BWCA Campsite #997

🛶 **Introduction / Overview**

The **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)** is a national treasure and the quintessential Minnesota wilderness experience. This vast region of interconnected lakes and pristine boreal forests demands self-reliance and adherence to strict 'Leave No Trace' principles, offering a profoundly rewarding escape from modern life.

**BWCA Campsite #997** is a highly sought-after, designated primitive campsite located not on Lake One, but a few portages deeper into the wilderness on **Lake Three**. Lake Three is a central part of the famous "numbered chain" of lakes (Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Three, Lake Four), all of which are accessed primarily via **Entry Point #30 (Lake One)** near Ely, Minnesota. This site is known among experienced BWCA travelers for being **exceptionally large and open**, making it particularly suitable for the maximum allowed group size of nine people.

Its location on Lake Three means that groups must complete the initial paddle across Lake One and the short portages leading into Lake Two and then on to Lake Three. This effort is often immediately rewarded by securing a site that is often described in reviews as having great views, a distinct kitchen area, and ample space for multiple tents—a luxury in the often compact world of BWCA campsites. Campsite #997 serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the heart of the numbered chain and venturing further east into the deeper wilderness.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

While the administrative designation is broadly linked to the wilderness area near **Lake No. 1, MN, USA**, Campsite #997 is specifically located on **Lake Three**, requiring a dedicated paddle-and-portage journey to reach it.

Accessibility details for this popular inland site:

• **Entry Point:** The route begins at **Entry Point #30 (Lake One)**, accessible by vehicle via paved roads (Fernberg Road) from Ely, Minnesota.
• **Canoe Travel Required:** This is a strictly paddle-only route, as Lake One and the subsequent numbered lakes prohibit motors (May 1 - September 30).
• **The Journey:** Reaching Lake Three typically involves:
  • Paddling across the various sections of Lake One.
  • A portage (approximately 40 rods) from Lake One into Lake Two.
  • A subsequent, often short, portage (approximately 30 rods) from Lake Two into Lake Three.
• **Distance:** Campsite #997 is usually secured after a full morning or early afternoon of dedicated paddling and portaging, making it a viable target for the first night, but requiring an early start.
• **Permit Requirement:** All overnight visitors must secure an **Overnight Paddle Quota Permit** for **Entry Point #30 - Lake One** via Recreation.gov.

The site's relative depth in the chain offers a greater sense of wilderness than the entry point lakes, yet it remains relatively easy to access compared to the most remote corners of the BWCA.

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🛠️ **Services Offered**

BWCA Campsite #997 adheres to the primitive, undeveloped standards of the U.S. Forest Service. Services are minimal and intended solely for resource protection, requiring all groups to be completely self-reliant:

• **Designated Tent Pads:** Multiple large, leveled clearings capable of accommodating several tents, making it suitable for larger groups (up to the maximum of nine people).
• **Steel Fire Grate:** A permanent, centralized metal fire ring provided for legal and safe campfires, essential for cooking and warmth (always check for current fire bans).
• **Wilderness Latrine:** A simple, box-style latrine located a required distance from the main camp area and water source for sanitary human waste disposal.
• **Lake Water Access:** Direct shoreline access to Lake Three for obtaining water, which **must be purified** (boiled, filtered, or treated) before drinking or using for food preparation.

Visitors must strictly follow the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" rule for all waste. No modern amenities such as electricity, potable water taps, cellular service (which is often limited or non-existent), or permanent shelters are available.

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✨ **Features / Highlights**

Campsite #997 is a favorite among BWCA users traveling the numbered chain, offering distinct advantages that enhance the wilderness experience:

• **Ideal for Large Groups:** The campsite is frequently described as "huge," "large," and having "plenty of room." Its expansive nature makes it one of the best choices for groups approaching the 9-person maximum size.
• **Great Kitchen/Fire Grate View:** Customer reviews often highlight the distinct kitchen area, sometimes positioned slightly up a hill, which provides **excellent, elevated views** of Lake Three, ideal for watching sunrises and sunsets.
• **Easy Food Hanging:** The site is known to have trees perfectly suited for hanging food packs well away from the sleeping area, a critical element of bear safety in the BWCA.
• **Central Hub Location:** Situated on Lake Three, it serves as an excellent central basecamp. Groups can easily take day trips into the surrounding lakes (Two, Four) or portage deeper toward areas like Insula and Alice Lakes.
• **Strong Boreal Forest Setting:** The site is surrounded by the classic beauty of the North Woods, including majestic pines and various tree species, with some areas showing signs of forest regeneration following past fires, which can create open vistas.
• **Good Fishing Access:** Lake Three, and the connection to Lake Four, is well-regarded for its fishing, particularly for **Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass**, offering excellent shore- or canoe-fishing opportunities near the site.

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📞 **Contact Information**

As a specific, undeveloped point within the BWCA wilderness, all official administration, permits, and regulation inquiries for Campsite #997 are handled by the U.S. Forest Service.

• **Official Campsite Location (Administrative):** Lake No. 1, MN, USA (Governed via Entry Point #30)
• **Managing Authority:** USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District (near Ely).
• **Permit Reservations:** All Quota Permits (May 1 – September 30) must be reserved for **Entry Point #30** through the National Recreation Reservation Service via **Recreation.gov**.
• **Kawishiwi Ranger Station Phone (Ely Area):** (218) 365-7600 (Highly recommended for checking entry regulations, fire bans, and issuing permits).

Prospective groups are strongly advised to consult with an Ely outfitter for detailed route maps and logistics before heading to Lake Three.

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing BWCA Campsite #997**

For Minnesota residents planning a traditional canoe expedition into the BWCA, Campsite #997 on Lake Three is a stellar choice, especially for larger groups or those prioritizing comfort and convenience in their basecamp. It is worth choosing for these distinct advantages:

• **Exceptional Space for Large Groups:** If your group size is nearing the nine-person limit, this campsite's renowned size and multiple tent pad options make it one of the most practical choices on the entire Numbered Chain.
• **High-Quality First-Night Goal:** It's an ambitious but achievable destination for a first day, placing you deep enough into the wilderness to escape the immediate entry-point traffic, yet close enough for a confident start.
• **Stunning Views and Elevated Camp:** The frequently mentioned elevated kitchen area provides better aesthetics and ventilation than many low-lying sites, significantly enhancing the quality of your stay.
• **Central Access to Routes:** Its position on Lake Three allows for unparalleled flexibility, facilitating easy day trips or serving as the perfect transition point before committing to the longer portages toward Insula Lake or the challenging routes to the north.

Choose Campsite #997 if you are planning a longer trip with a moderate-to-large group and want a spacious, beautiful, and strategically located basecamp on the classic BWCA route.