Nels Lake, Ely, MN - Campground

Introduction / Overview: True North Woods Seclusion on Nels Lake

For Minnesotans seeking an authentic, primitive camping experience without the complexity and demand of a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit, the backcountry campsites on Nels Lake offer an ideal solution. Located deep within the magnificent Superior National Forest near the iconic North Woods town of Ely, Nels Lake provides a “near-wilderness” experience that captures the quiet solitude that defines the region. The area is known for its pristine waters, abundant wildlife, and profound sense of escape—a place where the call of the loon replaces the ring of a cell phone.

Nels Lake is specifically noted for its two secluded, first-come, first-served backcountry campsites. These are not typical developed campgrounds with amenities like treated water or flush toilets; rather, they are rustic, single-party sites designed for campers ready to embrace Leave No Trace principles and self-sufficiency. This arrangement provides a valuable stepping stone for those preparing for a full BWCA trip or simply wanting a peaceful, no-fee camping destination. As one happy visitor noted, the appeal is simple yet profound: "Seclusion and loons." It is the perfect spot to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Iron Range area.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Superior National Forest

Nels Lake’s location ensures a quiet experience, as it is situated off the well-known Echo Trail corridor, northwest of Ely. It falls under the administration of the Kawishiwi Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

Approximate Location and Contact:

The site is located deep within the Superior National Forest, near Ely, MN 55731, USA. For official contact and the most up-to-date information on conditions, the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office in Ely is the point of contact.

Phone:

(218) 365-7600

Access to Nels Lake is relatively straightforward but requires travel on scenic, forested roads. From Ely, you head east on MN-169, then onto Grant McMahan Blvd (County Road 88), which leads to the famous Echo Trail (County Road 116). After approximately nine miles on the Echo Trail, a turn onto Nels Lake Road brings you to the access point.

The campsites themselves are accessible in two ways: one is located adjacent to the parking area (a short hike-in), and the other is a boat-in/paddle-in site on the lake. The presence of a small cement slab boat ramp and gravel parking lot facilitates the launch of small watercraft, allowing users to easily carry in their canoes or kayaks for the short paddle to the more remote site. This accessibility makes it a manageable destination for a weekend trip, despite its remote feel.

Services Offered (Rustic and Primitive Camping)

The services at Nels Lake Backcountry Campsites are deliberately minimal to preserve the remote and natural integrity of the environment, mirroring the conditions found deeper within the official wilderness areas.

Two Backcountry Sites: Provides two designated, single-party campsites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are taken, and no fees are required for camping.
Fire Grate: Each campsite is equipped with a steel fire grate, which is the only place fires are permitted. Campers must check for current fire restrictions before lighting any campfire.
Wilderness Latrine: Each site includes a wilderness latrine (a primitive outhouse structure without the building), which facilitates proper human waste disposal.
Picnic Table: While not guaranteed at every site, sites may be equipped with a rustic picnic table.
Lake Access: Features a boat ramp (cement slab) and a gravel parking lot suitable for accessing the lake with small watercraft or for the short hike to the nearest campsite.
Boating: Motorized watercraft is permitted on Nels Lake itself, unlike the adjacent BWCAW. However, the campsites can be accessed by both motorboat and canoe/kayak.

Features / Highlights (The Near-Wilderness Advantage)

The primary appeal of Nels Lake lies in its unique balance between accessibility and authentic wilderness solitude.

No Permit, No Fee Camping: Crucially, because Nels Lake is located just outside the official BWCAW boundary, camping at these designated backcountry sites does not require a BWCA entry permit or a camping fee. This saves the hassle of the highly competitive BWCA permit lottery, especially for a spontaneous or short-notice trip.
Superb Fishing: The lake is noted as a productive fishery, with the Minnesota DNR reporting a variety of species including walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and bluegill. The seclusion contributes to the quality of the angling experience, with one visitor reporting, "A lot of pike in that lake."
Authentic Solitude: As a small, 172-acre lake with only two official campsites, the level of privacy is exceptional. It is an ideal environment to hear the haunting, iconic calls of the common loon, which thrive in this quiet habitat.
Leave No Trace Environment: The sites encourage advanced camping skills. Visitors must treat or boil all water, pack out all garbage, and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles, providing an excellent practice ground for more remote wilderness travel.
Gateway to the Echo Trail: Nels Lake serves as a quiet base camp for exploring the wider Superior National Forest, including other lakes, logging roads, and hiking trails along the famous Echo Trail corridor.

Contact Information

As a part of the federally managed Superior National Forest system, all official inquiries, safety checks, and map information should be directed to the local Ranger District Office in Ely.

Superior National Forest - Kawishiwi Ranger District:

Address (Ely Office):

1393 Highway 169

Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone (Ranger District Office):

(218) 365-7600

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Nels Lake Backcountry Campsites are perfectly suited for Minnesotans because they offer an easily accessible escape into the true North Woods wilderness without the red tape associated with highly regulated areas. Locals understand the value of a secluded, no-fee, first-come, first-served site, especially during busy peak seasons when other developed campgrounds fill up fast. This is the spot for the Twin Cities resident or Duluth native who wants to spend a weekend fishing, listening to the loons, and waking up to the smell of pine, all without the need for complicated advance planning or expensive outfitting.

It provides a vital middle ground—more rustic and private than a typical National Forest campground, yet less demanding and restrictive than the BWCAW. For local anglers, the opportunity to motor a small boat onto the lake for walleye and pike fishing, and then retire to a secluded site, is a significant draw. Nels Lake embodies the accessible seclusion that so many Minnesotans cherish in their state forests and public lands, offering a powerful, personal connection to the natural world just a few hours' drive from home.