Superior National Forest Campsite #2123

For Minnesotans seeking an authentic and immersive wilderness experience, Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 stands as a beacon of untouched nature. Located within the vast and globally renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campsite is not a typical drive-up spot with abundant amenities, but rather a designated, primitive site designed for those who truly wish to disconnect and embrace the wild. The Superior National Forest, spanning nearly four million acres of boreal forest and glacial lakes, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Campsite #2123 embodies the core of this experience, offering solitude, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty in its most unadulterated form.

Visitors to Campsite #2123 will find themselves in a landscape largely unchanged since the glaciers receded, a testament to the careful preservation efforts of the U.S. Forest Service. Like all designated BWCAW campsites, it provides a designated fire grate and a wilderness latrine, basic necessities that allow for responsible camping while minimizing human impact. The allure of this particular site lies in its remoteness and the journey required to reach it, which often involves paddling through pristine lakes and portaging across scenic trails. This active engagement with the wilderness ensures that only those truly dedicated to a backcountry experience will discover its tranquil shores, further enhancing the sense of peace and privacy.

Camping at Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 means adhering to the fundamental principles of Leave No Trace, emphasizing respect for wildlife, proper waste disposal, and minimal disturbance to the environment. This commitment ensures that the vibrant ecosystem, home to iconic species like moose, gray wolves, and bald eagles, remains healthy and thriving for generations to come. For locals, it's more than just a campsite; it's an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with Minnesota's cherished Northwoods, to experience the raw grandeur of nature, and to create unforgettable memories under a canopy of stars, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 is situated in the expansive wilderness managed by the Superior National Forest, specifically near Ely, Minnesota. Its general geographic coordinates are WXQM+5R, Ely, MN 55731, USA. It is critical for any prospective visitor to understand that this address is a navigational marker within a wilderness area, not a physical street address for vehicular access. This campsite is located deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), which is preserved for non-motorized travel for the vast majority of its routes.

Accessibility to Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 is exclusively by watercraft, primarily canoe, and requires extensive self-propelled travel combined with overland portages. To enter the BWCAW for an overnight trip between May 1 and September 30, a quota permit is mandatory and must be secured in advance through Recreation.gov. During the off-season (October 1 - April 30), a self-issued permit is required. This permit will specify your designated entry point and date, which are crucial for planning your route to Campsite #2123.

The journey to the campsite will involve paddling through a network of interconnected lakes and rivers, punctuated by portage trails where canoes and gear must be carried over land between waterways. These portages can vary significantly in length and terrain, from well-trodden paths to more challenging, rugged, or even muddy sections. Strong navigation skills using topographic maps and a compass or GPS are essential, as there are no direct signs pointing to individual campsites once you are within the wilderness. Local outfitters in Ely, a key gateway community, offer invaluable resources, including route planning advice, canoe rentals, and shuttle services to various entry points, helping to facilitate access to remote sites like #2123 for prepared adventurers seeking a true wilderness immersion.

• Designated Primitive Campsite: Campsite #2123 is an official, designated primitive campsite within the BWCAW. This means it provides a legally sanctioned spot for camping, helping to concentrate human impact and preserve the surrounding wilderness.
• Steel Fire Grate: Each designated campsite in the BWCAW, including #2123, comes equipped with a steel fire grate. This allows for safe and controlled campfires, essential for cooking, warmth, and providing a central gathering point, always subject to prevailing fire restrictions.
• Wilderness Latrine: To ensure proper sanitation and minimize environmental contamination, a wilderness latrine is provided at the campsite. These are basic, open-air pit toilets designed to blend with the natural environment, and campers are expected to follow specific usage guidelines.
• Non-Potable Water Access: The campsite's location on a lake provides direct access to water. However, this water is untreated and non-potable; it must be filtered, purified, or boiled thoroughly before consumption, as there are no sources of treated drinking water.
• Tent Space: While not formal "tent pads" as found in developed campgrounds, designated BWCA campsites like #2123 typically offer naturally leveled and cleared areas suitable for pitching tents, aiming to minimize disturbance to the surrounding vegetation.
• Leave No Trace Emphasis: A core "service" of the BWCAW is the preservation of its pristine condition. All visitors are required to strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles, which encompass responsible waste management (packing out all trash), minimizing impact on the land, and respecting wildlife.
• Permit System: Access to this campsite is governed by a strict permit system managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This controls visitor numbers, ensuring that the wilderness character of the BWCAW is maintained for everyone's enjoyment.

• Unrivaled Wilderness Solitude: The most significant feature of Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 is the profound solitude it offers. Located deep within the BWCAW, it provides an escape from urban noise and light pollution, allowing visitors to experience true quiet and connect intimately with nature.
• Classic Canoe-Country Adventure: The journey to the campsite itself is a highlight. Requiring travel by canoe and portaging across land, it offers an authentic, traditional wilderness experience that harks back to the days of the voyageurs, making the destination all the more rewarding.
• Exceptional Stargazing: Far from any significant artificial light sources, the night skies above Campsite #2123 are breathtaking. Campers can enjoy unparalleled views of the Milky Way, constellations, and potentially even the aurora borealis, creating unforgettable celestial experiences.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The BWCAW is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including iconic Minnesota species like moose, black bears, timber wolves, bald eagles, and loons. The remote nature of Campsite #2123 increases the likelihood of observing these animals in their natural habitat.
• Pristine Natural Landscape: The surroundings of Campsite #2123 are characterized by ancient boreal forests, clear glacial lakes, and rugged, untouched shorelines. This unblemished beauty provides a stunning backdrop for all outdoor activities and deep relaxation.
• Fishing Haven: The lakes and waterways within the BWCAW are renowned for excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. The campsite's lakeside location provides direct access for anglers.
• Basic but Functional Facilities: While primitive, the presence of a steel fire grate and a wilderness latrine at the designated campsite provides essential infrastructure for responsible and environmentally conscious camping, making the experience more comfortable without detracting from its wild character.

As a primitive, designated campsite located within the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 does not have a direct phone number, email address, or on-site personnel. It is managed as part of the Superior National Forest by the U.S. Forest Service.

Address:

Superior National Forest Campsite #2123

WXQM+5R, Ely, MN 55731, USA

For all inquiries regarding BWCA Campsite #2123, including essential information on permit requirements, current regulations, fire bans, and trail conditions, prospective visitors must contact the U.S. Forest Service or refer to their official online resources. Access to this campsite, like all BWCAW sites, requires a quota permit for overnight stays during the peak season (May 1 to September 30), which must be reserved via Recreation.gov.

Given its location near Ely, the most relevant Forest Service office for direct inquiries would be the Kawishiwi Ranger District. It is always advisable to contact them for the most up-to-date local conditions and specific information pertaining to your entry point and route.

Kawishiwi Ranger District (Ely, MN):

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600

It is highly recommended to also visit the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (fs.usda.gov/bwca) and the Superior National Forest (fs.usda.gov/superior) for comprehensive planning tools, maps, and safety guidelines before embarking on your wilderness adventure to Campsite #2123.

For Minnesotans, Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 represents the ultimate expression of their state's cherished outdoor identity. This campsite, nestled deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offers an experience that resonates profoundly with the local appreciation for untouched nature and self-reliant adventure. Unlike more developed options, it provides a rare opportunity for true solitude and a complete disconnection from the digital world, allowing locals to recharge and reconnect with the wild beauty they call home.

The journey to Campsite #2123, involving paddling and portaging, is not merely a means to an end but an integral part of the adventure that many Minnesotans, with their strong boating and wilderness skills, are well-equipped to undertake. This active mode of travel ensures a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the remote beauty encountered. The strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles, which is fundamental to the BWCAW experience, also aligns with the strong environmental stewardship values often held by Minnesota residents, ensuring this pristine area remains protected for future generations.

Beyond the physical challenge, the campsite offers unparalleled opportunities for quiet contemplation, exceptional stargazing under unpolluted skies, and unique wildlife viewing experiences. It's a place where the iconic call of a loon replaces urban noise, providing a profound sense of peace and rejuvenation. For families or groups of friends, it fosters a unique bonding experience, away from everyday distractions. Superior National Forest Campsite #2123 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation for Minnesotans to fully embrace their outdoor heritage, to push their boundaries, and to create enduring memories in one of America's most magnificent and protected wilderness areas.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2123

WXQM+5R, Ely, MN 55731, USA