Ojibway and Triangle Lakes (recgovnpsdata)

For Minnesota residents who love the rugged beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) but prefer a more spontaneous or less-regulated experience, the designated campsites on Ojibway and Triangle Lakes offer a perfect solution. These two beautiful lakes, situated near Ely, serve as a critical buffer zone and entry point into the BWCAW, yet they are distinct in one crucial way: Permits are generally not required to travel or camp on Ojibway or Triangle Lakes themselves. This rare distinction makes them highly desirable for local users seeking a genuine Northwoods camping and paddling trip without needing to secure a competitive BWCA quota permit for an overnight stay (which is required May 1st to September 30th).

Ojibway and Triangle Lakes provide the stunning natural setting of the Superior National Forest, complete with rocky shorelines, dense pine forests, and excellent fishing, as noted by enthusiastic visitors. While the camping style is rustic and primitive, the proximity to Ely’s outfitting services means the experience can be tailored from rugged tent camping to more comfortable rustic cabin stays (available from private operators on Triangle Lake). The lakes function as the primary access route for BWCA Entry Point #29 (North Kawishiwi River), making them an essential location for paddlers and a beloved destination in their own right. This area is celebrated as a "beautiful part of the country with great fishing," underscoring its appeal as a traditional Minnesota outdoor haven.

Ojibway and Triangle Lakes are located just outside the vibrant community of Ely, Minnesota. The general address is Ely, MN 55731, USA. This location is key, as it is close enough to access outfitting services, bait shops, and emergency resources in Ely, yet remote enough to feel fully immersed in the wilderness.

Access to the lakes is typically via a maintained forest road leading to a designated launch area. From the access point, camping on the lakes usually requires paddling by canoe or kayak. While Ojibway is often the initial access point, reaching some campsites on Triangle Lake may require approximately an hour of paddling and may include a short, non-BWCA portage, as suggested by site descriptions in the area. This reliance on watercraft ensures a secluded, quiet experience. The location is strategically important as it provides access to BWCA Entry Point #29 (North Kawishiwi River), which requires a portage from the southern shore of Triangle Lake. Campers choosing to enter the official BWCA from this portage must, at that point, have a valid overnight permit.

The campsites on Ojibway and Triangle Lakes are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as designated rustic sites. Facilities are minimal but essential, preserving the integrity of the natural environment. These are self-serve, pack-in/pack-out sites.

Services available at the designated campsites:

• Rustic Campsites: A few designated sites on each of the two lakes, suitable for tent camping.
• Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet facility is provided at each designated campsite for sanitary human waste disposal.
• Fire Grate: A fixed metal fire grate over a fire ring is available for contained cooking and campfires.
• Tent Space: Cleared areas for pitching tents, designed to minimize impact on vegetation.
• Water Access: Direct, immediate access to the lake shore for water use (requires filtering/purification for drinking).

Crucial Note: These sites generally operate on a First-Come, First-Served basis and often involve no fee. However, all drinking water must be filtered or treated. There are no services like potable water faucets, electricity, paved roads, or garbage collection. Campers must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

Ojibway and Triangle Lakes stand out in the Ely area for their unique balance of accessibility and regulation-free wilderness:

• No BWCA Permit Required for Camping: This is the single biggest highlight. Campers can stay overnight without reserving a competitive BWCA quota permit, greatly simplifying last-minute or spontaneous trips.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are renowned for having "great fishing," likely holding species common to the area like Walleye, Northern Pike, and various Panfish, making it an ideal destination for anglers.
• Accessible Gateway Location: The lakes are close enough to Ely to allow for easy access to outfitting services for gear rental, guiding, and trip advice, making it an excellent spot for less-experienced wilderness campers.
• Seclusion by Water: The requirement to paddle or portage to the campsites maintains a wilderness feel and ensures a level of solitude superior to drive-up campgrounds.
• Direct BWCA Access: For those who decide to venture further, the lakes connect directly via portage to the North Kawishiwi River BWCA Entry Point (#29), offering flexibility to extend the trip into the protected wilderness.
• Beautiful Scenery: As part of the Superior National Forest, the area offers stunning views, clear waters, and the iconic Northwoods ambiance praised by every visitor.

Ojibway and Triangle Lakes are managed under the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest, typically by the Kawishiwi Ranger District, which oversees the surrounding area.

• Address (General Area): Ely, MN 55731, USA (Managed under the Kawishiwi Ranger District)
• Kawishiwi Ranger District Phone (General Inquiries): (218) 365-7600 (Recommended for up-to-date regional information and self-issue day permits)
• Permit Status: Reminder that a BWCA Quota Permit is required if portaging into the North Kawishiwi River (BWCA Entry Point #29).

Ojibway and Triangle Lakes are worth choosing because they offer the best possible blend of wilderness quality and simplified access near the Boundary Waters. For the Minnesota resident, this is a highly valuable secret for achieving a true Northwoods experience without the hassle or expense of the competitive BWCA permit system for an overnight stay.

The unique selling point is the ability to camp legally and freely (outside of the quota system) in designated lakeside sites while enjoying the same high-quality environment—the beautiful lakes, great fishing, and forest solitude—that the protected wilderness provides. It's the perfect training ground for first-time paddlers or a reliable backup plan for experienced groups who couldn't secure a BWCA permit. By offering stunning scenery and easy access to both the town of Ely and the gates of the wilderness, Ojibway and Triangle Lakes serve as an essential and highly cherished resource for any Minnesotan looking to connect with the state's spectacular wilderness heritage.