BWCA Campsite #1019

🛶 **Introduction / Overview**

The **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)**, located within the vast Superior National Forest, is a million-acre mosaic of lakes and pristine boreal forest—a true highlight of Minnesota’s natural landscape. This protected wilderness system invites visitors to paddle, portage, and camp in the traditional manner of the French Voyageurs, offering an experience of challenge, solitude, and connection with nature.

**BWCA Campsite #1019** is one of the over 2,000 designated, primitive camping sites established throughout the wilderness. This specific site is located on **Lake One**, which is the highly popular **Entry Point #30** gateway into the BWCA, situated near the outfitting hub of Ely, Minnesota. Lake One is a large, historically significant reservoir of the Kawishiwi River, and it serves as the initial access point to the famous "numbered chain" of lakes (Lake Two, Lake Three, Lake Four, etc.).

Choosing Campsite #1019 means securing a location that minimizes your initial travel time while still placing you firmly within the designated wilderness boundary. It’s an ideal base camp for groups new to the BWCA, those with shorter trip durations, or adventurers aiming to explore the scenic and well-traveled routes deeper into the wilderness. As a designated campsite, it is strictly primitive and subject to all U.S. Forest Service rules, including the 'Leave No Trace' principles.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

The administrative location for this expansive area is **Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA**. In practical terms, Campsite #1019 is located on Lake One, which is Entry Point #30, making it one of the most frequently accessed starting points for BWCA trips originating near Ely.

Accessibility details for this paddle-in site:

• **Vehicle Access:** Drive to the Lake One Entry Point (#30) parking area, which is easily reached from the town of Ely via established roads.
• **Canoe/Paddle-Only Entry:** Entry Point #30 is designated as an **"Overnight Paddle Only"** entry point (May 1 - September 30), meaning access to Campsite #1019 and beyond is strictly by non-motorized means.
• **Initial Route:** From the landing, visitors typically paddle through narrow channels to reach the main body of Lake One. Depending on the site's exact placement, it may be a short or moderate paddle from the entry point.
• **Permit Necessity:** All overnight users must possess a mandatory **Quota Permit** (reserved via Recreation.gov) for Entry Point #30 and the specific entry date. Groups are limited to 9 people and 4 watercraft.

As a campsite on the initial entry lake, #1019 offers a relatively smooth start to the wilderness experience, minimizing the strenuous portaging required for deeper penetration into the BWCA.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

True to the wilderness mandate of the BWCAW, Campsite #1019 provides only the absolute minimum in terms of facilities. These limited services are designed to protect the environment and maintain the primitive character of the experience. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient.

• **Designated Tent Pads:** Clearings, usually on flat or elevated ground, established for pitching tents to minimize impact on vegetation.
• **Steel Fire Grate:** A permanent metal ring and grate installed by the U.S. Forest Service for safely containing legal campfires.
• **Wilderness Latrine:** A simple pit latrine, located discreetly away from the main camp area and water source for sanitary disposal of human waste.
• **Lake Water Access:** Direct access to Lake One for collecting water, which **must be purified** (filtered, boiled, or chemically treated) before drinking or cooking.

It is vital for Minnesota campers to remember that no modern conveniences are available: there is no electricity, no trash disposal (all trash must be packed out), and no potable water provided at the site.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

Campsite #1019 on Lake One provides a superb balance of accessibility and classic North Woods scenery, making it a desirable location for BWCA travelers:

• **Basecamp Versatility:** Its location on a major entry lake makes it an excellent, reliable base camp for short trips, allowing groups to establish their camp quickly and dedicate more time to local exploration, fishing, or day paddling.
• **Gateway to the Numbered Chain:** From Lake One, groups can easily access the popular, interconnected chain of Lakes Two, Three, and Four via well-maintained portages. This opens up vast, multi-day loop opportunities.
• **Wildlife Opportunities:** Despite receiving traffic, the BWCA is known for wildlife. Lake One offers chances to see iconic Minnesota animals such as Moose, Bald Eagles, Loons, and various waterfowl.
• **Fishing Potential:** While Lake One sees fishing pressure, it is known to hold game fish like Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass, especially near the river currents and structure.
• **Scenic Shoreline:** The lake is surrounded by the resilient boreal forest, with rocky outcrops and granite features characteristic of the ancient Canadian Shield geology.
• **Clear Navigation:** Being on a primary route means the area is well-mapped, making navigation straightforward for those new to BWCA charting.

Expert Planning Tip: Due to the popularity of Lake One (EP #30), Campsite #1019 is a sought-after location. Prospective campers should plan to arrive early in the day to secure any unoccupied designated campsite and should always have two or three alternative sites mapped out, as all BWCA campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis once you have entered the wilderness.

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📞 **Contact Information**

Direct contact with Campsite #1019 is not possible. All required planning, permits, and regulation inquiries must be handled through the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the BWCAW.

• **Official Campsite Location (Administrative):** Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA
• **Managing Authority:** USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District (associated with the Ely area).
• **Permit Reservations:** Quota Permits for Entry Point #30 must be reserved online through **Recreation.gov**. Reservations open in late January each year and must be secured well in advance for peak season travel.
• **Kawishiwi Ranger Station Phone (Ely Area):** (218) 365-7600 (Recommended contact for pre-trip questions, permit issuance, and local conditions).

Local outfitters in Ely can also assist with permit reservations, gear rental, and detailed route planning specific to Campsite #1019 and the Lake One area.

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing BWCA Campsite #1019**

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts, choosing a trip that includes BWCA Campsite #1019 is an excellent decision, particularly for those prioritizing convenience and variety in their wilderness experience. It is worth choosing for these key reasons:

• **Accessible Entry Point:** Its location on Entry Point #30 makes it one of the easiest BWCA campsites to reach, ideal for weekend trips or first-time wilderness travelers who need to minimize initial paddling and portaging effort.
• **The Starting Point for Classic Routes:** The campsite provides direct, easy access to the BWCA’s most famous paddling routes—the numbered chain—allowing adventurers to easily link up to the interior lakes like Insula, Alice, and Ensign Lake.
• **Outfitter Support Proximity:** Being so close to Ely means quick access to outfitters for last-minute supplies, gear checks, and expert advice, streamlining the logistics of your trip.
• **Beautiful Reservoir Setting:** Lake One, as a reservoir of the Kawishiwi River, offers a unique mix of water bodies and diverse paddling opportunities right from your campsite.

Choose Campsite #1019 if you are looking for a highly convenient, yet truly immersive, start to your multi-day Boundary Waters adventure.