Superior National Forest Campsite #2113, Ely, MN

The vast expanse of the Superior National Forest, a jewel in Minnesota’s crown, offers a rugged and unforgettable outdoor experience for those seeking genuine connection with the Northwoods wilderness. For local residents throughout Minnesota, an escape to the 'North Shore' and its surrounding forests is a tradition, a way to reset and reconnect. Among the thousands of potential destinations, a specific spot—Superior National Forest Campsite #2113—stands out as a prime example of the accessible but authentically wild camping experience available right here in our state.

This particular site is not a sprawling, developed campground with hundreds of spots, but rather represents the more primitive, designated backcountry or rustic campsite experience for which the Superior National Forest is celebrated. These sites cater to the seasoned camper and the adventurous family alike, offering a stepping stone into the deeper wilderness that borders the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While the specific amenities are intentionally kept minimal to preserve the environment, the rewards of solitude, natural beauty, and a true sense of escape are immeasurable. Campsite #2113 is a testament to the fact that you don't have to travel far from home to find a truly immersive wilderness experience.

The core of its appeal lies in its pristine setting. Located within the Superior National Forest, the site is surrounded by the typical northern Minnesota landscape: towering pines, shimmering aspens, and a refreshing scent of earth and evergreens. These designated campsites are designed to minimize human impact, offering established locations for fire and shelter while encouraging the "Leave No Trace" principles that are critical to maintaining the region's unspoiled condition. For those in Minnesota, this site represents the quintessential "up north" retreat—a place to paddle, fish, hike, or simply sit by a campfire under a sky thick with stars.

Location and Accessibility

Superior National Forest Campsite #2113 is situated in the northeastern portion of Minnesota, within the Kawishiwi Ranger District, which is served by the gateway community of Ely. The provided coordinates, X3C3+58, Ely, MN 55731, USA, are a geographical marker that places it deep within the forest road network, a characteristic common to many of the forest's rustic or backcountry sites.

Accessibility to such sites often involves traveling several miles down graded gravel or minimum-maintenance Forest Service roads off main highways like State Highway 169 or the Echo Trail near Ely. These rustic locations are typically accessed by car, but their remoteness means an easy, paved drive is not the expectation. Users should plan for slower travel on gravel roads and be prepared for less mobile connectivity than they would find closer to town. This relative isolation is, in fact, one of the primary draws—the separation from city bustle begins as soon as you turn onto the forest roads.

The proximity to Ely, approximately 10–20 miles depending on the exact Forest Road route, means that while the campsite is remote, essential services, outfitters, and last-minute supplies are still within a reasonable driving distance. The site’s location in this part of the National Forest often means it is near one of the many lakes, possibly requiring a short paddle or hike-in from a parking area, cementing its status as a rustic, rather than a drive-up, developed destination. This positioning makes it an ideal staging or rest point for adventures into the neighboring BWCAW, even if the site itself is technically outside the wilderness area boundary.

Services Offered

As a designated rustic or backcountry campsite within the Superior National Forest, Campsite #2113 is intentionally limited in its development to maintain a primitive experience. Services focus on essentials and minimizing environmental impact. While information on every single designated numbered campsite is not always consolidated into one public-facing database, a typical Superior National Forest rustic campsite generally includes the following standard provisions:

Designated space for pitching tents or setting up a small camp.
A metal fire ring or fire grate for cooking and campfires.
A picnic table at the campsite.
A wilderness latrine, typically a vault or pit toilet (an outhouse without the surrounding structure, or a simple latrine box).

Crucially, these sites often lack the standard amenities of larger, fee-based campgrounds:

No running water or potable drinking water is typically provided; campers must pack in water or be prepared to filter/treat water from a nearby natural source (like a lake or stream).
No trash collection services; all garbage must be packed out—a key part of the "Leave No Trace" ethic.
No electrical hookups or modern restroom facilities (e.g., flush toilets, hot showers).
Reservations are typically not accepted for these smaller, rustic sites; they are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Features / Highlights

The real features of Campsite #2113 are its environmental setting and the opportunities it provides for authentic outdoor recreation.

Deep Northwoods Seclusion: The site offers a high degree of privacy and solitude, nestled deep within the mixed pine and birch forest typical of the region, far from the crowds of larger, developed campgrounds.
Gateway to the BWCAW Region: Its location near Ely places it in the epicenter of the state's canoeing and fishing paradise, making it a perfect basecamp for day trips into the surrounding national forest or for accessing BWCAW entry points.
Angler and Paddler Appeal: Being in the Kawishiwi Ranger District, the campsite is highly likely situated near one of the numerous lakes or rivers, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass) and paddling.
Wildlife Viewing: The remote, wooded setting maximizes the chance of observing local wildlife, including moose, black bears, bald eagles, and loons.
Stargazing Opportunity: Far removed from urban light pollution, the Northwoods sky provides phenomenal night sky viewing, a major draw for campers.

Contact Information

For information regarding Campsite #2113 and its specific regulations, including open seasons and current conditions, local users should contact the nearest Forest Service administrative office responsible for the area.

Address: X3C3+58, Ely, MN 55731, USA (Approximate location in the Superior National Forest)

General contact for the overseeing district (Kawishiwi Ranger District):

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Kawishiwi Ranger District Office)

Visitors are strongly encouraged to contact the Ranger District before their trip to confirm any site-specific details, fire restrictions, and operating seasons.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota locals, Superior National Forest Campsite #2113 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an accessible opportunity to reconnect with the wild heart of our state. Its rustic, first-come, first-served nature often makes it a reliable alternative when highly-developed parks are fully booked, offering a crucial safety valve for local adventurers eager to get away on a spontaneous weekend. This site delivers the rugged, quiet, and unspoiled beauty that defines the Minnesota Northwoods experience. It serves as an affordable, primitive basecamp for fishing, canoeing, and hiking, all while demanding the self-reliance and environmental stewardship that many Minnesotans pride themselves on. In a world of increasing complexity, Campsite #2113 offers a simple, powerful antidote: pure, unadulterated nature, right here in our backyard.