Moose Lake Landing, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Minnesota explorers, the name Moose Lake Landing has been synonymous with the start of a deep wilderness adventure. This is not just a roadside stop; it is the physical base and campground operated by the renowned Canoe Country Outfitters (CCO), a multi-generational family business that has specialized in guiding trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Canada's Quetico Provincial Park for over 70 years. Located approximately 20 miles east of Ely, the Landing sits directly on the shores of Moose Lake—a main gateway into the famed wilderness.

The location offers a unique blend of accessibility for modern camping and direct access to a vast, protected wilderness. Whether you're setting up a recreational vehicle (RV) for a week of lake life, pitching a tent under the vast northern sky, or finalizing the details of a multi-day paddle and portage trip, Moose Lake Landing serves as your essential basecamp. The facility is strategically placed to allow easy motorboat access to the beautiful Moose Lake Chain (including Newfound, Sucker, and Basswood lakes), while also serving as the launch point for non-motorized trips deeper into the canoe-only lakes of the BWCAW.

Customer loyalty speaks volumes about the service and location. As one reviewer stated, "This is a great place. I have used them for trips to Quetico for 38 years," and another simply, "Canoe Country Outfitters does a great job." This history of excellence and family management ensures every local user receives expert advice and top-tier support for their adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Moose Lake Landing is found at the eastern end of the Moose Lake Road chain, a designated address of 14623 Moose Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA. Its remote location is a significant feature, offering a tranquil escape from the busier thoroughfares closer to Ely.

Accessing the Landing involves driving east from Ely on Minnesota State Highway 169 before taking a turn onto the scenic Moose Lake Road. The last stretch of the drive brings you directly to the lake's shore, where CCO maintains their private canoe base, cabins, and campground. It's approximately a 20-mile drive from downtown Ely, which means a short trip for supplies, but a long enough distance to feel truly "Up North." For those planning a trip into the BWCAW, this location is exceptionally convenient, as it eliminates the need for long-distance portaging or shuttle services simply to reach the primary entry points of the Moose Lake area. It provides direct dock access to the water system that feeds into the wilderness area.

Services Offered

As a full-service outfitter and hospitality provider, Moose Lake Landing—operated by Canoe Country Outfitters—provides a comprehensive array of services for both casual campers and serious wilderness explorers:

Full-Hookup RV Sites: Spacious, wooded sites are available and feature water, sewer, and electric hookups, accommodating modern RVs and trailers.
Tent Camping Sites: Designated, secluded tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings are available for traditional campers.
Comfort Facilities: Access to clean, modern flush toilets and a dedicated free shower house for all campground guests.
BWCAW/Quetico Outfitting: Complete or partial outfitting services, including the rental of ultra-lightweight Kevlar canoes (Wenonah, Souris River, Northstar) and essential camping gear. Expert trip planning and routing are included.
Permit Services: Assistance with securing required BWCAW or Quetico Park entry permits, a crucial service for stress-free wilderness travel.
On-Site Amenities: A convenience store for last-minute supplies, live bait, ice, mixed gas for motors, and firewood for purchase.
Boat and Motor Rentals: Rental options for fishing boats, motors (up to 25 horsepower for use on the Moose Lake Chain), and Kevlar canoes for non-motorized use.
Other Facilities: A sauna for post-trip relaxation, a laundry facility, a fish cleaning facility, and a freezer space for storing fresh catches.

Features / Highlights

Moose Lake Landing’s unique advantages stem from its location at the border of civilization and the deep wilderness, making it a powerful resource for all Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts:

Direct BWCAW and Quetico Gateway: The most significant feature is its location on Moose Lake, one of the primary entry points (EP #25) into the eastern BWCAW. It eliminates pre-trip travel hassles and gets you on the water faster.
Motorized Access to Major Fisheries: The campground provides easy access to the Moose Lake Chain (including Newfound, Sucker, and the massive Basswood Lake), where motorboats up to 25 horsepower are permitted. This is a huge draw for local anglers targeting walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
Expert, Multi-Generational Knowledge: Operated by the Olson family (Canoe Country Outfitters), visitors benefit from over 70 years of accumulated knowledge about the surrounding lakes, portages, fishing holes, and changing wilderness conditions. This expert advice is invaluable.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Beyond the wilderness access, the site includes amenities like a playground and a safe, welcoming environment, making it a great destination for families who want to enjoy the North Woods without sacrificing convenience.
Hybrid Lodging Options: The availability of modern, fully furnished housekeeping cabins alongside the RV and tent sites offers flexibility, allowing groups or families with varied preferences to all base out of the same location.

Contact Information

For reservations, outfitting inquiries, or current information about Moose Lake Landing and the associated services provided by Canoe Country Outfitters, please use the following contact details:

Address (Moose Lake Landing / Canoe Country Cabins & Campground): 14623 Moose Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Primary Phone Number: (218) 365-4046

Toll-Free Number (for Outfitting and Reservations): (800) 752-2306

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Moose Lake Landing is uniquely suited for Minnesota locals as it perfectly embodies the state's love for both comfortable camping and deep wilderness exploration. For residents accustomed to "lake life" and the call of the North Woods, this location offers an ideal, stress-free launching pad. You can arrive with your own RV, enjoy a full-service site with running water and electricity, and still be only a short paddle away from the world-famous, protected solitude of the Boundary Waters. The convenience of full outfitting and permitting assistance right on the lake saves valuable vacation time, allowing you to maximize your fishing, paddling, or relaxing. This is where generations of Minnesotans have started their most memorable adventures, benefiting from the decades of local, family-owned expertise that ensures every trip, whether a casual long weekend or a demanding wilderness expedition, is a success. It’s the easiest way for a local to get the most authentic and well-supported taste of the true, roadless Minnesota wilderness.