BWCA Campsite #1019: Your Launchpad for Wilderness Solitude on Lake One, MN

Introduction / Overview: The Pure Wilderness of BWCA Campsite #1019

For Minnesotans seeking the ultimate escape into the state’s wild heart, BWCA Campsite #1019, situated on the expansive waters of Lake One, offers an authentic and unforgettable primitive camping experience. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a designated, meticulously maintained, and regulated wilderness site within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Campsite #1019 serves as an exclusive, private retreat, reserved solely for the permitted group. This system ensures genuine solitude and maintains the pristine nature of one of the world's most sought-after paddling destinations.

The experience at Campsite #1019 begins with the mandatory process of obtaining an overnight paddle permit for Entry Point 30 – Lake One. This is a critical step, especially during the quota season (May 1 to September 30), as it controls the flow of visitors and protects the integrity of the ecosystem. The designation of this campsite, marked by a steel fire grate and a wilderness latrine, is part of a broader, successful management strategy that embodies the 'Leave No Trace' principles. Every visitor to #1019 is required to be fully self-sufficient, packing in all necessary supplies—including food and water purification gear—and, critically, packing out all trash. This shared responsibility maintains the unspoiled beauty of Lake One and its surrounding boreal forest.

Lake One is often considered a gateway to the central BWCAW, known for its numerous bays, islands, and connection to a vast network of other lakes and portages. Campsite #1019, as a result, offers both a convenient first-night stop for deep wilderness trips and a fantastic base camp for exploring the nearby waterways. The overall tone of a stay here is one of peaceful isolation, challenging the camper to fully embrace the self-reliance and environmental stewardship that defines the Minnesota wilderness spirit.

Location and Accessibility: Canoe-Only Access on Lake No. 1

BWCA Campsite #1019 is located on Lake No. 1 (commonly known as Lake One) in the Superior National Forest, officially falling under the jurisdiction of the Ely, MN 55731 area. This places the site within the Kawishiwi Ranger District, which oversees one of the most popular sections of the Boundary Waters.

Access to Campsite #1019 is strictly by watercraft—specifically, by canoe or kayak—as the BWCAW is a non-motorized area at this entry point. The journey starts at Entry Point 30 on Lake One, which is reached by car via the scenic Northwoods roads outside of Ely. From the entry point landing, paddlers must navigate Lake One’s winding channels and open waters to locate the designated site. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, there are no roads, signs, or trails leading to the site from outside the wilderness area; the canoe is the only vehicle.

Lake One’s unique geography, which acts as a reservoir of the Kawishiwi River, offers relatively easy paddling, making it an excellent location for groups looking to ease into the BWCA experience. However, navigation remains essential. Campers must use detailed waterproof maps and compass skills to accurately locate Campsite #1019 among the lake’s many islands and shorelines. The paddle-in nature guarantees a significant buffer from the sounds and activity of the outside world, creating a profound sense of remoteness that few other Minnesota campgrounds can offer. This challenging, self-guided access is what protects the quality of the wilderness experience for local users who value the deep quiet of the North.

Services Offered (Standard BWCA Primitive Amenities)

As a designated wilderness campsite, Campsite #1019 is governed by the primitive camping standards of the U.S. Forest Service. Services are minimal and ecological-focused, designed only to manage human impact.

Steel Fire Grate: Every BWCA campsite, including #1019, is equipped with a permanent steel fire grate. This is the only place where a fire is permitted for cooking or warmth. The use of camp stoves for cooking is strongly recommended to conserve dead and downed wood.
Wilderness Latrine: A rustic, pit-style toilet, known locally as a 'thunderbox,' is placed discreetly away from the camp area, tent pads, and water sources to maintain sanitation. It is strictly for human waste; all trash must be packed out and never placed in the latrine.
Established Tent Pads: The site features defined, hardened areas for pitching tents. These pads are designed to concentrate the impact of camping gear, protecting the surrounding vegetation and maintaining the campsite’s small footprint. Campers must keep their tents and activities within these designated areas.
Natural Canoe Landing: A naturally occurring rock ledge, small gravel beach, or cleared shore area serves as the landing and storage spot for canoes. These landings are entirely unimproved, varying in ease of use based on wind conditions and current water levels.
Raw Water Source: The lake adjacent to the site is the only water source. There is no potable water provided. All drinking and cooking water must be treated through boiling, chemical purification, or a filtration system brought by the group.

Features / Highlights (The Lake One Experience)

Campsite #1019 provides a classic BWCA experience, offering unique features tied to its location on Lake One:

Gateway to Inner Routes: Lake One is part of the extensive Kawishiwi River chain, providing easy access to many deep wilderness routes, including Lakes Two, Three, and Four, making this site a perfect starting point or layover camp.
Picturesque Boreal Forest Setting: The campsite is surrounded by the iconic pines, birch, and aspen of the Superior National Forest. The site often features views of the rocky shorelines and small islands that characterize the lake.
Northern Lights Visibility: Located far from major towns, the lack of urban light pollution offers an exceptional opportunity for world-class stargazing and often a clear view of the Aurora Borealis during active solar periods.
Outstanding Wildlife Encounters: The deep wilderness location increases the chances of seeing major Minnesota wildlife, including the majestic moose, white-tailed deer, and hearing the signature calls of the timber wolf and the Common Loon.
Prime Lake Fishing: Lake One is known for its populations of Northern Pike and Walleye, providing excellent opportunities for shore fishing directly from the campsite’s landing rocks or exploring the nearby bays by canoe.

Contact Information (Administrative Authority)

BWCA Campsite #1019 is a non-commercial site without a private phone number. All trip planning, permits, and inquiries are directed to the U.S. Forest Service.

Managing Authority (U.S. Forest Service - Kawishiwi Ranger District)

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, USA
Phone: (218) 365-7600 (For official permit regulations, fire restrictions, and trip planning assistance)

Reservations for the BWCAW must be secured in advance via the national reservation system (Recreation.gov) for all overnight trips during the quota season. Outfitters in the Ely area can also assist with permits, gear, and route planning.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

For those of us in Minnesota, a trip to BWCA Campsite #1019 on Lake One is a necessary pilgrimage, offering a pure, unfiltered wilderness experience right in our backyard. It embodies the core values of Minnesota’s outdoor culture: self-reliance, respect for nature, and a connection to the state’s vast Northwoods. Unlike crowded state parks, this BWCA site guarantees the sought-after solitude essential for a true mental reset. The demanding nature of the paddle-and-portage journey to Campsite #1019 creates a deeper appreciation for the unique, preserved landscape of the Superior National Forest. It is a place where families can teach stewardship, friends can bond over shared challenge, and solo adventurers can find unparalleled peace. By choosing this destination, Minnesotans support the preservation of a world-renowned wilderness area, ensuring that the legacy of pristine waters and unblemished forests endures. This is an adventure that defines the Minnesota experience, making Campsite #1019 an ideal, local-first wilderness getaway.