Campfire Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

- RHG5+4X, Ely, MN 55731

For Minnesotans drawn to the deepest reaches of the Northwoods, the Campfire Lake Campsite offers a pure, challenging backcountry experience. Located on the storied Powwow Trail loop in the Superior National Forest, this site is not for the faint of heart; it is a dedicated backpacking destination accessible only after a significant, rugged hike. It represents a commitment to self-sufficiency and a desire to witness the raw, beautiful recovery of a wilderness area deeply impacted by the Pagami Creek Fire over a decade ago.

The Powwow Trail, located near Ely, MN, is a celebrated and highly demanding approximately 30-mile loop that ventures deep into the Superior National Forest, touching the edges of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Campfire Lake Campsite is one of the designated overnight stopping points along this loop. It is a site that embodies the spirit of wilderness backpacking: minimal amenities, maximum solitude, and an environment where preparedness is paramount.

Unlike drive-up campgrounds, this location is strictly a hike-in, hike-out experience. Hikers must secure the necessary permits from the US Forest Service before embarking on the journey. This area is characterized by the regrowth of the forest following the 2011 fire, meaning the trail offers a unique, sometimes rugged, landscape of old and new growth, making the mileage feel significantly harder than on well-maintained paths.

The campsite at Campfire Lake has been designated and restored to provide a crucial rest point for those completing the Powwow Trail. It typically features a tall firegrate and sufficient room for multiple tents, though the immediate shoreline can be marshy. As one customer review succinctly notes, this is a "place that needs attention"—a nod to the ongoing, essential work by volunteers and the Forest Service to keep this challenging wilderness route open and passable for all who dare to explore it.

The Campfire Lake Campsite is located deep within the Superior National Forest, managed by the Kawishiwi Ranger District, near the iconic northern Minnesota town of Ely. Its geographic coordinates place it firmly in the remote backcountry, accessible only via the Powwow Trail (BWCA Entry Point #86).

General Location: RHG5+4X, Ely, MN 55731, USA (This address is a Plus Code indicating a remote location near Campfire Lake, not a physical building.)

Trailhead Approach: The hike begins at the Powwow Trailhead, which is reached by driving a significant distance east and south of Ely, including miles on unpaved Forest Service Roads. It is essential to have an accurate map and directions before setting out for the trailhead parking area.

Hike Distance: The campsite is located several miles into the loop portion of the trail. Depending on the route chosen from the trailhead, hikers can expect to travel approximately 6 to 9 miles to reach Campfire Lake. For example, when traveling the western side of the loop, the site is about 2.3 miles past the Diana Lake bridge. This positioning makes it an ideal end-of-day stop for hikers completing the full loop or a multi-day "out and back" trip.

Accessibility: This is a pedestrian-only access site. The trail itself is known for being marshy in spots, with sections that can be underwater depending on the season and recent rainfall. Hikers must be prepared for steep, rocky sections, as well as the unique challenges of hiking through a recovering burn area, which may include navigating around or over fallen timber.

As a designated campsite within a permitted wilderness area, the amenities at Campfire Lake are minimal, designed to meet essential needs while preserving the natural state of the forest.

• Fire Grate: A single, tall firegrate is provided at the site for contained campfires, which are crucial for evening warmth and camaraderie (always check current fire bans).
• Latrine: A rustic, designated backcountry latrine (often a box-style pit toilet) is provided for human waste, ensuring sanitation away from the main camp and water source.
• Tent Pads/Areas: The site has approximately five or more designated tent pads or flat areas, allowing hikers to set up shelter on durable surfaces.
• Water Source: Campfire Lake itself serves as the water source. Due to the marshy nature of the immediate lakeshore, obtaining water may involve a short trek or navigating mucky ground; purification (filtering/boiling) is mandatory.
• No Potable Water: There are no developed sources of drinking water, such as pumps or spigots.
• No Garbage Disposal: All trash must be packed out by the visitor. This includes leftover food scraps and toiletries.
• No Developed Facilities: No electricity, plumbing, showers, or vehicular access.

The draw of Campfire Lake lies in its rugged beauty and the rewarding sense of accomplishment it offers to those who reach it.

• Scenic Lakeside Location: Despite the marshy access, the site offers a picturesque view of Campfire Lake, with the surrounding forest and recovering burn area providing a unique, dramatic backdrop.
• Central Powwow Trail Location: It is ideally situated to break up the long trek of the Powwow Trail, serving as a key overnight stop for completing the full loop.
• Restored Trail Marker: The presence of a designated campsite with a firegrate is a welcome sign of trail maintenance and community effort, providing a measure of assurance and history to hikers navigating the challenging route.
• Seclusion and Solitude: Due to the strenuous nature of the trail and the distance from the trailhead, the campsite offers exceptional privacy and quiet, a true escape from modern noise.
• Proximity to Quadga Lake: The site is very close to the spur trail leading to the Quadga Lake canoe campsite, offering a short side trip option and a secondary access to a different lake environment.

For all necessary planning, including securing permits and checking current trail and fire conditions, hikers must contact the U.S. Forest Service office managing the Superior National Forest area.

Managing Ranger District:

Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest

Address: 1393 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: (218) 365-7600

It is vital to confirm all regulations with the Kawishiwi Ranger District before your trip, as permits (BWCAW day or overnight Powwow Trail permits) are required for travel and camping in this remote section of the forest.

Campfire Lake Campsite is the ideal Minnesota destination for the seasoned local adventurer looking to elevate their backcountry skills. It’s a campsite that demands respect, preparation, and self-reliance—qualities valued in the North Star State's outdoor culture. For Minnesotans, this is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to experience a globally unique wilderness in recovery.

Choosing the Powwow Trail and Campfire Lake means embracing the challenge of a rugged landscape—the reward being the untouched beauty, the quiet soundscape of the forest, and the unparalleled satisfaction of truly earning your campsite. It's a proving ground for hikers, a place to test skills and build lifelong memories of a genuine Minnesota wilderness expedition. The isolation ensures your experience is purely about connecting with nature, far removed from the crowds, making it a perfect retreat for locals who cherish the state's rugged, untamed natural heritage.

Campfire Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail

RHG5+4X, Ely, MN 55731, USA