BWCA Campsite #994

- Lake No. 1, MN 55603

Introduction / Overview: Your Gateway to Unplugged Wilderness at BWCA Campsite #994

For decades, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has served as the ultimate escape for Minnesotans seeking profound solitude and an authentic connection with nature. Among the 2,000+ designated camping locations lies BWCA Campsite #994, a specific point of refuge along the vast network of canoe routes. This is not a drive-up campground; it is a true wilderness site, managed under the stringent regulations of the U.S. Forest Service to preserve its untouched beauty.

Campsite #994 offers a uniquely rugged experience where modern conveniences are intentionally absent. Visitors are required to be completely self-reliant, adhering to the fundamental principles of Leave No Trace. Your trip here begins long before you paddle, starting with securing a coveted overnight quota permit and meticulously planning every detail of your gear, food, and safety. This campsite provides the platform for a challenging yet deeply rewarding adventure, where the only sounds are the dip of a paddle, the call of a loon, and the crackle of a campfire. It represents a true Minnesota tradition: the wilderness canoe trip, and Campsite #994 stands ready to host your group’s journey into the quiet sports.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Lake One Region

BWCA Campsite #994 is located in a remote section of the Superior National Forest, with its general location tied to Lake No. 1, MN 55603, USA. This area is typically accessed through the popular Entry Point 30, known as Lake One, which is reached via the Fernberg Road near the town of Ely, Minnesota. The 55603 zip code points directly to the Ely area, confirming its location in the heart of Minnesota's canoe country.

Accessibility to Campsite #994 is strictly non-motorized and requires a combination of paddling and portaging. After registering your permit at the designated Kawishiwi Ranger Station or an outfitter in the Ely area, you will begin your paddle from the Lake One entry point. Lake One itself is part of a chain of numbered lakes (Lake Two, Lake Three, etc.) that form a primary artery into the BWCA. Reaching Campsite #994 will necessitate careful map reading and navigation across one or more lakes and portages. The total distance and time to reach the site from the entry point will vary based on your paddling speed, portage efficiency, and the specific route chosen, making precise mapping skills essential.

For local Minnesotans planning their journey, the drive to the gateway city of Ely is generally:

From the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul): Approximately 4 to 5 hours.

From Duluth: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Once you park at the designated entry point, all travel is by watercraft, reinforcing the isolated and low-impact nature of the site.

Services Offered: The BWCA Essential Amenities

In accordance with the National Wilderness Preservation System guidelines, Campsite #994 offers essential, minimalist facilities to maintain sanitary conditions and minimize environmental impact. The focus is on providing a safe, designated spot while requiring visitors to be completely self-sufficient in all other aspects.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is installed at the campsite. All campfires must be built inside this grate using only dead and down wood collected from the ground, ensuring the protection of the soil and live trees.

Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet, located discreetly away from the main camp and the shoreline, is provided. Visitors are required to pack out all personal waste items, as the latrine is strictly for human waste and toilet paper.

Cleared Tent Pads: The site features a few level, non-vegetated areas suitable for pitching tents. This deliberate placement helps concentrate visitor impact and minimizes damage to the forest floor and sensitive plant life.

Canoe Landing Area: A natural area on the shore, typically a rock ledge or a gradual slope, designed for the easy landing, loading, and securing of canoes and kayaks.

Crucially, there is no potable water, electricity, Wi-Fi, or cellular service. All drinking water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated from the lake, and all garbage, food scraps, and non-burnable materials must be packed out of the wilderness entirely.

Features / Highlights: Solitude, Scenery, and Self-Reliance

The true highlights of BWCA Campsite #994 are its inherent wilderness features, making it a desirable destination for seasoned paddlers and those seeking complete removal from civilization.

Unmatched Solitude: With strict quotas on the number of permits issued per day and a limit of one group per campsite (maximum nine people and four watercraft), you are virtually guaranteed a peaceful, private stay with minimal contact with other groups.

Prime Fishing Opportunities: Like the surrounding lakes in the numbered chain, the waters near the campsite are renowned for excellent fishing for species such as Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout.

Stunning North Woods Scenery: The site offers classic BWCA views, featuring towering red and white pines, granite outcrops, and the clear, deep waters of the lake. It provides a perfect vantage point for sunrises or sunsets, depending on its orientation.

Ideal for Basecamping: Being a designated site, it can serve as a multi-day basecamp. From here, groups can take day trips in their canoes to explore nearby lakes, portages, and scenic points of interest without the daily burden of packing and unpacking.

Wildlife Encounters: The location is a habitat for diverse Minnesota fauna, including Loons, Bald Eagles, and various forest creatures. Proper food storage (hanging or bear canister) is a mandatory rule to protect the area's black bear population and ensure visitor safety.

Contact Information: Securing Your Wilderness Permit

Since BWCA Campsite #994 is a remote, undesignated entity within a federally protected wilderness, it does not have a physical office or a direct phone line. All official planning, reservation, and information requests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and authorized outfitters in the surrounding Minnesota communities.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55603, USA (This address serves as the general area reference; the actual campsite must be located with a map.)

Permit Reservation and Official Information:

The primary point of contact for reservations (required May 1 - September 30) is the official online government portal for recreation permits.

Phone: For detailed route planning, current conditions, and general BWCA information, contact the local administrative office, such as the Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely (via the Superior National Forest general line or a local outfitter).

Reservations for the BWCA are in high demand and are typically released for the upcoming season in late January, making early planning essential for local users.

Conclusion: Why This Site is a Must for Local Minnesotans

For Minnesota residents, a trip to BWCA Campsite #994 represents a pilgrimage to one of the state's most cherished natural resources. This site is particularly suitable for locals because it embodies the adventurous spirit and respect for nature ingrained in the state’s culture. It’s an accessible challenge—a wilderness deep enough to feel utterly remote, yet close enough for a weekend or week-long trip from the Twin Cities, Duluth, or other regional centers.

The experience is a proving ground of personal resilience and teamwork, requiring a skill set—canoeing, portaging, and map-reading—that many Minnesotans take pride in mastering. Furthermore, choosing a BWCA site like #994 supports the ongoing preservation of this precious national wilderness area. It’s a chance to completely disconnect from the digital noise and immerse yourself in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering an unparalleled opportunity for personal reflection, family bonding, and appreciating the quiet majesty of the Minnesota North Woods. Secure your permit, gather your gear, and answer the call of the wilderness right here in your home state.

BWCA Campsite #994

Lake No. 1, MN 55603, USA