Dry Lake Campsite

For Minnesota residents and visitors who cherish a more primitive and secluded camping experience, the search for tranquility often leads to the vast Superior National Forest surrounding Ely. The Dry Lake Campsite represents a classic example of the rustic, first-come, first-served sites maintained by the U.S. Forest Service in this area. Unlike larger, developed campgrounds with paved roads and extensive amenities, this location offers a bare-bones connection to nature, catering to those who prefer simplicity and quiet solitude. It's a single, designated campsite on the shores of Dry Lake, perfectly positioned for minimal-impact camping and as a base for exploring the unique local trails and waterways.

The surrounding area is historically and ecologically fascinating. Dry Lake is part of the basin created by a dramatic geological event in 1925, when a glacial gravel ridge separating Bass and Low Lakes washed out, resulting in a significant drop in the Bass Lake water level and isolating the smaller Dry and Little Dry Lakes. Camping here places you in a location with a memorable story, offering views of a lake that was once a shallow bay. The experience at Dry Lake is one of unplugging and enjoying the wilderness—a place where the main attractions are the clear water, the forest canopy, and the starry night skies.

It is crucial for potential visitors to understand that "campsite" in this context refers to a single, dispersed site offering fundamental camping facilities, rather than a full-scale campground with numerous spots. This distinction is key to managing expectations for a rewarding Northwoods adventure.

Dry Lake Campsite is situated in the heart of the scenic Superior National Forest, easily accessible from the quintessential northern Minnesota town of Ely. The official address provided is: 1477 Co Hwy 116, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This county highway is more famously known as the Echo Trail, a designated scenic byway that winds through the forest and serves as a major access route to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

Being located about six miles north of Ely, the site is close enough to town for last-minute supplies but far enough to immerse visitors in the wilderness atmosphere. The access point for the general area, including the popular Bass Lake Trail, is located on the Echo Trail (County Road 116). Access to the single Dry Lake Campsite itself is typically achieved via a trail or short portage from the water, or a short walk from the main trail system, which can sometimes be unclear, as suggested by one customer review noting directional confusion. Visitors should be prepared with a detailed local map or GPS coordinates, as this area caters to those seeking a truly remote experience where road signage may be minimal or non-existent for the specific campsite itself. Its location makes it a superb overnight spot for those hiking the local trail loops or paddling the connected waterways like Bass Lake and Low Lake.

As a rustic, designated dispersed campsite within the Superior National Forest, the services offered at Dry Lake Campsite are designed to be minimal to preserve the natural setting and promote Leave No Trace principles.

The basic facilities available at this specific type of site typically include:

• Single Designated Camping Area: Room for one small group or tent pad area, accessible either by foot from a trail or by watercraft.
• Latrine: A simple pit toilet or outhouse facility (often referred to as a "latrine" in the reviews), provided for human waste disposal.
• Fire Ring: A permanent, established metal or rock ring for containing campfires. Note that outside firewood restrictions apply to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
• Picnic Table: A fixed wooden picnic table for food preparation and dining.
• Access to Water: Direct, immediate access to Dry Lake for fetching water (requires filtering/purification for drinking).
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All rustic campsites in this non-developed area are available without reservation.

Important Note: Due to its rustic nature, this site does not offer amenities common at developed campgrounds, such as potable water faucets, electrical hookups, flush toilets, showers, or garbage/recycling services. All trash must be packed out by the user.

The appeal of Dry Lake Campsite lies precisely in its lack of modern development, which translates into specific highlights for the right kind of camper:

• Stunning View of Dry Lake: The site is right on the water’s edge, providing an immediate and scenic vista across the clear waters of Dry Lake. This prime lakeside location is a major draw.
• True Rustic Experience: Ideal for campers who value a genuine wilderness feel, offering quiet solitude away from the noise and crowds of larger developed campgrounds.
• Integration with the Bass/Dry Lake Trail System: The site is adjacent to or accessible from the popular Bass Lake Trail Loop, offering direct access to miles of scenic hiking and exploration through varied terrain, including the historic site of the 1925 dam washout.
• Paddling Opportunities: The lake is connected by short portages and waterways to other lakes like Bass and Low Lake, making the site an excellent overnight stop for short canoeing or kayaking circuits.
• Minimalist Amenities: The presence of a latrine and fire ring offers just enough basic infrastructure to support responsible camping without compromising the natural environment.
• Excellent Water Access: The ability to access the lake directly from the campsite is perfect for launching small watercraft, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore.

Dry Lake Campsite is managed as a dispersed campsite within the Kawishiwi Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Direct site-specific contact is generally unavailable; for planning, maps, current conditions, and rules, the best point of contact is the local Forest Service office.

• Address: 1477 Co Hwy 116, Ely, MN 55731, USA (Approximate location on the Echo Trail)
• Kawishiwi Ranger District Contact: General inquiries can be directed to the District Office in Ely for up-to-date information on the surrounding area's regulations. Specific phone numbers are not provided in the original data but can be found via a quick search for "Kawishiwi Ranger District Ely MN."
• Site Availability: Campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dry Lake Campsite offers a quintessential Northwoods roughing-it experience that is perfectly tailored for the adventurous Minnesota camper. What makes this site worth choosing is its seclusion and raw natural beauty combined with its convenience to Ely's infrastructure. It successfully strikes a balance: it’s remote enough to offer the feeling of a true wilderness camp, yet accessible enough that you don't need a multi-day portage just to get there.

This is the ideal choice for a camper who understands and practices Leave No Trace ethics and does not rely on modern conveniences. The positive reviews highlight the beauty and the essential amenities (latrine, water access), confirming it delivers on its promise of a rustic, peaceful lake view setting. It's a fantastic, low-cost alternative to the hustle of commercial campgrounds, providing a genuine forest environment for hiking, fishing, and simply enjoying the silence. However, due to the single-site nature and some challenges with precise navigation (as noted in one review), the choice requires prior planning, map skills, and an acceptance that the reward is the solitude itself. For Minnesotans looking for an uncomplicated, authentic escape into the heart of the Superior National Forest, this secluded lakeside spot on the historic Echo Trail is an excellent destination.