Upper Bass Lake Campsite, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota's dedicated outdoors enthusiasts, the area surrounding Ely is synonymous with the purest form of wilderness camping. While many seek out the vastness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, others prefer the tranquility and accessibility offered by the Superior National Forest's designated rustic campsites. Upper Bass Lake Campsite is one such hidden gem, offering a straightforward, secluded, and deeply satisfying Northwoods experience. It represents the ideal balance for a local user: close enough to the amenities of Ely, yet far enough down the Echo Trail to feel completely immersed in nature.

This particular site, often described in comparison to its "lower" counterpart, stands out for its simplicity and the quality of its lakeside access. It is not a sprawling, amenity-rich campground; rather, it is a focused, rustic site dedicated to providing a peaceful place to pitch a tent and enjoy the lake. Visitors should expect a traditional, self-sufficient camping trip, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the Superior National Forest. The atmosphere is quiet, the sites are sparse, and the focus remains entirely on the surrounding environment: the mature trees, the clear water, and the quiet solitude that defines the region.

Upper Bass Lake Campsite is typically part of the network of first-come, first-served sites managed by the Forest Service, making spontaneous weekend trips possible for local Minnesotans who know where to look. It caters perfectly to tent campers, kayakers, and canoeists looking for a basecamp that provides immediate, easy access to the water, ensuring a memorable and restorative escape.

Location and Accessibility

The Upper Bass Lake Campsite is nestled deep within the Superior National Forest, a short but significant distance from the iconic gateway town of Ely, Minnesota. Its official address on Co Hwy 116, known locally as the Echo Trail, places it along one of the most scenic and storied byways in the North Star State's Arrowhead Region. This location instantly signals a commitment to a genuine wilderness experience, though the site itself remains accessible by vehicle.

Co. Highway 116, the Echo Trail, is a paved and gravel road system that winds through some of the most beautiful parts of the National Forest, ultimately leading to various lakes, entry points, and campgrounds. Visitors should be prepared for varying road conditions typical of remote forest roads, especially after inclement weather. However, the campsite is generally considered to be reasonably accessible for most vehicles, serving primarily as a drive-up spot.

A key factor in its appeal is its proximity to Ely. This allows locals to easily stock up on supplies, rent gear, or seek information at the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office before heading into the woods. The Upper Bass Lake site offers a quick launch point into the smaller lakes of the region, providing a sense of seclusion without the full portaging commitment required for deep BWCAW trips.

Services Offered

As a designated rustic campsite within the Superior National Forest, Upper Bass Lake focuses on providing core necessities while leaving the rest of the experience to the natural environment. The limited but essential services support a traditional, low-impact camping style, which is often preferred by seasoned Minnesota campers.

Latrine Facilities: A maintained wilderness latrine (vault toilet) is available for camper use, ensuring sanitary waste disposal and minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Designated Overflow Area: The site provides a specific overflow area for tents, accommodating groups who arrive prepared with tenting gear and need a bit of extra space beyond the immediate, main campsite area.
Campsite Amenities: Individual sites are likely to include basic, permanent fixtures typical of Forest Service sites, such as a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table.
Water Access Point: The site is explicitly noted for having "easier water access," meaning there is a clear, manageable route or designated spot for campers to reach Upper Bass Lake for water-based activities like paddling and fishing.
Pack-In, Pack-Out Policy: While not an amenity, it is a crucial service standard of these rustic sites. Campers are responsible for packing out all trash and waste, maintaining the site's pristine nature.

Features / Highlights

Upper Bass Lake Campsite shines in its ability to deliver a classic, quiet Northwoods experience, highlighted by its prime location on the water and the intentional simplicity of the facilities. Its features are geared toward the camper seeking peaceful solitude and direct engagement with the lake environment.

Superior Water Access: The most celebrated feature, noted by visitors, is the "easier water access." This is highly valued by canoeists, kayakers, and paddleboarders, as it simplifies the launching and landing of watercraft compared to sites with steep banks or difficult portages.
Seclusion and Space: Being a small, rustic, and often first-come, first-served site, it offers an immediate sense of seclusion. Campers who appreciate having a substantial buffer between their spot and the next site will find this location more appealing than large, developed campgrounds.
Ideal for Tent Camping: The inclusion of a designated overflow area specifically for tents highlights the site's suitability for traditional tent camping groups who prefer not to use RVs or large trailers, making it a favorite for backpacking-style trips with car support.
Proximity to the Echo Trail: The campsite serves as an excellent, less-crowded basecamp for exploring the entirety of the Echo Trail (Co. Hwy 116), including other nearby lakes, hiking trails, and historical points of interest in the Superior National Forest.
Classic Northwoods Environment: The site is situated in a mature forest, providing the quintessential backdrop of towering pines, clean air, and the quiet sounds of the wilderness that locals associate with the true Minnesota camping tradition.

Contact Information

As a US Forest Service site, information and management for Upper Bass Lake Campsite fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior National Forest, specifically the Kawishiwi Ranger District, which oversees the Ely area of the forest.

Address: Co Hwy 116, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: (For general inquiries and current conditions, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District - often a primary resource for this area)

Though no direct phone number for the specific site is available, the best practice for local users is to contact the nearest Forest Service office for current information on site availability, fees (if any), and any local restrictions (like fire bans) before planning a trip to a first-come, first-served rustic site.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Upper Bass Lake Campsite is more than just a place to stay; it’s a commitment to the foundational principles of Minnesota camping—solitude, simplicity, and direct connection to the water. For the local resident, this site offers several compelling advantages that make it an exceptional choice for a weekend escape.

Firstly, its rustic, first-come, first-served nature eliminates the stress of competitive advanced booking often associated with major state and federal campgrounds. A spontaneous mid-week or early-season trip is highly feasible, offering a quick and satisfying departure from city life. Secondly, its location on the Echo Trail near Ely places it in the epicenter of Minnesota's most revered wilderness, serving as an accessible launchpad for Boundary Waters aspirants or those simply wanting to paddle quiet waters.

The noted features—the ease of water access and the spacious, dedicated area for tent camping—solve two common problems for local enthusiasts: simplifying the gear-heavy aspects of paddling and providing a comfortable, non-RV-focused setting. Upper Bass Lake is perfectly tailored to the Minnesotan who views camping not as a resort experience, but as an opportunity to truly rough it, albeit with the basic convenience of a maintained latrine. It provides an authentic, quiet, and easily reached slice of the Superior National Forest, allowing locals to tap into the therapeutic beauty of the Northwoods with minimal fuss and maximum reward.