Does anyone know if there are private homes on Nels Lake? I was late in reserving my permit and now it's on to plan B. (Nels is outside the BWCA)

I don't think so, but not a 100% sure.

There were no cabins or homes when I traveled through there last, ...but then that was thirty years ago. Ha!
Maybe it would be good to contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station for specific and up to date information, or one of the outfitters that are out near there on the Echo Trail.
Also, I believe if you want to come into the B'dub that way, you'd need to secure a permit for entry at Mudro.

We exited from Nels a couple of years ago. I don't recall seeing any homes.

Are you looking for a trip entirely outside the BWCA, or just linking onto a BWCA trip with Nels? (It seems like there should be a lot of BWCA permits left, although probably not Mudro.) If you are looking for outside the BWCA, what kind of trip did you have in mind? There are a number of good options off the Echo Trail.

From what I can see you can practically drive right to Nels Lake. I missed all my favorite EP's for 6/6 so I figured I might as well just go to a non BWCA lake. This does save the permit fees but typically you see boat/motors on these lakes. Not exactly a BW experience.

Bullwinkle,
Shoot me an e mail.
I may have an option for you if you'd like a Mudro entry point for day tripping.

You could also put in at Fenske Lake and take a nice day trip or overnight camping trip through non-BWCA lakes (but just barely not BWCA). Check out the maps section starting at Feske. Good luck!

Yeah, that Fenske Lake loop has always intrigued me. Someday I'm going to do it. It looks like it would be great.

quote Bullwinkle: "From what I can see you can practically drive right to Nels Lake. I missed all my favorite EP's for 6/6 so I figured I might as well just go to a non BWCA lake. This does save the permit fees but typically you see boat/motors on these lakes. Not exactly a BW experience."

Yes, you can drive right to Nels Lake. Has a couple of parking spaces and a boat launch.

There are no private homes on Nels Lake, and a couple of really very nice campsites. I did a loop last spring from South Hegman to Angleworm to Fourtown to Mudro and portaged from Mudro to Nels, and walked the quick hike from the Nels boat launch back to get my car at the South Hegman entry.

Nels Lake is a really nice little lake, and I'd recommend it.

Colt