Big Lake Campsite #2

🛶 **Introduction / Overview**

For Minnesotans who seek the pristine wilderness experience of the Northwoods but prefer the convenience of motorized lake access, **Big Lake Campsite #2** is an excellent, sought-after choice. This campsite is located on **Big Lake** near **Ely, MN 55731, USA**, within the expansive **Superior National Forest (SNF)**. Crucially, Big Lake is situated mostly *outside* of the stringent Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) boundary, allowing the use of motorized boats to access the site and enjoy the lake.

Campsite #2 is known to be one of three designated backcountry-style sites on Big Lake. Historical data suggests this particular site is located on the **largest island in the middle of the lake**, offering a unique, truly secluded island camping experience. While primitive in nature, the ability to boat your gear directly to the site—and bring a full fishing boat—makes this a perfect blend of convenience and solitude for anglers, families, and groups looking for an immersive, yet more accessible, wilderness trip compared to a typical paddle-in BWCAW trip. It embodies the rugged beauty of the Ely area while allowing for a broader range of recreational activities.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Big Lake Campsite #2 is geographically located on **Big Lake** in the Superior National Forest, approximately 21 miles northwest of **Ely, MN**, along the scenic **Echo Trail (County Road 116)**. Access begins with a drive to the lake's public boat ramp.

The journey from Ely involves: taking Highway 169 east for 1 mile, turning left onto County Road 88 for 2 miles, and then following the Echo Trail (County Road 116) for about 18 miles. From there, access involves turning onto the designated Forest Road (e.g., Forest Road 1872) leading to the public boat ramp.

The final leg of the journey to Campsite #2 is **by watercraft only**. Being located on the largest island, the site requires visitors to be fully water-capable. This accessibility is a key feature: motorized boats are allowed on Big Lake, making it easy to transport significant amounts of gear, food, and fishing equipment. It’s important to note that a small portion of Big Lake’s western shoreline *is* within the BWCAW, but Campsite #2 is confirmed to be a **non-BWCAW site**, meaning a quota permit is not required for camping here, although standard USFS regulations apply.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

As a designated **backcountry campsite** within the Superior National Forest (outside of a fee campground or the BWCAW), Campsite #2 on Big Lake offers essential, low-impact, primitive facilities. Campers must arrive fully self-sufficient.

• **Designated Single Site:** The area is cleared and marked as a single campsite, suitable for one camping party (generally limited to 9 people and 4 watercraft, adhering to SNF backcountry limits).

• **Metal Fire Grate:** A permanent, **metal fire ring with a cooking grate** is provided for campfires and cooking (subject to all current SNF fire restrictions).

• **Wilderness Latrine:** A rustic **pit toilet (latrine)** is situated a short walk from the main camping area for sanitary waste disposal.

• **Tent Pads/Clearing:** A flat, cleared area is available for setting up tents, minimizing impact on the natural ground cover.

• **Water Access:** The site is situated on the lake, providing direct access to the water source. **Water is NOT potable** and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.

• **No Developed Services:** There is **no potable water spigot, no trash collection, and no picnic table**. Campers must adhere strictly to the "pack-it-in, pack-it-out" principle for all garbage and waste.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

Big Lake Campsite #2's features are highlighted by its unique location on a prominent Minnesota fishing lake with motorized access:

• **Island Seclusion:** Being located on the largest island provides **superior seclusion and privacy**, maximizing the sense of a true wilderness escape while minimizing interaction with other campers.

• **Premier Fishing Lake:** Big Lake is known as one of the DNR's **top-rated Walleye lakes** in the area and also hosts Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Perch. Campsite #2 serves as an outstanding base for serious anglers utilizing motorized fishing boats.

• **Motorboat Accessibility:** The crucial feature is the **ability to use a motorized boat** (no motor size restrictions on most of the lake), a major benefit for groups or those with heavy gear, distinguishing it from most BWCAW campsites.

• **Scenic Lake Views:** The island location offers sweeping, multi-directional views of Big Lake's rugged shorelines and islands, with high potential for **sunset or sunrise viewing** over the water.

• **Wildlife Activity:** The remote island setting is excellent for observing local Minnesota wildlife, including loons, eagles, and the rich fauna of the boreal forest.

• **Non-Permit Convenience:** Since this is a Superior National Forest backcountry site, not a BWCAW site, **no competitive quota permit** is required, simplifying the planning process for a wilderness trip.

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📞 **Contact Information**

For current conditions, rules, and to confirm the status of backcountry campsites on Big Lake, contact the local U.S. Forest Service Ranger District, which oversees the area.

Address (General Area): Ely, MN 55731, USA (Superior National Forest)

Kawishiwi Ranger District Office Phone: (218) 365-7600

Superior National Forest Headquarters Phone: (218) 626-4300

Reservations: USFS backcountry sites like this are typically **first-come, first-served** and do not require advance reservations, but contacting the Ranger District is always advised before traveling.

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✔️ **What is Worth Choosing**

**Big Lake Campsite #2 is absolutely worth choosing for the discerning Minnesotan who wants a remote, island wilderness experience combined with the practical benefit of motorized lake access and premier fishing.**

This campsite is the perfect solution for groups or families who find the paddle-and-portage limitations of the BWCAW too restrictive, yet still desire the raw beauty and solitude of a primitive Northwoods campsite. You are guaranteed a high degree of privacy on the island, exceptional fishing opportunities right outside your tent, and the convenience of easily transporting your gear with a motorboat. **Choose Campsite #2 on Big Lake to launch your boat, cast your line on a top-rated lake, and enjoy the true, unspoiled beauty of the Superior National Forest near Ely without the need for a coveted wilderness permit.**