BWCA Campsite #2049, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

Unlike drive-up campgrounds found throughout Minnesota's State Parks, BWCA Campsite #2049 on Good Lake represents the pinnacle of true wilderness camping within the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), part of the Superior National Forest. This is a destination defined by its remoteness, accessible only by paddle and portage, requiring a dedicated multi-day effort to reach. It is a designated, authorized campsite, one of the over 2,000 such spots scattered across the million-plus acres of this protected wilderness area.

Campsite #2049 is not a business, but a specific, geographically mapped location designed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to accommodate one group of up to nine people and four watercraft at a time. It is a reflection of the USFS's commitment to maintaining a true wilderness experience. The camping experience here is rugged, rustic, and completely removed from modern amenities, demanding adherence to strict Leave No Trace principles. For the Minnesota local seeking deep solitude, a world-class paddling experience, and the chance to witness the North Woods entirely untamed, this specific campsite—and the wilderness it represents—is the gold standard. The experience is about personal challenge, reconnecting with nature, and finding quiet that is simply not possible in front-country locations.

Location and Accessibility

The address listed, Good Lake, Ely, MN 55731, USA, is a geographical reference for a specific point in a vast wilderness area, not a road-accessible location. Campsite #2049 is located on Good Lake within the Kawishiwi Ranger District of the BWCAW near Ely.

According to USFS records and common paddler knowledge, Campsite #2049 is strategically situated on the south side of a mid-lake narrows on Good Lake. The approach to the site involves a significant paddle and portage journey from a designated Entry Point (EP). A common route to Good Lake is often accessed via the Wood Lake Entry Point (EP #26), which requires a lengthy initial portage into Wood Lake, followed by paddling and additional portages to Hula Lake and finally into Good Lake. Another possible access point might be via the Mudro Lake Entry Point (EP #23).

Regardless of the starting point, accessibility is strictly by non-motorized means (canoe or kayak). There are no roads, parking lots, or trailheads leading directly to this campsite. The true accessibility is measured in portage rods and paddle hours—it is considered a secondary or deep wilderness site, meaning its isolation is one of its primary attractions. This isolation is what preserves the untouched nature of the area, offering a true sense of escape that is highly valued by seasoned Minnesota paddlers.

Services Offered

The term "services" in the context of a deep BWCA wilderness campsite is minimal by design. Campsite #2049, like all designated sites in the wilderness area, offers only the most essential, mandated features required for responsible minimal-impact camping:

Designated Fire Grate: A single, official metal fire grate is provided by the USFS to contain campfires and protect the surrounding forest floor.
Paddling Access/Landing: A cleared area on the lakeshore suitable for landing and securing canoes, although the quality of the landing can vary based on water levels.
Tent Pad Area: A flattened, cleared area suitable for setting up at least one tent, minimizing impact on natural vegetation. Wilderness standards generally ensure a flat space for sleeping.
Wilderness Latrine: A small, rustic pit toilet (often a 'box' or 'throne' structure) situated a mandatory distance from the campsite, fire grate, and waterline to maintain sanitation.

It is crucial for locals planning a trip to understand what is NOT provided: there is no running water, electricity, trash disposal, phone signal, flush toilets, prepared firewood, showers, or staff presence. All necessities, including water purification, food, and gear, must be carried in and all trash must be packed out.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #2049’s highlights are defined by its natural features and location within the Good Lake ecosystem:

High Solitude Index: Due to its interior location, this campsite offers a high degree of solitude, a key feature for those seeking to escape the crowds found near entry points. Only one other campsite is officially located on Good Lake, ensuring minimal encounters.
Strategic Narrows Location: Positioned on a mid-lake narrows, the campsite likely offers panoramic views and excellent vantage points for wildlife watching across the lake, including moose, bald eagles, and the iconic common loon.
Fishing Opportunities: Good Lake is known to connect to larger lakes like Basswood Lake, making it a potential stopover on popular fishing routes. The lake offers opportunities for catching smallmouth bass and northern pike, often right from the campsite's shoreline or adjacent canoe.
Access to Basswood Lake: Good Lake provides a connection via a portage to the much larger and historically significant Basswood Lake, opening up vast additional paddling and exploration options for extended trips.
True Wilderness Immersion: The lack of human infrastructure guarantees an authentic wilderness experience, forcing visitors to rely on their own skills and gear, which is a rewarding challenge for any seasoned Minnesota outdoorsperson.

Contact Information

As this is a specific, remote location within a federal wilderness area, there is no direct phone or mailing address for the campsite itself. All administration and reservations are handled by the managing agency:

Managing Authority (Reservations and Permits): US Forest Service (Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District)

Address (Kawishiwi Ranger District Office - nearest point of contact): 105 North Central Ave, Ely, MN 55731

Primary Phone Number (Kawishiwi Ranger District): (218) 365-7600

BWCA Permits and General Information: Obtained through Recreation.gov and local authorized outfitters in Ely.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #2049 on Good Lake is not merely suitable for Minnesota locals—it is the destination that embodies the quintessential ‘Up North’ tradition of the state. Minnesotans have a deep, proud connection to the BWCAW and the skill set required to explore it. This remote, paddle-in campsite is the ultimate proving ground for that heritage. It is far enough from any entry point to discourage casual day-trippers, ensuring the profound solitude that locals seek when they plan a Boundary Waters trip. The effort required to reach it—portaging gear, paddling miles of pristine water, and navigating by map and compass—is exactly what makes the experience so deeply rewarding. For the local angler, paddler, or family looking to unplug completely and truly bond over a shared challenge, Campsite #2049 offers a quiet, beautiful, and authentic slice of the vast wilderness that makes Minnesota so unique. It’s an opportunity to experience a protected natural resource with minimal impact, maintaining the wild character for future generations of Minnesotans.