BWCA Campsite #1249

**Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #1249 on Fall Lake**

For Minnesotans and dedicated North Woods enthusiasts, **BWCA Campsite #1249** offers a valuable opportunity to experience the pristine nature of the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)** with the convenience of a highly accessible entry lake. Located on the shores of **Fall Lake**, near the wilderness hub of **Ely, MN**, this site is one of the limited, designated primitive campsites managed by the Superior National Forest. It provides a true "wilderness camping" experience—meaning no modern amenities, but maximum natural beauty and seclusion—right at the edge of the deeper, paddle-only zones.

Campsites on Fall Lake are highly sought after because they balance the ease of entry via the motorized-allowed portion of the lake with immediate access to the famed portages leading into the heart of the BWCAW, including **Newton** and **Basswood Lakes**. Unlike the large, full-amenity Fall Lake Campground nearby, Campsite #1249 is a designated BWCA site, meaning it adheres to the strict wilderness rules: maximum solitude, minimal impact infrastructure, and the required **BWCA Quota Permit**. Its location makes it a perfect basecamp for anglers and day-paddlers who appreciate being able to reach their destination relatively quickly before venturing further into the backcountry.

**Location and Accessibility**

BWCA Campsite #1249 is situated on the shoreline of **Fall Lake**, specifically located within the vast **Superior National Forest**, near **Fall Lake Township, MN 55731**. This area is served by **BWCA Entry Point 24 (EP 24)**.

To reach the area, visitors travel the forest roads east of Ely to the Fall Lake entry point. This location is unique because Fall Lake is one of the few lakes where **motorized boats** (up to 25 HP) are permitted. This allows for an easier, faster journey to your selected campsite on the lake compared to the demanding, multi-portage trips required for deep-wilderness sites. Access to the campsite itself is strictly by watercraft—canoe, kayak, or small motorboat—as it is a boat-in only location. From Fall Lake, one can easily paddle toward the northern portages, such as the 40-rod carry into Newton Lake, which leads directly to the massive **Basswood Lake**. This accessibility makes Fall Lake campsites an ideal choice for both experienced wilderness travelers and those seeking a first taste of the Boundary Waters experience.

**Services Offered**

As an official BWCA Wilderness campsite, Campsite #1249 is classified as primitive. Services are limited to the minimal structures necessary to protect the environment and adhere to the strict **Leave No Trace (LNT)** guidelines.

Services at this primitive BWCA site include:

• **Fire Grate**: A single, established **metal fire grate** for contained campfires and cooking.
• **Wilderness Latrine**: A secluded, designated **wilderness latrine** (pit toilet) located away from the main camp area and water sources for sanitary human waste disposal.
• **Tent Pads/Areas**: Established, relatively flat ground areas suitable for pitching tents, minimizing impact on natural vegetation.
• **Canoe Landing**: A designated shoreline spot for pulling up and securing watercraft.
• **No Potable Water**: Campers must collect water directly from Fall Lake and **filter, boil, or chemically treat** it before drinking or cooking.
• **Strict Permit Requirement**: An official **BWCA Quota Permit** is required for overnight use, ensuring adherence to the limited capacity of the area.
• **Pack In, Pack Out Policy**: Visitors are required to **pack out all trash and refuse**; no garbage collection facilities are available.
• **Bear Safety**: Ample trees are available for performing a proper **bear hang** to store food and scented items safely away from the camp area.

**Features and Highlights**

The features that distinguish Campsite #1249 are intrinsically linked to its prime location on Fall Lake—a convergence of ease of access and genuine wilderness opportunities.

Key features and highlights include:

• **Exceptional Walleye and Bass Fishing**: Fall Lake is highly regarded in Minnesota for its **walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie** fishing, providing excellent angling right near the campsite.
• **Gateway to Deeper Wilderness**: The campsite offers the quickest portage access to both **Newton Lake** and the famous **Four Mile Portage** leading into Basswood Lake, making it a perfect launchpad for extensive BWCA expeditions.
• **Motorized Access Option**: The allowance of motors (up to 25 HP) on Fall Lake is a significant highlight, reducing paddling time and effort, especially valuable for large groups or those with heavy gear.
• **Proximity to Resources**: Unlike deep wilderness sites, this location is a short boat ride from the modern **Fall Lake Campground** (and its amenities like showers/flush toilets) and the outfitters in nearby Ely, providing a reassuring safety net.
• **Secluded Shoreline Camping**: Despite being on an entry lake, these sites offer the private, secluded feel of a BWCA campsite, nestled among the majestic **pine, aspen, and fir** trees of the North Woods.
• **Superb Wildlife Viewing**: The area is rich with the iconic fauna of the North Woods, including frequent sightings of **Loons, Bald Eagles, and various waterfowl**, enhancing the remote feeling.
• **Perfect Basecamp**: Its location allows groups to set up a comfortable basecamp and launch various day trips—paddling, fishing, and exploring the nearby Kawishiwi Falls Trail—without needing to break down and set up camp every day.

**Contact Information**

As a designated wilderness site, Campsite #1249 has no direct, on-site contact. All necessary information, including reservations and regulations, is managed through 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 #1249**

For Minnesotans, choosing a BWCA campsite on Fall Lake, such as **#1249**, is a decision to embrace the purest form of the North Woods while mitigating the most physically demanding aspects of BWCA entry. It is worth choosing because it offers the **ideal balance** between accessibility and wilderness solitude. The option for **motorized travel** on Fall Lake allows groups to quickly reach their primitive campsite and dedicate their precious time to fishing, relaxing, and exploring, rather than arduous paddling.

This site is a fantastic fit for **serious anglers** who prioritize fishing time on a highly productive lake, **families** easing into the primitive camping experience, and **expedition groups** needing a fast, efficient launch point toward the larger Basswood Lake wilderness. The combination of easy entry, excellent fishing, proximity to emergency resources, and the authentic, isolated feel of a true BWCA site makes Campsite #1249 one of the most practical and enjoyable choices on the eastern edge of the Boundary Waters. It truly delivers on the promise of "Fun, fun, fun. Best camping anywhere in the world." by cutting down on the chore and maximizing the reward.