BWCA Campsite #995

- Lake No. 1, MN 55731

Introduction / Overview: Your True North at BWCA Campsite #995

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) holds a special place in the heart of every Minnesota outdoor enthusiast. Within this vast, protected landscape, BWCA Campsite #995 on Lake One stands out as a premier destination for those seeking genuine solitude and immersion in the boreal forest. This is authentic, self-supported, paddle-in camping—the quintessential Minnesota wilderness experience. Campsite #995, like all others in the BWCAW, is a designated, primitive site, meaning it offers minimal facilities to preserve the natural environment while providing a safe, defined space for your group.

The allure of Campsite #995 is its balance of accessibility and remoteness. Situated on Lake One, which serves as Entry Point 30, it is relatively easy to reach by canoe, yet far enough from the landing to offer profound quiet. Visitors consistently praise the site’s natural topography, noting the "Great rock cropping to hang out on." This feature not only provides a natural gathering spot but often offers stunning, unobstructed lake views perfect for sunrises or stargazing. Furthermore, the terrain is noted for offering "Good areas for tents and hammocks," which is a highly valued feature in the rugged Northwoods where flat, cleared ground can be a rarity.

Securing a spot at Campsite #995 requires a reserved overnight paddle permit for the Lake One Entry Point (EP 30). This process, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, strictly limits the number of groups entering the area each day, ensuring that when you arrive, the site is exclusively yours and the wilderness remains pristine. This level of management is what allows Minnesota locals to consistently enjoy an experience free from the overcrowding found in many other recreation areas.

Location and Accessibility: A Paddle Journey to Lake One’s Shores

Campsite #995 is located on Lake No. 1, near Ely, Minnesota, in the Superior National Forest. The official mailing address is Lake No. 1, MN 55731, placing it deep within the Kawishiwi Ranger District area. This proximity to Ely makes it easily reachable for Minnesota residents traveling from the Twin Cities, Duluth, and surrounding areas.

Access to the site is exclusively by watercraft. Visitors must launch their canoes or kayaks at Entry Point 30 – Lake One. This entry point is renowned for providing access to the "number chain" lakes (Lake One, Two, Three, and Four), offering a vast range of route options. The journey to Campsite #995 is an integral part of the experience. After securing your permit from an issuing station in or near Ely, you will paddle into Lake One.

Lake One is a large body of water with many arms and islands. Navigation is crucial; while the watercraft access is considered moderate—requiring a paddle but no immediate, difficult portages—campers must rely on detailed topographical maps and compass work to locate the specific site number along the shoreline. There are no marked, developed trails leading to the site. The 'paddle-only' method of travel preserves the environment and minimizes noise pollution, ensuring that the primary sound at Campsite #995 is the call of the loon, a hallmark of the Minnesota wilderness. The seclusion of this paddle-in location is precisely why it is highly sought after by local residents seeking an authentic, self-propelled adventure.

Services Offered (U.S. Forest Service Standard)

Camping at BWCA Campsite #995 requires a commitment to the Leave No Trace principles, as the site is designed to offer basic, essential facilities only. The limited services are a deliberate part of maintaining the wilderness character of the area.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site is equipped with established, generally level areas that have been cleared of vegetation for setting up tents. This critical feature helps concentrate impact and protects the fragile forest floor. The customer review notes 'Good areas for tents,' suggesting a comfortable bedding area compared to more rugged sites.
• Wilderness Latrine ('Thunderbox'): Located a prescribed distance (typically 150-200 feet) from the main camp, water, and portages, a rustic, open-air latrine is provided for the disposal of human waste. Campers are strictly required to pack out all trash and personal waste items, as the latrine is not a receptacle for garbage.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is the only legal location for campfires. Gathering only small-diameter, dead and downed wood is permitted, though campers are strongly encouraged to use a lightweight camp stove for most cooking needs to conserve natural resources.
• Unimproved Shoreline/Canoe Landing: The shoreline access for canoes is left in its natural state—a sloping rock surface, a gravel bank, or a small mud area. Paddlers should be prepared to manage their canoes and gear in various weather conditions at this primitive landing.
• Raw Water Access: Lake One is the sole source of water. No potable water is supplied. All water for drinking, cooking, or washing must be boiled, filtered, or chemically treated before consumption. Washing and bathing must be done at least 200 feet from the water's edge to prevent pollution.

Features / Highlights (A Scenery-Rich Base Camp)

Campsite #995 on Lake One is particularly attractive due to several sought-after natural characteristics that enhance the remote camping experience:

• Prominent Rock Cropping: A highlight specifically mentioned by past visitors is the presence of a "Great rock cropping to hang out on." These large, smooth geological features offer natural seating, areas for sunbathing, or a perfect platform for launching a canoe. They are quintessential features of the Minnesota Canadian Shield landscape.
• Excellent Hammocking Opportunities: The confirmation of 'Good areas for hammocks' means the site has well-spaced, sturdy trees suitable for hanging a hammock, allowing campers to relax and enjoy the wilderness atmosphere.
• Strategic Location on Lake One: Being on Lake One provides a superb balance. It offers relatively easier paddling than some interior lakes and acts as a gateway to the famous Lake Two, Lake Three, and beyond, making it an excellent base camp for day trips or the first stop on a longer expedition.
• Photography and Stargazing Potential: The expansive waters and rocky shoreline of Lake One, combined with the BWCAW’s near-zero light pollution, offer spectacular opportunities for night sky viewing and capturing the essence of the Northwoods landscape.
• Fishing Destination: Lake One is a known fishing lake, home to species like Walleye and Northern Pike. The rock cropping or nearby structure often provides excellent spots for casting a line directly from the campsite.

Contact Information (Administrative Authority)

As a wilderness campsite, #995 has no direct phone or mailing service. All official inquiries, permit issues, and necessary information are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Managing Authority (U.S. Forest Service - Kawishiwi Ranger District)

• Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, USA
• Phone: (218) 365-7600 (For quota season permit pickup, rules, and current fire condition updates)

All reservations for an overnight stay at Campsite #995 must be made through the official BWCAW reservation system (Recreation.gov) by securing a permit for Entry Point 30 - Lake One, well in advance of the trip date.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #995 on Lake One is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals because it represents the pinnacle of accessible wilderness in the state. For those who grew up near the lakes or are looking to disconnect from the urban bustle, the paddle-in requirement is not a barrier—it’s a welcome filter that ensures the privacy and deep quiet of the forest are maintained. The site’s specific features, like the comfortable tent areas and the inviting "rock cropping to hang out on," directly cater to a quality camping experience. This is where Minnesotans go to practice their unique outdoor skills—canoeing, map-reading, filtering water, and wilderness stewardship. Choosing Campsite #995 means participating in the state’s legacy of environmental protection while enjoying a profoundly personal and quiet adventure that is unmatched by any typical state park campground. It's a challenging, rewarding, and deeply local way to connect with the land that makes Minnesota the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes.'

BWCA Campsite #995

Lake No. 1, MN 55731, USA