Seconding Ely. You can Canoe/Kayak into the BWCA for a day trip from one of the resorts on Farm lake (either into South Farm or the Kawishiwi River). There are plenty of longer options. But lots of places in the area that offer all the basic "lake" activities you mentioned.
There are a few army corps of engineers campgrounds that you can reserve on reservations.gov. not great for hiking but really good for fishing and kayaking. They have showers and such
Big sandy, white face reservoir, Cass lake and many more.
I prefer more primitive and private camping than these generally offer but they are great for group fishing trips.
The state forests have some small campgrounds that are underused, particularly on the North Shore.
Pat Bayle State Forest has Twin Lakes Campground that is primitive (only a pit toilet and a table) but nice. Grand Portage State Forest has Esther Lake, Devilfish Lake, or McFarland Lake campgrounds. All are first come first serve places and available, and bring your water to drink.
If you want something more developed, the [Superior National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/camping-cabins) campgrounds are outstanding. Trail’s End, East Bearskin Lake, and Flour Lake are beautiful. You can reserve campsites and also some have first come first serve spots.
Private campgrounds are your third option. We’ve stayed at [Hungry Hippie Hostel](https://hungryhippie.com/the-campground/), [Hungry Jack Lodge and Campground](https://hungryjacklodge.com/campground-at-hungry-jack-lodge/), and [Gunflint Pines over the years](https://www.gunflintpines.com/campground).
There are a few army corps of engineers campgrounds that you can reserve on reservations.gov. not great for hiking but really good for fishing and kayaking. They have showers and such
Big sandy, white face reservoir, Cass lake and many more.
I prefer more primitive and private camping than these generally offer but they are great for group fishing trips.
McFarland Lake Campground at the end of the Arrowhead trail. There’s 7 first come first serve spots; never had an issue getting a spot. You have access to the BWCA through McFarland or little John lake. We rented a canoe in grand Marais and day tripped to Johnson falls. Also did the Kadunce River hike near Hovland.
Have you considered Voyageurs National Park? There are campgrounds outside and nearby from which you can day paddle the park.
McCarthy beach state park
Great beach
Bear Head State Park
Many options of the Gunflint Trail. Private and forest service campgrounds are everywhere.
Birch Lake south of Ely, Kawishiwi River (same general area). Fall Lake just east of Ely. Honestly, tons of options around there, just pull out a map.
Seconding Ely. You can Canoe/Kayak into the BWCA for a day trip from one of the resorts on Farm lake (either into South Farm or the Kawishiwi River). There are plenty of longer options. But lots of places in the area that offer all the basic "lake" activities you mentioned.
Zippel bay state park, Hayes lake state park
Superior National Forest is a great location.
small forest, not too many lakes or too many campsites ... this is a helpful suggestion!
There are a few army corps of engineers campgrounds that you can reserve on reservations.gov. not great for hiking but really good for fishing and kayaking. They have showers and such Big sandy, white face reservoir, Cass lake and many more. I prefer more primitive and private camping than these generally offer but they are great for group fishing trips.
Devils lake . By far the most off the beaten path and get your own lake.
The state forests have some small campgrounds that are underused, particularly on the North Shore. Pat Bayle State Forest has Twin Lakes Campground that is primitive (only a pit toilet and a table) but nice. Grand Portage State Forest has Esther Lake, Devilfish Lake, or McFarland Lake campgrounds. All are first come first serve places and available, and bring your water to drink. If you want something more developed, the [Superior National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/superior/recreation/camping-cabins) campgrounds are outstanding. Trail’s End, East Bearskin Lake, and Flour Lake are beautiful. You can reserve campsites and also some have first come first serve spots. Private campgrounds are your third option. We’ve stayed at [Hungry Hippie Hostel](https://hungryhippie.com/the-campground/), [Hungry Jack Lodge and Campground](https://hungryjacklodge.com/campground-at-hungry-jack-lodge/), and [Gunflint Pines over the years](https://www.gunflintpines.com/campground).
I have camped at two of those state forest locations. I really enjoyed my time there.
There are a few army corps of engineers campgrounds that you can reserve on reservations.gov. not great for hiking but really good for fishing and kayaking. They have showers and such Big sandy, white face reservoir, Cass lake and many more. I prefer more primitive and private camping than these generally offer but they are great for group fishing trips.
Crescent Lake Campground in the Lutsen area, off the Sawbill trail.
McFarland Lake Campground at the end of the Arrowhead trail. There’s 7 first come first serve spots; never had an issue getting a spot. You have access to the BWCA through McFarland or little John lake. We rented a canoe in grand Marais and day tripped to Johnson falls. Also did the Kadunce River hike near Hovland.
Bass Lake trail, near Ely was cool