August Lake
August Lake is a secluded 228-acre lake with one backcountry campsites on its six miles of shoreline that is accessible by canoe or small watercraft. One additional campsite that is accessible by vehicle or OHV is located near the boat access. This campsite provides an excellent opportunity for visitors looking to camp from their OHV as this site is less than one-half mile from the Prospector OHV Route and also very close to the popular Mattila shelter. The August Lake boat access is suitable for canoes or small watercraft that can be carried by hand. With a maximum depth of 19 feet, this lake has good walleye and northern pike fishing.
General Information
Camping
One campsite can be accessed by vehicle and the other is water accessed only.
Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines and pack out garbage.
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Wildlife
- Do not allow pets to interact with wildlife.
Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.76493711
Longitude: -91.60169096
Directions
August Lake is located about 22 miles (1.25 hours) southeast of Ely. Take Hwy. 1 for about 18 miles then turn left on FR 377 for about 2 miles. Then turn left (north) on FR 388. Take FR 388 for 2.5 miles until FR 179. Turn left on FR 179 and after about 1 mile. The boat launch is located on FR 179 just west of FR 388.
Travel Considerations
Access road is gravel. High clearance vehicles are required to access this site. This is an excellent location to access with an OHV.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Potable water is not available at this site. Campers could filter or boil water from August Lake.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Permit:
See current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations.
Fish species: bluegill, burbot, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, blacknose shiner, bluntnose minnow, golden shiner, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, minnows, sculpin, tadpole madtom
Area: 228.68 acres, Maximum depth: 19 feet
OHV Trail Riding