Hi friends,

I know this might not exactly be the best place to ask a question like this, but here goes. I am a big BWCA guy, go up there many times all year round. Actually looking forward to winter camping coming up and am already excited to load up the pulk sled! However, I have the opportunity to borrow a 4 wheeler and was thinking about doing some kind of solo trip with it in early/mid November. Is there a decent trail or Forest Roads, kind of "off the beaten path" where I won't see anyone? Good place to camp or sleep in the truck without people?

Or the ultimate goal- is there a campsite (or a place where I can make a campsite) on a lake that is only accessible via 4 wheeler where I won't see anyone? Kind of like a BWCA experience but with a 4 wheeler? I could pack for a backpacking or BWCA trip and strap that to the machine. Just thought it might be fun to try something different while I can.

I see the DNR has a great map of OHV trails but there are a lot out there. I am willing to drive pretty much anywhere. Any suggestions for a solo trip would be greatly appreciated!!

We did some poking around in the Superior National Forest outside the BWCA in early Sept. I was checking out some of the dispersed camping areas. It was pretty busy with groups at the campsites a lot of whom had quad off-road vehicles. The lakes were generally pretty quiet. Hard to say if it has slowed down or is now more hunting-focused groups. I think if you have a good offline map and do some work, you might find some solitude.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=36905&actid=34

Ely area trails

I picked up a hard copy at the Ely Chamber of Commerce. This map doesn't show camping, but might get you started on ideas.

adam: "
We did some poking around in the Superior National Forest outside the BWCA in early Sept. I was checking out some of the dispersed camping areas. It was pretty busy with groups at the campsites a lot of whom had quad off-road vehicles. The lakes were generally pretty quiet. Hard to say if it has slowed down or is now more hunting-focused groups. I think if you have a good offline map and do some work, you might find some solitude.


https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=36905&actid=34 "

Yep, I do have the Superior National Forest map and will sit down with it again. Good to know those areas were busy though. Good thought about deer and bird hunting season though. Will try and find a lake and wear some orange! Thanks!

bobbernumber3: " Ely area trails


I picked up a hard copy at the Ely Chamber of Commerce. This map doesn't show camping, but might get you started on ideas. "

Wow this is great- I will print out a copy and go over it. Thank you!!

Just in case you aren't aware, November 5 - 20 is firearms deer season in Northern Minnesota. Wear blazed orange in the woods.
It will be hard to get away from the ATV crowd during deer season with the first weekend of season the most busy weekend by far.

Marley: "Just in case you aren't aware, November 5 - 20 is firearms deer season in Northern Minnesota. Wear blazed orange in the woods.
It will be hard to get away from the ATV crowd during deer season with the first weekend of season the most busy weekend by far."

That is a heck of a good point. I have been out in the woods on season opener and it is overwhelming. That might just change the trip.

bobbernumber3: " Ely area trails


I picked up a hard copy at the Ely Chamber of Commerce. This map doesn't show camping, but might get you started on ideas. "

That map works well. The area around Isabella, Finland and north is great riding. Crooked resort has pay at the pump gas. The Knotted pine west of Isabella also has gas, be sure to check hours. I would bring a grouse gun. Lots of SNF campsites.

Maiingan: "

bobbernumber3: " Ely area trails



I picked up a hard copy at the Ely Chamber of Commerce. This map doesn't show camping, but might get you started on ideas. "

That map works well. The area around Isabella, Finland and north is great riding. Crooked resort has pay at the pump gas. The Knotted pine west of Isabella also has gas, be sure to check hours. I would bring a grouse gun. Lots of SNF campsites."

Yep, that Isabella area is one of my favorites in the state! Not as busy as the north shore and still a few areas where a guy can find some solitude. Think my plan is to ride those trails but wait until after deer season or early spring if the snow is too deep by then. I am now looking at national forest land in northern WI for this trip with the 4 wheeler. Thanks!

WanderingWoodsmanMN: "

Maiingan: "

bobbernumber3: " Ely area trails



I picked up a hard copy at the Ely Chamber of Commerce. This map doesn't show camping, but might get you started on ideas. "

That map works well. The area around Isabella, Finland and north is great riding. Crooked resort has pay at the pump gas. The Knotted pine west of Isabella also has gas, be sure to check hours. I would bring a grouse gun. Lots of SNF campsites."

Yep, that Isabella area is one of my favorites in the state! Not as busy as the north shore and still a few areas where a guy can find some solitude. Think my plan is to ride those trails but wait until after deer season or early spring if the snow is too deep by then. I am now looking at national forest land in northern WI for this trip with the 4 wheeler. Thanks! "

Yep, I'm a retired ranger out of the old Isabella Work Station, Isabella is your best option.
Comfort Lake area will get you solitude, you may see a few people on a weekend at best. Past Section 29 lake the road gets all the more narrow, there will be places all over there that you can pull off with a 4x4 and not see anyone the whole weekend.

LindenTree: "

WanderingWoodsmanMN: "

Maiingan: "

bobbernumber3: " Ely area trails




I picked up a hard copy at the Ely Chamber of Commerce. This map doesn't show camping, but might get you started on ideas. "

That map works well. The area around Isabella, Finland and north is great riding. Crooked resort has pay at the pump gas. The Knotted pine west of Isabella also has gas, be sure to check hours. I would bring a grouse gun. Lots of SNF campsites."

Yep, that Isabella area is one of my favorites in the state! Not as busy as the north shore and still a few areas where a guy can find some solitude. Think my plan is to ride those trails but wait until after deer season or early spring if the snow is too deep by then. I am now looking at national forest land in northern WI for this trip with the 4 wheeler. Thanks! "

Yep, I'm a retired ranger out of the old Isabella Work Station, Isabella is your best option.
Comfort Lake area will get you solitude, you may see a few people on a weekend at best. Past Section 29 lake the road gets all the more narrow, there will be places all over there that you can pull off with a 4x4 and not see anyone the whole weekend."

That is the goal- thank you for the recommendation!