North Wilder Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking a truly immersive, rugged wilderness experience, the North Wilder Lake Campsite along the Powwow Trail offers an unparalleled escape into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Located deep within the expansive Superior National Forest, this designated backpacking campsite provides a pristine, solitary haven far removed from the noise and demands of everyday life. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a true backcountry destination, requiring commitment, preparation, and a deep appreciation for nature in its purest form.

The Powwow Trail itself is a renowned “lollipop” route—a challenging 3-mile out-and-back stem leading to a 25-mile loop—known for its rapidly regenerating mixed forest, scenic overlooks, and numerous wetland crossings. The trail gained a reputation for its difficulty after the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire burned approximately 95% of the route. Today, it showcases a dramatic landscape of burnt snags and dense, young growth, a testament to the resilience of the North Woods. The North Wilder Lake Campsite (designated as BWCA Campsite 2230) stands out as a high point along this demanding trail, offering backpackers a much-deserved resting spot with truly spectacular scenery.

It is crucial for any potential visitor to understand that North Wilder Lake Campsite is a wilderness backpacking site. It is subject to all strict BWCAW regulations, including requiring an overnight permit for Entry Point #86 (Powwow Trail) from the U.S. Forest Service. This ensures the preservation of the area’s wilderness character for generations of Minnesotans to come.

Location and Accessibility

The North Wilder Lake Campsite is strategically located on the western, restored loop of the Powwow Trail, which starts near the Isabella Lake entry point (Entry Point #86) in the Superior National Forest. While the nearest major community is Ely, MN 55731, the physical location of the campsite is miles into the wilderness and cannot be reached by road.

Access begins at the Powwow Trailhead (Entry Point 86) parking lot. To reach the trailhead from Ely, local users would travel east and south on MN-1 for roughly 18.4 miles, then turn east onto Tomahawk Road (Forest Road 377) and follow it for another 17.6 miles to the parking lot. The final miles are typically on unpaved forest roads.

From the trailhead, hikers traverse the 2.7-mile "stick" section to the "Wye," where the loop begins. The North Wilder Lake Campsite is situated along the loop, with one customer review noting it is "about 10 miles on the Powwow Trail if you take the northern loop" (hiking counter-clockwise toward Pose Lake first). Specifically, the campsite lies shortly after the junction with the 75-rod portage to Harbor Lake. The distance from the "Wye" to the campsite is approximately 7.3 miles if hiking counter-clockwise, making the total one-way distance from the trailhead roughly 10 miles.

The terrain is challenging, with the trail often being rough, narrow, and containing numerous fallen trees and wet sections, a result of the fire and subsequent regeneration. Therefore, accessibility requires a full commitment to strenuous backcountry hiking and navigating, making it best suited for experienced backpackers prepared for true wilderness conditions.

Services Offered

As a designated BWCAW campsite, North Wilder Lake Campsite offers minimal, but essential, wilderness amenities, focusing on low-impact camping and preserving the natural state of the area. These services are the standard for true Boundary Waters backpacking experiences:

Designated Tent Pad Area: Clearings established to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation and ensure campers are a safe distance (200 feet) from the trail and water. One source indicates space for multiple tents.
Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires, where fire restrictions allow. The site is noted to have a "perfect fire grate with an amazing view," according to a customer review.
Latrine: A primitive outdoor latrine is provided to help maintain sanitation and water quality in this protected wilderness area. The latrine is often located slightly up a spur trail near the main trail intersection.
Water Access: Direct access to North Wilder Lake, a reliable water source. All water from the lake must be filtered or treated before consumption.
Fishing Opportunities: North Wilder Lake is known to contain Northern Pike and Walleye, offering a chance for fresh-caught meals (a valid Minnesota fishing license is required).

Features / Highlights

The primary draw of North Wilder Lake Campsite is the raw, stunning beauty of its location and the deeply restorative wilderness experience it provides. It is an ideal spot for those who appreciate solitude and the dramatic scenery of the recovering boreal forest.

Outstanding Views: The campsite is celebrated for its remarkable lakeside views. Customer reviews frequently highlight the "great views" and "amazing view" from the fire grate, perfect for enjoying a sunset over the water.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Setting: It offers a genuine BWCAW hiking experience, far from motorized vehicles and large groups. This location provides the deep silence and starry nights that define the region.
Proximity to the Harbor Lake Portage: The campsite is very near the portage leading to Harbor Lake, offering backpackers and a few tenacious paddlers a potential day trip or alternative route connection.
Regenerating Forest Showcase: The surrounding area provides a unique, living laboratory of post-fire ecology, with the trail cutting through the striking landscape of old, fire-killed pines juxtaposed with the vibrant, dense growth of new saplings.
Primitive, Compact Setting: Described as a "compact campsite sandwiched among the rocks along the shoreline," the intimate setting provides a cozy, sheltered feel for a maximum of six to eight people.

Contact Information

Since this is a primitive campsite in a federally protected wilderness area, the primary "contact" is through the managing body for permits and official information. There is no direct phone number or staffed office at the campsite itself.

Address (General Area and Permit Office):

Address: Superior National Forest Headquarters, 8901 Grand Ave Place, Duluth, MN 55808 (for general forest information)

Address: Nearest Town/Mailing Proxy: Ely, MN 55731, USA (The actual campsite is approximately 10 miles from the nearest road)

Phone:

Phone: Contact the Tofte Ranger District (Superior National Forest) for specific information on the Powwow Trail and permits.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

North Wilder Lake Campsite is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals—especially those in Northern Minnesota and the Twin Cities—who cherish the state's rugged, world-class wilderness legacy. For experienced backpackers, hikers, and those with a strong sense of adventure, this spot offers a profoundly rewarding backcountry trek. It represents the quintessential Minnesota wilderness challenge: a hard-earned reward of solitude, dramatic scenery, and a deep connection to the land that defines the state.

It is a chance to fully unplug and immerse oneself in the restorative silence of the Boundary Waters, witnessing the natural cycle of renewal in a fire-scarred landscape. By visiting, Minnesotans not only enjoy a spectacular natural feature but also participate in the long tradition of responsible stewardship of our state's most precious natural resources. Unlike more accessible campgrounds, North Wilder Lake requires a commitment that naturally filters visitors, ensuring a quieter, more exclusive experience that truly embodies the spirit of the North Woods.