Nels Lake

Facility · Minnesota ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Superior National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1,408 ft
Elevation

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.

Getting there

48.01968, -91.90528 · 48°1'10.8"N 91°54'19.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 79°F in Jul, down to 15°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F152336516575797868523521
Low °F-7-51025384953524432193
Precip in1.10.81.32.33.04.24.53.44.82.91.71.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Nels Lake

Can you reserve a site at Nels Lake?
No. Nels Lake is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Also listed by

Nels Lake also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Nels Lake's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

    Restrictions:

    • • Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste. Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes. • You will need to pack out your garbage.• Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.

    USDA Forest Service's own page

    Camping near Nels Lake

    Comments

    Contact

    Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

    Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.