Camping

 

Boulder Lake has 22 campsites to offer, all canoe accessible.   Enjoy the beauty of the Boundary Waters 20 miles North of Duluth, MN

We expect all campers to follow leave no trace principles 

  • Plan ahead and prepare.
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
  • Dispose of waste properly.
  • Leave what you find.
  • Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
  • Respect wildlife.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.

Reserve a Campsite

Campsite reservations are optional  

Bear paw campsites: Can be reserved year round.

Remote sites: Can be reserved for dates between 6/1 - 10/31

All campsites not posted with a reserved sign are available on a first come first serve basis. 

Reservation costs:

  • $30  staff to reserve a Bear paw sites
  • $75 to reserve a remote access site. 

Reservation must be made at least TWO week in advance and there is no guarantee that remote sites can be reserved due to water levels and weather.  RESERVATION FEES ARE NONREFUNDALBE 

Additional Information:

  • Firewood: The ELC can supply firewood for a fee
    • Please DO NOT transport firewood from outside of the BLMA to prevent the spread of invasive species.  
    • Collecting downed wood (DO NOT CUT LIVE TREES DOWN).  Please respect the beauty of the area. 
    • Leave No Trace
  • The ELC has canoes to rent and some camping gear (contact us to learn more).
  • The ELC will conduct programming with your groups (contact us to learn more).
Campsite Map

Bear Paw Campsites

10 walk in or water accessible campsites. 

 Great for for families looking for a quick hike or canoe in site.  If you have a large group (scouts, church, schools, camps

, etc.) contact the ELC to reserve campsites for a minimal fee.  The ELC will programing opportunities.

 

Bear paw campsites to the BLELC Wolfski Welcome Center connector trail

Each campsite has: 

  • firepit and picnic table
  • tent pad
  • accommodate 4-6 people

Facilities:

  • 1 large enclosed biffy in middle of the 10 shoreline sites
  • 2 open air biffies at either end of trail.

Parking:

  • Parking is allowed at the Bear Paw parking lot (don't keep valuables in your vehicle).

Buzz Ryan

5 walk in or water accessible campsites.  These site are more primitive then our Bear paw campsites.   By car, they are located 1.5 miles from Hwy 4 on the Buzz Ryan road (which is a rough and former logging road).  Gate to access road may be locked in winter.  There is a small parking lot near the campsites with a 250 yard hike to nearest campsite (don't keep valuables in your vehicle).

Each campsite has: 

  • firepit and table
  • tent pad 
  • 4 sites ca accommodate 4-6 people
  • 1 group site with 2 tent pads that can accommodate 8-10 people

Facilities:

  • 2 walled open air biffy's near each end

Osprey (Currently Closed for Repair)

Group campsite (built by boy scouts in 1994).  This is a water accessible remote campsite with 8 separate tent pads and a shared common area. Great for groups

Common area has a

  • firepit and table

each tent pad can accommodate 4-6 people

Facilities

  • 1 open air biffy

Water Accessible only Campsites

  • Lady Island (Group site)
    • Lady Island 8-10
  • Tower 
    • accommodate 4-6 people
  • Saint's Cove
    • accommodate 4-6 people

Each campsite has:

  • firepit and table
  • tent pad
  • accommodate 4-6 people

Facilities:

  • open air biffies

Parking:

  • Parking is allowed at the dam/public boat launch parking lot (don't keep valuables in your vehicle).

Hike in or Water Accessible 

Wolf bay and Wolf den sites are our most BWCA like sites.  You can hike the 2 miles on the Wolf bay trail (trail currently getting updated) that starts at the dam or you can park at the dam and access via water

Each campsite has:

  • Firepit and table
  • Tent pad
  • Accommodate 4 people

Facilities

  • Open air biffies

Parking:

  • Parking is allowed at the dam/public launch parking lot (don't keep valuables in your vehicle).

Handicap Accessible - Water Access Only Campsite

Moose Island is a water accessible only group campsite.  It the only one with a small dock and features boardwalks through the woods, raised tent pads, handicap accessible raised tent pads, latrine and table.

Campsite has:  

  • firepit and  handicap accessible table
  • 3 raised tent pads
  • accommodate 8-10 people

Facilities:

  • open air handicap accessible biffy

Parking:

  • Parking is allowed at the dam/public launch parking lot (don't keep valuables in your vehicle).
  • Access is also available through the ELC - Inquire here boulder@d.umn.edu