BWCA Campsite #2322: Your Gateway to the Ely Wilderness on Fall Lake

Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #2322 on Fall Lake

For Minnesota residents, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the gold standard for wilderness camping. BWCA Campsite #2322 offers an accessible, yet authentic, taste of this legendary area. Located on the shores of Fall Lake in the Fall Lake Township, near the historic town of Ely, this designated campsite serves as an ideal launchpad for both short stays and extended trips into the heart of the million-acre wilderness. Fall Lake itself is a unique body of water, as a portion of it is one of the few lakes on the BWCAW border that permits motors (up to 25 horsepower), offering a slightly easier entry for groups carrying heavier gear or those with less time for deep paddling.

Campsite #2322 is a primitive, designated location managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Like all BWCA sites, it adheres to strict “Leave No Trace” principles, ensuring the pristine nature of the Northwoods is maintained for future generations. The site can accommodate one group, up to nine people and four watercraft, requiring a mandatory overnight Quota Permit for Entry Point 24 - Fall Lake during the quota season (May 1 – September 30). While user reviews suggest the site has its unique topographical challenges, such as a steep rock side to walk up, it nonetheless provides the basic necessities and isolation characteristic of a true wilderness camp. Its proximity to Ely also makes it incredibly convenient for pre-trip outfitting and support.

This campsite is particularly popular as the first night’s stop on a longer route toward renowned destinations like Basswood Lake, or as a peaceful base camp from which to explore the surrounding Fall Lake area and its excellent fishing grounds.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #2322 is situated in Fall Lake Township, MN 55731, USA, on Fall Lake. The lake is a primary access point to the eastern portion of the BWCAW and is supported by the Kawishiwi Ranger Station near Ely.

Accessibility is one of this campsite’s major advantages. Visitors begin their trip at BWCA Entry Point 24 – Fall Lake, which features a public boat landing. This entry point is unique because it permits the use of motorized boats (up to 25 HP) on Fall Lake itself, making the initial paddle or boat ride to the campsite relatively fast and efficient.

To reach the campsite from the landing, groups paddle a short distance on Fall Lake. Depending on the exact location of Site #2322 on the lake’s shoreline or one of its islands (such as Mile Island), the travel time can be minimal, often less than an hour of paddling. This makes it an ideal spot to reach after a long drive from the Twin Cities or other parts of Minnesota. From the site, paddlers can then venture deeper into the wilderness via the portages leading into Newton Lake or by tackling the infamous Four Mile Portage that connects to Basswood Lake—a route that showcases the historical logging past of the area. The site’s location provides a direct immersion into the Northwoods environment without the extensive portaging often required by more interior entry points.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #2322 provides simple, low-impact facilities intended to protect the surrounding environment. This area operates on a strict “no-frills” basis, demanding a level of self-sufficiency from all visitors.

A sturdy, official Steel Fire Grate for cooking and warmth. Fires are only permitted within the grate, using only dead and downed wood collected from the ground.
Designated Tent Pads or cleared areas for pitching tents. User feedback specifically mentions “two good tent pads close together,” which is helpful information for groups planning their sleeping arrangements.
A basic, wilderness-standard Pit Latrine (often a box latrine) situated a recommended distance from the main campsite and the water’s edge for proper sanitation.
A designated Canoe Landing point, though its quality can vary based on natural topography. The user review mentions a "steep rock side to walk up," indicating the landing area might involve climbing an incline to reach the main camp.

It is important to remember that visitors must be completely self-sufficient. There is no access to potable drinking water, so water from the lake must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated. There are no trash facilities, requiring all waste to be packed out of the wilderness.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #2322 on Fall Lake is known for several key features that enhance the wilderness experience, particularly for local residents who understand the appeal of the area:

Motorized Access on Fall Lake: Unlike the vast majority of the BWCAW, Fall Lake allows motors up to 25 HP, simplifying the initial transit for groups. This convenience reduces the physical effort required on the entry day.
Proximity to Ely, MN: The site’s entry point is just a short drive from Ely, making logistics smooth. Ely offers excellent outfitting services, restaurants, and attractions (like the International Wolf Center and the Dorothy Molter Museum) for pre- or post-trip enjoyment.
World-Class Fishing Gateway: Fall Lake itself is an excellent fishery for Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and panfish. Furthermore, the site provides a jumping-off point to the famous Basswood Lake, an internationally known fishing destination.
Convenient Base Camp Functionality: Given its location, the site is perfect for groups interested in base camping—staying put for several days and conducting day trips into the surrounding wilderness areas (such as Newton Lake or exploring the deeper BWCA routes).
True Northwoods Scenery: Despite the motor access, the site delivers the classic rugged Minnesota landscape, complete with rocky shorelines, mature pine forests, and opportunities to see northern wildlife like moose and numerous bird species.

Contact Information

To plan your adventure and secure the required permits for overnight camping at BWCA Campsite #2322:

Official Managing Authority: U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest - Kawishiwi Ranger District

Address for Inquiry/Permit Office: 8653 North Kawishiwi Trail, Ely, MN 55731

Phone for Inquiry: (218) 365-7600

Note: Overnight Quota Permits for Entry Point 24 must be reserved well in advance through the official federal reservation system (Recreation.gov) due to high demand, especially during the peak summer season.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota locals, BWCA Campsite #2322 on Fall Lake represents a unique and highly desirable entry point into the state's most cherished wilderness. It offers a perfect balance that caters to diverse groups: families or novice campers appreciate the ability to use a motorboat on the first lake, which minimizes the initial barrier to entry. More seasoned adventurers recognize its strategic value as a springboard to longer, more challenging trips into the heart of the BWCAW and Quetico Provincial Park.

By choosing this site, Minnesotans are accessing the profound quiet and natural beauty that defines their state's northern heritage, without sacrificing convenience to the amenities and outfitters of Ely. The ability to base camp here and enjoy the area's legendary fishing, while still operating within the strict framework of wilderness preservation, makes Campsite #2322 an invaluable local resource. It’s an accessible portal to the profound solitude and pristine waters that define the Minnesota Northwoods experience.