Campfire Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

For Minnesotans who truly embrace the spirit of raw wilderness adventure, Campfire Lake Campsite on the renowned Powwow Trail offers an experience unlike any other. Deep within the protected expanse of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) near Ely, this campsite is not for the faint of heart, but rather for those seeking a profound connection with nature amidst a landscape actively recovering from a major wildfire. It's a place where the sounds of human activity fade, replaced by the rustle of new growth and the whisper of the wind through a regenerated forest, demanding self-reliance and offering immense personal reward.

Campfire Lake Campsite is one of the designated primitive backpacking sites along the Powwow Trail, a challenging "lollipop" shaped loop trail spanning approximately 30 miles within the Superior National Forest. The Powwow Trail is legendary among Minnesota backpackers for its rugged terrain and its unique passage through an area significantly impacted by the Pagami Creek Fire of 2011. While the immediate area around Campfire Lake Campsite, identified as BWCA Campsite 2259, may still show signs of the fire, it also presents a fascinating opportunity to witness the resilience and regeneration of the boreal forest.

Visitors to Campfire Lake Campsite should be prepared for a primitive, backcountry experience. Amenities are minimal, typically consisting only of a designated cleared area for tents, a fire grate, and a wilderness latrine. There are no facilities such as potable water, showers, or electricity. The Powwow Trail itself is known for its demanding conditions, with challenging footing due to post-fire regrowth and frequent water crossings, including beaver dams. As one reviewer noted, the trail and its campsites "need attention," which speaks to the continuous efforts by organizations like the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC) to maintain this challenging route. Despite, or perhaps because of, these demands, Campfire Lake Campsite offers an unparalleled sense of solitude and accomplishment, making it a truly immersive wilderness destination for experienced backpackers in Minnesota.

Campfire Lake Campsite is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), near Ely, MN 55731, USA. Its precise location is on Campfire Lake, along the Powwow Trail. The Powwow Trail's main access point is BWCA Entry Point #86, which shares a parking lot with the Lake Isabella Entry Point. The provided address of RHG5+4X, Ely, MN 55731, USA is a Plus Code, indicating a geographical location within the general Ely area.

Accessing Campfire Lake Campsite is exclusively by foot, making it a true backcountry backpacking destination. The journey begins at the Powwow Trailhead (Entry Point #86). From this trailhead, hikers first traverse "The Stick," a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail section. This leads to "The Wye," where the 27.5-mile loop portion of the trail begins. Campfire Lake Campsite is situated on this loop. Based on available information, Campfire Lake is located in the western portion of the loop, roughly 2.3 miles from the Diana Creek log bridge crossing if hiking from BWCA Campsite 2259 (Campfire Lake Campsite) towards Diana Creek.

Reaching the Powwow Trailhead from Ely typically involves navigating a series of state highways and unpaved forest roads. From Ely, one would generally take MN-1 east and south, then turn onto Tomahawk Road (Forest Road 377). From the Lake Superior North Shore (MN Hwy 61), travelers would turn northwest onto MN Hwy 1 towards Isabella, then connect to various forest roads like Wanless Rd (FR 172), FR 369, and FR 373, following signs for Isabella Lake and the Powwow Trailhead. Due to the remote nature of the area and the challenging conditions of the Powwow Trail, detailed topographic maps (e.g., Fisher F-4; McKenzie #18 and #19) and/or a GPS with offline capabilities are absolutely essential for navigation. Cellular service is unreliable to non-existent throughout the trail.

Campfire Lake Campsite, as a primitive backcountry site on the Powwow Trail within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offers extremely basic services. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient and adhere to strict Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Campsite Area: A cleared space for setting up tents. The overall condition of sites on the Powwow Trail can vary due to fire recovery and limited maintenance, as indicated by a review stating "A place that needs attention."
• Fire Grate: A metal grate is provided for containing campfires. However, due to the post-fire environment, deadwood may be scarce, and fire bans are common. Campers should plan to use a portable cookstove. The review mentioning "poor water access" could imply difficulties with water for cooking as well.
• Wilderness Latrine: A basic, primitive toilet facility is typically available at designated BWCA campsites.
• No Potable Water: Water must be sourced directly from Campfire Lake and thoroughly treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption. The note about "poor water access" in a review could mean the shoreline for gathering water is challenging.
• No Trash Receptacles: All trash, including food scraps, must be packed out by campers.
• No Electricity or Hookups: This is a truly off-grid experience. There are no modern conveniences.
• No Showers or Developed Facilities: Personal hygiene and dishwashing must be performed at least 200 feet from any water source, using biodegradable soap sparingly.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Proper food storage is mandatory. Food and scented items must be hung from a tree, placed in a bear-resistant container, or otherwise protected from wildlife. Given the post-fire landscape, finding suitable trees for hanging food may be challenging, making bear canisters a preferable option.
• Permit Required: A BWCAW use permit is mandatory for all overnight stays, obtainable through Recreation.gov. Overnight permits during the quota season (May 1st - September 30th) are limited.

Campfire Lake Campsite, situated on the challenging Powwow Trail, offers a unique set of features and highlights for the adventurous Minnesotan.

• Rugged Wilderness Backpacking: The primary highlight is the immersive and demanding backpacking experience. The Powwow Trail is known for its difficult terrain, including significant amounts of blowdowns (fallen trees) and areas of dense new growth from the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire, making it a true test of endurance and navigation.
• Post-Fire Ecological Observation: Campers get a rare opportunity to witness a forest in active recovery. The landscape is a dynamic blend of standing dead trees, new saplings, and open vistas, offering a compelling look at natural regeneration. This also means less shade and potentially more exposure to the elements.
• Seclusion and Solitude: Due to the challenging nature of the trail and the BWCAW's strict wilderness regulations (no motors, primitive camping), Campfire Lake Campsite offers profound solitude, a stark contrast to more crowded recreational areas.
• Lake Access (with considerations): Despite a review mentioning "poor water access," the campsite is on Campfire Lake, providing a water source for treatment and potentially opportunities for a refreshing dip, though conditions for easy entry may vary.
• Wildlife Encounters: The deep wilderness setting increases the chances of observing diverse wildlife, including moose, deer, various bird species (including loons), and signs of timber wolves.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky over Campfire Lake is often incredibly clear, offering spectacular views of stars and astronomical events.
• True "Leave No Trace" Ethos: The entire experience reinforces environmental stewardship, as campers are solely responsible for their impact on the pristine wilderness.
• Authentic BWCA Experience: For those seeking to push beyond typical canoe routes, backpacking the Powwow Trail and camping at sites like Campfire Lake offers a raw, unfiltered taste of the Boundary Waters, demanding self-reliance and rewarding resilience.
• Scenic Overlooks: While specific to the entire trail rather than just this campsite, the Powwow Trail offers several scenic overlooks and diverse wetland and beaver dam crossings that add to the challenging beauty of the journey to Campfire Lake.

As Campfire Lake Campsite is a specific, primitive site deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, there isn't a direct phone number or dedicated contact for the individual campsite itself. Management and information for all BWCAW campsites and the Powwow Trail are handled by the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Superior National Forest.

Address: RHG5+4X, Ely, MN 55731, USA (This Plus Code points to the general vicinity of the campsite within the BWCAW, near the town of Ely, which serves as a major entry point.)

For inquiries regarding BWCAW permits, regulations, and general conditions, you should contact the U.S. Forest Service or the official permit reservation system:

U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest Headquarters: 218-626-4300

Tofte Ranger District (manages the area including the Powwow Trail): 218-663-8060

BWCAW Permit Reservations: All overnight permits for the BWCAW from May 1st through September 30th must be reserved in advance through

www.recreation.gov

For the most up-to-date trail conditions, which are highly dynamic on the Powwow Trail due to ongoing regeneration and maintenance challenges, consulting the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC) website (

www.boundarywaterstrails.org

Campfire Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail is uniquely suitable for Minnesotans who embody a strong sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for untamed wilderness. This isn't a casual car-camping spot; it's a true test of grit and self-reliance that resonates with the pioneering spirit often found in Minnesota's outdoor community. For locals, the Powwow Trail offers a distinct way to experience the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, primarily through backpacking rather than the more common canoe routes.

The challenging nature of the trail, including navigating through a regenerating landscape impacted by the Pagami Creek Fire, provides a compelling narrative and a unique educational experience. Minnesotans, often attuned to environmental processes, can witness firsthand nature's resilience and recovery, making the journey to Campfire Lake Campsite more than just a hike but a lesson in ecology. The solitude offered by this demanding trail is a major draw for those seeking true escape from the noise and distractions of modern life.

While a past review noted that the site "needs attention," this can be seen as an invitation for the self-reliant Minnesotan. It speaks to the raw, undeveloped character of the place, where comfort is secondary to the profound experience of being immersed in a wild, recovering ecosystem. The effort required to reach Campfire Lake Campsite fosters a deep sense of accomplishment and connection to the land that is profoundly rewarding.

For Minnesotans who pride themselves on their outdoor skills and their ability to thrive in challenging conditions, Campfire Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail represents an ultimate wilderness challenge and a chance to forge unforgettable memories in the heart of their home state's most iconic natural treasure. It's an opportunity to truly unplug and become one with the Northwoods.

Campfire Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

RHG5+4X, Ely, MN 55731, USA