BWCA Campsite #1915: A Secluded Wilderness Gem in Stony River Township, MN

For lifelong Minnesota adventurers, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the purest form of backcountry exploration. Far from the busy roads and common amenities of front-country recreation, designated sites like BWCA Campsite #1915 offer a true escape into the silence of the North Woods. This specific location is a highly-rated wilderness gem, appealing to those who embrace the challenge and deep solitude that define a classic Boundary Waters trip. It is a reminder of Minnesota’s commitment to preserving raw, untouched landscapes—a perfect place to recharge amidst towering pines and pristine waters.

BWCA Campsite #1915 is situated within the vast, protected boundary of the Superior National Forest, specifically in the geographically large area known as Stony River Township in Lake County, Minnesota. The provided ZIP Code, MN 55731, corresponds to the general Ely area, which is a major gateway city for the western and central portions of the BWCAW. Unlike drive-in campgrounds, this address merely pinpoints the general proximity to civilization; the campsite itself is deep in the wilderness.

While the exact lake location for Campsite #1915 is subject to official Forest Service maps—which do not often publicly publish site coordinates for all 2,000+ sites—its placement in the Stony River Township suggests access often involves one of the nearby entry points (EPs) that lead into the central or eastern BWCAW chains of lakes. Common EPs in this general region include those off the Fernberg Road (like Lake One (#30) or Snowbank Lake (#27)) or the South Kawishiwi River (#32). Accessibility is strictly "paddle-in" and "portage-in." After securing a mandatory overnight permit for a specific entry point and date, visitors must transport all gear, food, and water purification supplies via canoe and over the rugged, overland portage trails. The distance required to paddle and portage to Campsite #1915 means it is typically an intermediate to challenging trip, helping to ensure the site remains secluded and less frequently visited than those closer to the entry points. This isolation is a core part of its appeal, promising an undisturbed wilderness experience.

As a designated BWCAW campsite, #1915 adheres to the principle of "minimal facilities." The services provided are focused exclusively on meeting essential needs while minimizing environmental impact, emphasizing self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace ethics. The campsite does not provide electricity, running water, showers, trash disposal, or picnic tables.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, elevated steel fire grate is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. This is the only place campfires are allowed, and visitors must use only dead and downed wood collected away from the campsite area.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (also known as a 'thunderbox') is provided at a suitable distance from the tent area and the water source to ensure sanitation and water quality. All visitors are required to use this facility for human waste.
Established Tent Pads: One or more hardened, leveled areas are designated for pitching tents. These pads are specifically maintained to prevent soil compaction and protect surrounding vegetation from overuse.
Shoreline Canoe Landing: A natural area—often a patch of gravel, a rock shelf, or a small bay—is designated for safely landing and securing canoes and kayaks. Visitors must remove their watercraft from the water to prevent wake damage.

Campsite #1915 is consistently highlighted by experienced BWCA paddlers for features that elevate a stay from a simple night outdoors to a truly memorable wilderness retreat. While specific details can vary, highly rated sites in the Boundary Waters share common, desirable traits:

Exceptional Privacy and Low Traffic: Its remote location—necessitating a significant paddle and portage effort—acts as a barrier, ensuring a high degree of solitude and minimal disturbance from other groups.
Superior Scenic Views: High-quality BWCA sites often feature a sweeping view over the lake, perhaps from an elevated granite outcrop or a point, perfect for sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing, which is particularly spectacular in this Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Quality Tent Pads and Camp Kitchen Area: Reviewers often praise sites with large, flat, and well-drained tent pads capable of hosting a maximum BWCA group (nine people) and a comfortable, separate area for cooking and gathering.
Optimal Shoreline for Swimming and Fishing: Many top-rated sites feature a gently sloping, clear rock or sand area ideal for swimming access, as well as easy access to deep water for shore fishing opportunities.
Mature Forest Cover: The site likely benefits from the shade and aesthetic beauty of mature Red Pine or White Pine stands, offering a classic North Woods atmosphere and protection from the elements.

As BWCA Campsite #1915 is a component of a federally managed wilderness area, direct contact for this specific site is routed through the relevant U.S. Forest Service offices responsible for the permit system and management of the Superior National Forest.

Permits for entry must be secured through the national reservation system and picked up at a designated Ranger Station, often the Kawishiwi or Tofte District offices, depending on the chosen Entry Point.

Address (Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office - Administrative Contact):

8901 Grand Avenue Place

Duluth, MN 55808

Phone (BWCAW Permit Reservations):

1-877-444-6777

Phone (Superior National Forest General Inquiries):

(218) 626-4300

Note: Always reserve your required overnight permit well in advance, as the quota system limits the number of people who can enter the wilderness on any given day. You must list all members of your group and adhere to the strict nine-person, four-watercraft limit.

For local Minnesota residents, Campsite #1915 represents the pinnacle of our state's wilderness ethos. This deep-woods location is suitable precisely because it requires the skills and preparation inherent to the Minnesota outdoor tradition. We are a people who value hard work, self-sufficiency, and a profound respect for nature, all of which are prerequisites for a successful trip to this campsite. It offers a crucial opportunity that is hard to find elsewhere in the continental United States: a chance to disconnect from technology and truly immerse oneself in an ancient, silent, and self-regulating ecosystem.

The challenging paddle to #1915 provides a rewarding destination for:

The Preservation-Minded Local: By practicing low-impact camping at a remote site, locals actively participate in the stewardship of this irreplaceable resource.
The Family Adventure: For Minnesota families seeking a challenging and meaningful outdoor experience, this site offers a secluded basecamp for teaching essential navigation and survival skills.
The Deep Retreat: The lack of cell service and distance from motors ensures the complete restoration of mind and spirit that only the vast, untouched silence of the BWCA can provide.

Campsite #1915 isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a treasured Minnesota destination that solidifies our connection to the legendary North Woods.