BWCA Campsite #996: Your Secluded Northwoods Retreat on Lake One, Minnesota

Introduction / Overview: Finding Solitude at BWCA Campsite #996

Deep within Minnesota’s Superior National Forest lies the gateway to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). For seasoned Northwoods adventurers and ambitious first-time trippers alike, the search for a perfect, secluded campsite often begins on the highly accessible Lake One. BWCA Campsite #996, though simple in its accommodations, offers an authentic wilderness experience that is increasingly rare in the modern world. This site is strictly managed, accessible only by paddle or portage, and adheres to the rigid ‘Leave No Trace’ ethic that preserves the BWCA's pristine condition.

Campsite #996 provides a vital connection to Minnesota’s true wild heart. It is a primitive, designated stop on a vast network of interconnected waterways. Securing an overnight permit for this region, specifically through Entry Point 30 on Lake One, is the key to unlocking an experience characterized by quiet mornings, world-class fishing, and nights under skies free of light pollution. This location is not for those seeking amenities; it is for those seeking a challenge, a natural reset, and a fundamental bond with the environment. Every local Minnesotan knows that a trip to the BWCA is more than a vacation—it is a pilgrimage.

The site’s appeal lies in its designation as an official BWCA campsite. These sites are strategically placed to handle human impact with minimal ecological disruption, featuring basic provisions like a fire grate and a latrine. Campsite #996 is situated on the sprawling Lake One, which is a key hub for routes extending deeper into the famous numbered lakes (Lake Two, Lake Three, etc.), making it an outstanding choice for a base camp. Groups can unpack their heavy gear and spend multiple days exploring the surrounding water trails unencumbered.

Location and Accessibility: A Prime Canoe Entry Near Ely, MN

BWCA Campsite #996 is geographically located on Lake No. 1, MN, USA. Administratively, this area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service’s Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely, MN—a town widely regarded as the "Gateway to the Boundary Waters." The journey to the site begins at Entry Point 30 (Lake One).

To reach the entry point, travelers typically drive to Ely and then take the Fernberg Road, a well-maintained route that ends at the Lake One parking and canoe landing area. This relatively easy road access, combined with the often-calm waters near the entry, makes Lake One a preferred launching point, particularly for those with less experience or who are eager to get paddling quickly.

Once launched, accessing Campsite #996 requires proficient map and compass navigation. BWCA sites are not marked by large, intrusive signage but by small, official wooden signs. Lake One is a large, irregularly shaped body of water that can be challenging to navigate, offering many hidden bays, islands, and narrow channels. Campsite #996’s location is generally considered to be positioned to maximize the quintessential BWCA experience: a rugged, rocky landing area leading up to a cleared, elevated campsite that provides both a stunning view and a degree of separation from neighboring sites. Crucially, as a Lake One campsite, it is often secured early in the paddling day, avoiding the need for lengthy, potentially strenuous portages that might be required to find a vacancy deeper in the wilderness.

Services Offered (The BWCA Primitive Standard)

Campsite #996 is a true wilderness site, meaning its 'services' are limited to essential, designated structures designed to manage human activity and preserve the ecosystem. There are no modern conveniences such as electricity, running water, or paved paths. This commitment to primitiveness is what keeps the BWCA pristine.

Designated Tent Pads: The site is equipped with one or more cleared, flat areas specifically for tent placement. These areas prevent campers from creating new tent spots, which would crush fragile forest undergrowth. Using the designated pads is a mandatory BWCA regulation.
Wilderness Latrine ('Thunderbox'): Located well away from the lake and the main camping area (typically 150-200 feet), a rustic wooden box or pit latrine is provided for the safe and sanitary disposal of human waste. All non-human waste must be packed out.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is provided at the main cooking and gathering area. All campfires must be contained within this grate. Visitors must adhere to all local and Forest Service fire regulations, including complete fire bans during dry periods, often necessitating the use of portable stoves.
Natural Canoe Landing: Access to the site involves an unimproved shoreline—typically a collection of shoreline rocks, a small patch of sand, or a grassy bank. Groups must be prepared to manage their canoes and gear over uneven, natural terrain. Always ensure watercraft are secured against wind and waves.
Raw Water Source: Lake One itself is the water source. All water consumed must be treated using filtration, chemical treatment, or boiling. Following safe water protocols is an integral and expected part of the wilderness experience at Campsite #996.

Features / Highlights (A Base Camp Advantage)

Campsite #996 on Lake One holds several strategic advantages that make it highly desirable for those planning a BWCA adventure, particularly for Minnesota residents who value quick access and high-quality recreation:

Premier Base Camping Location: Lake One is a crucial entry point for the popular numbered lakes chain. Campsite #996 is perfectly positioned for groups intending to 'base camp'—setting up once and using the site as a hub for daily canoe or hiking expeditions into Lakes Two, Three, and Four, allowing for travel with minimal gear and maximum efficiency.
Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Lake One is renowned among local anglers for its diverse fish population, particularly Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. The campsite's likely location on a point or island offers immediate proximity to productive fishing spots, often without needing to paddle far.
Ease of Initial Access: As a campsite relatively close to the entry point, it involves a short paddle, bypassing the immediate need for a major portage. This makes it a stress-free start to a trip and is especially favorable for beginners, families, or groups carrying larger amounts of gear.
Scenic Boreal Forest Setting: Surrounded by the towering pines, birch, and spruces of the Superior National Forest, the site provides stunning views across the lake and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including spotting the elusive moose, beavers, and nesting loons—the iconic sound of the Minnesota wilderness.
High Degree of Privacy: While Lake One is a popular entry, the dispersed nature of BWCA campsites ensures that, once established at Campsite #996, your group will experience the deep seclusion the area is famous for, with regulations enforcing quiet hours and separation between groups.

Contact Information (Administrative Authority)

The physical campsite (#996) is unstaffed. All operational, regulatory, and permitting information is handled by the appropriate U.S. Forest Service office.

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

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, USA
Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Use for permit collection, current BWCA rules, and emergency non-911 inquiries)

Permit Information: Reservations for an overnight stay at BWCA Campsite #996 (via Entry Point 30 - Lake One) during the quota season (May 1 - September 30) must be made well in advance through the federal permit system (Recreation.gov).

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #996 on Lake One represents the quintessential Minnesota wilderness experience—accessible enough to be practical yet remote enough to deliver genuine solitude. For local users, this site is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a point of pride and a tradition. It demands respect for the environment and rewards visitors with an unplugged respite from daily life. Its location on Lake One is particularly suitable because it minimizes the initial physical demand, making the BWCA accessible to a wider range of groups, from young families to seasoned seniors. This site enables the cherished local practice of base-camping, allowing groups to fully appreciate the area’s fishing, scenery, and wildlife without the stress of constant travel. Booking Campsite #996 is an investment in self-reliance and an opportunity to reinforce the deep connection Minnesotans feel for their state's legendary wild lands. It provides the canvas for creating the kinds of enduring Northwoods memories that define a true Minnesota summer.