BWCA Campsite #1076: Your Minnesota Wilderness Gateway on Polly Lake

For residents of Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is more than a destination; it is a point of pride and a call to return to nature's purest form. Among the designated campsites within this vast, protected area of the Superior National Forest lies BWCA Campsite #1076. This site is not a conventional campground you drive to; it is a primitive, reserved location that you reach by paddle and portage, offering a highly sought-after taste of solitude and self-reliance deep in the Northwoods.

The use of a numbered campsite like #1076 is a cornerstone of the BWCA’s management strategy. By requiring a permit and assigning a specific camping location, the U.S. Forest Service ensures that visitor impact is controlled and that the wilderness environment remains unspoiled for future generations. For locals, securing a permit for a numbered campsite means having an official claim to a piece of this national treasure, offering certainty in their backcountry itinerary. It’s an immersion experience where your closest neighbor might be a loon or a moose, and the only traffic is the gentle movement of water past your canoe.

Based on available public records, Campsite #1076 is located on the shores of Polly Lake. This places it in a scenic and relatively central area of the Kawishiwi Ranger District, frequently accessed from entry points near the town of Ely, the well-known gateway community for many Minnesota wilderness adventurers.

The official administrative address for the district is:

Administrative Location (Nearest Town): Ely, MN 55731, USA

While the campsite itself is a multi-hour paddle and portage from the nearest road or developed facility, the proximity of the administrative address to the town of Ely is key for local users. Ely is the hub for outfitters, where necessary gear can be rented, and for the Kawishiwi Ranger District office, where permits are collected and crucial pre-trip information is obtained.

Accessibility to Campsite #1076 on Polly Lake generally involves an intermediate-level wilderness journey. The most common entry points to reach Polly Lake are Entry Point #30 (Lake One) or potentially Entry Point #37 (Kawishiwi Lake). Both routes require navigating several lakes and performing multiple portages (carrying gear and canoes overland). The effort required to reach Polly Lake helps filter out casual day-trippers, contributing directly to the deep sense of solitude and remoteness that makes the BWCA so valuable to Minnesotans. The paddle is a commitment, but the reward is a pristine campsite where the sounds of the city are replaced by the whispers of the boreal forest. The distance traveled ensures that the site, though popular, maintains a distinctly wild character.

As a designated BWCA campsite, #1076 is classified as a primitive wilderness site. The "services" provided are intentionally limited to adhere to the wilderness mandate and the 'Leave No Trace' principles, ensuring that visitors minimize their footprint.

Services Offered (Essential Wilderness Provisions):

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is the only legal structure for building a campfire, concentrating fire impact and preventing the creation of new fire pits.
Wilderness Latrine: A basic pit toilet, discreetly located away from the main camp area and water’s edge, critical for responsible human waste management.
Canoe Landing: An established area on the shoreline, often rocky, where canoes can be safely pulled from the water without causing further erosion.
Established Tent Pads: Pre-used, generally level areas where tents are pitched. While user reviews mention limited, slightly sloped pads, they are the preferred location to avoid trampling ground vegetation.
Water Access: Direct access to Polly Lake’s clear water for cooking and cleaning; all water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before drinking.
Bear Hang Availability: Natural trees suitable for securely hanging food packs at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the nearest tree trunk, a mandatory safety practice in bear country.

BWCA Campsite #1076 is a desirable location, particularly noted for its capacity to accommodate larger groups within the permit limit (maximum of nine people). The specific user feedback highlights key advantages and minor drawbacks of the site.

Features / Highlights (Based on Site Characteristics and User Reviews):

High Capacity for Hammocks: A significant advantage for groups, users noted the ease of fitting six hammocks, suggesting an abundance of well-spaced, mature trees ideal for setting up sleeping or lounging areas.
Beautiful Sunset Views: The site's location, potentially on a point or an open western shoreline, is a highlight, offering captivating, unobstructed vistas of the sun setting over Polly Lake.
Excellent Fishing from Shore: Customers reported successfully catching Northern Pike directly from the canoe landing area, indicating solid bank-fishing opportunities, a benefit after a long day of paddling.
Open and Scenic Setting: The site is described as feeling "open," which is excellent for large groups who need space to spread out gear and cooking areas without feeling cramped.
Suitability for Large Groups: Despite a potential lack of perfectly flat tent pads, the overall large and open nature of the site makes it a functional and enjoyable location for parties approaching the nine-person limit.
Alternative Site Choice: While some noted other sites on the lake might be preferable, #1076 is universally considered a good, acceptable alternative, underscoring the quality of even the secondary sites in the Polly Lake area.

For all official inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and wilderness safety, please contact the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the Ely area entry points.

Contact Information (Administrative):

Address: Kawishiwi Ranger District, 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 (The administrative office for BWCA permits and regional information)

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

Conclusion: Why BWCA Campsite #1076 is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #1076 is a prime choice for Minnesotans, particularly those planning a larger group trip, such as a family gathering or an annual friend's trip. The site’s verified capacity for numerous hammocks and its open layout directly addresses the logistical challenges of group camping in the wilderness, providing a social and spacious base camp. For local users, the relative accessibility via the well-supported routes near Ely makes the planning seamless, while the deep paddle into Polly Lake ensures the genuine solitude they seek in the BWCA. The proven fishing success right from the landing adds another layer of authentic Minnesota outdoor enjoyment. This campsite offers the perfect balance: a wilderness experience that challenges you on the way in, but rewards you with stunning sunsets and ample space to relax and reconnect with the people and the nature that define the North Star State. It’s an opportunity for locals to immerse themselves in the state’s wild heart, knowing they have secured a highly desirable spot tailored for a memorable group adventure.