenic ViewsExpect scenic views of lily pad-covered waters and dense forest landscapes.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or cabins available at this dispersed site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are available at this dispersed site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Nine people per site limit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOne dispersed site with a fire grate and latrine. The site can hold up to nine campers but offers no other amenities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations and permits for BWCAW can be obtained through the official website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5355614.pdf.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up availability. Permits are required in advance.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is explicitly outlined.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned and may be limited due to the dispersed and remote nature of the campground.

Site SizeThe single campsite at the lake is designed to accommodate up to nine people, which suggests a reasonably large site suitable for groups.

PrivacyAs a backcountry site surrounded by wilderness, it offers high privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesCarry-down boat access is necessary to reach the campsite. Visitors should prioritize packing light and bear-resistant food storage.

Best CampsitesThe single site sits on the east end of the lake.

Need help booking Picket Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Picket Lake offers limited amenities consistent with its designation as a dispersed camping site. Campers should plan to be self-sufficient as the site offers minimal facilities.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Picket Lake provides a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focused on backcountry and water-based recreation.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, cold temperatures in winter, and rugged terrain. Snow and rain conditions may impact accessibility.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available as the site is equipped with a primitive latrine.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires must only be made in provided facilities. The creation of additional fire rings is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesKawishiwi Ranger District office (8 miles). No BWCAW permit issuance or retail sales.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not available; campers are required to pack out all garbage.

Water FeaturesThe campsite is located adjacent to Picket Lake, offering direct access to the 68-acre lake.

Trip Planning Tools

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

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From Booking Sources

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Limited Reviews

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

No user reviews are provided, so camper sentiment and direct feedback are unavailable.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

No user reviews are provided to highlight positive aspects.

Common Concerns

No complaints or issues are reported in user reviews.

Site-Specific Reviews

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Picket Lake

$9.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A permit is required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, costing $9.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

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

Go if

Anglers targeting northern pike, walleye, or bass on a quiet backcountry lake will find Picket's shallow, lily-covered water worth the paddle in. Summer evenings with loons calling from the Canadian Shield shoreline are the payoff for the carry-in effort.

Skip if

No potable water, no flush or vault toilets, and zero road access make this wrong for anyone who needs basic infrastructure. If paddling and portaging your full kit in feels like a burden rather than the point, this site will grind you down fast.

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