Canoe Country Cabins and Campground, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview: Your Full-Service Base Camp to the Boundary Waters

For generations of Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts, a trip to the Ely area—the true heart of the North Woods—has been synonymous with the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Nestled on the Moose Lake Chain, Canoe Country Cabins and Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it is a premier, full-service gateway to America’s most famous paddling wilderness. With a history stretching back over 70 years of dedicated service, this family-managed operation has earned a reputation for providing both comfortable lodging and expert outfitting assistance, making it the perfect launchpad for a wilderness expedition or a serene North Woods vacation.

The facility serves a dual purpose: it offers modern accommodations for those looking to stay and fish the motorized Moose Lake Chain and nearby Basswood Lake, and it acts as a critical base for backpackers and canoeists heading into the non-motorized BWCA. As one long-term visitor remarked, it is "the perfect place to start your canoe trip to the BWCA or stay for a while and fish Moose lake with one of their boats." Whether you need a full outfitting package, a lakeside cabin rental, or simply a well-equipped campsite, Canoe Country is positioned to deliver an authentic, expertly supported Minnesota wilderness experience.

Location and Accessibility: On the Moose Lake Gateway

Canoe Country Cabins and Campground boasts a strategic and incredibly valuable location for anyone accessing the eastern side of the BWCA. Situated approximately 20 miles northeast of the town of Ely, the facility resides directly on the Moose Lake Chain—a primary entry point to the wilderness.

Address:

14623 Moose Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

The journey requires traveling from Ely via a scenic drive along the Moose Lake Road (County Road 183), which transitions into a forested route as you approach the facility. Its location on Moose Lake means that once you depart their docks, you quickly enter a vast lake region where the Forest Service limits access, providing a genuine sense of remoteness that is often challenging to find closer to town. This is the last stop before the profound solitude of the Boundary Waters, making it highly accessible yet wonderfully remote. The ease of access to the water, coupled with the distance from the main hubbub of town, ensures a seamless transition from daily life to the tranquility of the North Woods.

Services Offered (Comprehensive Outfitting and Lodging)

Canoe Country Cabins and Campground provides a comprehensive array of services designed to support every type of North Woods visitor, from the casual camper to the experienced paddler.

Full-Service BWCA Outfitting: Offers complete or partial ultra-light outfitting for canoe trips into the BWCAW and Quetico Provincial Park. This includes modern Kevlar canoes (Wenonah, Souris River, Northstar), lightweight gear, and customized food provisions.
RV and Tent Camping: Provides fully wooded RV sites that include full hookups (water, sewer, electric, including 50 amp service), as well as dedicated tent-only sites. All sites feature picnic tables and fire pits.
Modern Cabin Rentals: Offers fully furnished, air-conditioned housekeeping cabins ranging in size (typically 2- to 5-bedroom units) with complete kitchens (refrigerator, stove, microwave, cookware) and private bathrooms with showers.
Trip Planning and Permits: Expert, free assistance with route planning, orientation, detailed mapping, and the crucial service of securing limited BWCA or Quetico entry permits on behalf of guests. The staff are noted for their knowledgeable advice and friendliness.
Boat and Motor Rentals: Available for guests wishing to fish the Moose Lake Chain and Basswood Lake, which permit the use of motorboats up to 25 horsepower.
Base Camp Amenities: On-site facilities include a clean shower house (free for campers), laundry facilities, a sauna, a convenience store/snack bar, live bait and tackle sales, a gas station, a sanitary dump station, and a fish cleaning facility.
Towboat Services: Provides tow services across the large, motorized lakes like Moose Lake to save paddlers time and energy before they begin their long, non-motorized journey into the wilderness.

Features / Highlights (Expertise, Location, and Comfort)

What truly sets this establishment apart for a Minnesota traveler is the unique combination of convenience and genuine wilderness access.

Decades of Local Expertise: With over 70 years under continuous family management (the Olsons took over from the Rom family), the staff possesses unparalleled knowledge of the BWCA and Quetico Park routes, fishing spots, and safety protocols. They truly know the area, helping guests arrange "the trip of a lifetime."
Direct Wilderness Access: Located at the literal "gateway" to the Boundary Waters on Moose Lake, guests enjoy immediate access to one of the most popular BWCA entry points (Moose Lake Entry Point #25). This eliminates long vehicle shuttles on the day a trip begins.
Flexibility in Lodging: The availability of cabins, RV sites, and tent sites means Canoe Country can function as the perfect staging area for diverse groups. A family can launch an overnight trip while a non-paddling family member stays comfortably in a cabin for three months, as one review highlighted, making it a "perfect base camp."
Motorized Fishing Opportunities: The location on the Moose Lake Chain allows for enjoyable motorboat fishing in lakes known for excellent catches of walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, a significant draw for anglers.
Ideal Pre- and Post-Trip Comfort: After days or weeks of portaging and paddling, the on-site shower house, laundry, and comfortable housekeeping cabins offer welcome respite before the drive home.

Contact Information

For reservations, current rates, outfitting details, or route planning advice, guests are encouraged to contact the professional staff directly.

Address:

14623 Moose Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone:

(800) 752-2306 (Toll-Free)

Local Phone/Fax:

(218) 365-4046

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Canoe Country Cabins and Campground is ideally suited for Minnesota locals because it represents the pinnacle of convenience and expert support for accessing the state's most treasured wilderness area. Minnesotans know and value the BWCA, and this establishment removes much of the logistical headache associated with a complex wilderness trip. It is managed by people who have spent their lives in this region and are invested in preserving the North Woods experience while making it accessible. For a local family looking for a relaxing week of fishing on the Moose Lake Chain, it provides comfortable, modern cabins. For the experienced Boundary Waters group, it provides the fastest, most knowledgeable, and most fully-equipped service base from which to launch their canoes. It’s an essential link between Minnesota comfort and the untamed wilderness, offering a reliable, friendly, and comprehensive solution for any North Woods adventure. This longevity and dedication to the local experience ensure that every Minnesotan who visits can rely on their expertise for a safe and memorable trip.