Picket Lake

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1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,414 ft

Price

$9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

April 28 – September...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District site

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

Opens Kawishiwi Ranger District site

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.

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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Campground Map

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Picket Lake

1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Picket Lake

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the North Woods at Picket Lake. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, with January temperatures plummeting to a brisk 8°F—perfect for those seeking a true winter wilderness adventure. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with vibrant life, though late-season rains keep the landscape lush and green. Summer brings ideal camping weather, with comfortable July highs around 77°F, making it perfect for paddling, fishing, and stargazing under the expansive northern sky. Each season paints the wilderness in different colors, offering unique adventures year-round.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (open Apr 28–Sep 30); lily blooms, paddling, fishing are best in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Autumn colors and fewer people likely enhance scenery and solitude into early fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Late spring access begins Apr 28; conditions may be variable early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site listed open Apr 28 – Sep 30; winter access/operations not supported.

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

Tucked away in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Picket Lake offers a true escape into pristine solitude. This remote dispersed camping gem features a single, secluded site nestled on the eastern shore, where the only sounds you'll hear are loons calling across the water and paddles dipping into the still surface. Reaching this wilderness sanctuary requires dedication—whether you're hiking in with your pack or portaging your canoe through ancient forest trails. Here, modern amenities fade away, replaced by the raw beauty of untouched nature and the satisfaction of truly getting away from it all.

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

Historical SignificancePicket Lake stands as a gateway to adventure, serving as Entry Points 22 and 23 into the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This protected sanctuary represents more than just a camping destination—it's part of a million-acre wilderness that has captivated adventurers, inspired conservationists, and preserved the spirit of the North Woods for generations. Here, paddlers follow routes once traveled by Native Americans and voyageurs, continuing a centuries-old tradition of wilderness exploration and respect for these sacred waters.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the North Woods at Picket Lake. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, with January temperatures plummeting to a brisk 8°F—perfect for those seeking a true winter wilderness adventure. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with vibrant life, though late-season rains keep the landscape lush and green. Summer brings ideal camping weather, with comfortable July highs around 77°F, making it perfect for paddling, fishing, and stargazing under the expansive northern sky. Each season paints the wilderness in different colors, offering unique adventures year-round.

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 SceneryImagine paddling across 68 acres of mirror-like water, where lily pads carpet the surface in summer blooms and create a living tapestry of green and gold. Despite its modest 9-foot depth, Picket Lake teems with life both above and below the surface. The surrounding boreal forest creates a dramatic backdrop of towering pines, paper birch, and ancient cedars, while the rugged shoreline invites exploration. This pristine freshwater ecosystem offers intimate encounters with wilderness—from morning mist rising off the water to the haunting call of wolves echoing through the trees at dusk.

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.

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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 layoutPicket Lake features 3 backcountry campsites dispersed around the lake. The site on the east end includes a latrine and fire grate.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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

FishingFishing is available with a variety of species, including bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. Anglers may find the shallow, lily pad-covered lake an interesting challenge.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, with a carry-down access point available on the east end of the lake.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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.

Camp HostNo host information is provided for this dispersed camping site.