BWCA Campsite #1019

For those in Minnesota seeking an unparalleled escape into the heart of nature, BWCA Campsite #1019 offers a quintessential wilderness camping experience. Located within the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campsite is not your typical drive-up campground. Instead, it represents a deep dive into an expansive, pristine wilderness that spans over one million acres in northeastern Minnesota, bordering Canada. The BWCAW is renowned for its labyrinth of interconnected lakes, winding canoe routes, and over 2,000 designated campsites, each offering a unique sense of solitude and connection with the natural world. Choosing a campsite like #1019 means embracing a journey of paddle and portage, leaving behind the everyday hustle for the serene sounds of loons and the rustle of boreal forests.

The allure of the BWCAW, and consequently campsites like #1019, lies in its commitment to preserving a truly primitive character. This protected wilderness area, part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, offers a rare opportunity to experience nature largely untouched by modern development. There are no roads, no electricity, and no motorboats in most areas, ensuring an authentic backcountry adventure. For Minnesotans, the BWCAW is a cherished natural treasure, providing a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with oneself and the environment. Understanding that a campsite within the BWCAW is a wilderness site, it means preparing for self-sufficiency and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. This article will guide you through what to expect at BWCA Campsite #1019, from its remote location to the essential features that define a wilderness camping experience here.

BWCA Campsite #1019 is situated on Lake No. 1, deep within the Superior National Forest, with the address listed as Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA. It's crucial to understand that this address is a geographical marker within the wilderness area, not a physical street address you can drive directly to. Accessing BWCA Campsite #1019, like all campsites within the Boundary Waters, requires planning, a permit, and a spirit of adventure. Lake No. 1 is part of the "Number Chain" of lakes, often accessed via Entry Point #30 (Lake One). This entry point is a popular starting point for many BWCA trips, leading paddlers through narrow channels and relatively easy portages into Lake No. 1 and beyond.

Access to the BWCAW generally begins at designated entry points, which are typically found off established roads, such as those near Ely or Grand Marais, Minnesota. From an entry point, your journey to Campsite #1019 will involve paddling a canoe or kayak across lakes and portaging your gear and watercraft over land between lakes. The experience of reaching the campsite is an integral part of the adventure, offering stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. While towns like Ely and Grand Marais offer full services for resupply and outfitting, once you enter the wilderness, you are self-reliant. Cell phone reception is non-existent, and road noise is replaced by the sounds of nature. This deliberate remoteness ensures the pristine quality of the wilderness. Visitors are encouraged to consult detailed BWCA maps for route planning and navigation, as well as to verify entry point specifics and any current conditions or advisories before embarking on their trip to Lake No. 1.

Services Offered (Wilderness Camping):

• Designated campsite for overnight use (requires permit).
• Wilderness latrine (pit toilet) provided at each campsite.
• Fire grate for campfires (firewood must be gathered from dead and downed wood).
• Tent pads for setting up shelters.
• Access to natural, unfiltered lake water (must be treated before consumption by boiling or filtering).
• Unparalleled opportunity for fishing (with a valid Minnesota DNR permit).
• Immersion in a pristine, motor-free wilderness environment.
• Opportunity for wildlife viewing in natural habitats.

Features / Highlights:

• Part of the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
• Situated on Lake No. 1, part of the popular "Number Chain" of lakes.
• Remote and secluded experience, offering true solitude away from modern conveniences.
• Opportunities for paddling, portaging, and exploring interconnected waterways.
• Scenic views of boreal forests and numerous islands.
• Known for excellent fishing opportunities (walleye, northern pike, bass, lake trout, etc.).
• Chance to observe unique Minnesota wildlife, including loons, moose, and various bird species.
• Strict "Leave No Trace" principles are enforced, preserving the natural beauty.
• Permit system ensures a controlled number of visitors, minimizing impact and enhancing the wilderness experience.
• Proximity to various entry points, including the commonly used Entry Point #30 on Lake One.

Contact Information:

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA (This is a wilderness location, not a physical building address for direct mail or visitation.)

For general inquiries about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and permit information, you would typically contact the Superior National Forest or the specific Ranger District managing your entry point. For example, the Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely can be reached at:

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (This number is for the Kawishiwi Ranger District, a primary permit issuing station for the BWCAW, not a direct line to the campsite itself.)

Please note that direct communication with individual campsites within the BWCAW is not possible due to their remote and undeveloped nature. All planning and reservation inquiries should go through official Forest Service channels or authorized outfitters.

For Minnesotans yearning for an authentic wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #1019 on Lake No. 1 offers an unmatched opportunity. This isn't a place for casual car camping; it's a destination for those prepared to embark on a true backcountry adventure. The challenges of navigating by canoe and portaging contribute to the immense reward of reaching a secluded campsite where the only sounds are those of nature. Its location within the BWCAW means embracing a philosophy of self-reliance and environmental respect, contributing to the preservation of this cherished natural asset. The abundance of fishing, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the sheer beauty of the landscape make it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

Locals in Minnesota understand the profound value of the Boundary Waters, recognizing it as a world-class destination for paddling and wilderness immersion. Campsite #1019 provides a tangible connection to this heritage, offering a chance to create unforgettable memories in a truly wild setting. While the lack of conventional amenities requires careful planning and packing, it is precisely this raw, unfiltered experience that draws so many to the BWCAW. From the serene sunrises over the lake to the starry nights undimmed by city lights, BWCA Campsite #1019 promises an escape that rejuvenates the spirit and strengthens one's bond with Minnesota's remarkable natural heritage.

BWCA Campsite #1019

Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA