Entry Point 24

The Premier Gateway to the Boundary Waters: Fall Lake Campground and Entry Point 24

For Minnesotans and seasoned adventurers looking to explore the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), the area surrounding Entry Point 24 (Fall Lake) offers arguably the most comfortable and convenient start to a wilderness expedition. Unlike many other remote, rugged entry points, this location functions as a full-service hub, providing the crucial transition from civilization to the deep Northwoods. It is a dual destination, comprising the essential BWCA Entry Point 24 landing and the adjacent, amenity-rich Fall Lake Campground, both managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Superior National Forest near Ely.

This is the "deluxe" entry point—a place where you can enjoy the final comforts of a spacious, well-maintained campground before you truly plunge into the rugged isolation of the BWCAW. It’s an ideal spot for first-timers, families, or anyone who appreciates a clean, well-run base camp. As noted by one local reviewer, it's the place to get "one last shred of human existence" before paddling off into the million acres of protected wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Entry Point 24 and the adjacent Fall Lake Campground are strategically located just a short, easy drive from the heart of Ely, Minnesota—the recognized gateway town to the Boundary Waters.

• Official Address: Fall Lk Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA (The nearest administrative address for the entire area). The Campground itself is located at 14197 Fall Lake Campground Road, Ely, MN 55731.
• Driving Directions: From Ely, travelers head east on Highway 169 N (Fernberg Trail) for about 6.1 miles, then turn onto Fall Lake Road (County Highway 6) for approximately 1.2 miles to reach the facility.
• BWCA Access: Entry Point 24 provides direct access via a boat landing onto Fall Lake, which is a rare BWCA entry point that allows both overnight paddle and motor use (with a 25 h.p. maximum restriction on motors).
• Trip Opportunities: Fall Lake serves as a major hub for numerous canoe and motor routes into the BWCAW, leading to renowned destinations like Newton Lake, Basswood Lake, and Mud Lake. Paddlers can take a 40-rod portage to Newton Lake, or tackle the longer, challenging Four Mile Portage to reach other routes towards Basswood Lake.
• Parking: The area features a "spacious parking area with extra long spots," which is particularly convenient for visitors with canoe trailers or larger vehicles, minimizing pre-launch logistics stress.

Services Offered (Fall Lake Campground)

The services available here are split between the basic entry point amenities and the comprehensive amenities provided by the adjacent U.S. Forest Service-run Fall Lake Campground.

• Sanitation and Comfort: The campground boasts a highly praised amenity: "very clean restrooms with hot showers." This is a significant comfort for both pre-trip staging and, notably, as a re-entry point where "shower time can be purchased" upon exiting the BWCAW.
• Campsite Hookups: The campground offers a total of 64 sites, many of which are reservable, and include numerous sites with electric hookups (30 and 50 amp available) to accommodate RVs and trailers.
• Entry Point Amenities (EP 24): The launch area itself features a dedicated "easy unload area," a "convenient dock," a large boat ramp for motorized access, and an onsite latrine for final preparations.
• On-Site Concessionaire/Store: A store is located at the facility, selling basic supplies, ice, firewood, and offering canoe rentals, making last-minute resupply and outfitting highly efficient.
• Water and Safety: Potable water is available at the campground. Campground hosts are typically on-site during the season to assist campers and answer questions.
• Permitting: This location is a designated permit issue station for BWCAW Entry Point 24 permits (Overnight Paddle or Motor).

Features / Highlights

The Fall Lake complex is famous among Minnesotans for its blend of accessibility, convenience, and superior maintenance, all while sitting right on the edge of the nation's premier wilderness area.

• Accessibility for All: The ability to enter the BWCAW with a motorboat (up to 25 h.p.) on the Fall Lake and the initial chain of lakes makes the wilderness accessible to anglers, families, and those with physical limitations who still want a taste of the Boundary Waters experience.
• "Top Notch" Facilities: The campground is often cited in national rankings and local reviews as being "well maintained" and "one of the top 100 campgrounds in the US" for its quality, cleanliness, and range of amenities.
• Recreational Variety: The area provides more than just a launch. Highlights include a swimming beach, a playground for children, picnic areas, and a local 1.5-mile hiking trail within the campground area.
• Fishing Hotspot: Fall Lake is a popular spot for local anglers, known for holding walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike, making the area a draw even for those not venturing deep into the BWCA.
• Convenience and Staging: The proximity of the full-service campground to the actual BWCA entry point allows for perfect staging. Campers can spend a night organizing gear in comfort, park safely, and walk a minimal distance to the launch dock, creating a smooth, stress-free start.

Contact Information

For information, reservations, and current conditions regarding BWCA Entry Point 24 or the Fall Lake Campground, contact the relevant administrative offices below.

• Administrative Address (Campground): 14197 Fall Lake Campground Road, Ely, MN 55731.
• BWCA Ranger Station (Kawishiwi Ranger District): For permits and wilderness rules, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger Station, which is approximately 7 miles from the entry point.
• Kawishiwi Ranger Station Phone: (218) 365-7600 (For general BWCA trip information).
• Campground Concessionaire (Summer Operations/Store): (218) 365-2963 (For specific campground details, site availability, and rental information).
• Reservations: Reservations for the Fall Lake Campground sites and BWCA Entry Point 24 permits must be made online via the official national reservation systems (Recreation.gov or the BWCA permit system).

Planning Note: Always call the Kawishiwi Ranger District or check the Forest Service website for the most up-to-date information on fire restrictions, portage conditions, and BWCA permit requirements before your trip.

What is Worth Choosing: The Fall Lake Experience

Choosing the Fall Lake complex (Entry Point 24 and Fall Lake Campground) is choosing convenience, comfort, and comprehensive service at the doorstep of the BWCAW. It is consistently worth choosing for several compelling reasons:

• The Modern Base Camp: It offers the unique ability to enjoy modern amenities—like hot showers and electric hookups—right before and immediately after a rugged wilderness trip. This comfort is priceless after a long week of paddling and portaging.
• Ideal for Families and RVs: The large, accessible sites, availability of electric hookups, and family-friendly features like the swimming beach and playground make it the perfect option for groups with varied needs, including those traveling in RVs or with small children.
• Flexible BWCA Access: As one of the few motor-allowed BWCA entry points, it provides vital flexibility for those with motorboats, for anglers seeking distant fishing spots, or for utilizing tow services to cover the initial miles into the wilderness, saving time and energy.
• A True Seamless Transition: The adjacent layout of the campground, boat landing, and outfitting services creates a seamless logistical experience. You can rent a canoe, secure your permit, park your vehicle, and launch your boat all within a small, easy-to-navigate area.
• Superior Maintenance: The high praise from users regarding its cleanliness and maintenance—from the "cleanest fire pit" to the new, spotless bathhouses—ensures a pleasant and reliable stay every time.

The Fall Lake experience offers the best of both worlds: the beauty of the Minnesota Northwoods right outside your door, combined with the practical comforts needed to make your foray into the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.