I will be going in at EP50 on May 31 and would like to go as far as Ham lake the day before. Fisher maps show four established camp sites on Ham. If they are full, am I legal to bush camp on the lake before entering the BWCA? I am solo and only need a place to crash. I'm not going to "build" a site. I figure I'm ok since I'm outside of the BW and will double check when I pick up my permit, but the marked campsites have raised questions.

As far as I know it's legal to dispersed camp anywhere in the National Forest outside the BWCA. If that's wrong someone please correct me.

the shoreline terrain is really not suitable for dispersed camping, unless you wanted to sleep in your canoe thats tied to a tree on the shore. :)

usually the site directly across from the portage to cross bay is taken, the site at the narrows (where the fire started) is usually open since most people want to go further. there are two landings to that site, the one on the side before you paddle through the pinch is better, less elevation.

Thanks for the info. I figured it would be ok but it never hurts to ask. I have slept in my canoe a couple of times while duck hunting, not as bad as you think but not real fun either.

Ham Lake campsites from map sections with ratings. Just click on the red dots.

Wouldn't think they'd all be claimed at once.....

We were up late May 2 years ago and spent a few days on Snipe. On the way out we stayed at campsite 551 on Ham and it is a great campsite, unless it is super windy. The site is elevated with great views and a huge rock patio to sit and soak it all in. We found some nice tent sites as you moseyed along the path from the campfire area, which by the way was very nice.

Since you will be in before school lets out I think you would have a good chance of getting a campsite. Only one other site was taken when we were there. Even though it is not in the BWCA I don't think it would be any busier than typical BWCA lakes. I think that most people who come up and have paid for BWCA entry want to continue on and do just that. Perhaps more folks on their way out wanting a close spot to the entry point, which it is.

We stayed the night before our trip at Trails End campground which is nice and close by - that could be an option if you are worried about campsite availability. I believe, and I could be wrong, that dispersed camping has to be 100 feet from a portage, campsite or a lakeshore.

Some shots from our Ham Lake campsite:

Both times I've been to/through Ham were during the last week of July which is one of the 2 busiest weeks in the BWCA and there were open sites both times.

1st time was with little duckling for a daddy/daughter trip when she was 5. Making it up the river was a lot of work because they had received a huge rainfall 2 days earlier. When we paddled through Ham, only the elevated site that lindylair posted about was occupied. It definitely looks like the nicest one on the lake.
When we got to Cross Bay Lake both sites were occupied and paddlers that I talked to said the 1 site on Rib was taken and that Snipe was full so I decided to go back to Ham because I knew sites were for sure open and I didn't want to take any chances with a tired 5 year old. She didn't know the difference and it was no different than staying on a BWCA Lake.

The 2nd time was on a daytrip with my wife that we took from Round Lake to the Cross Bay EP put in. Missing Link, Snipe, and Cross Bay were full, but Ham only had 1 site occupied.

NEIowapaddler: "As far as I know it's legal to dispersed camp anywhere in the National Forest outside the BWCA. If that's wrong someone please correct me. "

Mostly correct except you cannot dispersed camp in or near to a campground and a few other exceptions like at trail heads, entry points and such.

Dispersed camping

LindenTree: "

NEIowapaddler: "As far as I know it's legal to dispersed camp anywhere in the National Forest outside the BWCA. If that's wrong someone please correct me. "

Mostly correct except you cannot dispersed camp in or near to a campground and a few other exceptions like at trail heads, entry points and such.


Dispersed camping "

Thank you, I did know that but had forgotten. Good to be reminded.

LindenTree: "

NEIowapaddler: "As far as I know it's legal to dispersed camp anywhere in the National Forest outside the BWCA. If that's wrong someone please correct me. "

Mostly correct except you cannot dispersed camp in or near to a campground and a few other exceptions like at trail heads, entry points and such.


Dispersed camping "

I thought there was a limit on distance from a lake or steam as well, but haven't seen it.

One advantage of a hammock. I got caught in fog in Quetico once and sloshed ashore with gear and canoe over rocks and hung my rig on a steep hillside. No fire that night, but better than the options.
Hope you do find a campsite.