BWCA Campsite #995

For Minnesotans seeking an unparalleled escape into the heart of the wild, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an experience unlike any other. This vast, pristine wilderness, stretching across northeastern Minnesota, is a mosaic of interconnected lakes, rivers, and portage trails, inviting adventurers to explore its untouched beauty. Among its thousands of designated campsites, BWCA Campsite #995 on Lake No. 1 stands as a gateway to this iconic wilderness. It's not a conventional campground with modern amenities; rather, it’s a rustic, designated campsite designed for those who embrace the true spirit of backcountry camping, where the sounds of nature replace the hum of civilization.

The BWCAW is renowned globally for its exceptional opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It's a place where the journey is as important as the destination, requiring self-reliance, respect for nature, and a willingness to disconnect from daily life. Campsite #995, like all BWCAW sites, provides a minimalist setup, encouraging visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles and immerse themselves fully in the natural environment. This article will guide you through what makes BWCA Campsite #995 a unique destination for Minnesota locals looking for an authentic wilderness adventure, detailing its location, accessibility, the essential services and features provided within this unique wilderness context, and why it remains a cherished gem for those who yearn for the call of the wild.

Lake No. 1, located within the Superior National Forest and forming part of the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, is an entry point to countless wilderness adventures. The BWCAW itself is situated on the U.S.-Canada border in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota, just west of Lake Superior. This region is characterized by its boreal forests, ancient rock formations, and an intricate network of pristine lakes. While BWCA Campsite #995 specifically does not have a conventional street address for direct driving access, its location is identified by its position on Lake No. 1. The provided address of "Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA" primarily serves to pinpoint the general area within this vast wilderness. Access to the BWCAW, and subsequently to campsites like #995, is primarily by canoe or kayak through designated entry points.

To reach BWCA Campsite #995, adventurers typically begin their journey from Ely, Minnesota, a popular gateway community to the Boundary Waters. From Ely, visitors would access a specific entry point on Lake No. 1. For instance, outfitters like Lake One-Ely Outfitters are located directly on Lake One (Entry Point 30), facilitating easy on-site canoe rentals and outfitting services. The exact route to Campsite #995 would involve paddling across Lake No. 1, navigating according to a detailed wilderness map. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, offering stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Due to the wilderness nature of the area, there are no paved roads or direct vehicle access to the campsite itself. All travel within the BWCAW beyond entry points is by paddle, portage, or on foot.

Navigating the BWCAW requires careful planning. Permits are essential for all overnight and motorized day trips from May 1 to September 30 and can be obtained through Recreation.gov. Self-issued permits are available year-round for non-motorized day use and for all overnight visits from October 1 to April 30. It's crucial to enter at the specific entry point and on the exact date indicated on the permit. This system is in place to manage visitor distribution, preserve solitude, and protect the wilderness ecosystem. Information regarding routes, portages, and campsite locations is best obtained from official BWCAW maps and local outfitters, who can also provide guidance on current conditions and recommended gear. The remoteness of BWCA Campsite #995, like many in the wilderness, is a key part of its allure, ensuring a truly immersive natural experience away from crowds.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #995 offers essential, minimalist services designed to preserve the pristine environment while providing for basic human needs. These services are in line with the Leave No Trace principles that govern all activities within the BWCAW:

• Designated Fire Grate: Each official campsite in the BWCAW is equipped with a steel fire grate for cooking and warmth. Campfires are allowed only within these grates, and it's imperative to use only dead and downed wood found on the ground, away from the campsite to ensure sustainable firewood collection. Fire restrictions may be in effect, so always check current conditions.
• Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary wilderness latrine (often a "thunderbox" or box privy) is provided at each designated campsite for human waste. These are not garbage cans, and only human waste should be deposited. All other trash, including personal hygiene items, must be packed out.
• Tent Pads/Areas: While not always formal "pads," campsites offer relatively flat, cleared areas suitable for pitching tents. These areas are designed to minimize impact on vegetation. Reviews for similar BWCA campsites often mention "good areas for tents and hammocks," suggesting suitable spots for setting up camp.
• Water Access: Campsites are located along the shorelines of lakes or rivers, providing direct access to water for filtering and purification for drinking and cooking. All washing (dishes, personal bathing) must occur at least 200 feet away from any water source to prevent contamination.
• Designated Canoe Landing: Sites typically have a natural landing area for canoes or kayaks, allowing for safe and easy access from the water.

The features and highlights of BWCA Campsite #995 are centered around its natural beauty and its capacity to provide a genuine wilderness experience. While not a resort with man-made amenities, its natural attributes are its greatest assets:

• Stunning Natural Scenery: Located on Lake No. 1, the campsite offers picturesque views of the lake and surrounding boreal forest, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
• Rock Croppings: A customer review specifically highlights "Great rock cropping to hang out on." These natural rock formations provide elevated spots for scenic views, sunbathing, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. They often offer excellent fishing opportunities from shore as well.
• Tent and Hammock Friendly Areas: The site provides "Good areas for tents and hammocks," indicating ample flat ground and suitable trees for setting up various sleeping arrangements, catering to different camping preferences.
• Privacy and Solitude: As part of the BWCAW, the campsite is designed to offer a sense of solitude. While other groups might be on the lake, the distance between sites helps maintain a feeling of remoteness and peace.
• Fishing Opportunities: Lake No. 1 and its surrounding interconnected waters are known for excellent fishing, with species such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. The rock outcroppings can be prime spots for shore fishing.
• Wildlife Viewing: The BWCAW is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, black bears, wolves, deer, and a wide array of bird species. Camping in such a natural setting increases the chances of observing these animals in their natural habitat.
• Paddling and Portaging Adventures: The campsite serves as a base for exploring the interconnected waterways of the BWCAW, allowing for day trips or longer expeditions to other lakes and portages.

Given that BWCA Campsite #995 is a designated wilderness campsite rather than a commercially operated campground with an office, there is no direct contact phone number for the campsite itself. The address "Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA" refers to its general geographical location within the wilderness area near Ely, Minnesota. For information, permits, and planning your trip to BWCA Campsite #995, you would typically contact the managing authority or local outfitters:

Permit Reservations: All overnight and motorized day-use permits for the BWCAW from May 1 to September 30 must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. Search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits."

For general inquiries about the BWCAW and local area information, you can contact:

Superior National Forest Headquarters

Address: 8901 Grand Ave Pl, Duluth, MN 55808, USA (Note: This is a general forest office, not directly at Lake No. 1)

Phone: (218) 626-4300 (General Superior National Forest information)

Local Outfitters: For practical advice, canoe rentals, gear outfitting, and detailed directions to entry points, contacting local outfitters in Ely, MN, is highly recommended. For Lake No. 1, outfitters like Lake One-Ely Outfitters are directly on the lake. Their contact information is:

Lake One-Ely Outfitters at Kawishiwi Lodge

Address: 3187 Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-5487

It is crucial to plan your BWCAW trip well in advance, especially for popular entry points and dates, as permits are limited.

In conclusion, BWCA Campsite #995 on Lake No. 1 offers an unparalleled opportunity for Minnesota locals to immerse themselves in a genuine wilderness experience. This is not a typical drive-up campground with extensive facilities; instead, it provides the raw, untouched beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For those who cherish solitude, self-reliance, and a deep connection with nature, this campsite is exceptionally suitable. Its location allows for access to world-class canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing, all within a protected environment that prioritizes conservation and a peaceful experience.

For Minnesotans seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one, BWCA Campsite #995 provides the perfect backdrop. The promise of "great rock cropping to hang out on" and "good areas for tents and hammocks" suggests a comfortable yet rustic base camp from which to explore the vast and stunning wilderness. Embracing the regulations and principles of Leave No Trace camping, visitors to Campsite #995 will find themselves in a truly special place, a testament to Minnesota's commitment to preserving its wild heritage for generations to come. It’s an adventure that builds character, creates lasting memories, and reinforces an appreciation for the wild heart of the North Star State.

BWCA Campsite #995

Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA