My friends and I are looking to do the Sioux-Hustler trail and we want to stay at a campground the night before, and pick up the permit the next morning and get to the trailhead ASAP. What are the closest outfitters or places that can issue BWCA permits? I know of Echo Trail Outfitters but according to Google Maps they're a 50 minute drive from the trailhead so I'm hoping there's something closer.

Bonus if you have any suggestions of where we can camp for cheap the night before! I was thinking the Fenske Lake campground unless there is something closer to the trailhead such that we don't have to double back in the morning to get the permit.

Thanks!!

WAIT... there are self-issued permits this year... so all we'd need is a place to crash after driving up. Hm. So I guess we just need to find a spot for that! Maybe Jeanette Lake? Recreation.gov says there is no availability so I assume it's closed or something? I'd hope it'd be open by September when we're hoping to go.

Both Fenske and Jeanetta lake campgrounds are nice. I've also slept in my car in the EP parking lots also. Ely really isn't that far either.

AmarilloJim: "Both Fenske and Jeanetta lake campgrounds are nice. I've also slept in my car in the EP parking lots also. Ely really isn't that far either."

It's over an hour away, I'd say that's pretty far... I'm looking to get hiking as soon as possible in the morning. My friends aren't gonna like the "sleep in the car" idea (nor do I) so I'll keep looking. Thanks though!

Jeanette lake was closed the other week, local said first time they really have seen rangers up there checking it out as well. Send me an email I have a spot nearby along the road that I have coordinates for. Has a firepit and overlooks a creek/river.

Pick up your permit at Anderson Outfitters, just outside of Crane Lake, the day before your entry. Crane Lake is closer than Ely to the trailhead. If you are lucky there may be a vacancy at the Pine Ridge Motel across the road from Anderson's. There might be some other lodging or camping available near Crane Lake. There are some side roads off of the Moose Loop Road that could be used for dispersed camping if you are not good with overnighting at the trailhead.

There's a "dispersed camping" site at the Ed Shave boat launch that I've often seen people camping at. There are also quite a few traditional "dispersed camping" sites off of the Echo. Another nice site just before the Portage River bridge on the Echo.

Meander Lake. Two backcountry spots, first-come, first served. No fee.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/superior/recarea/?recid=37145

I see Jeanette Lake CG is still closed (as of 7/17). Are there other places to camp to cue up for entry into BWCA, down the Echo, out of Ely?

chessie: "I see Jeanette Lake CG is still closed (as of 7/17). Are there other places to camp to cue up for entry into BWCA, down the Echo, out of Ely?"

I think this thread has good info.

There is also Fall Lake Camp Ground that is farther than Fenske from LIS North.

Based on past threads on this site, Jeanette is the closest but it is closed right now.

Appreciate all of the suggestions!! The Meander Lake sites seem promising but it would suck to get there at midnight and find them both taken, so I'll make sure to have a backup or two.