BWCA Campsite #1379

For Minnesotans yearning for a true escape into the wild, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature. Within this vast, protected wilderness, specific campsites stand out for their unique attributes, and BWCA Campsite #1379 on Lake Disappointment is certainly one of them. This is not a drive-in campground with paved roads and amenities; rather, it’s a destination for adventurous spirits who appreciate the journey by canoe and portage, and who seek the profound solitude and raw beauty that only a true wilderness experience can provide.

The BWCAW is a national treasure, an area where pristine lakes and ancient forests stretch as far as the eye can see, largely untouched by modern development. Camping in the Boundary Waters, exemplified by sites like #1379, means embracing a Leave No Trace ethic and a commitment to preserving this magnificent environment. It's an opportunity to truly unplug, with no cell service, no electricity, and no distractions other than the natural world unfolding around you.

Campsite #1379, specifically, has garnered high praise from those who have ventured there. It's lauded as an "awesome campsite" on Lake Disappointment, a testament to its quality and the memorable experiences it provides. The name "Disappointment" itself is often a playful misnomer, as visitors consistently find the lake and its campsites to be anything but. Instead, it offers spectacular natural features and a sense of secluded tranquility that makes it a prime choice for those base camping in the area. Its location provides a fantastic vantage point, offering superb views and stunning sunsets over the lake, making every evening a picturesque event.

This campsite is particularly suited for those looking for a private setting, as it's strategically "tucked in a more private area of the lake." This means less canoe traffic directly past your site, enhancing the sense of isolation and peacefulness that so many seek in the BWCA. With ample space for multiple tents and excellent trees for hammocks and tarps, it's designed to accommodate small groups comfortably while maintaining its wilderness character.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1379 is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, on the shores of Lake Disappointment. Its general address is noted as XMJ3+GR, Ely, MN 55731, USA, placing it firmly within the renowned Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Ely serves as a primary gateway community for the BWCAW, with numerous outfitters and resources for wilderness travelers.

Access to BWCA Campsite #1379, like all campsites within the Boundary Waters, is exclusively by human-powered means – primarily canoe and portage. There are no roads leading directly to the campsite. To reach it, visitors must first obtain a wilderness permit from the U.S. Forest Service, which is required for all overnight trips into the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30. These permits are specific to an entry point and date, and typically need to be reserved well in advance through Recreation.gov.

Lake Disappointment is commonly accessed via Entry Point 27 (Snowbank Lake). From Snowbank Lake, paddlers would navigate through a series of interconnected lakes and portages to reach Lake Disappointment. The journey to Campsite #1379 involves paddling across Lake Disappointment, locating the site which is described as being "near mid-lake along east shore just west of island," and often involves a portage from an adjacent lake. The exact route would depend on the chosen entry point and the overall trip plan. Detailed waterproof maps (such as those from McKenzie Maps or Fisher Maps) are essential for navigation within the BWCAW, as there are no signs pointing directly to individual campsites in the wilderness. The remoteness and the effort required to reach such sites are part of the allure, ensuring a truly immersive wilderness experience far from the sounds and sights of civilization.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #1379 adheres to the strict "Leave No Trace" principles. This means services are intentionally minimal, designed to preserve the pristine nature of the environment while providing basic necessities for camping.

• Designated Campsite Area: A cleared, flat area for pitching tents. Reviews indicate space for "3 small tents" and areas for hammocks or tarps.
• Steel Fire Grate: Each designated site includes a metal fire grate for safe and contained campfires. Visitors are responsible for gathering their own dead and downed wood, in adherence to BWCA regulations.
• Wilderness Latrine (Thunderbox): A rustic, open-air toilet facility is provided at a discreet distance from the main camping area, promoting proper human waste disposal.
• Natural Water Access: The campsite is located directly on Lake Disappointment, providing access to a water source. However, all water from the lake must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.

Features / Highlights

• Stunning Lake Disappointment Views: The campsite boasts "great views of the lake and sunsets," particularly from its "nice rock outcropping on a point," creating memorable scenic experiences.
• Exceptional Privacy: Positioned in a "more private area of the lake" with a nearby island blocking much of the passing canoe traffic, it offers a heightened sense of seclusion and tranquility.
• Ample Tent and Hammock Space: Reviewers note "Space for 3 small tents and decent trees to hang hammocks or tarps," indicating good versatility for various sleeping arrangements.
• Ideal for Base Camping: Its location and features make it an excellent choice for groups looking to establish a basecamp for exploring the surrounding area of Lake Disappointment.
• Excellent Landing: One review notes the "landing was shallow and consisted of fine gravel which was good on the canoes and nice for swimming in," a valuable feature for paddlers.
• Rock Outcropping: The prominent rock formation on a point provides an elevated spot perfect for enjoying views, sunning, fishing, or drying gear.
• Authentic Wilderness Experience: As a BWCA campsite, it offers complete immersion in an untouched natural environment, far from modern conveniences and noise.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, BWCA Campsite #1379 does not have a direct phone number or specific contact person for the site itself. All management and permit issuance for this site fall under the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Superior National Forest.

For information regarding permits, regulations, current conditions, or general inquiries about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its campsites, you should contact the relevant Ranger District of the Superior National Forest that oversees the area. The nearest district office serving the Lake Disappointment area is typically the Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely.

U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest (Kawishiwi Ranger District)

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Permits for overnight trips into the BWCAW, including to Campsite #1379, must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for the most up-to-date information on rules, regulations, fire restrictions, and permit availability before planning your trip. Additionally, local outfitters in Ely can be excellent resources for trip planning, gear rental, and detailed navigation advice.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #1379 on Lake Disappointment represents a prime opportunity to engage with our state's most iconic wilderness. It’s a place that perfectly encapsulates the adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for nature that defines many who call Minnesota home. Unlike crowded state park campgrounds, this backcountry site offers a profound sense of solitude and immersion, a quality highly prized by locals seeking a true escape.

The specific features of Campsite #1379 make it exceptionally appealing. Its location on Lake Disappointment, away from heavy canoe traffic, provides a level of privacy that allows for genuine peace and quiet – a rare commodity in today's fast-paced world. The "nice rock outcropping" offering "great views of the lake and sunsets" speaks directly to the visual splendor that draws so many of us to the Northwoods. Imagine winding down your day watching the vibrant Minnesota sky change colors over a still, reflective lake – it's an experience that truly recharges the soul.

Furthermore, its suitability for "base camping" in the area means Minnesotans can establish a comfortable home base and spend multiple days exploring the surrounding lakes, fishing, wildlife watching, or simply relaxing by the fire. The ample space for tents and hammocks provides flexibility for various group sizes, making it an excellent option for family trips or adventures with close friends who share a love for the wilderness.

The effort required to reach a BWCA campsite like #1379 is part of its charm. It ensures that those who arrive are genuinely committed to the wilderness experience, contributing to the overall tranquility and respect for the environment. For Minnesotans, this challenge is often embraced as a rewarding part of the adventure, solidifying memories and fostering a deeper connection to the wild heart of our state. BWCA Campsite #1379 offers not just a place to sleep, but a profound and unforgettable journey into the natural heritage that makes Minnesota so special.

BWCA Campsite #1379

XMJ3+GR, Ely, MN 55731, USA