Superior National Forest Campsite #2119

🌲 Introduction / Overview: Rustic Camping in Minnesota’s Northwoods

For Minnesotans drawn to the rugged heart of the Arrowhead Region, the Superior National Forest Campsite #2119 represents the ideal blend of accessibility and true wilderness immersion. Located near the renowned gateway town of Ely, this U.S. Forest Service (USFS) site is not a bustling, developed campground. Instead, it is designated as a backcountry or dispersed campsite, offering a highly coveted, primitive camping experience where solitude is the primary amenity.

Managed by the USFS, Campsite #2119 is one of many single-site locations scattered throughout the vast Superior National Forest (SNF). These sites are specifically designed for those who appreciate the 'less is more' approach—providing essential features like a fire ring and latrine, but requiring campers to be largely self-sufficient. This spot is perfect for tent campers, small trailer owners, or anyone looking to establish a quiet base camp for exploring the hiking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities that define this magnificent portion of Minnesota.

The beauty of a numbered site like this is its establishment: while primitive, it provides a cleared area for your tent and existing facilities to minimize environmental impact, ensuring that future users can enjoy the same pristine environment. It’s an authentic taste of the Northwoods, right outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Near the Iconic Town of Ely

Campsite #2119 is situated in the deep forest environment near Ely, MN 55731, USA. The given GPS coordinate (W2XG+Q4) places it deep within the Superior National Forest lands, likely on a forest road that branches off one of the area's main routes, such as the famous Echo Trail or the nearby sections of State Highway 1.

• Location Context: The site is located in the Kawishiwi Ranger District area, known for its dense boreal forest, numerous lakes, and proximity to the BWCAW. This ensures access to world-class paddling, hiking, and fishing.
• Accessibility: These numbered USFS campsites are generally accessible by vehicle, often via gravel Forest Service Roads. Visitors should expect rustic, unpaved road conditions that may be suitable for a car or small RV/trailer, but caution and good clearance are always recommended when traveling on SNF roads.
• Navigating: Campers should use detailed forest maps or GPS coordinates, as these remote sites are typically not sign-posted like major fee campgrounds. The nearest town for supplies, services, and local information is Ely.

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🔥 Services Offered

As a designated backcountry or rustic campsite within the Superior National Forest, Campsite #2119 offers essential amenities that help protect the environment while maintaining a primitive atmosphere. Visitors must be prepared to handle all their needs, including water purification and waste management.

• Campsite Capacity: Typically limited to a small group size (often 9 people or less) to preserve the integrity and solitude of the site.
• Tent Pad: A cleared, level area for pitching a tent or setting up camp, often established to minimize impact on surrounding vegetation.
• Fire Grate/Ring: An established metal fire ring or grate is provided for campfires and cooking. Note: Visitors must bring their own firewood or collect only dead and down wood, and check for fire bans with the local Ranger District.
• Picnic Table: A rustic wooden picnic table is provided at the site.
• Sanitation: A wilderness latrine (a primitive outhouse or vault toilet) is usually provided for human waste disposal.
• Water: No potable drinking water is supplied. Campers must bring all their water or carry in equipment (such as filters, chemical treatments, or boiling capability) to treat water sourced from any nearby natural body of water.
• Waste: No garbage or recycling service is provided. All campers must strictly adhere to the "Pack it in, Pack it out" ethic for all trash and waste.

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🛶 Features / Highlights

Choosing Campsite #2119 is choosing an experience rooted in the natural beauty and quiet adventure of Minnesota’s wilderness edge. Its most compelling features include:

• Deep Forest Solitude: Being a single, dispersed site, it offers significantly more privacy and quiet than a loop campground, making it a perfect retreat for rest and reflection.
• Gateway to Adventure: The site serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the vast, contiguous wildlands of the Superior National Forest, offering access to day hiking, cross-country skiing (seasonally), and forest road biking.
• Black Bear Country: It offers an authentic wildlife experience, situated in a natural habitat area. This means campers must practice strict bear-aware food storage (locking food and scented items in vehicles or using bear canisters/hangs) to ensure safety and protect the animals.
• Free or Low-Fee Camping: Unlike developed fee campgrounds, these rustic, single-unit sites are often available for no fee, or a minimal one, on a first-come, first-served basis, making them a budget-friendly option for extended stays (up to the 14-day limit).
• Star-Filled Skies: Far removed from any significant light pollution, the location near Ely and the BWCAW provides some of the best dark skies in the country for breathtaking stargazing.

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📞 Contact Information

For the most current information, including road conditions, fire bans, and specific rules for dispersed sites like #2119, campers should contact the local USFS Ranger District.

Address (General Area):

W2XG+Q4, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Primary Ranger District Contact (Kawishiwi Ranger District):

The Forest Service does not list a direct number for the Campsite #2119 itself, but the nearest District Office is the best source of operational information.

Phone:

(218) 365-7600 (Superior National Forest - Kawishiwi Ranger District)

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⭐ What is Worth Choosing: The True Northwoods Experience

Superior National Forest Campsite #2119 is absolutely worth choosing for Minnesota campers who prioritize primitive quiet and deep forest immersion over full amenities. It bridges the gap between true dispersed camping (where you build your own site) and a developed campground, giving you the benefit of an established fire ring and latrine—essential for environmental protection—without the crowds, noise, and fees of a recreational area.

This is the spot for the prepared and respectful camper who wants to spend their time hiking rugged trails, listening to the silence of the pines, and reconnecting with the wild heart of the Superior National Forest. It requires preparation, self-reliance, and a strong commitment to Leave No Trace principles, but the payoff is an unforgettable, truly remote Minnesota camping trip.