Superior National Forest Campsite #2115

For those Minnesotans yearning for a true escape into the wild, a place where the sounds of nature replace city noise and starry nights are truly dark, Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 near Ely, MN, offers an unparalleled opportunity. This isn't your typical developed campground with amenities around every corner; instead, it represents the raw, unfiltered beauty of Minnesota's vast boreal forest and pristine lakes. As part of the extensive Superior National Forest, this specific campsite provides an authentic backcountry experience, reminiscent of the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), but with the added convenience of not requiring special permits or fees for use.

Imagine a campsite where privacy is paramount, where your nearest neighbors are the rustling leaves and the calls of loons across the water. Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 embodies this ideal. It's a single, secluded site designed for those who truly want to immerse themselves in the wilderness. This kind of camping fosters self-reliance and a deep appreciation for the environment, encouraging visitors to embrace the "Leave No Trace" principles that are essential for preserving these invaluable natural areas for generations to come.

The allure of a site like #2115 lies in its simplicity and the freedom it offers. You won't find showers or electricity here, but what you will discover is an unobstructed connection to nature. Each backcountry campsite in the Superior National Forest typically includes essential provisions like a fire grate for cooking and warmth, a flat space specifically for setting up your tent, and a wilderness latrine – a basic outhouse without a traditional structure, ensuring waste management while maintaining a natural feel. This minimal development ensures that the wilderness experience remains largely untouched, allowing campers to truly disconnect and recharge in nature's embrace.

The region around Ely, Minnesota, is synonymous with wilderness adventure, serving as a primary gateway to the BWCAW and countless other outdoor pursuits. Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 benefits from this proximity, offering a similar level of wildness without the logistical complexities of a BWCAW permit. This makes it an excellent alternative for Minnesotans who desire a remote camping experience on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips into the wilderness.

Whether you're an avid paddler, a dedicated angler, or simply someone seeking profound solitude, this campsite provides the perfect base. The surrounding lakes and forests are teeming with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It's a place where you can spend your days exploring untouched landscapes and your evenings under a canopy of stars, far removed from artificial light and sound. The emphasis here is on self-sufficiency and respect for the natural world, aligning perfectly with the values of Minnesotans who cherish their outdoor heritage.

While this specific campsite's exact location information (X3F8+92, Ely, MN 55731) suggests a general area near Ely, it's important to understand that Forest Service backcountry sites are often accessed via forest roads, some of which might be unpaved or require careful navigation. This adds to the adventurous spirit of visiting such a remote location. It's crucial for visitors to research specific access points and conditions before embarking on their journey to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip into the heart of the Superior National Forest.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 is located near Ely, MN 55731, within the vast expanse of the Superior National Forest. The precise address provided, X3F8+92, is a Google Plus Code, which translates to a specific geographical point, placing it deep within the forest's rugged and beautiful terrain. Ely, Minnesota, is widely recognized as a premier gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the wider Superior National Forest, making this campsite an ideal base for exploring the region's wilderness.

Access to backcountry campsites like #2115 typically involves travel on forest roads, which can vary in condition from well-maintained gravel to more primitive routes. While many vehicles can navigate these roads, higher ground clearance or all-wheel drive can be beneficial, particularly on minimum maintenance roads. Campers are encouraged to consult detailed Forest Service maps for specific directions and current road conditions, as GPS coordinates alone may not fully convey the nature of the access routes. The remote setting ensures a true wilderness experience, often requiring a degree of self-reliance for navigation and preparation. The beauty of this location is its deep immersion in the forest, offering solitude that is increasingly hard to find in more developed areas.

As a backcountry campsite within the Superior National Forest, Campsite #2115 offers essential, minimalist services designed to provide a raw wilderness experience while adhering to Leave No Trace principles. These sites are a stark contrast to developed campgrounds and prioritize natural preservation over extensive amenities.

• Fire Grate: A designated metal fire ring, often with a cooking grate attached, is provided for campfires and cooking.
• Flat Tent Space: A cleared and relatively level area is available for pitching tents.
• Wilderness Latrine: A basic outhouse (vault toilet without a structure) is typically provided for waste disposal, promoting sanitation in a wilderness setting.
• No Fees or Permits Required: Unlike BWCAW sites, these backcountry campsites are generally free and do not require advance permits, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Group Size Limit: Typically, a maximum group size of nine people is enforced to minimize impact on the site.

It is important to note what is NOT offered: there is no potable drinking water, so campers must pack in all their water or be prepared to filter and treat water from natural sources like lakes or rivers. There are no garbage cans, meaning all waste must be packed out. There are no showers, electricity, or other developed facilities. This minimalist approach ensures the preservation of the wilderness character and encourages campers to be fully self-sufficient.

• Authentic Wilderness Experience: Offers a true backcountry feel, perfect for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature, away from crowds.
• No Permit or Fee Required: Provides a more accessible wilderness camping option compared to the BWCAW, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Secluded Single Site: Designed for individual groups, ensuring privacy and a quiet environment.
• Essential Camping Facilities: Includes a fire grate and a wilderness latrine for basic needs.
• Proximity to Ely and BWCAW: Serves as an excellent base for exploring the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the town of Ely with its museums and outfitters.
• Fishing Opportunities: Located within a region renowned for excellent fishing in its numerous lakes, including walleye, northern pike, and various panfish.
• Wildlife Viewing: Abundant opportunities to observe local wildlife, such as moose, deer, wolves, bears, and various bird species, including loons and bald eagles.
• Hiking and Paddling Access: Surrounded by countless lakes and extensive trail systems for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.
• Stargazing: Far from light pollution, offering exceptional opportunities for viewing the night sky.
• Self-Reliant Camping: Encourages Leave No Trace ethics and self-sufficiency, appealing to experienced campers.

Address: X3F8+92, Ely, MN 55731, USA

For general inquiries about camping in the Superior National Forest, it is best to contact the nearest U.S. Forest Service Ranger District office. For a campsite near Ely, the Kawishiwi Ranger District would be the most relevant contact.

Kawishiwi Ranger District

Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

For Minnesotans, Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 near Ely is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an embodiment of the state’s cherished wilderness heritage and an ideal spot for those seeking an authentic, unplugged outdoor experience. Locals often yearn for genuine solitude and a true escape into nature, and this backcountry campsite delivers precisely that. Unlike more crowded, developed campgrounds, #2115 offers the rare commodity of true privacy, allowing Minnesotans to fully immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the boreal forest, far from the distractions of daily life. The first-come, first-served nature also appeals to the spontaneous spirit of many local adventurers, offering flexibility for last-minute wilderness trips without the need for advance reservations or permits often required by the more popular Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

This campsite provides an accessible entry point to the kind of remote camping experience that defines Minnesota’s reputation as a land of a thousand lakes and endless forests. The provision of basic amenities like a fire grate and a wilderness latrine supports a sustainable camping style, aligning with the local ethic of environmental stewardship. For Minnesotans who grew up with the call of the loon and the scent of pine, a site like #2115 offers a return to fundamental camping, where the focus is on reconnecting with nature, whether through fishing in pristine lakes, paddling quiet waters, or simply stargazing under an incredibly dark sky.

Its proximity to Ely is another significant advantage for locals. Ely is not just a town; it’s a hub for wilderness outfitters, local shops, and cultural centers like the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. This means Minnesotans can easily resupply, grab a meal, or explore local attractions before or after their wilderness retreat, blending the rugged outdoor experience with convenient access to community resources. The opportunity to witness diverse wildlife, from moose to bald eagles, in their natural habitat further enhances the appeal for locals who take pride in Minnesota's rich biodiversity. In short, Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 is perfectly suited for Minnesotans seeking a genuine, accessible, and deeply rewarding wilderness adventure that reflects the very essence of their state’s natural identity.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2115

X3F8+92, Ely, MN 55731, USA