Isabella River Campsite - Powwow Trail

- Unnamed Road, Ely, MN 55731

As Minnesota locals, we know that nothing truly compares to the wild, untouched beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While many of us embrace the challenge of a full-fledged paddling expedition, sometimes a focused backpacking trip is just the ticket for a refreshing escape. Enter the Isabella River Campsite on the Powwow Trail—a perfect starting point and a rewarding destination in its own right, offering the classic BWCAW wilderness experience deep within the Superior National Forest.

The Isabella River Campsite is one of the designated overnight locations along the challenging, yet immensely rewarding, Powwow Trail. Located in the central portion of the BWCAW, this area offers a unique combination of forest regeneration—a direct result of the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire—and stunning riverine ecology. It is specifically noteworthy as a shared-use site, catering to both dedicated backpackers traversing the 29-mile loop of the Powwow Trail and adventurous canoeists navigating the Isabella River.

For those just beginning their journey on the Powwow Trail, this campsite provides a convenient, well-established rest stop shortly after leaving the trailhead. It is renowned for its generous size, capable of accommodating multiple tents, making it an excellent choice for groups embarking on or concluding their wilderness trek. Its setting beside the Isabella River, a reliable water source, makes it an attractive and practical overnight location that embodies the "leave no trace" ethos of the region. The experience here is quintessential northern Minnesota, promising solitude, natural sounds, and an opportunity to witness a boreal forest in full recovery.

The Isabella River Campsite is situated within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is managed by the Superior National Forest. While the nearest major Minnesota town is Ely, a key access point to the BWCAW, the site itself is reached via a remote entry point.

Address and Entry Point: The physical location for navigation is often listed as Unnamed Road, Ely, MN 55731, USA. More practically, visitors must navigate to the Powwow Trail Entry Point #86 and the adjacent Isabella Lake Entry Point. This is reached by traveling along a series of Forest Roads (FR 377, FR 373, FR 369) off MN-1.

Accessibility for Backpackers: A significant advantage for locals is the campsite's immediate accessibility. The site is a short, approximately 1.0-mile hike in from the Powwow Trailhead parking lot (Entry Point #86). This makes it an ideal spot for:

• A quick, single-night wilderness trip for those with limited time.
• A crucial first stop to set up camp late in the evening after a long drive to the trailhead, as noted by numerous experienced users.
• A final night’s stay before an early exit from the trail.

The trail to the site is part of "The Stick," the 2.7-mile spur that connects the parking lot to the main 27.5-mile Powwow Loop, known as "The Wye." The trail in this initial section is generally manageable, although BWCAW conditions should always be anticipated.

Consistent with the BWCAW regulations, the Isabella River Campsite offers basic, essential wilderness amenities designed to minimize human impact and preserve the pristine environment. There are no modern facilities, running water, or electricity.

• Designated Latrine: An open-air, backcountry latrine (often a 'throne' style) is provided, typically set a short distance from the main camping area to manage human waste.
• Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is available for containing campfires and cooking. Users must abide by all current fire restrictions and burn bans.
• Tent Pads: Multiple flat areas or established tent pads are available to minimize soil and vegetation disturbance, accommodating large groups. The site is reported to have space for six or more tents.
• Water Source: The Isabella River provides a reliable source of water, which must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.
• Canoe Access: The site is also an official BWCAW canoe campsite (BWCA Campsite #1927), accessible via a short portage/crossing from the Isabella River for paddlers.

This site’s primary appeal lies in its authentic wilderness setting and strategic location.

• Authentic BWCAW Experience: The site is located beyond the official BWCAW entry point sign, meaning an overnight permit is required, guaranteeing an immersion into the protected wilderness with strict "leave no trace" rules.
• Strategic Location on Powwow Trail: Being just one mile from the trailhead makes it the most accessible overnight destination on this rugged, challenging backpacking loop.
• Isabella River Setting: Camping next to the Isabella River offers the calming sound of moving water and an easy, reliable source for treated drinking water. The river crossing nearby includes a fixed wooden bridge—a notable feature for this type of wilderness trail.
• Post-Fire Ecology Viewing: The surrounding area was significantly affected by the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire. This offers a unique, educational opportunity to observe a forest in the various stages of regeneration, with new growth emerging amongst the standing dead snags.
• Shared Canoe/Hiker Site: The dual accessibility allows both paddlers and hikers to utilize the site, connecting different modes of wilderness travel.

The Isabella River Campsite is an unmanaged wilderness site. For all official inquiries, permitting, regulations, and trail conditions, contact the local U.S. Forest Service Ranger District responsible for the area.

Managing Ranger District:

Kawishiwi Ranger District, Superior National Forest

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

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Note: BWCAW permits are required for overnight camping. It is essential to secure your permit in advance through the appropriate Forest Service reservation system.

For any Minnesota resident seeking a true, uncompromised northern wilderness experience without the full multi-day commitment of a deep BWCAW paddle, the Isabella River Campsite on the Powwow Trail is an unparalleled option.

Its unique blend of challenge and convenience is perfectly tailored for a local outdoor enthusiast. Do you want to practice your backpacking skills before tackling a longer thru-hike? This site is a one-mile shake-down. Did you get a late start on a Friday after a long week? That short hike allows you to be deep in the wilderness and setting up camp before midnight. Are you looking to introduce a beginner to the rigors and rewards of true backcountry, "leave no trace" camping? The amenities—a designated fire grate and latrine—provide a controlled environment, while the rugged, fire-scarred beauty of the Powwow Trail offers an authentic wilderness education.

This campsite is not a drive-up campground; it is a gateway. It requires a permit, preparation, and respect for the environment. However, its proximity to the trailhead makes the most remote corners of the Superior National Forest accessible in mere minutes, transforming it from a distant wilderness dream into a perfect, weekend-friendly reality for Minnesotans. It’s a chance to disconnect completely, witness nature's resilience, and sleep soundly under the northern stars, knowing you are a custodian of one of the country's most treasured natural areas. Support your local resources and plan your escape to the Isabella River Campsite today.

Isabella River Campsite - Powwow Trail

Unnamed Road, Ely, MN 55731, USA