Dragon Lake
01 reviewDragon Lake, Ely, MN
Dragon Lake
$9.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$9.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Only one fee type, $9 per site
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About this campground
Discover the essence of wilderness camping at these two secluded dispersed sites, where the absence of modern amenities invites you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's raw beauty. These primitive camping spots offer adventurous souls the opportunity to experience the forest as early explorers once did—self-sufficient and surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the wilderness.
Dragon Lake is exclusively suited for backcountry and dispersed camping. The two campsites are accessible by foot and feature minimal infrastructure.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pine trees create a natural cathedral overhead, their evergreen boughs whispering ancient stories in the breeze. Just a short hike away, the mystically-named Dragon Lake beckons with its pristine waters, where morning mists dance across the surface like mythical creatures and the reflections of surrounding pines create perfect mirror images in the still water.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Superior National Forest, these campsites sit in one of America's most treasured wilderness areas. This legendary northern Minnesota forest spans millions of acres of pristine lakes, ancient rock formations, and dense woodlands that have remained largely unchanged since the last ice age carved this spectacular landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned for Dragon Lake. The campsites are accessible by foot, which may limit usability for those with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe two campsites are backcountry sites designed for minimal camper impact.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is likely high due to the dispersed and remote nature of the campsites.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 Days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 9
Groups
Group campsites are not available at Dragon Lake.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Dragon Lake provides opportunities for quiet recreation, including fishing, non-motorized boating, and motorized boating. Hunters might also find interest in the location, and fishing enthusiasts can target species such as northern pike and panfish.
Fishing
Fishing species include black crappie, bluegill, brook trout, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye, yellow perch, and others. Fishing regulations must follow current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources guidelines.Boating
Dragon Lake allows both non-motorized and motorized boating. Carry-down access is available for boats.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not highlighted in the materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating is available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Kawishiwi Ranger District, 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 (Phone: 218-365-7600)
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out trash as no trash receptacles are available at the site.
Campground Map
Dragon Lake, Ely, MN
Driving directionsDragon Lake is located south of Ely off Hwy. 1 on FR 383 and 383H.
Access road is gravel.Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Dragon Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest that Dragon Lake offers a quiet camping experience, with one reviewer stating, "Excellent main campsite. Second one... eh. Very quiet!"
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The main campsite is positively reviewed, and the quiet nature of the site is appreciated.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
One user mentioned a disparity in the quality of the two campsites, stating that the second one was less favorable.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring sufficient water and prepare for self-sufficient camping, including packing out garbage and ensuring they have all necessary supplies.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are highlighted in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Excellent main campsite. Second one... eh. Very quiet!" - Nick Magness (2018)
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The main campsite is well-regarded, while the second site received less favorable feedback.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
General pet guidelines are emphasized in the authoritative sources, suggesting that Dragon Lake is pet-friendly as long as regulations are followed.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025