Nels Lake
Nels Lake is a 182 acre lake, with just under 6 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 30 feet.
Just outside of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, you won't need a permit to visit but you will need one to fish for the bluegill, burbot, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, shorthead redhorse, white sucker, and golden shiner found in the lake.
Photos of Nels Lake
General Information
Dispersed Camping
This lake is a part of a canoe route, access to the 3 sites on this lake is boat ramp on the South West end of the lake.
When visiting, please remember
- 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.
From Nels Lake you can take the creek drainage when the water level is high into South Hegman Lake, Entry Point 77 of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. If portaging to South Hegman Lake a permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: May 1-September 30, 2026, Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. No Eastern National Forests Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 48.01992333
Longitude: -91.90518821
Directions
- From Ely, continue east or straight on MN-169/E Sheridan St. through town 1.0 miles.
- Turn left onto Grant McMahan Blvd/Cty Rd 88 for 2.3 miles.
- Turn right onto Echo Trail/Ely-Buycks Rd, Cty Rd 116 for 9.3 miles.
- Turn right onto Nels Lake Rd and take to the end for 0.7 miles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
