Go if
You want backcountry solitude with lake access and don't mind paddling or hiking in with minimal gear.
This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →T-Lake Backcountry Campsite
48.1316, -92.2963
You want backcountry solitude with lake access and don't mind paddling or hiking in with minimal gear.
You need vehicle access, electric hookups, or amenities beyond vault toilets and fire rings.
Reference information about T-Lake Backcountry Campsite sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>This campground is on the south shore of Echo Lake and is surrounded by a mix of aspen, balsam, spruce, and pine trees. Echo Lake is popular for walleye and panfish fishing and is located on the west end of the Echo Trail, a remote country road that traverses through the heart of the western Superior National Forest. </p><p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5356943.pdf">Downloadable information and map</a></p>
The elevation is 1,120 ft. The campground is a single loop on the southern shore of Echo Lake in a heavy stand of Aspen. A few sites do overlook the Lake. Swimming beach, playground, lake side docks, easy hiking trails, and an interpretive program plus a quiet setting make this campground ideal for families.
Services are provided May 9 through October 1
Echo Lake is 1,222 acres with a sandy beach. Hiking: Echo Lake Trail (foot) - 1.5 mile. Fishing: Northern pike, Walleye, Black crappie, White sucker and Yellow perch
Echo Lake is 1,222 acres with a sandy beach.
The parking aprons are grass and gravel. An RV waste station, with potable water, is available at Orr city's Visitor Center on Hwy 53 (N48 02.280, W092 50.040).
From Ely, MN, take State Rt. 169 east 0.9 miles to County Rt. 88. Turn left onto Rt. 88 and go 1.7 miles to County Rt. 116 (Echo Trail). Turn right onto Rt. 116 and go north 45.3 miles to campground sign. Turn right and go 0.7 miles to campground.
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Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable conditions for accessing T-Lake by paddle or foot and getting the best use of the lake — expect daytime highs around 70–80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. Boating, paddling to the site, shoreline swimming, and long daylight for extended hikes are all at their peak, while campsites are generally accessible without ice or deep mud. Crowds remain low relative to developed campgrounds, but expect other paddlers on weekends and be prepared for mid Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February
Summer described as most reliable access with warm days (70–80°F) and clear paddling.
The T-Lake Backcountry Campsite is a near-wilderness single-party site accessible only by foot or boat. Official descriptions emphasize its minimal facilities, including a fire grate, latrine, and possibly a picnic table: 'These sites are first come, first served. There are 2 sites on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table.' Campers are reminded to follow Leave No Trace principles, such as hanging food packs, boiling or treating water, and packing out all garbage. There is no mention of potable water or additional infrastructure like showers or Wi-Fi.
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