BWCA Campsite #1067: Your Wilderness Retreat on Lake One, MN

For Minnesota residents, the phrase "Boundary Waters" instantly conjures images of sparkling clean lakes, silent forests, and the challenge of a true wilderness trip. Among the most popular and accessible starting points for this world-renowned adventure is the Lake One area, a gateway that offers the ideal balance of deep-wilderness immersion and manageable paddling. Deep within this chain of lakes is BWCA Campsite #1067, a specific, designated location that offers a perfect base for exploration, a well-placed rest spot for longer treks, or a tranquil destination for a shorter, initial venture into the backcountry.

This is not a drive-up campground; Campsite #1067 is a certified, primitive site operated under the stringent regulations of the U.S. Forest Service within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It requires a reserved permit and demands self-sufficiency, yet its proximity to the entry point on Lake One makes it less remote than sites found several portages deep. It’s a key part of the famed "Numbered Lakes" chain (Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Three, etc.), which makes it an excellent location for both seasoned adventurers looking for a familiar route and local families introducing younger members to the rugged beauty of the Minnesota canoe country. This article provides all the factual details you need to plan your unforgettable trip to Campsite #1067 on Lake One.

BWCA Campsite #1067 is geographically located on Lake One in the Superior National Forest, an administrative region near the city of Ely, MN. The general address provided, Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA, pinpoints it firmly within the most iconic wilderness area in the state. Lake One is famously the start of the "Numbered Lakes" route, one of the most traveled and essential chains for paddling deeper into the wilderness.

Accessibility is via BWCA Entry Point 30 (Lake One), a highly active entry point approximately 21 miles east of Ely, Minnesota. This route is typically accessed by traveling on the Fernberg Road (County Road 18) until it dead-ends at the entry point parking lot. The launch into Lake One from the entry point is an easy, short portage or simple canoe-launching area, making the first leg of the journey quite manageable. Campsite #1067 is a "paddle-to" site, meaning it is accessible only by non-motorized watercraft (paddling only on this lake) from the entry point. Its location on Lake One itself means that travelers do not need to tackle major portages (overland trails between lakes) to reach it, making it one of the more accessible campsites for those looking for a solid base camp without excessive travel on day one. Navigating to the site requires a good map, compass, and adherence to BWCA regulations regarding designated campsites.

As a wilderness campsite, #1067 provides only the fundamental services required to maintain the area's pristine condition and uphold the "Leave No Trace" mandate. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all food, supplies, and equipment. The established services include:

Durable Fire Grate: A permanent, raised steel grate is provided for safely containing campfires for cooking and warmth. Users must gather only dead and downed wood and adhere to current fire bans.
Established Tent Pads: One or more cleared areas are maintained to pitch tents, preventing the destruction of surrounding vegetation and ensuring a level, safe sleeping surface.
Wilderness Latrine: A primitive, centralized pit toilet (often referred to locally as a "biffy") is situated discreetly away from the main camping area and the shoreline for sanitary waste disposal.
Canoe Landing Spot: A defined area on the shoreline, whether a rocky ledge or a small natural beach, for safely pulling up and securing canoes.
Bear Safety Requirements: Though not a service, adherence to bear safety protocols (such as using bear barrels or a proper bear hang for food) is mandatory and is an expected part of the experience.

Campsite #1067, located on the popular Lake One, often boasts characteristics that make it highly desirable, especially for Minnesotans seeking a classic wilderness experience with a touch of convenience:

Immediate Wilderness Access: Positioned on one of the first major lakes in the BWCAW, the site allows for nearly immediate immersion into the wilderness after putting in, saving hours of paddling and portaging.
Base Camp Potential: Its proximity to the entry point and position on a major waterway make it an excellent choice for base camping, allowing for easy day trips deeper into the Numbered Lakes (Two, Three, Four) without moving the entire camp.
Variety of Views: Many campsites on Lake One offer varied scenery, from views of exposed rock points to sheltered bays, often featuring the classic northern Minnesota granite and pine landscape.
Fishing Opportunities: Lake One is known to hold Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike, providing good opportunities for local anglers right off the shore or within a short paddle.
Wildlife Viewing: As a relatively busy entry area, wildlife is more accustomed to human presence, though sightings of moose, deer, and numerous species of birds (especially loons) are common and a key highlight.

Campsite #1067 is an administrative designation within a managed wilderness area, not a commercially run business. Therefore, it does not have a unique phone number or separate mailing address for reservations. All contact and permit requirements are handled by the U.S. Forest Service.

Address (General Area): Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA (Located within the Kawishiwi Ranger District of the Superior National Forest)
Phone (Administrative / Permits): For booking the required overnight paddle permit for Entry Point 30 (Lake One), and for general rules, regulations, and emergency contact, please refer to the official U.S. Forest Service – Superior National Forest website or contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely, MN.

Campsite #1067 on Lake One is ideally suited for Minnesota locals for several practical and cultural reasons. For Minnesotans, the BWCA is part of their outdoor heritage, and Lake One serves as a crucial point of introduction and continuation. The relatively easier access via the short portage at Entry Point 30 makes this site a fantastic option for new paddlers, young families, or groups carrying in more robust base-camp gear, allowing them to avoid the arduous multi-portage trips required to reach the deepest wilderness.

Furthermore, as locals, Minnesotans appreciate the chance to immerse themselves in the deep-woods culture of the Ely area while still being within a reasonable paddle of an established exit point should the unpredictable Northern Minnesota weather require a change in plans. Choosing Campsite #1067 means embracing the challenge and rewards of the Boundary Waters experience—carrying your gear, filtering your water, and respecting the land—all within one of the most loved and easily navigated sections of the world's largest canoe area. It is a genuine piece of the Minnesota identity, offering profound natural beauty and the quietude of the Northwoods, right in your backyard.