BWCA Campsite #1077, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the pinnacle of the Northwoods experience, an iconic landscape of deep, clear lakes, ancient forests, and rugged granite cliffs. BWCA Campsite #1077 represents a specific, designated piece of this million-acre sanctuary. Located in the heart of the wilderness near Ely, Minnesota, this site offers the quintessential, unadulterated canoe-country camping trip that the region is famous for. It is an official, numbered campsite within the Superior National Forest, accessible only by paddle or portage, requiring a mandatory, reserved BWCAW entry permit for overnight stays.

Unlike developed recreational campgrounds, Campsite #1077 is a primitive wilderness site. This means visitors should expect solitude and self-reliance, with only the most basic, environmentally-conscious amenities provided. It is a destination for those who cherish the challenge of true backcountry travel and the profound peace of a motor-free (or limited-motor) zone. The location near Ely places it within reach of some of the most popular and historically significant routes in the BWCAW, offering exceptional opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and multi-day paddling loops. While details on specific visitor reviews for this exact site may be scarce due to its remote and less-trafficked nature, the site adheres to all the strict standards set forth by the U.S. Forest Service to ensure a high-quality, low-impact wilderness experience.

The experience at Campsite #1077 is defined by the surrounding Boreal Forest ecosystem—towering white and red pines, scattered birch, and a symphony of loons and other native wildlife. It serves as a personal base camp for exploring the vast, interconnected network of lakes and rivers that make the BWCAW a national treasure and a source of deep pride for Minnesota residents.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1077 is geographically situated within the immense Superior National Forest, near the gateway city of Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places it in the Kawishiwi Ranger District, which manages several primary entry points into the wilderness area. Based on its location near Ely, the site is likely accessed through one of the district’s popular entry points, such as Lake One (Entry Point #30), Moose Lake (Entry Point #25), or the Kawishiwi River entry points.

For local Minnesota users, Ely serves as the vital outfitting hub, typically a four to six-hour drive from the Twin Cities metro area. This relatively straightforward journey to the edge of the wilderness makes an annual trip to the BWCA a beloved tradition for many.

Accessibility to the campsite itself is strictly by watercraft (canoe or kayak) after registering at a designated entry point. Depending on the specific lake Campsite #1077 is on, the journey may involve:

A moderate paddle from the entry point landing, potentially crossing one or more lakes.
One or more portages (carrying all gear and the canoe overland) to reach the secluded lake where the campsite resides.
Navigating a non-motorized zone, ensuring a peaceful, paddle-powered experience, though some nearby lakes may permit limited motor use up to a certain horsepower.

The lack of vehicle access ensures the wilderness integrity of the site, providing the solitude that so many Minnesotans seek when escaping city life. Users must secure an overnight permit well in advance, which designates their entry point and date, and mandates adherence to all BWCAW regulations, including the "pack it in, pack it out" rule.

Services Offered

As a designated primitive campsite in a federally protected wilderness area, Campsite #1077 offers specific, low-impact services designed to meet essential needs while minimizing the human footprint. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient for food, shelter, water treatment, and safety.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided at the primary cooking area for safely containing campfires and cooking fires, though fire restrictions may be in place during dry periods.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit latrine (often a "thunderbox" or wooden box over a dug pit) is located a short distance from the main camping area to handle human waste, preserving the sanitation of the core site.
Established Tent Pad(s): The site is cleared and leveled with designated areas for pitching tents, typically a minimum of two pads, which protects surrounding vegetation from trampling and erosion.
Canoe Landing: A clear, established area on the shoreline for safely landing, loading, and unloading canoes and kayaks.
Natural Water Source: Direct access to the adjacent lake for gathering water, which must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.
Natural Firewood Collection: Within the BWCAW, dead and downed wood may be gathered for fire use, eliminating the need to haul firewood and maintaining self-reliance.

Features / Highlights

While every BWCA campsite is unique, Campsite #1077, like its neighboring wilderness sites, boasts characteristics that define the Boundary Waters experience, offering specific attractions for the dedicated outdoor enthusiast.

Unparalleled Solitude: As a dispersed wilderness site, it is separated from neighboring campsites by significant stretches of water and forest, offering a high degree of privacy and immersion in nature.
Prime Shoreline Access: All designated BWCA sites feature a secure canoe landing, and many boast natural rock ledges or sandy areas ideal for shore fishing, swimming, or simply gazing across the lake.
Stargazing Opportunities: Located far from any city lights, the site offers some of the best dark-sky viewing in North America, making night-time sky watching a spectacular feature.
Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: The deep wilderness setting maximizes the chance to observe classic Minnesota wildlife, including moose, black bears (requiring proper food storage), bald eagles, and the unmistakable common loon.
Remote Fishing Access: Positioned on a pristine BWCA lake, the campsite provides immediate access to world-class fishing for native species like Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass.
Minimal Environmental Impact: The site’s established structure and primitive nature mean less human impact and a cleaner, more beautiful environment compared to high-traffic, front-country campgrounds.

Contact Information

Information, permits, and administrative details for BWCA Campsite #1077 are managed by the local administrative body of the Superior National Forest.

Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA (General area for the Kawishiwi Ranger District)

For Permit Reservations and Administrative Inquiries:

Kawishiwi Ranger District

1393 Highway 169 ELY MN 55731

Phone Number: 218-365-7600

Note: All overnight visits must be reserved through the official BWCA permitting system for the appropriate entry point near Ely. This is a wilderness site; there is no on-site host, manager, or telephone access.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #1077 is uniquely suited to Minnesota residents, offering a retreat that reconnects them with the state's fundamental identity as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." It provides a necessary escape from the pressures of modern life, replacing traffic noise with the calls of the loon and city lights with the magnificent Aurora Borealis.

For the local, this campsite is a practical and authentic fulfillment of a regional rite of passage. Its location near Ely means the drive to the wilderness boundary is familiar and relatively quick compared to other destinations, making a true week-long or even long-weekend wilderness immersion possible. The BWCA’s established regulations—requiring permits and adherence to Leave No Trace principles—are designed to protect the very resource that Minnesotans hold so dear, ensuring that this pristine environment will be available for future generations. Choosing Campsite #1077 is not just choosing a place to camp; it is choosing a deeper connection to Minnesota’s heritage of canoe travel and untamed wilderness, offering a powerful, restorative experience that only the Boundary Waters can provide. It is a challenge and a reward—a true Minnesota adventure.