BWCA Campsite #991: Your Island Oasis on Perent Lake near Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #991 on Perent Lake

For Minnesota’s devoted outdoor enthusiasts, the mention of a designated island campsite in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) immediately suggests a premium experience. BWCA Campsite #991 is one such gem, located not on Lake No. 1, but prominently situated on an island in the stunning Perent Lake. This is a popular destination within the Superior National Forest and a key point of interest for paddlers launching from the highly-traveled Entry Point 30 (Lake One) or Entry Point 32 (South Kawishiwi River).

Campsite #991 is celebrated by previous users for its exceptional size and features, offering a unique blend of exposure and privacy. Being an island site, it often benefits from a consistent breeze, which is a welcome feature in the warmer months. As with all BWCA campsites, it is a primitive, designated location requiring an overnight Quota Permit during the peak season (May 1 – September 30). This site is particularly favored by larger groups—some reviews even suggest it could comfortably accommodate a scout troop—due to its ample tent space and well-defined kitchen area. Its location on Perent Lake, which is a larger lake offering good paddling and fishing, makes it a perfect destination for trips that prioritize a secluded base camp experience.

This is a true paddle-in wilderness site; no motors are allowed on Perent Lake, ensuring the quiet, unmarred solitude Minnesotans seek when escaping to the Northwoods.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #991 is located on an island in Perent Lake, an interior body of water in the eastern section of the BWCAW. The general address proximity is often linked to the area’s primary access points.

The most common way to access Perent Lake, and subsequently Campsite #991, is through BWCA Entry Point 30 – Lake One, located near Ely, MN. This entry point is one of the busiest in the entire wilderness area, indicating its relative ease of access compared to more remote locations. The paddle-in journey from Entry Point 30 involves navigating the interconnected chain of lakes (Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Three, and Lake Four) via a series of short, well-maintained portages before reaching the longer portages that lead toward Perent Lake.

Alternatively, the site can be accessed via Entry Point 32 – South Kawishiwi River, which also requires an initial paddle and a portage or two to reach the lake. Regardless of the route, reaching Perent Lake requires commitment, making Campsite #991 a genuine wilderness experience. The site’s secluded island location offers a high degree of privacy and protection from noise, a welcome reward after the initial travel effort. For local users, the journey itself is part of the tradition, passing through some of the BWCA’s most iconic waterways.

Services Offered

As a designated, primitive campsite within the protected BWCAW, Campsite #991 provides only the essential infrastructure required for low-impact camping. Visitors must embrace a highly self-sufficient style of camping, adhering to the Leave No Trace principles.

A sturdy, official Steel Fire Grate provided for cooking and building campfires. Note that fire conditions in the BWCAW change, and at times, campfires may be prohibited, requiring campers to rely on a camp stove.
Multiple, level, and distinct Tent Pad Areas capable of supporting a large group. User feedback highlights the site’s capacity, noting it has been used by large parties and features up to four tent pads.
A basic, wilderness-standard Pit Latrine (often a box-style setup) located discreetly away from the central camp area and the shoreline to maintain sanitation standards. The trail to the latrine is generally well-worn but rustic.
An easy and functional Canoe Landing, suitable for pulling watercraft ashore and storing them out of the water. One review specifically noted an "Easy landing and canoe storage."
Natural Log-Based Seating in the fire/kitchen area, often constructed by the Forest Service or previous users from natural materials, providing a simple place for group gatherings.

No services such as running water, electricity, or trash disposal are available. Water from Perent Lake must be filtered or treated for drinking, and all refuse must be packed out to maintain the pristine environment.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #991 is highly regarded for a number of features that enhance the traditional wilderness trip, making it a memorable location for Minnesotans:

Island Site Solitude and Views: Its location on an island provides 360-degree separation from other shoreline groups, translating to superior privacy and stunning lake views, including sunsets and sunrises over the water.
Large Capacity: The site is well-known for being exceptionally large and open, capable of accommodating groups up to the maximum BWCA limit of nine people with ease, thanks to its numerous and separate tent pad locations.
Walkable Island Perimeter: Visitors have noted the ability to “walk around the island,” which offers small trails and lookouts for exploration and enjoying different perspectives of Perent Lake without leaving the campsite area.
Excellent Kitchen and Landing: The site features a well-defined kitchen and fire area, often with log seating, and an easy canoe landing that simplifies loading and unloading gear.
Central Location: The site is positioned deep enough within the wilderness to feel remote but is still on a major travel corridor, allowing day-trip access to surrounding lakes and routes further into the BWCAW’s eastern region.

Contact Information

To plan your adventure and secure the required permits for overnight camping at BWCA Campsite #991 on Perent Lake:

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 the relevant entry points (e.g., EP 30) must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. The popularity of the area means securing a permit, especially for a prized island site like #991, requires early planning.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota locals, BWCA Campsite #991 on Perent Lake embodies the ultimate goal of a true Northwoods canoe trip. It represents a hard-earned reward—a spectacular, secluded island retreat accessible only by paddle and portage. This is the authentic, deep-wilderness experience that is part of the state’s cultural DNA.

The site's exceptional size makes it an ideal spot for extended family trips or groups of friends who want to travel together without compromising comfort. Its highly-regarded features, such as multiple tent sites and an easy landing, reduce the logistical stress of wilderness travel. Furthermore, being on Perent Lake places visitors in a quieter, paddle-only zone, guaranteeing the peaceful solitude necessary to truly unplug and connect with the immense beauty of the Superior National Forest. By camping here, locals are not just finding a place to pitch a tent; they are fully engaging with the challenging, restorative, and unforgettable tradition of Minnesota’s celebrated Boundary Waters.