BWCA Campsite #1247

**Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #1247 on Fall Lake**

For Minnesotans, the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)** is the pinnacle of outdoor adventure. **BWCA Campsite #1247** is one of the designated, primitive campsites located on **Fall Lake**, an entry lake that serves as a vital gateway into the deeper, paddle-only regions of the vast Superior National Forest. While all BWCA sites offer a rugged, "pack it in, pack it out" experience, campsites on Fall Lake itself offer a unique blend of accessibility and true wilderness exposure. The enthusiasm from users is universal: "Fun, fun, fun. Best camping anywhere in the world." This sentiment captures the spirit of freedom and natural beauty that defines a stay here.

Campsite #1247, like the other seven designated sites on Fall Lake, provides the fundamental infrastructure necessary to minimize human impact—a fire grate and a latrine—while immersing you fully in the North Woods environment. This particular lake is popular because it sits on the very edge of the strict wilderness boundary, offering direct access to the famous chain of lakes that lead to **Basswood Lake** and beyond. It is a fantastic starting point for both day trips into the BWCA and longer expeditions, while still offering excellent on-lake recreation opportunities like **walleye fishing** and wildlife viewing.

**Location and Accessibility**

BWCA Campsite #1247 is located on **Fall Lake**, near the wilderness gateway town of **Ely, Minnesota**, within **Fall Lake Township, MN 55731**. This area is managed by the Kawishiwi Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

The site is accessed via **BWCA Entry Point 24 (EP 24)**. Unlike many other entry points, Fall Lake allows for **motorized travel** (up to 25 HP) on most of the lake, which makes the initial travel to a shoreline campsite like #1247 much less arduous than a multi-portage trip. The entry point itself is easily reached via a paved boat landing off the main roads near Ely. Once you have launched your canoe or boat, you paddle to your desired campsite on the lake. The site is physically located on the lake's shoreline, only accessible by watercraft. From Fall Lake, paddlers can choose to head into the non-motorized, deeper wilderness by tackling the famous **Four Mile Portage** to Hoist Bay on Basswood Lake or the easier portages into Newton Lake and Pipestone Bay. This dual accessibility—motorized ease on the entry lake and immediate access to primitive wilderness—is a major draw for Minnesota residents.

**Services Offered**

As a designated BWCA Campsite, #1247 operates on the principle of minimal, primitive infrastructure to preserve the surrounding wilderness. The limited services are standardized across all 2,000+ sites within the wilderness area.

Services at BWCA Campsite #1247 include:

• **Fire Grate**: A single, permanent, metal **fire grate** is installed at the site for safe, contained campfires and cooking.
• **Wilderness Latrine**: A small, basic **wilderness latrine** (pit toilet) is maintained a short distance from the main camp area for sanitary waste disposal.
• **Established Tent Pads**: The site provides clear, designated, and relatively level areas for pitching tents, helping campers avoid impacting sensitive vegetation.
• **Canoe Landing**: A designated shoreline area is available for pulling up and securing canoes, kayaks, or smaller motorboats (within the allowed areas of Fall Lake).
• **Permits Required**: Entry and overnight stays are strictly managed by the BWCA **Quota Permit System** (May 1 - Sept 30), which must be reserved in advance.
• **Water Sourcing**: Water must be drawn from Fall Lake and **filtered, boiled, or chemically treated** before consumption, as there is no potable water on site.
• **Leave No Trace**: All garbage, food scraps, and refuse must be **packed out** by the visitors; no trash cans or disposal services are provided.
• **Maximum Group Size**: The size limit is enforced at a maximum of **nine people and four watercraft** per traveling group.

**Features and Highlights**

Campsite #1247 is one of eight sites on Fall Lake, each offering unique views and direct engagement with the Superior National Forest environment. The highlight of camping on Fall Lake is the combination of its historical significance and recreational wealth.

Key features and highlights include:

• **Excellent Walleye Fishing**: Fall Lake is renowned for its **walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass** fishing, providing excellent angling opportunities right from your campsite.
• **Motorized Access Advantage**: The allowance of motors (up to 25 HP) on Fall Lake makes transporting heavy gear, especially for short, early-season trips, significantly easier than in the paddle-only zones.
• **Gateway to Basswood Lake**: The site’s location provides easy access to the portages leading into the heart of the BWCAW, including **Newton Lake** and the historic **Four Mile Portage** to Basswood Lake, perfect for day or extended trips.
• **Historical Context**: Fall Lake has a rich logging history, with remnants like the old pier at the Four Mile Portage landing serving as reminders of the area's past.
• **Proximity to Amenities**: Being close to the Fall Lake entry point means easy access to nearby outfitters in Ely for gear rental, resupply, or emergency services, offering a comforting buffer for first-time or short-trip wilderness campers.
• **Wildlife Viewing**: The area is rich with the iconic fauna of the North Woods, with sightings of **Loons, Bald Eagles, and Mink** frequently reported, enhancing the feeling of a true wilderness getaway.
• **Beautiful Forest Setting**: The site is nestled among the majestic **pine, aspen, and fir trees** characteristic of the North Woods, providing a beautiful canopy and natural shelter.

**Contact Information**

Direct contact for BWCA Campsite #1247 is not available. All inquiries, particularly regarding permits, regulations, and area conditions, must be directed to the U.S. Forest Service.

Address: Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA (Located on Fall Lake, accessed via BWCA Entry Point 24)

Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest): (218) 365-7600

Permit Reservations: Recreation.gov (Search BWCA Quota Permits)

**What is Worth Choosing BWCA Campsite #1247**

Choosing a BWCA campsite on Fall Lake, such as **#1247**, is an excellent strategic move for Minnesotans seeking a high-quality wilderness experience with a crucial element of convenience. It is worth choosing for several key reasons. Firstly, the **motorized access** on Fall Lake drastically cuts down on initial paddling time and effort, making it ideal for families, anglers focused purely on fishing, or those taking a shorter trip who want to maximize their time spent at the camp itself rather than portaging. This convenience, however, does not sacrifice the true wilderness feel, as the site still adheres to all primitive BWCA rules.

Secondly, Fall Lake's reputation for **superb fishing** (especially for walleye) is a major draw, providing a genuine sense of self-sufficiency for those who enjoy catching their own dinner. Finally, the site serves as a perfect stepping stone. It allows newcomers to the BWCA to ease into the experience with the safety of nearby modern amenities at the entry point while giving seasoned paddlers a quick jump-off point for multi-day trips deeper into the non-motorized zones like Newton and Basswood Lakes. If you want the authentic BWCA experience—seclusion, natural beauty, and campfire meals—without the strenuous multi-portage trek, Campsite #1247 on Fall Lake truly delivers on the promise of "Best camping anywhere in the world."