BWCA Campsite #835

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For local Minnesotans seeking the profound quiet and untouched beauty of their state's wilderness, BWCA Campsite #835 on Ella Lake represents a highly desirable destination. This particular campsite is nestled deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), part of the million-acre expanse of rugged boreal forest in the Superior National Forest. As a designated wilderness campsite, it offers a primitive, first-come, first-served camping experience, demanding self-sufficiency while rewarding visitors with unparalleled natural solitude.

Ella Lake is one of the smaller, more intimate lakes in the famed "Lady Chain of Lakes," a scenic route that includes Beth, Grace, Phoebe, and Polly (or Lake Polly). Campsite #835 is the northernmost of the two designated sites on Ella Lake's eastern shore, offering maximum seclusion and a vantage point over this quiet, remote body of water. The site is often praised by local users for its overall vibe, succinctly described by one past visitor as simply "Cool"—a testament to the refreshing atmosphere and peaceful surroundings that define the best of Minnesota's canoe country.

The experience here is the quintessential BWCA trip: traveling by canoe, navigating portages, and setting up camp under the canopy of mature pine and cedar. It is a place where you can truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of the north woods, and embrace the challenge and freedom of the wilderness, all within a reasonable distance from the North Shore entry points.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #835 is specifically situated on the eastern shore of Ella Lake. While its administrative address is Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA, this location refers to the general proximity of the nearest non-wilderness community; the site itself is deep within the protected Superior National Forest and is only reachable by watercraft.

The journey to Ella Lake typically involves entering the BWCAW through Entry Point #38 (Sawbill Lake) or, less commonly, via Entry Point #37 (Kawishiwi Lake). Both entry points are accessible off the scenic Sawbill Trail (County Road 2), which branches off Highway 61 near Tofte on the North Shore.

For paddlers, the route requires navigating several lakes and portages, emphasizing the site’s deep wilderness location:

• The site is reached by paddling through Alton Lake (accessible via a short portage from Sawbill Lake).
• From Alton Lake, travelers must paddle and portage west into the "Lady Chain of Lakes," passing through Beth Lake and then into Ella Lake.
• As the northernmost campsite on the east shore of Ella Lake, it is positioned to offer some of the best privacy on this quiet body of water, making the effort of the intermediate portages entirely worthwhile for those seeking solitude.

Its inland location makes it less affected by large-lake winds compared to some of the entry-point lakes, offering calmer paddling conditions on its local waters. However, all travel is subject to the inherent challenges of Minnesota’s wilderness and primitive portage trails.

Services Offered

As part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Campsite #835 is a primitive, low-impact site. The U.S. Forest Service provides minimal, essential amenities designed to concentrate human impact and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles. Visitors must carry in all necessary supplies and be prepared for self-sufficiency.

• Wilderness Latrine: Every designated BWCA campsite, including #835, is equipped with a wilderness latrine (a pit toilet). This essential feature is located a short, discreet distance from the main camp, water, and tent areas to maintain sanitation standards.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided at a designated fire area for cooking and warmth. Fires are strictly limited to this grate, and visitors are required to gather only dead and downed firewood from the surrounding forest.
• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite provides cleared and relatively level areas, known as tent pads, for pitching tents. These are carefully maintained to accommodate groups of up to nine people and four watercraft, the legal limit per BWCA permit.
• Water Source: Potable water is not available. Water must be drawn from Ella Lake. Although Ella Lake is known for its clear wilderness water, all water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption to ensure safety.
• Canoe Landing: A designated area is available for pulling up and securing canoes, although the quality and ease of the landing depend on the site’s rocky shoreline and current water levels.
• Bear Safety: No public bear boxes are provided. The "service" is the space and mature trees necessary for groups to properly hang their food and scented items at least 100 feet from tents and fire grates, minimizing bear encounters and ensuring food safety.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #835 on Ella Lake offers unique characteristics that make it a standout choice for the experienced Minnesota camper:

• Deep Wilderness Location: Being multiple portages away from the nearest entry point, the campsite offers a profound sense of solitude and remoteness, ideal for escaping modern distractions and finding true quiet.
• Part of the 'Lady Chain': The site’s location provides an excellent base to explore the picturesque 'Lady Chain of Lakes,' offering diverse paddling and exploration opportunities in a secluded network of waterways.
• Highly Secluded Positioning: As the northernmost of only two sites on Ella Lake, Campsite #835 benefits from minimal traffic and a high degree of privacy, a valuable commodity in the highly sought-after BWCAW.
• Positive Local Vibe: The customer review noting the site as "Cool" suggests a favorable and pleasant atmosphere, often tied to good views, a comfortable layout, or a generally positive experience with the landscape.
• Fishing Opportunities: Ella Lake and the surrounding lakes in the chain are known to offer good angling opportunities, though the fish species and success depend on seasonal conditions and skills.
• Elevation and Views: Campsites in the BWCA are often situated to capitalize on the best views. As one of only two sites on a quiet lake, it likely offers inspiring views over the surrounding forests and lake surface, enhancing the overall wilderness immersion.

Contact Information

All permit and regulatory inquiries for BWCA Campsite #835 are handled by the managing U.S. Forest Service District. Since Ella Lake is accessible via the Sawbill Trail area, local support is managed through the Tofte Ranger District.

Address (Managing Ranger District):

Tofte Ranger District Office

P.O. Box 2159

Tofte, MN 55615

Phone (Tofte Ranger District Office):

218-663-8060

Permit Reservations: Reservations for the mandatory overnight quota permits (required May 1 - September 30) must be made through Recreation.gov under the relevant Entry Point, which is typically Entry Point #38 (Sawbill Lake) for the shortest access to the Ella Lake area. Campsites within the wilderness are first-come, first-served.

Local Outfitter Information:

Sawbill Canoe Outfitters (Closest Outfitter and Permit Issuer to Entry Point #38)

7611 Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615 (for equipment rental, shuttle services, and localized advice)

218-663-7150

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #835 on Ella Lake is an authentic invitation to the heart of what Minnesotans affectionately call "canoe country." This destination is uniquely suitable for local users who understand and appreciate that the best experiences often require a little more effort. Its deep-wilderness location, several portages removed from the nearest parking lot, naturally filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the journey are truly dedicated to the wilderness experience.

For local anglers, nature photographers, and solitude-seekers, this site offers an unparalleled reward: a private, 'cool' escape on a small, quiet lake, providing the ideal setting for multi-day basecamping or as a serene stop on a longer wilderness loop through the historic Lady Chain of Lakes. The remoteness translates directly into a higher probability of spotting the region's diverse wildlife, clearer night skies for viewing the northern lights, and a deep, cleansing sense of isolation. Campsite #835 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to experiencing the profound, protected quiet that defines the cherished Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #835

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA