Big Lake Campsite #1

🌲 **Introduction / Overview: Experience the Heart of the Northwoods at Big Lake Campsite #1**

For Minnesotans and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts seeking the authentic, rugged beauty of the state’s iconic Northwoods, **Big Lake Campsite #1** offers an exceptional destination. Nestled deep within the greater **Superior National Forest** near the storied town of Ely, this specific site provides a highly desirable, primitive camping experience on the shores of Big Lake. It is important to note that this is not a developed, drive-in campground with many modern amenities, but rather a designated backcountry campsite managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It caters to those who are prepared for self-sufficiency and embrace the tranquility of a true wilderness setting. While some sources refer to it as a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) site (and it is located very close to the BWCAW boundary), publicly available information suggests Big Lake features three backcountry sites *outside* of the BWCAW and one official BWCAW site—Campsite #1 (#2099) on the west shore. Regardless of its exact status, a **BWCAW permit is required** for the official site, signifying its truly remote and protected nature, and all campers must adhere to strict wilderness guidelines. This site is a prized gem for those who value quiet, natural beauty, and a deep connection with Minnesota's vast boreal forest landscape.

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility: Gateway to the Boundary Waters Region**

Big Lake Campsite #1 is situated in a spectacularly beautiful, yet remote, corner of St. Louis County, Minnesota. The official address is listed simply as **Ely, MN 55731, USA**, which places it centrally within the Ely area—the renowned "Gateway to the Boundary Waters."

**Access to the Campsite:** The campsite's exact location on the lake's west shore, near the BWCAW entry point, strongly indicates that it is an **access-by-water-only** site. Visitors typically launch a canoe or small boat from a nearby landing, such as the public boat ramp on Big Lake, and then paddle to the campsite. The nearest major administrative point is the **Kawishiwi Ranger District Office** in Ely, which serves as the primary resource for permits, local information, and safety regulations. While the general area is accessible via the Echo Trail (County Road 116), the final approach to the campsite requires paddling across Big Lake. This inherently limits access to those prepared with the necessary watercraft and paddling skills, ensuring a quieter, more exclusive experience compared to a drive-in campground.

**Directions to the Region:** Big Lake is located approximately 21 miles northwest of Ely via the Echo Trail (County Road 116) and a short turn onto Forest Road 1872 to reach the general area's boat launch. From the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul), the drive to Ely is substantial—roughly four to five hours—making a trip to Big Lake Campsite #1 a deliberate journey into the state's deep wilderness. This remoteness is precisely what makes the experience so valuable to local Minnesota users.

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🛠️ **Services Offered (Backcountry/Primitive)**

It is crucial for any potential visitor to understand that Big Lake Campsite #1 is a **backcountry campsite**. It offers a primitive experience, which means amenities are minimal and basic, designed to accommodate a small group while protecting the surrounding wilderness. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, prepared to treat their own drinking water, and strictly follow Leave No Trace principles.

• **Designated Tent Space:** A flat area for pitching tents, minimizing impact on the natural ground cover.
• **Fire Grate:** A metal ring or grate provided for containing campfires, which is mandatory for fire safety.
• **Wilderness Latrine:** A basic outhouse or toilet facility is typically provided, though it is *without* a typical "house" structure (often referred to as a vault toilet or wilderness latrine).
• **Lake Access:** Direct shoreline access for canoe landing, swimming, and fishing (water must be treated for drinking).
• **No Potable Water:** Drinking water is **not** provided; visitors must bring all necessary water or use appropriate water filters/purification methods from the lake.
• **No Trash Service:** All garbage, including food waste, must be packed out—"Pack it in, Pack it out."
• **No Electricity or Wi-Fi:** A complete escape from modern utilities and connectivity.

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✨ **Features / Highlights of Big Lake Campsite #1**

The true value of this location lies not in its amenities, but in its unspoiled natural setting and the unique activities it facilitates. The Big Lake area is known for its serene, heavily forested shorelines, dotted with Norway and white pines, and its excellent recreational opportunities.

• **Proximity to BWCAW:** The campsite’s location right on the edge of the Boundary Waters offers an almost-BWCAW-level experience without the intense restrictions of the wilderness's interior, though a permit is still required for the specific BWCAW site.
• **Excellent Fishing:** Big Lake is regularly stocked by the Minnesota DNR and is popular for walleye fishing, as well as northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish.
• **Stunning Water Views:** As a premier lakeshore site, it offers beautiful views across the water, often featuring the haunting calls of Minnesota's state bird, the Common Loon.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The Superior National Forest is home to iconic Minnesota wildlife, including moose, black bears, bald eagles, and diverse bird species. Proper food storage (bear bagging or canisters) is essential.
• **Paddling Routes:** Big Lake serves as an excellent base for day-trip paddling and exploring the lake's entirety, or venturing into the more remote portages that can lead to Lapond Lake or the Portage River for extended wilderness travel.
• **Seclusion and Privacy:** Backcountry sites are intentionally spaced far apart. Campsite #1 is noted for being one of the nicest on the lake, often featuring a great view and a flat area for a large tent, offering significant privacy.

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📞 **Contact Information and Planning**

Since Big Lake Campsite #1 is a federal facility managed by the U.S. Forest Service, all inquiries, permit reservations (if required for the specific site), and information should be directed to the local Ranger District.

**Official Area Address:** Ely, MN 55731, USA (General Area of Big Lake)

**Kawishiwi Ranger District Office (For Permits & Info):**

• **Address:** 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731
• **Phone:** (218) 365-7600

For a BWCAW site, you must secure a permit in advance through the U.S. Forest Service reservation system, which is vital during the peak quota season (May 1 to September 30).

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🌟 **Why is Big Lake Campsite #1 Worth Choosing for Minnesotans?**

For a local Minnesotan, choosing Big Lake Campsite #1 is about prioritizing an authentic, high-quality wilderness experience that stands apart from more crowded, developed campgrounds. It offers the best of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters region, serving as a peaceful basecamp for a quintessential Northwoods adventure. You are choosing a site known for its **superior views and layout**—a truly desirable spot on the lake. You are choosing to escape the noise and crowds to immerse yourself in the natural landscape that defines Northern Minnesota. The necessary effort to paddle in and maintain self-sufficiency ensures a rewarding, deeply personal experience. Whether you’re an avid angler, a dedicated canoeist, or simply seeking a digital detox under the starry night skies only found in the wilderness, Big Lake Campsite #1 is a prime choice for crafting lasting memories in the heart of the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."