Hi everyone.

I'm taking my seven year old son on his first BWCA trip the last week of May (on a Monday), via EP 30. Are there any good free camping areas near the entry point? I know it's a busy area so I'm hoping to be on the water early.

Also, what's the estimate on how many people head west into the Kawishiwi triangle from EP 30?

Thanks.

I have never found a free campground near Ely. Cheapest would probably be South Kawishiwi or Birch Lake. I camp at Fall Lake fairly often but it costs nearly double of either of the other two mentioned. It's advantage is the availability of water from a spigot instead of a hand pump and showers. Bearhead Lake State Park is a bit farther away takes reservations. It's camping fee seems to be comparable but you also need a state park entrance fee.