Superior National Forest Campsite #2114

Introduction / Overview: Finding Solitude in the Northwoods

For Minnesotans who cherish the rugged, untamed beauty of the North Star State, the Superior National Forest (SNF) offers limitless opportunities for true wilderness immersion. Superior National Forest Campsite #2114 falls under the category of a designated dispersed or backcountry campsite. These sites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service to provide a rustic, non-developed camping experience outside of the formal, fee-based campgrounds, embodying the spirit of self-reliance and low-impact camping.

Located in the expansive territory near Ely, Minnesota, Campsite #2114 is not found on a standard map and requires travelers to embrace a more adventurous approach to navigation, often using GPS coordinates or detailed Forest Service road maps. These dispersed sites are the perfect choice for experienced campers who are comfortable bringing everything they need and taking everything out—adhering strictly to "Leave No Trace" principles. They offer a unique kind of solitude, far removed from the noise and activity of developed areas. Choosing a designated dispersed site like #2114 ensures you have a sanctioned, minimally-developed spot (often with a fire ring and latrine) while still feeling fully embedded in the vast, quiet northern boreal forest.

Location and Accessibility: The Drive to Wilderness

Campsite #2114 is located within the Superior National Forest, an area covering millions of acres of forests, lakes, and rivers, with the gateway community of Ely nearby.

The general address provided is a navigational locator for the area: X385+P3, Ely, MN 55731, USA.

Accessibility to dispersed sites like #2114 typically involves traveling on unpaved Forest Service roads. These roads can be gravel, rocky, washboarded, or narrow, making a vehicle with good clearance (SUV or truck) strongly recommended. Unlike developed campgrounds, finding the exact location of Site #2114 requires careful attention to signage and road markers, or, ideally, using specific GPS coordinates (which, while not provided directly, is the standard method for locating these designated dispersed sites). The site is designed to accommodate a small group and is often located just off the main forest road, sometimes requiring a short walk-in to reach the most secluded area. Because these are first-come, first-served, timing your arrival to secure the site is critical, particularly during peak summer weekends.

Services Offered (Self-Sufficiency Required)

Services at Superior National Forest Campsite #2114 are minimal and primitive, focusing on basic infrastructure while maintaining the wilderness setting.

• Fire Grate: A metal fire grate or ring is typically provided at designated backcountry sites for contained fires. Firewood is not supplied and must be purchased locally (to prevent invasive species) or gathered as dead and downed wood.
• Sanitation: A wilderness latrine (a basic outhouse structure, sometimes just an open-air pit toilet) is usually provided. Campers must be prepared for this primitive facility and bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Tent Space: The site offers a cleared, flat space suitable for pitching a tent, minimizing damage to the surrounding vegetation.
• Water: No potable (drinking) water is available. Campers must carry in all water necessary for their trip or be prepared to collect water from a natural source (if available nearby) and meticulously filter, purify, or boil it before use.
• Refuse: No trash service or garbage cans are available. Campers must adhere to the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" rule, meaning absolutely all garbage and waste must be carried out of the forest.
• Fees: These sites are generally free of charge and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Features / Highlights: Uninterrupted Northwoods Access

The defining features of Campsite #2114 are tied to the advantages of dispersed camping in a vast, federally protected forest.

• Maximum Privacy: Located away from developed campgrounds, the site offers an exceptional degree of privacy and quiet solitude, allowing for an unhurried, personal experience of the Northwoods.
• Free of Charge: This is an excellent no-fee camping option for local travelers and residents who want to spend multiple nights (up to the 14-day limit) exploring the region without daily camping fees.
• Gateway to Ely Recreation: The location near Ely means campers are close to a hub of recreational activity, including outfitters, small town amenities, and many access points to the vast Superior National Forest trails, lakes, and rivers.
• True Backcountry Feel: Unlike heavily used campgrounds, this site promotes a rustic, self-sufficient experience. It is the ideal setting for wildlife watching, stargazing, and listening to the natural sounds of the forest (moose, loons, etc.).
• Flexibility: The dispersed nature of the site and its accessibility via forest roads offer a great deal of flexibility for setting up a small camp, making it popular for those combining car-accessible camping with day-trip hiking or paddling.

Contact Information

For information regarding dispersed camping rules, fire restrictions, and forest road conditions, the relevant U.S. Forest Service District Office should be contacted.

Address (General Area): X385+P3, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: For specific information on this area of the Superior National Forest, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District office in Ely.

Regulations: Always check with the Forest Service for current fire restrictions and follow the Leave No Trace guidelines implicitly.

What is Worth Choosing: Freedom and Isolation on a Budget

Superior National Forest Campsite #2114 is a must-choose destination for the knowledgeable Minnesota outdoors enthusiast who values freedom, self-reliance, and budget-friendly access to nature. It is worth choosing for several key reasons:

It provides an uncompromised wilderness experience without the need for the BWCAW's restrictive permits or portaging. You get the same vast forest, the same starry nights, and the same quiet isolation, but with slightly easier access.

The lack of fees and the 14-day stay limit make it an incredible value for local campers seeking extended retreats into the Northwoods. It is an ideal, cost-effective basecamp for exploring all the trails and lakes surrounding Ely.

Choosing a site like #2114 is a commitment to responsible recreation. It's an opportunity to practice the highest level of outdoor ethics, leaving the site completely untouched for the next traveler, which is a point of pride for many Minnesotans who cherish this fragile ecosystem.

For those prepared for primitive conditions and ready to navigate via map and compass or GPS, Campsite #2114 offers an authentic, secluded, and highly rewarding way to experience the unmatched beauty of the Superior National Forest near Ely.