Big Lake Campsite #3

Greetings, fellow Minnesotans! If the allure of the Northwoods calls to your adventurous spirit, promising unparalleled natural beauty and true solitude, then Big Lake Campsite #3 near Ely, MN, deserves your attention. Nestled in the heart of the Superior National Forest, this campsite offers a genuine wilderness experience, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a prime example of the rich outdoor opportunities available right here in our beloved state.

Big Lake Campsite #3 is a specific, designated site on the vast and beautiful Big Lake, renowned for its excellent fishing and its proximity to the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Unlike many drive-up campgrounds, this is a more primitive, boat-in site, which ensures a level of peace and quiet that’s increasingly hard to find. Imagine paddling across serene waters, arriving at your secluded haven, and setting up camp amidst towering pines and birches. This is the authentic Minnesota wilderness experience that awaits you.

For those who cherish the quiet contemplation that only deep nature can provide, or for families eager to introduce their children to the joys of true wilderness camping, Big Lake Campsite #3 offers an unforgettable setting. It provides the essential elements for a comfortable stay while maintaining the wild character of the landscape. It’s a place where the stars shine brighter, where the call of a loon echoes across the water, and where every moment spent outdoors feels like a cherished memory in the making.

Big Lake Campsite #3 is located in the vicinity of Ely, MN 55731, USA. More specifically, this campsite is situated on Big Lake itself, within the Superior National Forest. It's important for prospective campers to understand that this is a boat-in campsite. This means direct vehicle access is not available to the campsite itself.

To reach Big Lake Campsite #3, you will need to access Big Lake via a public boat launch. Ely, Minnesota, is a primary gateway community to this region, offering several outfitters and services that can facilitate your trip. From a boat launch on Big Lake, you would then navigate the lake by canoe, kayak, or motorboat to locate Campsite #3. While this adds an element of adventure and requires some planning, it is precisely this boat-in nature that preserves the campsite’s secluded and pristine environment. It ensures that the peace and quiet of the Northwoods are largely undisturbed by vehicle traffic.

For Minnesotans, this location is a gem for those seeking to immerse themselves in the state's iconic lake country. Its proximity to Ely means that essential supplies, bait, and outfitting services are readily available before you launch your vessel. The journey across Big Lake to reach Campsite #3 is part of the experience, offering stunning vistas and the chance to begin your wildlife spotting even before you set foot on shore. This access method truly embodies the spirit of a Minnesota wilderness adventure.

Big Lake Campsite #3, being a primitive wilderness campsite within the Superior National Forest, offers fundamental services designed to support responsible outdoor recreation while preserving the natural environment. While it doesn't feature the extensive amenities of a developed campground, it provides the essentials for a comfortable and self-sufficient stay.

• Designated Campsite: This is a specific, identified campsite, ensuring that you have a dedicated spot to set up your camp upon arrival, preventing uncontrolled dispersed camping.
• Fire Ring: A designated fire ring is typically provided for safe and contained campfires. This allows campers to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire for cooking or relaxation, while minimizing wildfire risk.
• Picnic Table: A picnic table is generally available at the site, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, or gathering with your group.
• Outdoor Latrine (Vault Toilet): As is common in wilderness campsites within the Superior National Forest, an outdoor privy or vault toilet is provided for basic sanitation. These are designed to be low-impact and help maintain the cleanliness of the area.
• Tent Pads: While not always explicitly listed for every primitive site, many designated campsites in this region offer cleared or lightly prepared areas for pitching tents, aiming to minimize impact on the ground cover.
• Boat-In Access: The primary "service" is its boat-in accessibility. This provides direct water access from Big Lake, allowing campers to easily pull up their canoes, kayaks, or small motorboats right to the site.
• Dog-Friendly: Like many areas within the Superior National Forest outside of the immediate BWCAW quota permit system, dogs are typically allowed on a leash at this type of campsite, enabling furry family members to join the adventure. Campers are responsible for waste removal and control of their pets.

It's important to note that potable water is generally not available at primitive campsites like Big Lake Campsite #3. Campers are expected to bring their own water or be prepared to filter/treat lake water for drinking and cooking purposes. Similarly, garbage services are not provided, and campers are required to pack out everything they pack in, adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Big Lake Campsite #3 offers a variety of compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness experience.

• Secluded Wilderness Experience: As a boat-in campsite, it provides a level of solitude and tranquility often unmatched by roadside campgrounds. The absence of vehicle noise and reduced foot traffic ensures a deep connection with nature.
• Direct Lake Access: Situated right on Big Lake, the campsite offers immediate access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. This is ideal for those who want to spend their days exploring the lake's many bays and islands.
• Excellent Fishing: Big Lake is well-known among local anglers for its diverse fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and bass. Campsite #3 provides a fantastic base for a fishing-focused trip.
• Gateway to BWCA Wilderness: While Big Lake Campsite #3 itself is typically outside the strict BWCAW permit quota zones, its proximity to the Boundary Waters offers opportunities for day trips into this world-renowned wilderness area. Visitors can explore entry points and experience sections of the BWCAW with appropriate permits.
• Picturesque Scenery: The campsite is surrounded by the classic Northwoods landscape of towering pines, birch, and aspen, with stunning lake views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote nature of the area increases the chances of spotting various Minnesota wildlife, from common deer and diverse bird species to, if you're lucky, moose, bears, or wolves.
• Dark Sky Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night sky over Big Lake offers incredible stargazing opportunities. On clear nights, the Milky Way can be breathtakingly visible, and even aurora borealis sightings are possible during active periods.
• Paddling Paradise: For canoeists and kayakers, Big Lake and its surrounding waterways provide endless opportunities for exploration, day trips, and multi-day adventures.
• Back-to-Basics Camping: The site's primitive nature encourages a self-reliant camping style, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and test their outdoor skills in a safe and managed environment.

Big Lake Campsite #3 is part of the Superior National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. As a wilderness campsite, there isn't a direct phone number for the site itself. All reservations and most general inquiries are handled through federal recreation platforms or the local ranger district.

Address: Big Lake, Ely, MN 55731, USA

For reservations and detailed information:

Online: Reservations for most U.S. Forest Service campsites are made through Recreation.gov. You would search for "Big Lake Campground" or "Big Lake campsites" within the Superior National Forest. It's crucial to confirm the specific details for Campsite #3 when booking.

Phone: For general inquiries about the Superior National Forest or specific questions about the Ely area and its campsites, you can contact the local ranger district office. The Kawishiwi Ranger District, located near Ely, would be the most relevant contact point. Their current phone number can be found on the official USDA Forest Service website for the Superior National Forest.

Please note: Always check the latest information on Recreation.gov or the official Superior National Forest website for current conditions, fire restrictions, permit requirements (especially if planning to enter the BWCAW), and any operational changes before your trip.

For those of us who call Minnesota home, Big Lake Campsite #3 near Ely offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly embrace the wilderness that defines our state. We Minnesotans often seek respite in our lakes and forests, and this campsite provides just that – a genuine escape into the quiet beauty of the Northwoods without an arduous journey across state lines. It's ideally suited for locals because it represents the core of Minnesota's outdoor identity: pristine waters, abundant forests, and the chance to disconnect and rejuvenate.

The boat-in access, far from being a deterrent, is precisely what makes this site so special for those who value solitude. It filters out casual visitors, ensuring a more peaceful and authentic experience. This also makes it a perfect destination for those looking to hone their paddling skills or simply enjoy a serene boat ride to their private slice of paradise. The proximity to Ely, a town steeped in outdoor culture, means that any last-minute gear, bait, or advice is just a short drive away before you launch your boat.

Whether you're an avid angler keen on catching walleye, a nature photographer chasing stunning sunsets over the lake, or a family wanting to introduce kids to the magic of primitive camping, Big Lake Campsite #3 delivers. It’s more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a living classroom for ecological appreciation, a haven for quiet reflection, and a source of cherished memories. This campsite embodies the spirit of Minnesota's wild heart, offering a tangible connection to the landscape we are so proud to call our own. It’s a local gem, waiting to be discovered by those ready to truly experience the silence and splendor of our great outdoors.

Big Lake Campsite #3

Ely, MN 55731, USA