South Wilder Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

Introduction / Overview: Elevated Views on the Powwow Loop

For Minnesotans seeking a truly rugged backpacking challenge, the South Wilder Lake Campsite is a highly sought-after destination along the infamous Powwow Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This is not a casual stop; it is a primitive, designated location deep within the wilderness, specifically placed to serve hikers tackling the grueling 30-mile Powwow loop, an area heavily impacted by the 2011 Pagami Creek Wildfire. Its attraction is the stark, magnificent beauty of the regenerating forest and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching it.

Located strategically on the northern section of the loop, this site offers a high vantage point overlooking the lake, providing arguably one of the most beautiful views on the entire trail. It is known by seasoned hikers for its ample space and its classic rock-formed fireplace. Visitors consistently praise the feeling of being "high up" and the excellent sightlines across the water. However, the site's status is officially "closed" by the U.S. Forest Service due to the presence of hazard trees (snags) from the fire and the absence of a permanent latrine. Backpackers who choose to utilize this area do so understanding the inherent risks and the need for maximum self-sufficiency and strict adherence to wilderness ethics, including proper waste disposal (cat holes) and vigilance regarding falling timber.

Location and Accessibility: A 9.5-Mile Wilderness Trek

The South Wilder Lake Campsite is located deep inside the Superior National Forest, situated on the shores of South Wilder Lake. Its general geographic position is near Ely, MN 55731, USA, though physical access requires a long, challenging hike.

Accessibility is strictly on foot via the Powwow Trail (BWCA Entry Point #86):

Trailhead: The journey begins at the Powwow Trailhead, which is reached by driving on a series of unpaved, maintained Forest Roads (FR 377, 373, 369) from the main highways near Ely or Isabella.Permitting: An Overnight Hiking Permit for Entry Point #86 is mandatory for any overnight stay. These permits must be reserved through Recreation.gov.Hiking Distance: As cited by experienced hikers, the campsite is approximately 9.5 miles from the trailhead if one hikes the northern section of the loop first. This includes the initial 2.7-mile "stick" section to "The Wye" junction, followed by about 6.8 miles on the loop itself (if traveling counter-clockwise from The Wye). The trail is notoriously rugged, overgrown in sections, and demands a slower pace than typical hiking, meaning this distance often takes a full day or more, depending on conditions and hiker speed.

The final approach to the campsite involves navigating the trail between North Wilder Lake and South Wilder Lake, often requiring a crossing of Wilder Creek—a known wet spot—before a short climb to the elevated campsite location.

Services Offered (Self-Contained Primitive Camping)

As a designated, but currently unaided, stop on a wilderness trail, services at South Wilder Lake Campsite are exceptionally basic. Hikers must carry all necessary supplies and infrastructure.

Campsite: A cleared, established area capable of supporting multiple small tents. Visitors report enough space for up to five small tents—a significant advantage for larger groups.Fire Grate/Ring: The site features a sturdy, rock-formed fireplace (rock ring), which is the only legal place to build a fire, should conditions permit. There is no permanent steel fire grate typically found at official BWCA sites.Toilets: No latrine is currently provided, a feature noted by hikers hoping for future Forest Service maintenance. Campers must adhere to wilderness regulations for human waste disposal, requiring the digging of a "cat hole" 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from the trail, water, and camp.Water Source: No potable water is provided. The site is noted for having rather easy access to the lake water, despite some muddy shoreline areas. All water must be drawn from South Wilder Lake and must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.Firewood: None provided. Campers must gather dead and downed wood from the forest floor, though the post-fire landscape may make finding suitable dry wood difficult. Using a lightweight cookstove is highly recommended.Food Storage: No bear-proof facilities. Food must be properly sealed and stored using bear-resistant containers or hung from a suitable tree branch (if available), at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk, and 200 feet away from the tent area.Trail Maintenance: The site benefits from the ongoing, volunteer-led efforts of the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC) to keep the trail corridor clear of blowdown and brush.

Features / Highlights (A Hiker's Reward)

The true allure of South Wilder Lake Campsite lies in its environmental attributes, which offer a powerful, raw wilderness experience.

Exceptional Views: The site is situated high up on a bank or ridge overlooking South Wilder Lake, providing beautiful, panoramic views that are a significant reward after a long day of hiking.Ample Tent Space: The capacity for five small tents makes it a practical choice for larger backpacking groups, offering more flexibility than some other primitive spots.Swimming and Water Access: The "easy access to the lake water" provides a convenient spot for filtering water and potentially for a quick, refreshing swim, a highlight after the strenuous hike.Pagami Creek Fire Observation: The surrounding area is an open-air classroom for observing the recovery of the boreal forest after a major wildfire, with standing snags providing a dramatic backdrop and new, young growth emerging vigorously.Rock Sitting Area: Reviewers mention a "clean rock to setup lunch," indicating natural, flat rock surfaces that serve as ideal communal areas for cooking and relaxing near the lake.Seclusion: Given the difficulty of the Powwow Trail and the site's distance from the trailhead, visitors are guaranteed a high degree of solitude and quiet wilderness immersion, essential for a true BWCA experience.Strategic Location: The site is perfectly positioned for those attempting the entire loop, allowing for an early rest on the northern leg or a final push on the southern return.

Contact Information

For all necessary information regarding permits, rules, and current trail conditions, hikers should contact the US Forest Service office overseeing the Powwow Trail.

Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA (General Vicinity)

Kawishiwi Ranger Station (Closest Ranger Station): (218) 365-7600

Permit Reservation Hotline (Recreation.gov): 1-877-444-6777

What is Worth Choosing South Wilder Lake Campsite

Choosing the South Wilder Lake Campsite is an endorsement of the rugged, rewarding side of Minnesota wilderness. It is worth choosing for the experienced backpacker who views the trail's difficulty not as a barrier, but as a filter, ensuring a quiet, uncrowded experience. The site itself offers a perfect blend of practicality and beauty—the multi-tent capacity is a logistical bonus, and the high-up, beautiful lake views are the emotional reward. While the lack of a latrine and the presence of snags necessitate extra caution and self-sufficiency, these elements reinforce the site’s primitive, genuine BWCA character. This is one of the most scenic overnight locations on the Powwow Trail, offering a powerful perspective on the tenacity of nature and providing a much-needed haven for those committed to conquering one of Minnesota's most challenging and beautiful backcountry loops.