Nels Lake

Nels Lake is a 182-acre backcountry lake located nine miles northwest of Ely in St. Louis County. Access is via a concrete boat ramp located at the southwest end of the lake at the terminus of Forest Road 1881. The lake has a maximum depth of 30 feet and features brown, bog-stained water typical of the region. This access point serves paddlers and boaters heading to the Superior National Forest's backcountry campsites.

The lake is part of a designated canoe route and provides access to 2-3 backcountry campsites managed as near-wilderness, first-come, first-served facilities. Each site includes a fire grate, latrine, and may have a picnic table. From Nels Lake, paddlers can access South Hegman Lake via creek drainage when water levels are adequate. Standard boat ramp protocols apply—treat or boil all drinking water, hang food packs, and fully extinguish campfires before leaving your site.

The nearby Fenske Lake Campground offers reservable camping if you prefer developed facilities. No launch fees are charged at this access point.

This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near- wilderness single party site and is accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served. There are 2 sites on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table. A few reminders: Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at...

This is one of our Backcountry sites which is a near- wilderness single party site and is accessible only by foot or boat. These sites are first come, first served. There are 2 sites on this lake, each have a fire grate, a latrine and may have a picnic table. A few reminders: Hang food packs, put your fire out each time you leave your campsite, treat or boil all water, wash yourself and dishes at least 150ft from any body of water, pack out all garbage and Leave No Trace. Use a Forest Map to locate campsites and accesses. (You can purchase a map on line at http://www.nationalforeststore.com/ or at any of the District offices or by mail.) This lake may be a part of or has portage or waterway access into the BWCAW. When portaging or paddling out of this lake and into another you’ll want to check to see if you’ll be entering into the BWCAW. Permits are always required while traveling in the BWCAW. If traveling for the day by paddle or foot you can use a self issued permit found at any Ranger District office or at the kiosk at the official entry point. Motor powered watercraft is permitted only on designated lakes. When traveling over night or using a motor please look at the BWCAW portion of this web site or take a look at the reservation site at www.recreation.gov for more information. Remember to Leave No Trace.

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