BWCA Campsite #322

For those seeking an unparalleled wilderness experience right here in Minnesota, BWCA Campsite #322 offers a truly authentic escape into nature. Nestled within the vast and pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campsite is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rugged charm of the Northwoods. As Minnesotans, we're fortunate to have such an incredible resource in our backyard, and BWCA Campsite #322 embodies the spirit of adventure and tranquility that defines our state's outdoor heritage.

The BWCAW is renowned globally for its million-plus acres of interconnected lakes and rivers, accessible primarily by canoe, offering a unique opportunity for paddle-in, paddle-out camping. Campsite #322 is a testament to this, providing a designated, minimalist camping spot that allows visitors to connect deeply with the natural environment. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with endless amenities, but rather a true wilderness site designed to provide a secluded and impactful outdoor experience while adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

Visitors to BWCA Campsite #322 will discover a setting that encourages self-reliance and appreciation for the untamed beauty of the wilderness. It's a destination for those who cherish quiet mornings on the water, starlit nights, and the sounds of loons calling across a tranquil lake. The experience here is about disconnecting from the everyday and reconnecting with the wild heart of Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #322 is specifically located on Cherry Lake, within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and falls under the administrative umbrella of Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA. This places it deep within the Superior National Forest, a region synonymous with breathtaking natural beauty and unparalleled outdoor recreation in northeastern Minnesota.

Access to BWCA Campsite #322, like all campsites within the Boundary Waters, is primarily by watercraft – typically canoes or kayaks – after obtaining a mandatory wilderness permit. Entry to Cherry Lake often involves using Entry Point 55 (Saganaga Lake) or Entry Point 54 (Seagull Lake), both popular gateways into the eastern part of the BWCAW. From these entry points, visitors will embark on a paddling and portaging journey to reach Cherry Lake and locate Campsite #322. The exact route will depend on the chosen entry point and your planned itinerary through the wilderness. It's crucial to consult detailed maps and plan your canoe route meticulously, accounting for portages (overland carries between lakes) and the time required to navigate the pristine waterways.

While the address provides a general geographic location, it's important to understand that there is no direct road access to BWCA Campsite #322. This deliberate lack of road access is a cornerstone of the BWCAW's wilderness designation, ensuring its remote and unspoiled character. This remoteness, while requiring a bit more planning and effort to reach, is precisely what makes the experience so rewarding for those seeking solitude and an authentic wilderness adventure away from the crowds. Visitors should be prepared for a multi-day canoe trip to fully experience this campsite and its surrounding area.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #322 operates under strict "Leave No Trace" principles, meaning services are minimal and focused on preserving the natural environment. The primary "services" provided are the foundational elements for wilderness camping:

• Designated Campsite: A marked area where camping is permitted, identified by a unique campsite number (322). This helps manage visitor impact and ensures ecological preservation.
• Steel Fire Grate: Each designated campsite, including #322, is equipped with a steel fire grate for contained campfires, where permitted. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before their trip.
• Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary outdoor toilet facility, often a pit latrine, is provided at each designated campsite to manage human waste and maintain sanitation. These are not flush toilets and require responsible use.
• Access to Fresh Water: While no potable water hookups exist, the campsite's proximity to Cherry Lake provides access to water that can be filtered, purified, or boiled for drinking and cooking purposes.
• Natural Environment for Fishing: Cherry Lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities for species like walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake trout, providing a direct service to anglers.
• Stellar Scenery and Wildlife Viewing: The intrinsic natural beauty of the BWCAW and the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat are inherent "services" of this wilderness experience.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that there are no electricity hookups, showers, picnic tables beyond what is naturally available, or garbage disposal services at this wilderness campsite. All trash and unburnable waste must be packed out. Visitors are expected to be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all necessary supplies and packing out everything they bring.

BWCA Campsite #322 on Cherry Lake offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for wilderness campers:

• Picturesque Lake Setting: Situated on Cherry Lake, the campsite boasts beautiful views, including perspectives of cliffs and the surrounding Northwoods landscape.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Many visitors report great fishing directly from the campsite's vicinity, particularly in the narrows nearby, with catches of walleye, smallmouth bass, and even lake trout mentioned.
• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Being a wilderness campsite, #322 offers a high degree of solitude and tranquility, providing an ideal escape from urban noise and crowds. Its location ensures a truly immersive wilderness experience.
• Good Bear Hang Options: The presence of mature trees provides suitable locations for safely hanging food packs, a crucial aspect of bear country camping.
• Varied Sleeping Areas: While some areas might be sloped, the campsite offers multiple options for tent pads or hammock setups, including a nice, flatter spot a short walk away.
• Easy Canoe Unloading: Reports suggest the campsite offers an easy landing area for canoes, simplifying the process of arriving and departing.
• Proximity to Narrows: The nearby narrows are not only good for fishing but also offer interesting topographical features and potential wildlife viewing.
• Classic BWCA Experience: This campsite encapsulates the essence of Boundary Waters camping: a designated, minimalist site providing direct access to paddling, portaging, fishing, and deep wilderness immersion.

As a wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), BWCA Campsite #322 does not have a direct phone number or a visitor center on-site. It is a primitive site managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. All administrative inquiries, permit reservations, and general information about the BWCAW should be directed to the relevant Forest Service offices or through the official permit reservation system.

Address:
BWCA Campsite #322 is geographically located on Cherry Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which falls under the general jurisdiction of:

Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA

General Contact for BWCAW Permits & Information:
For reservations, rules, regulations, and detailed trip planning information related to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the best resources are:

Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District (near Ely, a common entry point town):
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Recreation.gov (for permit reservations):
Website: www.recreation.gov (search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits")

It's important to note that specific inquiries about Campsite #322 itself (e.g., current conditions of that particular site) are best gained through recent trip reports from other paddlers on forums dedicated to the BWCA, as individual campsite conditions can change. However, for official information and booking, the U.S. Forest Service and Recreation.gov are the authoritative sources.

BWCA Campsite #322 isn't just a campsite; it's an invitation to experience the very best of Minnesota's natural heritage, making it exceptionally suitable for locals seeking an authentic outdoor adventure. For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a cherished gem, offering a unique opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the wild. This particular campsite, on Cherry Lake, provides a fantastic entry point into that experience.

Its location within Fall Lake Township offers relatively accessible entry points for those driving from the Twin Cities or other parts of the state, making the journey to the wilderness manageable. Once there, the beauty of Cherry Lake and the surrounding pristine environment speaks for itself. It provides the ideal setting for activities deeply ingrained in the Minnesota outdoor lifestyle: paddling serene waters, fishing for walleye and smallmouth bass, observing abundant wildlife, and simply enjoying the peace and quiet under a vast, star-filled sky that's often elusive in more developed areas.

The minimalist nature of BWCA Campsite #322 encourages self-reliance and a deeper appreciation for nature, values that resonate strongly with many locals. It's a place where families and friends can create lasting memories, learning essential wilderness skills and fostering a profound connection with the environment. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or looking to embark on your first multi-day canoe trip, this campsite offers a rewarding challenge and an unforgettable experience. It's a chance to truly embrace the spirit of Minnesota's Northwoods, right in your own backyard.

BWCA Campsite #322

Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA