Looking at the possibilty of dispersed camping near Ely for the night or two before entry into BWCA (entering at EP 20, Angleworm). Read some interesting threads on here but jo specific information... best thread I found was here . I took Montana Paddler's advice and looked at the Motor Vehicle Use Map what I'm confused about is the map says "Motorized dispersed camping is prohibited off designated routes"... what exactly is that referring to? In some areas are you able to just park the car off the side of a forest service road then set up a hammock back in the woods? Have any of you had experience with this and know some specific locations that would work well? Thanks for any help you can be!

There are a number of dispersed camping options off the Echo in the neighborhood of Angleworm. I bike the Echo often and take the little used (often very short) logging trails off the road and they hold some nice sites. People often set up off the boat launch at Ed Shave as well

Actually I stayed off the Echo Trail on a little pull out by a river someone had built a firepit, there was actually some fish we caught in the river right behind us. I can look at some maps and see if I can pin point it.

marrowoflife: "Motorized dispersed camping is prohibited off designated routes"... what exactly is that referring to?

I can only speak for the Manistee National Forest in Michigan but I'm sure it's pretty similiar for the Superior. There are always going to be a number of logging roads and two tracks that are not listed on the map so per the letter of the law you are not allowed to drive down these although here it is rarely enforced. So if the road is on the map and is designated for a street legal vehicle and not just an orv you are good to go. Camp anywhere you can find a pullout. Also just an FYI if you didn't know, these maps are updated every year.

Dispered sites are found at this weblink. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=36905&actid=34

Superior Hiking Trail Campsites are also free to use.

BWCA.com has surpassed all expectations again, thanks guys and gals, all that are going on the trip appreciate it.

Banksiana: "There are a number of dispersed camping options off the Echo in the neighborhood of Angleworm. I bike the Echo often and take the little used (often very short) logging trails off the road and they hold some nice sites. People often set up off the boat launch at Ed Shave as well"

Thank you! I will keep this in mind, looks like a great spot and super close to our EP.

OMGitsKa: "Actually I stayed off the Echo Trail on a little pull out by a river someone had built a firepit, there was actually some fish we caught in the river right behind us. I can look at some maps and see if I can pin point it. "

That would be awesome if you don't mind looking. I'm starting to get a sense of just drive down the side forest service roads off of the Echo Trail and you will find something which is good to hear.

dschult2: "I can only speak for the Manistee National Forest in Michigan but I'm sure it's pretty similiar for the Superior. There are always going to be a number of logging roads and two tracks that are not listed on the map so per the letter of the law you are not allowed to drive down these although here it is rarely enforced. So if the road is on the map and is designated for a street legal vehicle and not just an orv you are good to go. Camp anywhere you can find a pullout. Also just an FYI if you didn't know, these maps are updated every year."

Oh that makes more sense, it's saying just don't drive "off" the roads you're allowed on to do "motorized dispersed camping". Thanks for the clarification.