BWCA Campsite #995

🛶 **An Oasis on the Waterway: Introducing BWCA Campsite #995**

For Minnesota adventurers seeking a basecamp that blends accessibility with classic Northwoods ruggedness, **BWCA Campsite #995** on Lake No. 1 provides an excellent starting point for a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) trip. Located near the entry hub of Ely, MN, Lake No. 1 is the first in the famous "Number Chain" of lakes (Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Three, and Lake Four) that forms a popular, relatively easy entry into this million-acre sanctuary within the Superior National Forest.

Campsite #995, like all designated BWCA sites, offers a primitive, first-come, first-served experience, meaning you must be self-sufficient and fully commit to the Leave No Trace ethic. However, sites on the Number Chain are well-regarded for being frequently maintained and often possessing superior natural features due to high demand. Customer reviews highlight that Campsite #995 is particularly noted for its natural geological features, providing unique comfort and scenic opportunity that elevate the traditional canoe camping experience.

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🗺️ **Location and Accessibility: The Gateway Experience**

BWCA Campsite #995 is located on Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA, a large lake that acts as Entry Point #30 into the BWCAW. This entry is one of the most popular starting points in the entire wilderness, meaning access is straightforward compared to deeper, more remote entry points, yet still strictly regulated.

Accessing the campsite requires:

• Permit: Securing a mandatory overnight quota permit for Entry Point #30 (Lake One) through the Recreation.gov system for the period of May 1 to September 30.
• Paddling: The site is accessible only by non-motorized canoe or kayak from the official Lake One landing. Being on Lake No. 1, this site can typically be reached within a day of paddling from the entry point, though the precise location determines the distance.
• Portaging (Minimal to Reach Site): While Lake One itself is a large, paddle-friendly lake, visitors must be ready for the short but frequently used portages leading into Lake Two and beyond, should they wish to explore further on a day trip. Campsite #995's location on Lake No. 1 makes it an excellent choice for groups who prefer minimal portaging on their entry and exit days.

The location on Lake No. 1 ensures high scenic value—rocky islands, clear water, and towering pines—while being close enough to outfitters in Ely to make pre- and post-trip logistics simple for Minnesota residents.

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🛠️ **Services Offered (Committed Wilderness Standards)**

As a designated BWCA campsite within a National Wilderness Preservation System, Campsite #995 offers essential, primitive services designed to minimize impact and preserve the area's wild character. Campers must be fully self-reliant for food, water, and shelter.

• Designated Camp Area: The official site is marked with a numbered sign (likely near the latrine) where all camping activities must be contained. Only one group is permitted per site.
• Steel Fire Grate: A heavy-duty, permanent fire grate is provided for safe campfires and cooking. All fires must be built within this metal ring.
• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A primitive, open-air pit toilet is provided for the disposal of human waste, located a short distance from the main camp and water's edge.
• Cleared Tent Pads: The area typically includes a few relatively flat, cleared spots for pitching tents, helping campers comply with the rule of camping 100 feet from the water and trails.
• Lake Water Access: Direct shoreline access for canoe landing and gathering water. It is imperative that all lake water be purified, filtered, or boiled before consumption.
• Pack-In, Pack-Out Rule: There are no trash disposal facilities. All garbage, including food waste and packaging, must be carried out of the wilderness area. Cans and glass bottles are prohibited in the BWCAW.

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⭐ **Features and Highlights: The Appeal of Campsite #995**

Campsite #995 has earned its positive reputation among BWCA trippers for specific, desirable natural features:

• Excellent Rock Cropping: A key highlight noted by visitors is the presence of a "great rock cropping." These large, exposed granite shelves are perfect for safely setting up a camp kitchen, relaxing in the sun, laying out gear, and enjoying panoramic views of Lake No. 1.
• Hammock-Friendly Trees: Reviews specifically mention "Good areas for... hammocks." This feature is highly valued for comfort and relaxation, offering great spots to read or nap under the protection of the boreal forest canopy.
• Great Views and Solitude: Due to the geology and common placement of sites on points, #995 likely offers great views of the lake, maximizing the beautiful scenery for your group.
• Easy Access to Walleye Fishing: Lake One and the entire Number Chain are known for productive fishing, especially for Walleye and Northern Pike. This campsite serves as an ideal base for daily fishing excursions into the surrounding bays and deep waters.
• Basecamp Potential: Being on Lake No. 1, the site is perfectly situated for groups who want to set up a comfortable basecamp and take short, gear-free day trips into Lake Two, Lake Three, and beyond, minimizing the hassle of packing up every morning.
• Designated Dark Sky Sanctuary: Like the entire BWCAW, this site offers minimal light pollution, treating campers to spectacular celestial shows, including clear views of the Milky Way and potential Aurora activity.

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☎️ **Contact Information and Essential Permits**

Since Campsite #995 is an exact spot within a federal wilderness area, direct contact is funneled through the managing body and the central reservation system.

General Campsite Location: Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA (Wilderness Interior)

Managing Authority: U.S. Forest Service – Superior National Forest (Kawishiwi Ranger District)

Essential Permit System:

• Quota Permit Reservations (Required May 1 – September 30): All overnight permits for Entry Point #30 (Lake One) must be reserved via the Recreation.gov website or its dedicated phone line.
• Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)
• Kawishiwi Ranger Station (Ely Area): (218) 365-7600 (For current conditions, fire bans, and permit questions)

Planning Note: Permits must be picked up in person from an authorized issuing station prior to entering the wilderness. Only the permit holder or an alternate listed on the reservation can do the pickup.

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing BWCA Campsite #995**

For Minnesotans, choosing BWCA Campsite #995 on Lake No. 1 is choosing a best-in-class introductory or intermediate wilderness experience. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

It provides the perfect combination of relatively easy access and high-quality amenities (by BWCA standards). The presence of flat ground for tents and, critically, the large rock cropping for cooking and lounging elevate the comfort level, making it ideal for first-time BWCA trippers or groups with younger children.

This site allows you to fully engage with the wilderness without committing to several days of challenging portages just to reach basecamp. You get immediate access to great paddling and fishing, all while camping at a site known for its scenic beauty and hammock-ready relaxation. It offers the genuine solitude of the BWCA without the logistics of the most remote routes.