Nels Lake

Introduction / Overview: Seclusion and Angling in the Northwoods

For Minnesota adventurers seeking the pristine quiet of the wilderness without the complexities of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit system, Nels Lake offers a perfect sanctuary. Located within the vast Superior National Forest near the storied gateway town of Ely, the Nels Lake Backcountry Campsites provide a true, self-reliant camping experience that is highly valued by local outdoors enthusiasts.

Nels Lake hosts a small number of backcountry sites—typically two to three—that are often accessible only by boat-in or hike-in. These are primitive, single-party sites, operating on a first-come, first-served basis and, importantly, are free of charge. The sites are situated just outside the official BWCAW boundary, granting campers a similar wilderness feel with fewer regulations, such as being able to use a small motor on Nels Lake (where permitted) and not requiring a quota permit. Customer reviews confirm the site’s key attractions: profound "seclusion and loons," offering the classic, auditory hallmark of a northern Minnesota night, and excellent fishing, noting "a lot of pike in that lake." Nels Lake is your ideal, uncrowded basecamp for paddling, fishing, and true immersion in the boreal forest.

Location and Accessibility: Off the Echo Trail near Ely

Nels Lake is located in the Superior National Forest, situated north and west of Ely, Minnesota, accessible via the scenic Echo Trail (County Road 116).

The nearest centralized address for administrative contact is: Ely, MN 55731, USA.

Detailed directions to the access area are available, requiring navigation along the Echo Trail: From Ely, take MN-169/E Sheridan St, turn onto Grant McMahan Blvd/County Road 88, then turn onto the Echo Trail/County Road 116 for about 9.3 miles. Finally, turn right onto Nels Lake Road and follow it to the end (approx. 0.7 miles). The campsites themselves are then accessed via water. They are generally considered boat-in or paddle-in sites, requiring campers to use a canoe, kayak, or small boat from the lake access to reach the designated campsites around the lake's perimeter. There is at least one site reported to be hike-in accessible as well. Because these are primitive, first-come, first-served sites, there is no guarantee of availability, reinforcing the adventurous nature of the trip. The lake also has portage or waterway access into the BWCAW, offering day-trip options for those with the necessary permits.

Services Offered (Basic and Free)

The Nels Lake Backcountry Campsites are highly primitive and focus on providing only the minimum necessary infrastructure to promote low-impact camping.

• Fees: FREE established camping. There is no charge for using these first-come, first-served backcountry sites.
• Fire Grate: Each site is equipped with a metal fire grate for safe, contained campfires and cooking. Firewood is not supplied and must be gathered as dead and downed wood.
• Sanitation: A wilderness latrine (a simple, primitive pit toilet structure or outhouse) is provided at each of the designated sites.
• Tent Space: The sites offer a cleared, flat space for pitching tents, minimizing ground disturbance.
• Water: No potable (drinking) water is provided. Campers must draw water from Nels Lake and treat or boil all water thoroughly before consumption.
• Food Safety: Campers are reminded to hang all food packs away from the campsite or use bear-resistant containers, as black bears are common in this forested region.
• Refuse: Pack In, Pack Out. There are no garbage services; all trash and waste must be packed out by the camper.

Features / Highlights: Angler's Paradise and Loons

Nels Lake is defined by its pristine environment and excellent recreational opportunities, confirmed by local users.

• Exceptional Fishing: Customer reviews and DNR data confirm the lake is home to a high abundance of Northern Pike, along with Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Perch, making it an excellent destination for anglers.
• Profound Seclusion: The sites are known for their deep wilderness feel and seclusion, achieved by their boat-in accessibility and limited number. Campers can expect true quiet and privacy.
• The Sound of Loons: User reports highlight the presence of loons, the state bird of Minnesota, guaranteeing the iconic, evocative calls that symbolize the Northwoods camping experience.
• No BWCAW Permit Required: Being just outside the Boundary Waters boundary, these sites offer a similar level of wilderness immersion without the necessity of a quota permit, making spontaneity easier.
• Paddle/Motor Flexibility: Unlike the BWCAW, Nels Lake may allow small motorboats (check current regulations), offering flexibility for fishing and gear transport, though it is primarily popular with paddlers.

Contact Information

Administration for Nels Lake is handled through the U.S. Forest Service office in Ely.

Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA (General Area)

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-365-7600

Reservations: Sites are First-Come, First-Served and cannot be reserved.

What is Worth Choosing: Maximum Wilderness for Minimal Hassle

Nels Lake Backcountry Campsites are the clear choice for the Minnesota adventurer who seeks the tranquility of the wilderness without the strict complexity of the BWCAW quota system. It is worth choosing for the following compelling reasons:

It provides an authentic, high-quality "BWCA-like" experience for FREE, eliminating the permit cost and hassle while delivering the same beautiful boreal forest, loons, and isolation.

The confirmed excellent fishing opportunities, especially for Northern Pike, make it an outstanding destination for angler-campers. The ease of access via a short boat ride makes transporting fishing gear and canoes straightforward.

The peace and quiet are immense. The boat-in accessibility naturally limits traffic and noise, ensuring your stay is defined by the sounds of the loons and the breeze through the pines, a truly restorative Northwoods experience.

For a secluded, self-sufficient, and highly rewarding canoe-in or boat-in camping trip near Ely, Nels Lake offers a perfect, uncrowded basecamp to explore the heart of the Superior National Forest. Remember to call ahead for current conditions, pack your filtration system, and prepare to be fully charmed by the magic of Minnesota’s North.