South Wilder Lake Campsite - Powwow Trail, Ely, MN

For local Minnesota adventurers seeking a truly challenging and rewarding backpacking experience, the Powwow Trail offers an immersive journey into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Unlike the popular canoe routes, the Powwow Trail provides a deep-wilderness hiking challenge, and the South Wilder Lake Campsite, known officially to the Forest Service as BWCA Campsite #2264, is a highly sought-after overnight stop on this iconic loop. This is not a typical roadside campground; it is a remote, designated wilderness site that demands respect, preparation, and self-sufficiency.

The Powwow Trail is a roughly 30-mile 'loop on a stick' hiking trail system located entirely within the BWCAW, situated southeast of Ely, Minnesota. To access the trail, you must start at BWCA Entry Point #86, which shares a parking lot with the Isabella Lake canoe entry point. The trailhead is accessed via a series of unpaved forest roads (like Tomahawk Road/FR 377) off of Minnesota Highway 1 (MN-1).

The South Wilder Lake Campsite (#2264) is reached exclusively by hiking the rugged Powwow Trail. According to local hiker reports, the site is approximately 9.5 miles in if you traverse the northern section of the trail loop first from the trailhead. This makes it a serious backpacking destination, requiring a full day of demanding hiking over difficult, often brushy, and rocky terrain that has been recovering from the 2011 Pagami Creek Wildfire.

As a designated BWCA campsite, the amenities at South Wilder Lake are minimal and reflect the Forest Service’s commitment to preserving the wilderness character of the area. Visitors must adhere to strict 'Leave No Trace' principles, including packing out all trash and food scraps, and avoiding the use of cans or glass bottles (with exceptions for fuel, medicines, and insect repellent). Amenities at this specific site typically include:

Steel Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire ring provided for legal campfires. Only dead and downed wood that can be easily broken by hand may be used. Due to the post-fire landscape, wood availability can be scarce, and hikers are strongly encouraged to bring and use a camp stove for cooking.
Tent Pads: Cleared areas intended for tent setup. Local reviews suggest enough space for up to five small tents. Utilizing these designated spots is crucial to prevent further impact on recovering vegetation.
Lake Access for Water: The site offers "rather easy access to the lake water," as noted by users. However, all water gathered from South Wilder Lake must be boiled, filtered, or chemically treated before consumption—no potable water source is available.
No Latrine: Based on recent hiker reports and official Forest Service guidance, South Wilder Lake Campsite is currently noted as one of the sites lacking a wilderness latrine (or 'thunderbox'). Visitors must be prepared to follow strict wilderness sanitation practices, which means digging a cathole six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and camp.

South Wilder Lake Campsite offers a truly unique set of features, blending classic BWCA beauty with the dramatic scenery of a recovering ecosystem:

Exceptional Views: The campsite is lauded for its "beautiful views," sitting high up on a rise overlooking South Wilder Lake. This elevated position provides panoramic vistas of the water and the surrounding post-fire landscape.
Post-Wildfire Ecology: The trail and surrounding area were heavily impacted by the 2011 Pagami Creek Wildfire. Hiking here provides a rare opportunity to witness forest regeneration firsthand, characterized by dense young growth, open canopy, and the stark beauty of standing dead trees (snags). Hikers must be mindful of these snags and avoid camping beneath them due to fall hazards.
Ultimate Seclusion: Being nearly ten miles into a particularly rugged backpacking trail significantly limits the number of visitors. This remote access ensures a profound sense of solitude, maximizing the wilderness experience.
Backpacking Challenge: The Powwow Trail is known as one of Minnesota's most difficult and least-maintained trail systems, frequently requiring navigation around blowdowns and over uneven terrain. South Wilder Lake is a milestone campsite for those completing the full loop or a significant out-and-back trek.

Since South Wilder Lake Campsite is a remote wilderness location, there is no direct address or phone number for the site itself. All management, permits, and administrative inquiries fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service at the local Ranger District office. All hikers must secure a mandatory BWCAW Entry Permit for Entry Point #86 (Powwow Trail) before beginning their trip.

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

1393 Highway 169

Ely, MN 55731

Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District):

(218) 365-7600

Note: Always check with the Kawishiwi Ranger District for the most current trail conditions, fire restrictions, and safety alerts before planning a Powwow Trail trip.

The South Wilder Lake Campsite and the entire Powwow Trail system are exceptionally suitable for local Minnesota users for several compelling reasons. It represents the pinnacle of the state's rugged, self-reliant outdoor culture. For those who have already experienced the canoe-based BWCA trips, the Powwow Trail offers a new level of challenge and appreciation for the region's wilderness. Its appeal to locals includes:

The Backpacking Alternative: It provides a unique, hiking-focused way to experience the BWCA, catering to Minnesotans who prefer the challenge of a long-distance trail to a paddling route. It’s a chance to see the wilderness from a different perspective.
Testing Essential Skills: The demanding nature of the Powwow Trail—its ruggedness, the need for advanced navigation (a current GPS track is highly recommended), and the primitive camping setup—serves as an excellent proving ground for outdoor skills, fostering confidence in true wilderness environments.
Witnessing Recovery: Locals have a vested interest in the region's natural history. The campsite's location within the Pagami Creek Fire area allows visitors to observe the powerful, decade-long cycle of ecological recovery, providing an educational and humbling experience.

South Wilder Lake is a destination for the prepared and adventurous Minnesotan, rewarding a strenuous effort with profound solitude and the distinct, rugged beauty of the North Woods.