BWCA Campsite #1918

**Introduction / Overview: Seclusion on Isabella Lake's Largest Island**

For Minnesotans dedicated to the challenge and solitude of the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)**, **BWCA Campsite #1918** presents a compelling destination. This primitive, designated campsite is located on the largest island within **Isabella Lake**, a sizeable body of water in the eastern section of the BWCA, administered by the U.S. Forest Service out of the Superior National Forest.

Isabella Lake is noted for its wide-open waters, which can make for challenging paddling in high winds, but also offer expansive views and excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for northern pike and walleye. Campsite #1918 is one of two sites located on the south end of this large island, immediately setting it apart by offering the natural perimeter and water-based seclusion that island camping provides.

While specific recent customer reviews for this exact site are less common, its location suggests it benefits from the characteristics of island sites: natural breezes to deter insects, panoramic views, and inherent privacy. It is situated away from the high-traffic entry points, demanding a commitment to paddling and portaging, which rewards visitors with the deep wilderness solitude that the BWCA is renowned for. This campsite serves as an ideal base for groups or individuals planning extended stays or aiming to explore the scenic **Isabella River** and the extensive network of lakes it connects to.

**Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Superior National Forest**

BWCA Campsite #1918 is officially located on **Isabella Lake**, situated within the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness** near the town of **Ely, MN**.

The site's general administrative area is: **Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA**.

**Accessibility:**

• **Canoe Access Only:** Like all designated BWCA campsites, access is exclusively by canoe or kayak.
• **Entry Point:** The most direct access is via **Entry Point #35 (Isabella Lake)**, located at the end of the Fernberg Road near the former site of the logging town, Forest Center. This is a popular, yet remote, entry point.
• **The Paddle:** From Entry Point #35, visitors must paddle the length of Isabella Lake to reach the largest island, located in the northern half of the lake. Due to the lake's open nature, this paddle can be strenuous and requires careful attention to wind direction and waves.
• **Island Location:** Campsite #1918 is situated on the east side of the south end of Isabella Lake's largest island, providing a distinct advantage in terms of seclusion and potentially a break from the prevalent westerly winds.
• **Proximity to Key Features:** The site is strategically positioned near the outflow of the **Isabella River**, a significant waterway for connecting to other parts of the BWCA, such as Bald Eagle Lake to the west.

An approved BWCA wilderness permit for Entry Point #35 is required for all overnight use during the quota season (May 1 - September 30).

**Services Offered**

BWCA Campsite #1918 adheres to the primitive camping standards set by the U.S. Forest Service, focusing on essential facilities to protect the ecosystem and promote Leave No Trace principles.

**Campsite-Specific Services (Primitive):**

• **Designated Tent Pads:** The site features several cleared, relatively flat areas intended for pitching tents. While the exact number varies by site condition, all BWCA campsites are designed to accommodate a single group (up to 9 people).
• **Steel Fire Grate:** A permanent, designated fire ring with a steel cooking grate for safely building campfires.
• **Wilderness Latrine:** A rustic, open-air toilet facility (thunderbox) situated a safe distance from the campsite and the lake, designed to manage human waste hygienically.
• **Natural Canoe Landing:** A designated shoreline area for landing and securing watercraft. On a large lake like Isabella, the quality of the landing is highly dependent on recent water levels and the specific shoreline geology (typically rock or gravel).
• **Water Source:** Water is sourced directly from Isabella Lake and must be **filtered, purified, or boiled** for drinking and cooking purposes.

**BWCA Wilderness-Wide Requirements & Notes:**

• **First-Come, First-Served:** Campsites are available to the first permitted group that arrives.
• **No Garbage Collection:** All waste must be packed out; the principle is "Pack it In, Pack it Out."
• **Food Storage:** Mandatory use of bear-resistant containers or proper bear-hanging techniques (200 feet away from tents).

**Features / Highlights**

The features of Campsite #1918 are defined by its unique island setting, offering specific advantages over mainland sites.

• **Exceptional Island Privacy:** Located on a large island with only one other campsite nearby (#1917), this site provides an excellent degree of seclusion and minimizes noise/traffic from other paddlers.
• **Natural Wind Barrier:** Island sites are often breezy, which can be a significant benefit in the summer by naturally deterring insects and providing relief from warm temperatures. However, it requires proper tent setup to manage wind exposure.
• **Expansive Lake Views:** Being situated on an island point offers panoramic vistas of the large, open Isabella Lake, perfect for enjoying sunrises, sunsets, and watching the unique BWCA wildlife, such as loons and eagles.
• **Strategic Exploration Hub:** The site’s location on Isabella Lake connects it to two major routes: the **Perent River** (flowing in from the east) and the **Isabella River** (flowing out to the west toward Bald Eagle Lake). This makes it a perfect central base for day trips or longer through-routes.
• **Good Fishing Access:** Isabella Lake is known for its size and its populations of Northern Pike and Walleye, providing excellent fishing right from the camp's shoreline rocks or a short paddle away.
• **Remote Feeling:** Reaching Isabella Lake requires a dedicated paddle from the entry point, ensuring that visitors are committed to a true, deep-wilderness experience, far from the sounds of civilization.

This combination of isolation and access makes #1918 a highly desirable stop for the experienced Minnesota canoeist.

**Contact Information**

For administrative questions and permit information, all communication should be directed to the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District managing the Isabella Lake area.

**Permit and Information Contact (Kawishiwi Ranger District):**

1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

**Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District - Superior National Forest):**

(218) 365-7600

**Reservations/Permits:**

Overnight BWCA permits are mandatory during the quota season (May 1 - September 30) and must be reserved in advance via the U.S. Forest Service through Recreation.gov. The required access point is **Entry Point #35 (Isabella Lake)**.

**What is Worth Choosing: The Reward of Deep Wilderness Island Camping**

Choosing BWCA Campsite #1918 is choosing the unparalleled experience of island camping in one of Minnesota's most significant wilderness areas.

**This campsite is an excellent choice for local users because:**

• **Maximum Seclusion and Privacy:** Being one of only two sites on the largest island offers a level of separation from the mainland and the flow of paddlers that is hard to achieve elsewhere, making it ideal for deep reflection and quiet enjoyment.
• **A Natural Bug Buffer:** The island's exposure to natural breezes is a huge, practical advantage during the summer, reducing the insect presence compared to sheltered shoreline sites.
• **Central Hub for Exploration:** Its position in the heart of Isabella Lake makes it an ideal base camp. Paddlers can easily spend several layover days here, launching day trips to fish, explore the Isabella River, or commit to the next series of portages to continue their journey.
• **Unspoiled Views:** The island's geography guarantees wide-open views of Isabella Lake, offering a truly cinematic setting for watching the weather change or observing the stars far from light pollution.

BWCA Campsite #1918 is a classic, rewarding island site that embodies the primitive beauty and quiet isolation that Minnesotans seek in the Boundary Waters.