Discovering the Honey Hole Campsite: A Premier BWCA Canoe-In Destination on Fall Lake

For generations of Minnesotans, the call of the North Woods and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the ultimate escape. While many deep-wilderness locations demand grueling portages and advanced skills, the area near Fall Lake Township offers a unique blend of accessibility and true wilderness immersion. Nestled within this transitional zone is the highly-regarded Honey Hole Campsite (identified as Campsite #1760 on Mile Island on Fall Lake), a prized destination for canoeists and anglers alike.

The name 'Honey Hole Campsite' is a testament to its popularity, particularly among those seeking exceptional fishing and a spacious, scenic base camp near the official boundary of the BWCAW. This is not a drive-in facility; it is a designated canoe-in campsite, offering an essential taste of the Boundary Waters experience without the long, difficult journey often associated with more remote entry points. It serves as a perfect stepping stone for local families and groups looking to introduce themselves to canoe camping while still adhering to the wilderness principles of the region.

This campsite is situated on the south-central shore of Fall Lake, technically within the Fall Lake Township area but immediately adjacent to the entrance of the BWCAW (Entry Point #24). Fall Lake itself is known as one of the major gateways to the Boundary Waters, providing motorized access up to a certain point, a significant convenience for those hauling heavier gear or utilizing fishing boats.

Access is straightforward via a short paddle from the Fall Lake Campground and BWCA Entry Point #24 boat landing. This location is approximately six miles east of the town of Ely, Minnesota. The typical route involves:

Driving to the Fall Lake Campground area using County Road 182 off Highway 169/County Road 18.
Launching a canoe or boat from the public landing at Entry Point #24.
Paddling a relatively short distance (compared to deep-wilderness routes) to reach Mile Island, where the Honey Hole Campsite is located.

Because Fall Lake permits limited motor use and has a major Forest Service campground nearby, the canoe route to this specific campsite is considered an easier, more reliable paddle, making it highly accessible to all skill levels. However, as it is a BWCA-designated site, it requires the necessary permits and adherence to wilderness rules, blending convenience with conservation.

As a designated BWCAW campsite, the services at Honey Hole are rustic and focused entirely on minimal impact and conservation. Visitors must be fully self-reliant, carrying in all supplies and carrying out all waste, upholding the 'Leave No Trace' ethic essential to the Boundary Waters.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire grate is installed by the U.S. Forest Service. Campfires are only permitted within this grate. Visitors must source dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand.
Wilderness Latrine ('Thunderbox'): A basic pit toilet is provided a short distance from the main tent and fire area. This is the only acceptable method for human waste disposal on-site.
Cleared Tent Areas: Multiple cleared and level areas are available for tent setup, helping to contain visitor impact and preserve the surrounding vegetation.
Easy Canoe Landing: The site typically features a natural shoreline or small, cleared area conducive to pulling canoes and watercraft ashore, with reports noting an excellent, deep-sand beach and clear landing.
No Potable Water: All water collected from Fall Lake must be properly filtered, purified, or boiled before drinking or cooking, as no treated water sources are available.

The Honey Hole Campsite holds a special place in the hearts of those who visit, known for its exceptional location and unique attributes:

Premier Fishing Location: As its name suggests, the area around Fall Lake and Mile Island is widely known as a 'honey hole' for Minnesota fishing, particularly for Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike, providing a reliable opportunity for a fresh camp dinner.
Unique Coast-to-Coast Site: Campsite #1760 is uniquely situated on a narrow section of Mile Island, often offering access to water and scenic views from both the east and west sides, which provides flexibility depending on wind and weather conditions.
Sandy Beach and Swimming Access: The campsite is celebrated for its soft, sandy shoreline, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and easy watercraft launching—a major bonus for family trips during the warm Minnesota summer.
Remnants of Logging History: The site includes intriguing historical remnants, with some visitors reporting old stonework or log foundations, likely from the area’s logging era, adding an element of historical exploration to the trip.
Exceptional Stargazing: Its location on an island, away from the immediate light pollution of the mainland, makes it an outstanding spot for gazing at the brilliant night sky and possibly catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights during clear periods.

Administrative oversight and necessary permits for the Honey Hole Campsite and all BWCAW entry points in the Fall Lake area are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Address (U.S. Forest Service - Kawishiwi Ranger District):

1393 Highway 169

Ely, MN 55731

Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District General Information and Permit Pickup):

(218) 365-7600

Note: To secure an overnight stay at the Honey Hole Campsite, visitors must obtain a BWCAW Quota Permit for Entry Point #24 (Fall Lake), which must be reserved through the national reservation system well in advance due to high demand. The permit must be picked up in-person at a designated Forest Service office prior to the entry date.

The Honey Hole Campsite on Fall Lake is an ideal choice for Minnesota residents because it perfectly balances the desire for a wilderness experience with practical accessibility. It acknowledges the precious but limited time many locals have for outdoor adventures by offering a high-reward experience with a low barrier to entry, particularly compared to deeper BWCAW routes.

This campsite is tailor-made for Minnesotans who:

Are Avid Anglers: Its reputation as a superb fishing spot makes it a destination trip for those whose primary goal is a successful and relaxing angling holiday on an iconic northern lake.
Are Families or Novice Canoeists: The short, manageable paddle from the entry point is perfect for families with younger children or groups new to the rigors of canoe camping, allowing them to focus on the joy of the wilderness rather than endurance.
Seek a Basecamp Experience: Located near the entry to the BWCAW, the site is large and scenic enough to be used as a comfortable base camp for day trips deeper into the wilderness (such as the portages leading toward Newton or Basswood Lakes), or for simply relaxing on the sandy shore.

In essence, the Honey Hole Campsite is a truly special Minnesota escape—a conveniently located slice of authentic North Woods beauty that delivers on the promise of superb scenery, excellent recreation, and the unmistakable tranquility of the Boundary Waters.