BWCA Campsite #1000: An Accessible Northwoods Gateway on Lake One, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #1000 on Lake One

For many Minnesota residents, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the pinnacle of outdoor adventure and a cherished natural resource. BWCA Campsite #1000 is a designated, primitive campsite located directly on Lake One, which serves as a highly popular gateway to the vast interior of the wilderness. Lake One is part of the “Numbered Chain” of lakes (Lake One, Two, Three, and Four), known for being some of the most accessible and frequently traveled waters in the entire BWCAW.

While a specific number like #1000 does not always correlate to a single, easily locatable campsite in a large database, it represents one of the approximately 14 designated camping spots available on Lake One. This lake is often the starting point for both quick, weekend base-camp trips and longer expeditions deeper into the wilderness towards lakes like Insula or Alice. A site on Lake One, such as Campsite #1000, is generally ideal for first-time visitors, families with younger children, or groups seeking a true wilderness feel without the commitment of long, challenging portages on the first day. The surrounding landscape features the classic Northwoods mix of dense coniferous and deciduous forests, clear water, and the quiet sounds of loons and wildlife—a signature Minnesota experience.

As a designated BWCA campsite, Campsite #1000 adheres to the strict rules of the U.S. Forest Service, requiring a reserved overnight Quota Permit during the peak season (May 1 – September 30). This is a paddle-only zone, ensuring that the tranquility of the Superior National Forest is preserved for all visitors.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1000 is situated on Lake One, deep within the Superior National Forest near the historic town of Ely, Minnesota. The official access point for this lake is BWCA Entry Point 30 – Lake One.

Address Proximity: Lake No. 1, MN, USA (Near Ely, MN, accessed via the Fernberg Road).

The accessibility of this particular area is a primary reason for its popularity among local users. The journey to the entry point is straightforward: follow Minnesota Highway 169 east out of Ely, which turns into the paved Fernberg Road (County Road 18). This road dead-ends at the Lake One entry point parking lot. The convenience begins immediately, as the portage from the parking lot to the water’s edge is exceptionally short—only about 5 rods (approximately 80 feet)—leading to a comfortable, sandy beach landing.

Once on the water, the time it takes to reach Campsite #1000 depends on its exact location on Lake One, but all sites on this lake are considered to be within an easy day’s paddle from the entry point. Lake One itself is a large reservoir, part of the Kawishiwi River system. Its position at the start of the Numbered Chain means visitors can set up camp quickly and use it as a launching pad to explore Lake Two and Lake Three with minimal portaging, making for an enjoyable and flexible itinerary.

Services Offered

A BWCA campsite, including Campsite #1000, offers essential, federally-mandated infrastructure designed to protect the fragile wilderness environment and ensure a low-impact camping experience. These are not full-service campgrounds; instead, they provide the necessary basics for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay.

A durable, official Steel Fire Grate for safe and contained campfires. It is crucial to check for current fire restrictions before your trip.
A designated Pit Latrine (often referred to as a "thunderbox") located a short, secluded distance from the main camp area to maintain proper sanitation and water quality.
Clear, established Tent Pad Areas that are leveled and cleared of vegetation, minimizing the impact of camping on the surrounding forest floor.
A natural Canoe Landing Area at the lake’s edge, which may be a simple, rocky shore or a small, sandy beach, allowing for safe access and boat storage.
Natural, biodegradable materials for Camp Seating, often consisting of logs or stones, positioned around the fire grate.

Visitors must be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own clean water filters, stoves, and all trash bags, as all garbage must be packed out. There are no services for water, electricity, showers, or motorized vehicles at the campsite.

Features / Highlights

Campsites on Lake One, exemplified by Campsite #1000, offer specific highlights that make them highly attractive to Minnesotans seeking a high-quality wilderness outing:

Ease of Initial Access: The famously short 5-rod portage at Entry Point 30 makes getting into the wilderness fast and manageable, a huge benefit for groups with heavy gear or young paddlers.
Gateway to the Numbered Chain: Camping here provides a perfect base for day trips into the subsequent lakes (Lake Two, Three, and Four), where the portages are generally easy, allowing for exploration without committing to moving camp daily.
Walleye and Northern Pike Fishing: Lake One and its connected waters are known for good fishing opportunities. Anglers often find success targeting walleye and northern pike, a key feature for local users who enjoy fishing as part of their trip.
Wildlife Viewing Potential: The expansive shoreline and proximity to the Kawishiwi River system offer excellent opportunities for spotting Minnesota wildlife, including loons, bald eagles, deer, and possibly moose or bears.
Base Camp Potential: Due to the relatively short distance from the entry point and the many day-trip options, this site is perfectly suited for base camping, allowing visitors to unpack once and spend more time relaxing or exploring the area.

Contact Information

To plan a trip to BWCA Campsite #1000 or any site on Lake One, coordinate your trip through the official managing authority:

Official Managing Authority: U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest - Kawishiwi Ranger District

Address for Inquiry/Permit Office: 8653 North Kawishiwi Trail, Ely, MN 55731

Phone for Inquiry: (218) 365-7600

Note: Overnight Quota Permits for Entry Point 30 are essential for camping between May 1 and September 30 and must be reserved well in advance through the official Recreation.gov website.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #1000 on Lake One holds a special appeal for Minnesotans because it strikes a rare balance between true, raw wilderness and practical accessibility. This is the place where local families introduce the next generation to the Boundary Waters tradition. It offers the unparalleled sense of peace and isolation of a deep Northwoods experience—no cell service, no motors—while mitigating the initial physical challenges often associated with more remote entry points.

For residents of the Twin Cities or Duluth looking for a definitive, yet manageable, wilderness escape, Lake One is a dependable choice. It is a fantastic setting for teaching canoeing skills, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and simply enjoying the clear, dark waters and pine-scented air that define the state. By choosing a well-established site like Campsite #1000, locals are securing their piece of the treasured BWCA experience, ensuring that the annual pilgrimage to the legendary canoe country remains a feasible and rewarding tradition.