BWCA Campsite #827, Kelly Lake: Your Premier Minnesota Wilderness Getaway

Introduction / Overview: Your Ultimate Minnesota Wilderness Retreat

For Minnesotans and those seeking the quintessential North Woods experience, the allure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is unmatched. Nestled within this million-acre protected area in the Superior National Forest lies BWCA Campsite #827, a designated haven of solitude on the shores of Kelly Lake. This campsite represents the purest form of Minnesota's natural beauty, offering an authentic, non-motorized, and entirely primitive camping experience. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, all while being surrounded by the state's iconic boreal forest, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. As a designated campsite within the BWCAW, it adheres to the strict "Leave No Trace" principles that preserve the area's wild, untamed character for generations of local users and visitors. Campsite #827 is widely regarded as a solid option on Kelly Lake, often noted for its relatively open living space and potential to accommodate larger tent setups.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Tofte District

BWCA Campsite #827 is officially located in Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA, but this address is only a general indication of the wilderness area. More specifically, the campsite is situated on Kelly Lake, a body of water that is effectively a wide section of the Temperance River route. This location falls under the jurisdiction of the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

Accessibility is strictly by paddle and portage, as motorized travel is not permitted on Kelly Lake. The most common point of entry for a trip leading to Campsite #827 is via Entry Point #39, Baker Lake.

Primary Access Route: Entry Point #39 (Baker Lake).
Journey from Entry Point #39: From the Baker Lake Entry Point, paddlers must complete a short series of portages across Baker Lake and Peterson Lake before reaching the calm waters of Kelly Lake. The trip into Kelly Lake from EP #39 is considered one of the more manageable entry routes in the BWCAW, featuring relatively short and flat portages, making it suitable for groups looking for a less arduous start to their wilderness adventure.
On Kelly Lake: Campsite #827 is positioned on the south shoreline of a small bay, located due east of the portage leading to Burnt Lake. Its location in this bay offers a degree of protection and often a quiet spot on the lake.

Users planning a trip must secure an overnight quota permit for the Baker Lake entry point (#39) during the peak season (May 1 - September 30).

Services Offered: True Wilderness Camping

It is crucial for visitors to understand that BWCA Campsite #827, like all designated BWCAW campsites, is a primitive wilderness site. There are absolutely no modern amenities, and all camping must adhere to strict wilderness regulations. The "services" provided are minimal, focused entirely on resource protection and visitor safety/necessity.

Designated Tent Pads: The site typically features a number of cleared, flat areas suitable for pitching tents. User reports often indicate that Campsite #827 offers multiple large tent pads, making it a good option for bigger groups (up to the BWCA maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft).
Wilderness Latrine: Every designated BWCA campsite is equipped with a wilderness latrine (often a box or seat over a pit), situated away from the main camp area to prevent contamination. This is for human waste only; all trash must be packed out.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided at the main cooking and gathering area. Fires must be contained within this grate. Visitors should always check for current fire restrictions before their trip.
Canoe/Watercraft Landing: An established (though primitive and often rocky) area for landing and securing canoes or kayaks. User feedback for Campsite #827 indicates the landing can be rocky and small, requiring careful unloading.

Note: There is no running water, electricity, trash disposal (all trash is "pack it in, pack it out"), cell service, or developed swimming areas. Water from the lake must be filtered or treated for drinking.

Features / Highlights: Solitude and Exploration

Campsite #827 and Kelly Lake offer a variety of features that appeal to Minnesotans seeking a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience.

Proximity to the Temperance River Route: Kelly Lake is an integral part of the scenic Temperance River chain of lakes (Baker, Peterson, Kelly, Jack, and beyond). This provides excellent opportunities for exploring a well-defined canoe route.
Base-Camping Potential: The relatively moderate accessibility via the Baker Lake entry point makes Kelly Lake, and Campsite #827 specifically, a good location for base-camping. Groups can set up camp and take day trips to nearby lakes like Jack Lake or Burnt Lake.
Fishing Opportunities: Kelly Lake is known to hold Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. The deep pool where Kelly Lake flows into Peterson Lake, and the currents where the Temperance River enters from Jack Lake, are often productive fishing spots for Pike and Smallmouth, offering a local Minnesota fishing experience.
Access to Local History: A notable nearby feature is the historic Frank Johnson Mine, located via a short trail near the portage between Kelly Lake and Jack Lake. This provides a fascinating day-trip destination and a glimpse into the region's past.
Ideal for Wildlife Viewing: As a true wilderness setting, the area around Kelly Lake offers prime opportunities to spot Minnesota's iconic wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, loons, otters, and black bears. Proper food storage (bear-resistant containers or hanging) is mandatory.
Open and Spacious Site Layout: User reviews have often highlighted Campsite #827's large, open living area and multiple tent pads as a key positive feature, providing comfortable space for groups to spread out.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite #827 is a primitive site within a federally managed wilderness area, there is no direct phone number or mailing address for the campsite itself. All management, permits, and official information are handled by the U.S. Forest Service.

Official Campsite Location (for mapping reference):

BWCA Campsite #827, Kelly Lake

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA

For Permits and General Information:

Tofte Ranger District (Superior National Forest)

Address: 7355 W. Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Phone: (218) 663-8060

For Permits and Reservations (required May 1 - Sept 30):

Website: Recreation.gov (Search for BWCAW Permits, Entry Point #39 - Baker Lake)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #827 on Kelly Lake embodies the heart of the Minnesota wilderness, making it a perfect destination for local residents. It offers a relatively accessible entry point (Baker Lake) compared to some deeper wilderness routes, which is ideal for Minnesotans looking for a rewarding, multi-day experience without an extremely taxing paddle-and-portage start. This campsite allows locals to fully immerse themselves in the state's natural heritage—the world-renowned Boundary Waters. It provides the necessary solitude and challenge to truly escape the demands of urban life, offering a chance to fish in pristine waters, witness the Northern Lights, and hear the call of the loon—quintessential Minnesota moments. The site’s spaciousness caters well to families and friend groups, while its location on the Temperance River chain provides a flexible itinerary for day trips and longer exploration. For a Minnesotan, a trip to Campsite #827 is not just a vacation; it's a fundamental connection to the wild, rugged, and beautiful landscapes that define the North Star State. Supporting and visiting these wild places ensures their preservation, allowing residents to continually enjoy this unmatched ecological treasure just a day's drive from home.