Superior National Forest Campsite #2115

Introduction / Overview

For the Minnesota adventurer seeking genuine solitude and an unplugged wilderness experience, Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 offers a prime, rustic basecamp. Located in the famed Arrowhead Region near Ely, this campsite is part of the extensive three-million-acre Superior National Forest, a true gem of the Northwoods known for its vast boreal forest and glacially-carved lakes. This site falls under the category of a Rustic Campground, meaning it provides essential facilities while maintaining a minimal-impact, back-to-nature atmosphere. Unlike the Forest’s developed, fee campgrounds which offer more amenities, rustic sites like #2115 are typically smaller, free of charge, and perfect for those who are prepared to be self-sufficient.

The core philosophy of camping at #2115 is immersion in nature. It is an ideal spot for those who want to be steps away from paddling, fishing, and hiking, with the quiet canopy of spruce and pine as their only overhead. It serves as a true entry point to the kind of remote Minnesota experience that draws travelers from around the world, all without requiring a dedicated Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) permit for the campsite itself. This balance of easy access and deep wilderness feel is what makes the Superior National Forest camping experience so highly cherished by local users.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #2115 is situated in the Kawishiwi Ranger District, an area renowned as a primary gateway to the Boundary Waters and surrounding wilderness. The location is precisely defined by its geographic coordinates, which translate to: X3F8+92, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places it in the vicinity of the renowned outdoors town of Ely, Minnesota.

Accessing the campsite requires traveling on the network of roads managed by the Forest Service. Typically, a route from Ely involves paved roads followed by graded gravel or dirt forest roads that can be remote. Visitors should anticipate driving on non-paved surfaces, which may require caution, especially during wet seasons or early spring. Given the deep-woods location characteristic of rustic sites, navigational aids are crucial. Campers are advised to consult detailed maps and download directions before leaving the Ely area, as mobile phone service is often unreliable or non-existent once you enter the heart of the forest. The effort to reach Campsite #2115 is rewarded with true seclusion and minimal traffic, guaranteeing a peaceful retreat.

Services Offered

As a Rustic Campground within the Superior National Forest, Campsite #2115 is focused on providing fundamental infrastructure while promoting a low-impact camping style. These sites intentionally lack many modern amenities, encouraging self-reliance and environmental stewardship. Critically, these rustic sites are generally offered free of charge.

The services you can reliably expect at this type of campsite include:

• Designated parking area for one vehicle and one towed unit (e.g., a boat trailer).
• Individual picnic tables at the campsite.
• Metal fire rings with cooking grates for campfires (must comply with current fire restrictions).
• Basic vault toilets (outhouses) for sanitary use.
• No potable (drinkable) water is provided. Campers must bring all necessary water or use appropriate filtration/treatment methods on water sourced from nearby lakes or streams.
• No garbage disposal or recycling bins are available. Campers must strictly follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash, including food scraps and fish remains.
• No electric, water, or sewer hookups for tents or recreational vehicles.
• Sites are typically first-come, first-served, with a maximum stay limit of 14 days, and a maximum group size of nine people.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Campsite #2115 are not man-made, but the unique natural experiences afforded by its location in the Superior National Forest:

• Ultimate Seclusion: Rustic sites are inherently small (often fewer than ten sites) and lightly used, ensuring a quiet, private camping experience far from the larger crowds of developed areas.
• Direct Wilderness Proximity: This location is perfectly situated near lakes and trails that feed directly into or parallel the BWCAW, offering exceptional opportunities for day-use canoeing and fishing without the need for an overnight BWCAW permit.
• World-Class Paddling and Fishing: Being in the Kawishiwi District places you near some of the state’s best waters for non-motorized and motorized boating (on designated lakes), with excellent fishing for species like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass.
• Stunning Boreal Forest: The site is enveloped by the iconic Minnesota boreal forest, featuring dense stands of Red Pine, Aspen, and Paper Birch, which provides a rich habitat for birdwatching, including the ubiquitous Common Loon.
• Dark Sky Sanctuary: The remote nature of the region means virtually zero light pollution, offering breathtaking views of the stars, the Milky Way, and, often, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Contact Information

For current information regarding conditions, operations, and regulations at Campsite #2115, the best point of contact is the local Forest Service office:

Kawishiwi Ranger District

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Kawishiwi Ranger District)

Visitors are strongly encouraged to call the Ranger District office before their trip for up-to-date information on road conditions, fire bans, and any temporary closures that may affect a remote, rustic site. While the campsite itself is located at X3F8+92, the District office in Ely manages the area and is the essential resource for trip planning.

What is Worth Choosing

For Minnesotans and dedicated campers, choosing Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 is an intentional choice for unadulterated wilderness immersion at a minimal cost. This campsite is worth choosing because it embodies the spirit of self-reliant camping in Minnesota's most spectacular natural setting.

Firstly, it is one of the few places where you can enjoy a free, car-accessible camping spot that feels as remote as many backcountry sites. This accessibility, combined with the solitude of the Northwoods, is a rare and valuable commodity.

Secondly, the commitment to the Leave No Trace ethic, inherent to rustic camping, attracts a community of respectful, experienced outdoor enthusiasts. You are less likely to encounter excessive noise or overcrowding here, ensuring your experience is dominated by the natural sounds of the forest and the lake.

Finally, the location provides an unmatched base for quiet adventures. Whether you plan to put a canoe into a nearby lake for a day of fishing, or explore the unmarked forest tracks for wildlife photography, Campsite #2115 provides a beautiful, simple shelter under the vast sky of the Superior National Forest. It is the perfect choice for the experienced camper ready to bring their own supplies and embrace the wild beauty of the Arrowhead Region.