Lower Bass Lake Campsite, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans looking to step away from the bustle of developed campgrounds, the Lower Bass Lake Campsite area provides an authentic, immersive, and historically significant backcountry experience deep within the Superior National Forest (SNF). Located off the renowned Echo Trail near Ely, this is not a traditional car campground but rather a designation for primitive, designated backpacking campsites found along the beloved Bass Lake Trail. The use of "Lower Bass Lake Campsite" generally refers to one of the few designated, undeveloped spots found along the 5.6-mile loop that circles Bass Lake and Low Lake (which was once part of the larger Bass Lake). These sites are specifically designed for those who want a rewarding hike-in camping trip, offering a true taste of wilderness solitude without requiring the permit complexities of the adjacent Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The Bass Lake Trail itself is an ecologically and historically unique area. Its primary feature is the spectacular gorge that resulted from a 1925 logging-related washout, which drained a massive portion of the original Bass Lake by 55 feet in just 10 hours. This geological event created the distinct topography seen today, with the Lower Bass Lake and Low Lake areas now separated and the exposed lakebed providing a fascinating study in pioneering plant life. Camping here means resting on ancient Pre-Cambrian rock, surrounded by towering pines and the stark beauty of a landscape shaped by both nature and human history.

These sites are perfect for local backpackers, trail runners, and nature photographers. They embody the rugged, self-sufficient spirit of the Northwoods, requiring campers to carry in all their gear and supplies, ensuring a minimal impact on the sensitive forest environment.

Location and Accessibility

The Lower Bass Lake Campsite area is situated approximately six miles north of Ely, Minnesota, directly accessible from the scenic Echo Trail (County Road 116). The address, Echo Trail, Ely, MN 55731, points to the general vicinity of the trailhead, which is managed by the Kawishiwi Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

Trailhead Location: The Bass Lake Trailhead provides the primary point of access. It is typically a well-marked parking area located directly off the Echo Trail.
Campsite Accessibility: The designated campsites—including those on the lower portion of the lake—are strictly "hike-in" sites. Campers must park at the trailhead and hike anywhere from two to six miles along the 5.6-mile loop trail to reach one of the limited, established backpacking sites.
Water Access: Some designated sites are near the water, offering scenic lake views and access for drawing water (which must be filtered and treated). There is also a portage trail incorporated into the beginning section of the Bass Lake Trail, providing a short route to the water.
Road Conditions: The Echo Trail is a beautiful but remote corridor, often consisting of gravel and dirt surfaces. While generally suitable for standard vehicles, drivers should be mindful of seasonal conditions, especially during spring thaw or after heavy rains.

Due to the rugged nature of the trail and the hike-in requirement, visitors should plan for a 4- to 6-hour minimum time commitment to complete the full loop, or less if only hiking to an initial campsite.

Services Offered

As part of the Superior National Forest's designated backpacking sites, the Lower Bass Lake Campsite area offers minimal, highly primitive amenities designed to preserve the wilderness character of the area. Campers must be fully self-reliant.

Designated Tent Areas: Sites feature a small, relatively level area for pitching a tent, minimizing impact on surrounding vegetation.
Fire Grate (Site-Specific): Designated fire rings or grates are typically present at the established backcountry campsites for cooking and campfires. However, campers must always adhere to current SNF fire restrictions.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit latrine (often a simple structure for human waste disposal) is provided at each designated campsite.
No Potable Water: There is no source of safe drinking water available. Water must be obtained from the lake and rigorously filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.
No Garbage Service: These are strictly "Pack In, Pack Out" areas. Campers must carry out all garbage, food scraps, and waste. There are no refuse containers on the trail or at the campsites.
No Electricity or Wi-Fi: There are no modern amenities, guaranteeing a complete digital detox experience.

Features / Highlights

The primary draw of camping at Lower Bass Lake is the combination of physical challenge, historical context, and genuine wilderness solitude right outside of Ely.

The Bass Lake Trail Experience: The 5.6-mile loop offers a fantastic day hike or overnight backpacking trip. It includes scenic overlooks, rocky ridges, and segments through mature stands of red and white pine.
Geological and Historical Significance: Campers are near the site of the 1925 sluiceway washout, which created a deep gorge and fundamentally changed the lake’s ecosystem—a unique natural and historical feature interpreted along the trail.
Primitive Seclusion: With only a few designated campsites along the 5.6-mile trail, campers are guaranteed a high degree of privacy and quiet, making it an excellent alternative to fee-based, developed campgrounds.
Non-Permit Wilderness Access: Unlike the BWCAW, these backpacking sites along the Bass Lake Trail do not require a quota or lottery permit, offering spontaneous, last-minute opportunities for wilderness-style camping.
Educational Opportunity: Interpretive signs are often posted along the Bass Lake Trail, explaining the area’s unique geology and history, adding a rich learning dimension to the camping trip.

Contact Information

Since the Lower Bass Lake Campsite refers to primitive sites along a national forest trail, the best source of information is the local U.S. Forest Service office.

Administrative Office (For Maps, Conditions, and Information): Kawishiwi Ranger District

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Address: 1393 Highway 169 E, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

The Lower Bass Lake Campsite area is perfectly suited for experienced local Minnesotans who have embraced the state's rugged outdoor traditions. It’s an essential destination for those transitioning from car camping to true backpacking or for seasoned wilderness users seeking a quality overnight trip close to the services of Ely. This is where locals go for a rewarding, brief immersion into the wild heart of the Superior National Forest.

The hike-in nature of the sites ensures peace and quiet, eliminating vehicle noise and large crowds. It’s a place that demands preparation—a reliance on skills over amenities—which is a point of pride for many Minnesotans. By offering designated, primitive sites without a difficult-to-obtain BWCAW permit, Lower Bass Lake makes the coveted Northwoods backpacking experience accessible. It provides the ideal challenge for a weekend escape, allowing locals to hike through a historically significant landscape, cast a line in the clear waters of Bass Lake, and sleep under the star-filled Arrowhead sky, all while respecting the precious, fragile nature of the forest.