Camp 1224 Ensign Lake

For Minnesotans who cherish the call of the wild and the thrill of a successful fishing trip, Camp 1224 on Ensign Lake offers an unparalleled experience within the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This isn't just any campsite; it's a destination revered by those who seek both solitude and abundant angling opportunities. As part of the vast and protected BWCAW, this site provides a truly immersive backcountry adventure, requiring a journey by canoe and portage to reach its serene shores. If you’re a local angler or nature lover dreaming of a pristine wilderness setting with a reputation for fantastic fishing, Camp 1224 Ensign Lake might just be your next unforgettable Minnesota getaway.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a federally protected gem, a million-acre mosaic of interconnected lakes, streams, and forests. It stands as a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of northern Minnesota. Camping in the BWCAW, including at specific sites like Camp 1224, means embracing a minimalist approach, where the sounds of civilization fade away, replaced by the rustle of leaves, the splash of a paddle, and the haunting call of a loon. This commitment to maintaining a primitive character ensures that every visit is a profound encounter with nature.

Camp 1224 on Ensign Lake has garnered enthusiastic reviews, particularly from fishing enthusiasts. Visitors speak of "amazing Walleye" and a "very private area with great fishing," highlighting its appeal as a prime angling spot. Imagine setting up camp with panoramic views of the lake, spending your days reeling in fish, and unwinding evenings with the quintessential wilderness backdrop. This campsite promises not just a place to pitch a tent but a complete outdoor experience focused on the joys of wilderness living and the excitement of a productive fishery.

Beyond its fishing prowess, the campsite itself offers commendable features. It boasts a "nice rock outcropping on a point providing great views of the lake and sunsets," ensuring every evening is a picturesque affair. Its strategic "tucked in a more private area of the lake" means less passing canoe traffic, contributing significantly to the feeling of seclusion and tranquility. With space for multiple tents and "decent trees to hang hammocks or tarps," it provides practical comfort for groups, making it an ideal basecamp for extended stays in this beautiful region of the BWCAW.

Location and Accessibility

Camp 1224 is situated on Ensign Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, near Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places it deep within the Superior National Forest, a region synonymous with Minnesota’s rugged, pristine Northwoods. Ely serves as a vital hub for BWCA access, providing outfitters, supplies, and information for wilderness travelers.

Access to Camp 1224 Ensign Lake, like all designated campsites within the BWCAW, is exclusively by human-powered means – primarily canoeing and portaging. There are no roads or motor vehicle access directly to the campsite. This inherent remoteness is a defining characteristic of the Boundary Waters experience, ensuring a truly isolated wilderness adventure.

To embark on a trip to Camp 1224, visitors must first secure a wilderness permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Permits are mandatory for all overnight trips into the BWCAW from May 1 to September 30 and are typically reserved in advance through Recreation.gov for specific entry points and dates. Ensign Lake is commonly accessed via Entry Point 25 (Moose Lake), which is known as a busy entry point due to its popularity. From Moose Lake, paddlers would proceed to Splash Lake and then portage into Ensign Lake. The journey to Camp 1224 involves navigating Ensign Lake to locate the specific campsite. Detailed, waterproof maps (such as those from McKenzie Maps or Fisher Maps) are indispensable for successful navigation, as there are no directional signs to individual campsites within the wilderness. The effort required to reach such a remote site is part of the allure, promising an authentic immersion into the untouched beauty of Minnesota's wilderness. Outfitters in Ely can also provide tow services across larger lakes like Moose Lake, potentially shortening the paddling distance to Ensign Lake, though permits and regulations for such services must be understood.

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry campsite within a federal wilderness area, Camp 1224 Ensign Lake provides minimal services, adhering strictly to the "Leave No Trace" principles that govern the BWCAW. The aim is to preserve the primitive character of the wilderness while offering basic necessities for a safe and respectful camping experience.

• Designated Tent Pads: A cleared, relatively flat area suitable for pitching tents. Reviews indicate space for "3 small tents" and suggest additional areas for hammocks or tarps, indicating adaptability for various group setups. Some reviews mention "good tent pads" that comfortably slept a group of 6.
• Steel Fire Grate: Each designated campsite in the BWCAW comes equipped with a metal fire grate for safe and contained campfires. Campers are responsible for gathering their own dead and downed wood from the surrounding area, following wilderness regulations.
• Wilderness Latrine (Thunderbox): A rustic, open-air toilet facility is provided at a discreet distance from the main camping area. These are simple, usually wooden box-like structures, designed for proper human waste disposal in the wilderness.
• Natural Water Access: The campsite is located directly on Ensign Lake, offering access to its waters. However, all water collected from the lake must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption, as it is not potable.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Consistently praised for "great fishing," particularly for "amazing Walleye," making it a prime destination for anglers. Smallmouth bass and northern pike are also common catches on Ensign Lake.
• Highly Private Location: Described as a "very private area" and "tucked in a more private area of the lake," it offers significant seclusion as "most passing canoes are on the other side of a nearby island." This enhances the wilderness experience by minimizing traffic and noise.
• Stunning Lake Views & Sunsets: A "nice rock outcropping on a point" provides "great views of the lake and sunsets," creating picturesque evenings and memorable moments.
• Versatile Camping Space: With "space for 3 small tents and decent trees to hang hammocks or tarps," the campsite can comfortably accommodate various group sizes and preferences. There are also "large pine trees" ideal for hanging food packs.
• Good Canoe Landing & Shoreline: Features a "great landing, sandy shoreline" that is "good on the canoes" and "nice for swimming." The shoreline is also described as "large flat" and walkable around the peninsula for "stellar lake views in both directions."
• Ideal for Base Camping: Its quality and features make it an excellent choice for groups planning to establish a basecamp and explore Ensign Lake and surrounding areas on day trips.
• True Wilderness Immersion: Offers a profound sense of disconnection from urban life, with the sights and sounds of pure nature as your backdrop.

Contact Information

As a remote, designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Camp 1224 Ensign Lake does not have a direct phone number or specific contact person on-site. All management and permit issuance for this campsite fall under the jurisdiction of 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 Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely is the primary office serving the Ensign Lake area and its common entry points.

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 Camp 1224 Ensign Lake, 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 are invaluable resources for trip planning, gear rental, and detailed navigation advice, often providing comprehensive information specific to Ensign Lake routes.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesotans, Camp 1224 on Ensign Lake is more than just a campsite; it’s an invitation to experience the very best of our state's iconic wilderness heritage. As locals, we understand and deeply value the unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and natural abundance that the Boundary Waters offers, and this campsite embodies it perfectly. It's a prime destination for those seeking an authentic Northwoods experience without having to travel far from home.

The resounding praise for its "amazing Walleye" fishing makes it an obvious choice for Minnesota anglers. Our state's identity is intertwined with its lakes and the joy of fishing, and a campsite that promises "great fishing" in a pristine environment resonates profoundly with local sensibilities. Imagine the satisfaction of catching your dinner directly from the lake, surrounded by untouched nature – it's a quintessential Minnesota experience.

Beyond the fishing, the privacy and scenic beauty of Camp 1224 are significant draws. In a world where peaceful retreats are increasingly rare, the "very private area" and the stunning "views of the lake and sunsets" offer a much-needed respite. This allows for genuine relaxation, reflection, and quality time with family or friends, away from the noise and distractions of daily life. The soft, sandy landing and walkable shoreline further enhance the experience, providing easy access to the water and additional space for enjoying the lakeside environment.

While reaching this backcountry site requires a canoe and portaging, this challenge is often embraced by Minnesotans as an integral part of the adventure. It ensures that those who venture to Camp 1224 are truly seeking an immersive wilderness experience, contributing to the site's preserved condition and the overall sense of wildness. For any Minnesotan looking to deepen their connection with our state's remarkable natural resources, whether through an unforgettable fishing trip, a serene base camp, or simply a desire to be fully present in nature, Camp 1224 Ensign Lake stands as an exceptional and highly suitable choice.

Camp 1224 Ensign Lake

Ely, MN 55731, USA