BWCA Campsite 1132, Silver Rapids, MN

For Minnesotans seeking the deepest connection with the Northwoods, there is no destination more revered than the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This one-million-acre expanse of pristine lakes and boreal forest offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-reliant, paddle-in camping. Among the two thousand designated campsites within this vast area, certain locations stand out for their exceptional layout and natural beauty. Today, we focus on one such highly-regarded spot: BWCA Campsite 1132.

This particular site is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a meticulously preserved slice of Minnesota's natural heritage, offering a remote sanctuary away from the noise and demands of modern life. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, Campsite 1132 represents the pinnacle of wilderness camping, providing the essentials needed to establish a comfortable base while requiring visitors to embrace the challenge of true self-sufficiency. By utilizing the specific features of this site, as noted by past visitors, you can transform a challenging wilderness trip into a uniquely memorable experience for your entire group.

As professional content writers specializing in local Minnesota adventure, we aim to provide a factual and friendly guide to understanding the unique logistics and immense rewards associated with a visit to this specific location. We encourage local users to view this campsite not as a mere waypoint, but as a privileged destination accessible only through the effort of paddle and portage. Planning is essential, and the rewards—solitude, spectacular sunsets, and shared achievement—are immeasurable.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite 1132 is situated deep within the Superior National Forest, near the gateway community of Silver Rapids, MN 55731. The provided GPS coordinates (V9PG+HG) are a clear indication of its wilderness nature; there are no paved roads, and the location is entirely water-accessible. The nearest major hub for outfitting and permit issuance is the Ely area, known internationally as a premier entry point for the Boundary Waters.

Reaching Campsite 1132 involves a multi-stage process that is typical for a BWCA adventure. First, a mandatory BWCAW Entry Permit must be secured for a specific date and entry point—a process that must often be completed months in advance due to the high demand for quota permits. Upon securing the permit, visitors launch their watercraft (canoe or kayak) from a designated entry point near Silver Rapids or Ely. The remainder of the journey is a combination of paddling across one or more lakes and executing portages—land trails where all equipment and the canoe itself must be carried between waterways.

This necessary effort is what ensures the site's tranquility and environmental integrity. It is crucial to approach this location with the mindset that access is defined by your physical ability and navigational skill, requiring detailed mapping and preparation. The time required to reach the campsite will depend entirely on the chosen entry point and the number of portages required. It is a full immersion into the landscape, starting the moment you leave the landing.

Services Offered

As a designated site within the National Wilderness Preservation System, Campsite 1132 offers standardized, minimal services to comply with federal 'Leave No Trace' guidelines. The fundamental principle is that the site provides the basic infrastructure necessary for low-impact camping, while the visitor supplies everything else.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is centrally located within the campsite’s kitchen area. This feature is the only place where visitors are legally allowed to build a campfire (unless there are active fire restrictions in place), providing a safe, centralized spot for cooking and warmth.
Wilderness Latrine: A vault or pit latrine, located a short, discreet distance from the main camp area and water source, is provided for human waste disposal. Visitors are required to pack out all non-human waste, including trash, food scraps, and personal hygiene items, to keep the latrine functioning and the environment clean.
Established Tent Pads: The site is a historically used location with cleared, relatively level areas designated for tent placement. The provided customer feedback specifically highlights the site's considerable capacity, stating it "was able to set up 5 tents comfortably," which is exceptional for a BWCA site and makes it ideal for larger permitted groups (up to the 9-person maximum).
Canoe Landing Area: An established landing spot, typically featuring a smooth rock outcrop or a small, natural beach, allows for safe loading, unloading, and overnight storage of canoes and kayaks.

It is important to reiterate that absolutely no modern amenities are available. There is no potable water (all drinking water must be filtered or boiled from the lake), no electricity, no trash service, and no cell phone reception in the deeper wilderness areas.

Features / Highlights

Campsite 1132 has specific, highly desirable natural features that contribute to its strong reputation among paddlers, as confirmed by customer feedback:

"Great Rock Porch" with Sunset View: A major highlight noted in reviews is the existence of a "great rock porch for sitting and watching the sunset." This typically refers to a smooth, flat granite slab extending toward the water, offering a natural seating area and a priceless, unobstructed western exposure that maximizes the beauty of the Northwoods evening sky.
Excellent Hammock Availability: The site boasts "plenty of trees to hang hammocks." This indicates a dense canopy of healthy, mature trees, likely pines or cedars, which is a key advantage for modern campers who value a comfortable, suspended sleeping or lounging setup.
Large Group Capacity: The ability to set up "5 tents comfortably" signifies that this is a premium, expansive site capable of accommodating a maximum-sized BWCA group (nine people/four watercraft) without crowding, a rare find in the wilderness where most sites are smaller.
Pristine Northern Exposure: The general wilderness context provides the unparalleled beauty of the boreal forest, the granite landscape shaped by glaciers, and the chance to view iconic Minnesota wildlife such as Common Loons, Bald Eagles, and various forest creatures.
Ideal Basecamp Setup: The combination of a large kitchen area (around the fire grate), excellent tent pads, and dedicated hammock spots makes the site highly functional for multi-day layovers and group logistics.

Contact Information

For permit reservations, detailed map information, or general inquiries related to wilderness travel and regulations near Campsite 1132, please contact the administrative office responsible for managing this section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (U.S. Forest Service - Kawishiwi Ranger District)

Note: This address and phone number belong to the official U.S. Forest Service Ranger District. The campsite itself is a remote wilderness location and is not accessible by road or direct phone communication.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite 1132 is uniquely suited to Minnesotans because it embodies the state's deep cultural appreciation for challenging, yet rewarding, outdoor recreation. For residents, this is an easily accessible (logistically, if not physically) world-class wilderness area right in our own backyard, saving the time and expense of traveling to distant national parks. The experience reinforces our local values of self-reliance, respect for nature, and community through shared outdoor challenge.

Locals often possess the necessary seasonal gear and have access to the deep knowledge of the area provided by experienced local outfitters in Ely and Silver Rapids. Campsite 1132, with its confirmed ability to host a large group comfortably and its popular "rock porch" sunset view, offers the perfect blend of practical functionality and stunning aesthetics. It allows a group of friends or a family to truly unplug and fully immerse themselves in the deep silence of the Northwoods.

Choosing to camp at this specific, highly-rated location ensures a high-quality wilderness experience, making the considerable effort of portaging and paddling entirely worthwhile. It is an opportunity to forge lasting memories against the backdrop of one of the planet's most beautiful and fiercely protected wild spaces—a proud Minnesota tradition that remains vital for connecting the people of this state with its foundational landscape.