BWCA Campsite #1991, Ely, MN

For local Minnesotans with a deep appreciation for the true Northwoods wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an iconic destination. BWCA Campsite #1991, situated on Newton Lake, represents the core of this experience: a remote, designated spot where you can truly unplug and immerse yourself in a protected, pristine environment. Unlike conventional drive-up campgrounds, this is a backcountry site requiring careful planning, a permit, and the ability to travel by paddle and portage.

Campsite #1991 is part of the vast network of over 2,000 designated campsites within the one-million-acre BWCAW, governed by the philosophy of minimal human impact and preservation of solitude. The site itself is known for its peaceful location and solid basic amenities, as noted by local adventurers who value the rustic nature of a true wilderness camp. It offers a genuine escape, where the sounds of the loons and the crackle of a fire are the only interruptions to your quiet contemplation.

This article provides an essential guide for local users interested in exploring this specific area of the BWCAW, detailing the required preparation and the unique features that make Campsite #1991 a rewarding stop on a multi-day canoe trip.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1991 is located on the shores of Newton Lake, a body of water that acts as a connector in the vast canoe routes accessible from the Ely area. Being within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the site is classified as remote and is accessible only by watercraft—specifically, by canoe or kayak—followed by portaging.

The closest major outfitting hub and access point is the town of Ely, Minnesota. To reach Campsite #1991, visitors typically enter the wilderness via one of the official BWCAW Entry Points (EPs) that connect to Newton Lake or its surrounding waters, such as Entry Point 27 (Snowbank Lake). From the entry point, the journey involves paddling across one or more lakes and executing one or more portages (carrying gear and canoe overland between waterways) before reaching Newton Lake and locating the designated campsite.

It is critical to understand that accessing any location within the BWCAW, including Campsite #1991, requires a mandatory, reserved permit. This permit specifies the exact entry point and date, and must be secured in advance from the US Forest Service, as daily quotas are strictly enforced to preserve the wilderness character of the area.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite, the amenities at BWCA Campsite #1991 are deliberately minimalist to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and maintain the area's wild nature. The focus is on providing essential, durable facilities that concentrate visitor impact in one spot:

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided at the campsite's kitchen area, allowing for safe campfires (subject to current fire bans) and cooking.
Box Latrine: Each site is equipped with a wilderness latrine, commonly known as a 'biffy' or pit toilet, located discreetly away from the main camp and water’s edge. This aids in waste disposal and sanitation.
Tent Pads/Areas: The site features established, hardened areas for pitching tents. These are often flat, bare areas that minimize damage to surrounding vegetation. For Campsite #1991, reports suggest space for approximately 3-4 tents, though some areas may be slightly sloped.
Canoe Landing: There is a defined area for landing canoes, although customer reviews indicate the landing at this specific site can be narrow and rocky, sometimes requiring a nose-in approach.
Log Seating: Some sites, including this one, feature naturally sourced log benches or seating around the fire grate, as attested by customer reviews mentioning a "very nice tree bench."

Features / Highlights

Campsite #1991 is noted for several characteristics that attract experienced canoe campers from the Minnesota area:

Peace and Solitude: The site is often described as "peaceful" and "quiet." Being set on Newton Lake, which is a travel route rather than a dead-end, it sees moderate traffic, yet the campsite itself offers a good sense of isolation due to its location and distance from other sites.
Western Views: Based on reports, the site provides a beautiful west-facing view, making it an excellent location for viewing and photographing the dramatic northern Minnesota sunsets over Newton Lake.
Proximity to Ely Area Entry Points: Its location on a well-known lake system near Ely means that it is an ideal spot for either the first or last night of a paddling trip, serving as a strategic stop after a long travel day or right before the final paddle out.
Robust Fire Area: The presence of a high-quality fire grate and seating (like the reported 'tree bench') creates a comfortable and functional central kitchen and gathering area, which is highly valued in the wilderness setting.
Fishing Opportunities: Newton Lake is known for holding certain fish species, including Northern Pike and Bass, offering campers a chance to fish directly from shore or paddle out for a better catch.

Contact Information

For all matters related to permits, regulations, and official information regarding BWCA Campsite #1991 and the surrounding wilderness area, contact the managing authority:

Address: The campsite itself does not have a mailing address, but access is managed via the Superior National Forest and nearby Ranger Stations.

Closest Major Ranger District (for permits/information):

Kawishiwi Ranger District
1393 Highway 169
Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600

Note: All reservations and permit information are handled through the official government wilderness permit system, and calling the Ranger Station is recommended for the most current information on quotas, fire restrictions, and regulations before planning your trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #1991 on Newton Lake is perfectly suited for local Minnesotans because it represents the pinnacle of accessible wilderness immersion. Minnesotans understand and respect the permit system and the 'pack it in, pack it out' ethos that defines the BWCAW, making them well-prepared for the self-sufficiency required here. For a local, the BWCA is more than just a place; it’s a regional treasure that offers a unique connection to the state’s heritage of canoeing and logging. This campsite, specifically, offers a manageable challenge for a multi-day trip while rewarding the effort with the legendary peace and beauty of the area.

It is a site that allows experienced locals to quickly transition from the hustle of urban life to the tranquility of the Northwoods, requiring only a short drive to Ely and a modest paddle-and-portage journey to find profound solitude. The feedback from real customers confirms its appeal as a "beautiful and peaceful site" with essential comforts like a good fire grate. Choosing Campsite #1991 means choosing a genuine, undiluted Minnesota wilderness experience that requires respect but gives back immeasurably in peace and natural splendor.