South Wilder Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

For Minnesotans seeking a truly immersive wilderness backpacking adventure, the South Wilder Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail offers an unforgettable experience deep within the Superior National Forest. This site is not for the faint of heart; it’s a primitive destination that rewards intrepid hikers with stunning lakeside views, a profound sense of solitude, and a direct connection to the raw, regenerating beauty of Minnesota’s iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It represents the essence of northern Minnesota's rugged charm, providing a unique opportunity to witness nature's resilience after the Pagami Creek Wildfire.

The Powwow Trail, itself a challenging "lollipop" shaped trail of approximately 30 miles, leads to several designated campsites, with South Wilder Lake Campsite being one of the most highly regarded. Located roughly 9.5 miles from the trailhead if taking the northern section of the loop, this site is situated high above South Wilder Lake, offering expansive and breathtaking vistas that make the journey worthwhile. As one recent visitor enthusiastically noted, "What a great site! ... Beautiful views at camp. Sitting high up you over look the lake." This elevated position provides a panoramic perspective of the lake and the recovering forest, creating a truly spectacular backdrop for your wilderness stay.

While primitive, South Wilder Lake Campsite offers the fundamental necessities for a comfortable backcountry experience, including ample space for multiple tents and a fire grate for essential campfires. The easy access to lake water, though requiring treatment for drinking, adds to the site's practicality for longer stays. The trail itself, and the campsites along it, have undergone significant natural changes since the 2011 Pagami Creek Wildfire, showcasing a landscape in various stages of regeneration. This dynamic environment presents both challenges and unique opportunities for observation, allowing hikers to witness firsthand the powerful cycles of nature. Despite the lack of certain amenities like a latrine, as noted in a review, the raw beauty and remote tranquility of South Wilder Lake Campsite firmly establish it as a premier backpacking destination for those who cherish authentic wilderness experiences in Minnesota.

Location and Accessibility

South Wilder Lake Campsite is located near Ely, MN 55731, USA, deep within the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Its precise location is on the South Wilder Lake along the renowned Powwow Trail, a challenging hiking and backpacking loop. Accessing this campsite is exclusively on foot via the Powwow Trail, which begins at BWCA Entry Point #86.

The Powwow Trailhead (Entry Point #86) is accessible by vehicle. From Ely, travelers typically take MN-1 East and South towards the North Shore for approximately 18.4 miles, then turn left/east onto Tomahawk Road (FR 377). Continue on Tomahawk Road for about 17.6 miles until reaching the Powwow Trailhead parking lot. From this trailhead, the journey to South Wilder Lake Campsite is a significant undertaking, roughly 9.5 miles if approaching via the northern section of the loop.

It's crucial for visitors to understand that this is a true wilderness trail. The Powwow Trail was heavily impacted by the 2011 Pagami Creek Wildfire. While efforts have been made by the Forest Service and volunteers to clear the trail, hikers should be prepared for conditions that include less shade due to dead trees, potential for deadfall, and varied trail tread. The journey to South Wilder Lake Campsite is part of the adventure, requiring careful planning, navigation skills (GPS is highly recommended as maps can be inaccurate due to post-fire changes), and a readiness for a self-sufficient backcountry experience.

Services Offered

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite offers enough cleared and relatively flat areas to accommodate approximately five small tents, providing suitable spots for overnight shelter.
• Fire Grate: A designated fire grate is available, allowing for safe campfires. Campers must use dead and downed wood, which may be sparse due to the wildfire, and adhere to all current fire restrictions. Using a cookstove is highly recommended.
• Lake Water Access: The campsite provides relatively easy access to the water of South Wilder Lake. All lake water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption.
• Primitive Setting: As a BWCAW campsite, it offers a truly primitive experience with minimal human-made interventions, emphasizing self-reliance and Leave No Trace principles.
• Food Storage (Bear-Proofing): While no specific bear boxes or poles are mentioned for this site, visitors are required to properly store food and scented items to prevent attracting wildlife. This typically involves hanging food bags from trees or using bear-resistant containers.

Features / Highlights

• Stunning Lake Views: Positioned "high up" overlooking South Wilder Lake, the campsite offers exceptional panoramic views, making for memorable sunrises and sunsets.
• Remote Wilderness Experience: As part of the Powwow Trail within the BWCAW, the campsite provides deep immersion in a pristine wilderness environment, far from roads and developed areas.
• Post-Fire Ecosystem: The trail and surrounding area provide a unique opportunity to observe forest regeneration after the 2011 Pagami Creek Wildfire, showcasing nature's powerful recovery.
• Backpacking Challenge: The 9.5-mile hike to the site offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure for experienced backpackers, testing endurance and navigation skills.
• Solitude and Tranquility: Despite the trail's growing popularity, the remote nature of the campsite ensures a high degree of peace and quiet, perfect for reflection and relaxation.
• Fishing Opportunities: South Wilder Lake is part of the larger Boundary Waters ecosystem, offering potential for fishing (with proper licensing and regulations).
• Star Gazing: Far from light pollution, the night skies at South Wilder Lake Campsite are often spectacular, providing excellent opportunities for stargazing.

Contact Information

Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA

As South Wilder Lake Campsite is a primitive backcountry site within the Superior National Forest and the BWCAW, there is no direct phone number for the campsite itself. All inquiries regarding permits, trail conditions, and regulations should be directed to the managing authority:

Superior National Forest - Tofte Ranger District (which manages the Powwow Trail area):

Phone: (218) 300-7000 (General Superior National Forest Information)

Visitors should always check the latest trail conditions and regulations with the US Forest Service before embarking on a trip to the Powwow Trail, especially considering the ongoing recovery from the Pagami Creek Wildfire. BWCAW permits are required for overnight stays and can be obtained through Recreation.gov.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, South Wilder Lake Campsite on the Powwow Trail is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to engage with the very essence of the state's wilderness heritage. This site perfectly encapsulates the rugged beauty and challenging rewards that draw so many locals to the Boundary Waters. The journey itself, a significant backpacking trek through a recovering landscape, offers a unique perspective on the resilience of Minnesota's forests after the Pagami Creek Wildfire. It’s an opportunity to witness natural regeneration firsthand, a powerful and humbling experience.

The primitive nature of the campsite—the lack of developed latrines or potable water sources, as noted by visitors—isn't a drawback for many Minnesotans; it’s part of the authentic wilderness appeal. It fosters self-reliance, promotes Leave No Trace principles, and forces a deeper connection with the environment. The stunning "high up" views over South Wilder Lake provide the kind of iconic Northern Minnesota scenery that makes every step of the challenging hike worthwhile. For those who grew up exploring Minnesota's lakes and forests, or for those new to the state who wish to experience its most iconic natural areas, South Wilder Lake Campsite offers an unparalleled, deeply rewarding backcountry adventure. It’s a chance to truly disconnect, breathe fresh air, and immerse oneself in the solitude and beauty that only the BWCAW can provide, making it an ideal escape for any local seeking an authentic and challenging wilderness experience.

To get a visual sense of the area, consider watching this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7Ly8h4BpiU) video.

South Wilder Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

Ely, MN 55731, USA