BWCA Campsite #1379

**BWCA Campsite #1379: The Hidden Gem of Disappointment Lake**

For seasoned Minnesota paddlers and those seeking the deep quiet of the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)**, the name "Disappointment Lake" might suggest a poor outcome, but its campsites—especially **BWCA Campsite #1379**—consistently deliver the opposite of their namesake. Located within the heart of the million-acre wilderness in the **Superior National Forest**, this designated campsite on the east side of Disappointment Lake is frequently praised as an exceptional spot for base camping, known for its superb amenities within the strictly primitive BWCA framework.

Campsite #1379 embodies the quintessential Minnesota Northwoods experience: a perfect blend of rugged accessibility and surprising comfort. It’s an essential destination for groups permitted for the BWCA (up to nine people and four watercraft) who plan on staying in one location for several days to explore the surrounding area, fish, and relax. Its reputation among users stems from its **unique geography**—a prominent rock outcropping that provides stunning sunset views and a naturally sheltered feel. As one visitor noted, this site is "tucked in a more private area of the lake," shielded from the primary canoe traffic by a nearby island, thereby enhancing the sense of solitude so highly valued in the BWCA. Reaching this site requires effort, proper gear, and an appreciation for the *Leave No Trace* ethic, making the reward of a pristine campsite all the more satisfying for local adventurers.

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**Location and Accessibility**

Campsite #1379 is situated on the eastern shoreline of **Disappointment Lake** in the central-northern section of the BWCA, north of Ely, MN. The address, **XMJ3+GR, Ely, MN 55731, USA**, is a general geographic code (plus code) that confirms its location deep in the wilderness, approximately 10 miles northeast of the city of Ely.

* **Primary Access Point:** The most common way to reach Disappointment Lake is via **Entry Point #27, Snowbank Lake**. This route involves paddling across the large, often wind-swept Snowbank Lake and then taking a major portage—either the 140-rod direct portage or a slightly longer route through Parent Lake—to reach the south end of Disappointment Lake. * **The Journey:** From the portage entry on Disappointment, Campsite #1379 requires a paddle north, roughly toward the middle of the lake, located on a point just west of a small, nearby island. * **Canoe Landing:** The site often features **two landing spots**—one noted for being a nice, shallow beach with fine gravel, and another, sometimes a rock "pier" or natural rock landing, which provides flexible options regardless of wind direction. * **Navigation:** As with all BWCA travel, the journey requires preparedness, detailed maps (McKenzie #9 and Fisher F-11 are relevant), and wilderness navigation skills, as cell phone service is non-existent.

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**Services Offered**

As a designated BWCA wilderness campsite, #1379 offers the standard, minimal facilities mandated by the U.S. Forest Service to ensure the area remains pristine. These services are rustic, requiring campers to bring all necessary equipment for self-sufficient camping.

Standard services and mandatory features at Campsite #1379 include:

• **Designated Fire Grate:** A heavy-duty steel fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting).
• **Wilderness Latrine:** A small, shovel-pit or box latrine is located discreetly away from the tent pads and water, ensuring sanitary waste disposal.
• **Tent Pads:** The site is highly rated for its **ample space** and number of tent pads, generally accommodating **3-4 small-to-medium-sized tents** comfortably, making it excellent for permitted groups up to nine people.
• **Food Storage:** Campers must use proper food storage techniques, either utilizing available trees for hanging food packs (bear bags) or bringing bear-resistant food containers (BRCs).
• **Water Source:** Water is drawn directly from **Disappointment Lake**. It is **non-potable** and must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before drinking.
• **First-Come, First-Served:** Campsites are never reserved; they are secured on a **first-come, first-served** basis upon arrival.

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**Features / Highlights**

Campsite #1379 is often rated as one of the best on Disappointment Lake due to specific natural features that maximize comfort, views, and privacy—qualities highly valued by Minnesota canoe campers.

Key highlights and features that make this site a favorite:

• **Spectacular Rock Outcropping:** The site features a large, flat, scenic **rock outcropping on a point**, described as a "rocky porch." This is an ideal, bug-free spot for cooking, drying gear, fishing, and, most notably, watching the **sunset** over the lake.
• **Excellent Privacy:** The site's location, partially shielded by a nearby island, naturally deflects passing canoe traffic to the other side of the lake, creating a great sense of **seclusion and privacy**.
• **Hammock Friendly Trees:** Users specifically mention the presence of **decent trees** suitable for hanging hammocks and tarps, which is a major bonus for comfortable wilderness relaxation and dining fly setup.
• **Prime Fishing Access:** Disappointment Lake is well-known for good fishing, particularly for **Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass**. The rock point at the campsite provides a convenient, shore-side spot to fish.
• **Spacious Campsite:** Consistently rated as spacious, the site offers plenty of room to spread out, store canoes, and keep kitchen/fire areas separate from sleeping tents, a crucial factor in the BWCA.
• **Access to Hiking Trails:** A spur of the **Old Pines Trail** is known to connect near Disappointment Lake, providing an option for a wilderness hike up toward Disappointment Mountain.

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**Contact Information**

Since BWCA Campsite #1379 is a primitive wilderness site, there is no direct contact number. All management, permits, and regulatory information are handled by the **U.S. Forest Service** through the **Superior National Forest** and its authorized co-operators (Outfitters).

Primary Contact Details (Superior National Forest / BWCA Permits):

• Address (Relevant District Office - Kawishiwi): 9930 Highway 88, Ely, MN 55731 (Closest Ranger District for this area)
• Phone (Superior National Forest Headquarters): (218) 626-4300
• Permit Reservations: Reservations for the mandatory quota permit (Entry Point #27, Snowbank Lake) are made through **Recreation.gov**.
• Local Resources: It is highly recommended to contact an outfitter in **Ely, MN** (e.g., Williams & Hall, Boundary Waters Outfitters) for the most current route conditions, map purchases, and gear rental/outfitting advice.

Note: Remember that a reservation secures your *entry* date and *entry point*, not this specific campsite. Securing Campsite #1379 relies solely on getting there before any other group.

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**What is Worth Choosing: Base Camp Excellence and Scenery**

BWCA Campsite #1379 is exceptionally worth choosing for Minnesotans and dedicated canoeists who desire a **premium base camping location** with superior aesthetics and maximum group functionality. What truly elevates this site above many others is its blend of **natural comfort and seclusion**.

The core value lies in the site's unique, natural architecture: the combination of multiple tent pads, ample space, and the defining **rock outcropping** over the water. This rock feature acts as a natural living room—a central, high-ground area that keeps campers out of the damp, buggy woods, allowing for spectacular, unobstructed views of the lake and those renowned BWCA sunsets. Reviewers consistently highlight the rock point as the best feature, offering a high-quality leisure space that few other campsites can match.

Furthermore, its location on Disappointment Lake is strategically excellent. The lake is large enough to offer great fishing and plenty of exploration opportunities (including the option to portage to nearby lakes like Snowbank or Ahsub), yet the site itself feels highly private due to the visual barrier of the nearby island. For those planning a longer stay to maximize fishing or hiking days rather than moving camp daily, **Campsite #1379 provides the stability, comfort, and scenery necessary to make the long paddle and portages well worth the effort**. It is the kind of campsite that makes the challenging journey into the wilderness feel like arriving at a true, peaceful haven. Don't let the lake's name fool you; this site is anything but a disappointment.