BWCA Campsite #993: Your Gateway to Minnesota’s True Wilderness

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Minnesotans, the call of the wild has meant one thing: a canoe paddle dipping silently into the glassy, clear waters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This million-acre federally protected area, located within the Superior National Forest, represents the pinnacle of North American paddle-in wilderness. Among its 2,000+ designated campsites, BWCA Campsite #993 on Lake One stands as a key point of interest, particularly for those beginning their journey into the heart of the "Number Chain" lakes.

Campsite #993 is not a drive-up, traditional campground. It is a true wilderness campsite, accessible only by watercraft and requiring a special BWCAW permit for overnight stays. This designation ensures a pristine, low-impact environment, protecting the fragile Boreal forest ecosystem that defines the Minnesota-Canadian border region. It offers a rare opportunity to disconnect entirely from the hustle of modern life and reconnect with the raw, unspoiled beauty of nature. The experience here is about self-reliance, solitude, and the shared heritage of wilderness exploration that is deeply ingrained in the Minnesota identity.

Lake One itself is a large, accessible body of water that acts as a popular launching point—Entry Point 30—into the massive network of waterways extending east and north. Campsite #993, like all sites in the BWCAW, is meticulously maintained according to "Leave No Trace" principles, providing only the most essential, permanent amenities to minimize human impact while maximizing the wilderness immersion. Its location on Lake One makes it an excellent choice for a first night's stay, a base camp for exploring the nearby lakes (Two, Three, and Four), or a strategic stop on a longer wilderness loop. The ambiance is defined by towering pines, granite shores, and the unforgettable sounds of Minnesota's state bird, the Common Loon.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #993 is located on Lake No. 1, deep within the Superior National Forest, near the vibrant gateway community of Ely, Minnesota. The official address for the surrounding area is Lake No. 1, MN 55603, USA, which is a general address for the wilderness region. More specifically, the campsite is accessed via BWCA Entry Point #30 (Lake One).

From Ely, the starting point for a trip to Campsite #993 is reached by traveling along the Fernberg Road (County Road 18), which eventually dead-ends at the official entry point parking lot and canoe landing. The drive from Ely to the Lake One entry point takes approximately 45 minutes, covering about 20-22 miles of paved road. Due to the area's remote nature, campers must arrange for their canoe launch from the designated Entry Point #30 landing.

Accessibility is strictly by paddle. Motorboats are prohibited on Lake One within the wilderness boundary, ensuring a tranquil paddling experience. From the entry point, the campsite is typically reached after a moderate paddle, depending on its specific placement on the lake and wind conditions. The relative ease of access to Lake One, with no immediate portages required to reach the lake's main body, makes it one of the most popular entry points in the BWCAW, particularly for families, beginners, and those who prioritize paddling over strenuous portaging early in their trip. Visitors should note that all overnight stays require a reserved quota permit, ensuring that the number of groups entering the wilderness each day is strictly controlled to maintain the wilderness quality.

Services Offered

As a true wilderness experience governed by the US Forest Service’s "Leave No Trace" philosophy, the services provided at BWCA Campsite #993 are intentionally minimal and rustic. These essential services are designed to manage visitor impact while offering a functional base for a primitive camping trip.

Designated Tent Pads: Each site typically features one or more cleared, relatively level areas intended for setting up tents, helping to prevent the trampling of surrounding vegetation.
Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided at a designated fire ring area. This is the only location where open fires are permitted, aiding in fire safety and minimizing soil scarring.
Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): An essential sanitation service, an outdoor latrine is set back from the main campsite area and water source to ensure cleanliness and waste management in the wilderness.
Canoe Landing: The site will have a clear, designated spot along the shore, often with a rocky or dirt landing, where canoes can be pulled in and safely secured, providing easy water access.
Fresh Water Source: The lake itself serves as the primary water source. However, all water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as no potable water is provided.
Bear-Proofing Resources: While no metal lockers are installed at this type of site, adequate trees and elevation changes are present to allow for proper food storage by hanging a bear bag, a mandatory practice for safety and wildlife protection.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #993 and its immediate surroundings on Lake One boast several features that make it a standout destination for the Minnesota adventurer.

Gateway to the Number Chain: The campsite's location on Lake One is the starting point for the famous "Number Chain" of Lakes Two, Three, and Four, offering an easily navigable, single-entry paddling route that extends deep into the BWCAW.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake One is known to contain good populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass, providing a rewarding experience for anglers right off the campsite’s shores or by paddling nearby bays.
Scenic Boreal Forest: The landscape is characterized by the classic Northern Minnesota Boreal forest—a mix of towering Red and White Pine, Balsam Fir, and deciduous trees like Aspen and Birch—offering a stunning backdrop for any trip.
Potential for Wildlife Viewing: The entire region is home to iconic northern wildlife, including moose, black bear, various waterfowl, and the revered Common Loon. Its position on Lake One's shore provides excellent vantage points for observing these animals in their natural habitat.
Historical Context: The area, including parts of Lake One, was affected by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire, which, while initially devastating, now offers a unique and fascinating look at forest regeneration—a powerful visual testament to the natural resilience of the wilderness.
Proximity to Outfitters: While deep in the wilderness, its location near Entry Point 30 means quick access to a variety of trusted Ely-based outfitters for gear, permits, and expert advice before and after your trip.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite #993 is a remote, permit-only wilderness site, direct contact is handled through the administering agency, the U.S. Forest Service Kawishiwi Ranger District, located near the entry point.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55603, USA (General Area)

For all permit, reservation, and general area information, please contact the responsible Ranger District:

Kawishiwi Ranger District (Superior National Forest)

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For those of us who call Minnesota home, BWCA Campsite #993 on Lake One represents more than just a place to pitch a tent; it embodies the state's deep connection to the wild North Woods. Its suitability for local residents lies in its combination of accessibility, genuine wilderness immersion, and as a starting line for creating iconic Minnesota memories.

Lake One, as Entry Point 30, is historically known as one of the best "starter" routes for Minnesotans introducing their families, friends, or even themselves to the unique challenge and reward of the Boundary Waters. The relatively shorter paddle from the entry point to the first few campsites, including #993, allows for a less strenuous start, making it perfect for weekend warriors, trips with young children, or those new to canoe camping. You can be on the water and into the wilderness quickly, maximizing your time away from the city.

This campsite offers a chance to tap into the authentic Minnesota experience—paddling under a canopy of pines, cooking over an open fire, listening to the call of the loon, and simply living by the rhythm of the sun and the paddle. It's a place where you can teach the "BWCA rules" of low-impact camping and forge a lifelong respect for the state’s most precious resource. Whether seeking a peaceful base camp or launching a multi-day expedition into the deep wilderness, Campsite #993 provides the perfect, pristine platform for any local to rediscover the peace and profound beauty of their own backyard. It is an essential part of the Minnesota outdoor spirit, waiting for your paddle strokes.