Big Lake Campsite #3

🌲 **Welcome to the Northwoods: Discover Big Lake Campsite #3 in Ely, MN**

For Minnesota residents looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the state’s world-renowned wilderness, **Big Lake Campsite #3** near Ely offers an authentic Northwoods experience. Nestled within the expansive Superior National Forest and near the edge of the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this location is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it's a gateway to adventure and serene natural beauty. Whether you're an avid angler, a dedicated paddler, or simply seeking a quiet retreat from city life, this campsite provides the quintessential Minnesota camping trip you've been dreaming of.

Unlike some of the highly developed campgrounds in the area, Campsite #3 on Big Lake is one of the more primitive, rustic, and secluded options managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It provides an excellent basecamp for exploring the vast surrounding forests and waterways, allowing visitors to feel a true connection to the land and water that define this iconic region of Northern Minnesota.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility: Finding Your Way to the Wilderness**

Big Lake Campsite #3 is situated on the shores of Big Lake, a significant body of water known for its rugged beauty and excellent fishing opportunities. The site is located just outside the charming, wilderness-focused community of Ely, Minnesota. Ely serves as a primary access point for the Boundary Waters and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Boundary Waters," providing all the necessary outfitting, supplies, and local flavor for your trip.

The site's relative accessibility is a huge benefit for local campers. While some of the region's campsites are only accessible via challenging portages and long canoe paddles deep into the BWCAW, Big Lake Campsite #3 is often described as a drive-in site or at least a short walk/paddle from a parking or launch area, meaning you don't need a BWCAW permit for this specific location (though a standard Forest Service camping fee/permit may apply). This makes it an ideal choice for families, first-time wilderness campers, or those with more gear who want to enjoy a secluded experience without the full commitment of a deep-wilderness trip.

The general area is reached by traversing the scenic highways of the North Shore and then following local routes like the Echo Trail out of Ely. Given its position in a truly remote part of the state, visitors should anticipate driving on well-maintained gravel or dirt roads for the final stretch to the lake access point. Once you arrive at the designated boat launch or parking area for Big Lake, Campsite #3 is typically accessed by a very short paddle or a designated trail, placing you right on the water's edge.

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🏕️ **Services Offered at Big Lake Campsite #3**

As a U.S. Forest Service backcountry or dispersed-style campsite, the focus at Campsite #3 is on rustic simplicity and minimizing human impact. The services provided are those essential for a wilderness experience, maintaining the natural integrity of the Northwoods environment. Amenities are intentionally minimal to preserve the sense of seclusion and connection with nature that Minnesota's north country is famous for.

Basic Camp Amenities:

• Fire Grate or Fire Ring: A designated, established area for campfires, which is crucial for safe cooking and warmth in the wilderness.
• Picnic Table: A fixed table, often made of durable wood or stone, provided for food preparation and communal dining.
• Tent Pads/Designated Tent Areas: Cleared or slightly leveled areas, designed to accommodate tents and minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.
• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A primitive, non-flush toilet facility, typically marked and set away from the main campsite area.

Water Access:

• Big Lake Access: Direct shoreline access for launching canoes, kayaks, or small motorboats (check local regulations for boat motor size limits on Big Lake).

What is NOT Provided:

• No Electricity Hookups: Campers must be fully self-sufficient with power sources.
• No Running Water or Showers: All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled from the lake before consumption.
• No Trash Disposal: All visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, meaning everything packed in must be packed out.

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✨ **Features and Highlights: Why Campers Choose This Spot**

Big Lake Campsite #3 is highly sought after by those who appreciate a more isolated experience than what is found at large, amenity-rich public campgrounds. Its unique location and surroundings offer a host of natural highlights that draw visitors from across Minnesota and beyond.

• Walleye and Northern Pike Fishing: Big Lake is highly regarded in the Ely area for its angling opportunities. It is regularly stocked by the Minnesota DNR, making it an excellent spot to cast a line for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass right from your campsite's shoreline or by boat.
• Proximity to the BWCAW: While the campsite itself is not officially inside the strict permit-required Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, it sits right on its doorstep. This proximity allows for day trips or future planning into the BWCAW via a designated entry point (like Entry Point 7, which accesses Big Lake), giving you a taste of the deep wilderness experience.
• Secluded, Lakefront Setting: As a designated backcountry-style campsite, it is usually separated from other sites by trees and natural buffer zones, offering a high degree of privacy and a spectacular, unobstructed view of Big Lake. Campers can often enjoy a dedicated stretch of shoreline.
• Stunning Minnesota Sunsets and Stargazing: The remote location, far from urban light pollution, means the night sky over Big Lake is often brilliant. Campers consistently report incredible views of stars, the Milky Way, and, occasionally, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The Superior National Forest is home to Minnesota's iconic wildlife. Visitors often hear the haunting call of the Common Loon, and opportunities exist to spot moose, deer, various bird species, and potentially even black bears or timber wolves (always practice bear safety and secure food properly).

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📞 **Contact Information for Planning Your Trip**

For a specific, primitive U.S. Forest Service campsite like Big Lake Campsite #3, direct contact is often managed through the local ranger station that oversees the area within the Superior National Forest.

Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA (This is the general area for the Big Lake sites.)

Relevant Ranger District: The area is typically managed by the Kawishiwi Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. It is highly recommended that you contact them for the most accurate, current information on reservations, availability, fire restrictions, and any necessary permits before your trip.

General Superior National Forest Contact: For general inquiries regarding the forest lands near Ely, you can use the Forest Supervisor's Office or the local Ranger Station information.

Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office Phone: (218) 626-4300 (General Information Line)

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💯 **What is Worth Choosing Big Lake Campsite #3**

Choosing Big Lake Campsite #3 is a decision to embrace the authentic Minnesota wilderness experience without sacrificing relative ease of access. For Minnesotans and regional travelers, this site is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

The primary draw is the perfect balance between seclusion and convenience. You get the quiet, natural environment and minimal impact of a backcountry site—complete with fire grate, picnic table, and latrine—but you don't have to embark on a multi-day paddle and portage deep into the BWCAW to reach it. This makes it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway where your time is best spent relaxing, fishing, or paddling, rather than strictly traveling.

Furthermore, Big Lake's reputation as a premier fishing destination means your chances of catching a classic Minnesota Walleye are high. The surrounding area, including the town of Ely, provides a wealth of educational and recreational opportunities, from the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center to numerous area hiking trails like the Bass Lake or Angleworm trails. Campsite #3 serves as the ideal, quiet home base from which to launch these Northwoods adventures.

In short, if you are a local user seeking a primitive, private, lakefront camping experience on a major Minnesota fishing lake, one that allows for both motorboat and canoe use while keeping you moments away from the Boundary Waters wilderness edge, Big Lake Campsite #3 is an unbeatable choice for your next true Minnesota Northwoods getaway.