I'm looking for some info about camping with a small motor boat, like a good lake and general suggestions.

I very much enjoy my paddle-only trips, but I would like to bring my ageing and disabled family to see and enjoy the BWCA and a canoe and long portage's is just not a option.

Seaking, are you talking about car camping in a campground on a lake or remote camping where you boat in and set up in a campsite somewhat similar to a BWCA experience? Both are available on some nice lakes.

Burnside and Big Lake come to mind. I haven't actually done that, but I see there are campsites there.

Vermilion has some great boat in sites. It also has some dockside places to eat and places to buy light grocery items if you need something.

There are many estabilished campsites with picnic tables that you can boat to in the Superior NF.
I'll list just a few around the Isabella area.
Silver Island
T Lake
Windy Lake
Wilson Lake
Fourmile Lake
Birch Lake

Buy the Superior NF map, it shows estabilished campsites on the map.

Another option could be the Birch Lake backcountry sites, just south of Ely. 14 sites spreadout over a long narrow BWCA style lake that is part of the Kawishiwi Riiver system. Fishing is reportedly pretty good. I have never done this but it always intrigued me as a good compromise.

There is also a SNF campground on the lake.

Birch Lake

Birch sounds great! I remember as a kid dad rented a house boat there.
But what I was thinking was something like Basswood, I see that there are permits for overnight motor.
I don't have a big boat just a few 14' alum fishing boats with 6 and 10 hp motor's and my canoe.

I have done voyageurs national park and it's to big of water and crowded, so not interested in doing that again.

I I were to take a motor trip, it would be Basswood, however I am led to believe by many reports it's very hard to get a permit. Who knows this year.

I would look at what Lindentree suggested all nice lakes and quiet places. If you want bigger water try to get into Basswood. Great fishing and lots of history. I know of 2 Indian burial grounds and an old Indian village there.


Link to Basswood history.

I agree with Big Lake. Nice Island campsite

Take a look at Trout Lake north of Lake Vermilion. Pubic launch and free parking on Vermilion. Short ride to the Portage to Trout. At the Portage you simply sit in your boat as a four wheeler hauls you across the Portage into Trout, which is in the BW. Nice lake with lots os sites. Drive around until you find one you like. Very easy and not much boat traffic.

Sag is the easiest in and out always done pretty good fishing there. Trout is my favorite for boat camping. For the size of your boat and motor Clearwater might be a good choice.

lindylair: "Another option could be the Birch Lake backcountry sites, just south of Ely. 14 sites spreadout over a long narrow BWCA style lake that is part of the Kawishiwi Riiver system. Fishing is reportedly pretty good. I have never done this but it always intrigued me as a good compromise.


There is also a SNF campground on the lake.


Birch Lake "

Thanks for providing the link! This looks like something I would be interested in down the road.

You would have 2 portages into Basswood if you went in at Fall Lake.

Loon lake on the west side is nice. Should you get an RABC permit and an Ontario license you could take the mechanical portage to Lac La Croix but would have to stay in Canadian waters. Loon lake has campsites well suited for boats and still in US. You’d come in via Crane Lake and little vermillion river.

Sag, Trout and Birch have all been mentioned and for good reason, they are all great destinations.
Sag has great walleye action, it's a launch and go, no portage required, also some excellent island campsites.
Birch has a campground and launch at South Kawishiwi right off of HWY 1, plus back country sites and walleyes.
Trout is a short boat ride to the motorized portage from Moccasin Point Public Launch on Vermillion, there are some nice campsites on the lake and of course lake trout. There are many internet resources about this lake.
Rainy Lake is also an option.
Have a great trip!

Sag, Trout and Birch have all been mentioned and for good reason, they are all great destinations.
Sag has great walleye action, it's a launch and go, no portage required, also some excellent island campsites.
Birch has a campground and launch at South Kawishiwi right off of HWY 1, plus back country sites and walleyes.
Trout is a short boat ride to the motorized portage from Moccasin Point Public Launch on Vermillion, there are some nice campsites on the lake and of course lake trout. There are many internet resources about this lake.
Rainy Lake is also an option.
Have a great trip!