Lake Diana Campsite - Powwow Trail, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts seeking the ultimate test of resilience and a profound experience of true wilderness, the Lake Diana Campsite along the legendary Powwow Trail is a destination unlike any other. This is not a typical, maintained campground; it is a remote, primitive backpacking location deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), part of the Superior National Forest. The Powwow Trail itself is famous for its rugged nature, especially after the 2011 Pagami Creek wildfire swept through the area. As a result, the route to Lake Diana is often described as one of the most physically demanding hiking experiences in the state.

The Lake Diana Campsite is one of the designated areas along the 30-mile 'lollipop' trail system (Entry Point 86) that caters to dedicated backpackers. Unlike many BWCA sites accessed by canoe, this site is primarily reached by foot, requiring a significant hike-in. It is nestled in a remote section of the trail, offering a profound sense of solitude and a firsthand look at a recovering forest ecosystem. This campsite, found in the vicinity of Diana Lake—an area noted for an unburned "green zone" near the water—is for those who prioritize the challenge of the journey over the comfort of a roadside retreat. The single-word summary of customer feedback, "Not for the family," perfectly encapsulates its rugged and challenging nature, signaling that this destination is reserved for highly prepared, self-sufficient adventurers.

Location and Accessibility

The Lake Diana Campsite is situated along the main loop of the Powwow Trail, approximately 6 miles from the trailhead parking lot (BWCA Entry Point 86). The general location is near the community of Ely, Minnesota, in the expansive, protected wilderness.

Accessing the campsite is a strenuous, multi-mile hike. The initial 2.7-mile section, often called "The Stick," leads from the trailhead to a junction known as "The Wye." From The Wye, the trail continues along the loop, and the Lake Diana vicinity is an additional 3.9 miles from this junction, putting the total one-way hiking distance around 6.6 miles. This distance alone requires a full day of demanding travel. The Powwow Trail is notorious for being rough, with long stretches impacted by the 2011 fire. Hikers must navigate a landscape covered in fallen trees, regenerating brush, rocky sections, and wet beaver dam crossings. A compass and accurate map are considered essential navigational tools, as the trail tread can be obscured at times.

The trailhead, designated as BWCA Entry Point 86, shares a parking lot with the Isabella Lake canoe entry point. This parking area is accessed via a series of remote, unpaved forest roads from either MN-1 (near Isabella) or off the Tomahawk Road (FR 377). Local users should anticipate a long drive on gravel roads to reach the starting point before beginning the arduous hike.

Services Offered

As a primitive, wilderness backpacking site within the BWCAW, the Lake Diana Campsite offers only the most basic, Leave No Trace-compliant infrastructure. Hikers must be prepared to carry everything they need and pack out all waste, upholding the highest standards of wilderness ethics.

Designated Camping Area: A clearing or "green zone" near the lake outlet, which in the past has been utilized as a dispersed camping area, often referred to as the Lake Diana "Green Zone."
Natural Water Source: Access to non-potable water is available at Diana Lake or the nearby Diana Creek crossing (where an aging log bridge is located). All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
Primitive Sanitation: While some established BWCA campsites feature a latrine, reports on the Lake Diana vicinity often mention the need for dispersed camping practices in the past. Even in designated dispersed camping areas, human waste must be buried 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water and camp, per wilderness regulations.
Fire Grate (Variable): Unlike official canoe campsites, remote backpacking areas may have a simple rock fire ring or, in some areas, no permanent grate at all. Visitors are highly encouraged to carry and use a lightweight cooking stove to minimize impact on the limited wood resources in the post-fire landscape.

Features / Highlights

The Lake Diana Campsite and its surroundings are defined by an extreme sense of remote isolation and unique natural features resulting from the major wildfire event.

Extreme Solitude: Due to the high difficulty and distance from the trailhead, the Powwow Trail sees very little traffic. This campsite offers an unparalleled opportunity for solitude and an escape from the crowds often found at more accessible BWCA entry points.
The Diana Lake "Green Zone": The area near Lake Diana is noted for having survived the worst of the 2011 fire, offering a rare pocket of mature, unburned trees that provides shade—a genuine luxury on much of the exposed Powwow Trail.
Unobstructed Vistas: While shade is limited outside the green zone, the post-fire environment offers dramatically open views of the surrounding, recovering landscape. This provides a unique perspective on forest ecology and the power of natural regeneration.
Challenging Terrain: For experienced backpackers, the rugged nature of the trail—with significant climbs, rocky outcrops, and wetland crossings—is the main attraction, serving as a true test of physical endurance and navigational skill.
Water Access: Reliable access to water at the lake is a key feature in this remote area, which is vital for long-distance backpacking.

Contact Information

The Lake Diana Campsite is a feature on the Powwow Trail and does not have a unique phone line or mailing address. All administrative and safety coordination is handled by the Superior National Forest and the nearest Ranger District.

Administrative Office (for the region): Kawishiwi Ranger Station

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Primary number for the ranger district managing the area near Ely)

Address: The address provided (Ely, MN 55731, USA) is the general mailing location for the nearest serviced community. Visitors must secure their BWCAW permit for Entry Point 86 online through the reservation system before their trip.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota’s most dedicated wilderness lovers, especially those who consider themselves advanced backpackers or experienced outdoorspeople, the Lake Diana Campsite on the Powwow Trail offers an irreplaceable experience. This is where local residents can truly shed the last vestiges of urban life and engage with a demanding, yet incredibly rewarding, natural landscape. The consensus of "Not for the family" is precisely why this site appeals to a niche audience of seasoned hikers seeking a deep level of challenge and remoteness—the kind of extreme solitude that is becoming rare in the modern era.

Hiking the Powwow Trail to Lake Diana allows Minnesotans to connect with the state’s powerful conservation history and witness the remarkable recovery of the BWCAW firsthand. It is an opportunity to prove one’s self-reliance while navigating a physically and mentally rigorous route. The reward is a secluded campsite in a dramatic, regenerating forest, offering an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and a quiet immersion in one of the nation's most treasured wilderness areas.