Superior National Forest Campsite #2115, Ely, MN

For Minnesotans, the Superior National Forest stands as the undisputed crown jewel of the state’s natural landscape. Stretching across nearly four million acres of boreal forest, granite ridges, and shimmering glacial lakes, it offers an escape unlike any other. Within this immense, managed wilderness, specific locations like Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 provide local adventurers with a reliable and well-maintained basecamp for exploration. These numbered sites, governed by the U.S. Forest Service, represent the sweet spot between the primitive isolation of true wilderness camping and the convenience of developed public access.

The region surrounding Ely, Minnesota, serves as the primary gateway to the most celebrated areas of the Superior National Forest, including the world-famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While the BWCAW demands extensive planning and permits, campsites like #2115 are specifically designed to offer a taste of that legendary Northwoods environment with greater accessibility. This site is a perfect opportunity for families, anglers, and hikers from the Twin Cities or other parts of Minnesota to easily immerse themselves in the deep forest environment for a weekend or an extended stay. By choosing a managed Forest Service campsite, campers benefit from the consistent provision of essential facilities, allowing them to focus entirely on their outdoor pursuits.

The experience at Campsite #2115 is authentic and self-reliant, requiring a level of preparation typical of Northern Minnesota camping, yet rewarding guests with unparalleled serenity. It is a vital component of the local outdoor infrastructure, providing a safe and responsible way for Minnesotans to connect with the majestic, unspoiled beauty of their state’s northern reaches. We encourage all prospective visitors to familiarize themselves with the location’s context and expected amenities to ensure a rewarding trip.

Location and Accessibility

Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 is precisely located with the GPS coordinates X3F8+92, Ely, MN 55731, placing it deep within the expanse of the Superior National Forest and under the administration of the Kawishiwi Ranger District. Ely, the nearest town, functions as the central logistical point, offering outfitting services, grocery stores, and local attractions like the International Wolf Center—all within a reasonable driving distance of the campground.

Accessibility is generally excellent for car campers. Most designated Forest Service campsites in this area are accessible via well-maintained gravel or dirt forest roads, which branch off the main state highways leading into Ely. This makes Campsite #2115 a superb choice for Minnesotans traveling with a personal vehicle, tent, or small camper. The designated site ensures a specific, reserved, or first-come, first-served space that removes the uncertainty often associated with primitive dispersed camping.

The value of this location lies not just in its easy access by car, but in the immediate access it grants to the region's diverse recreational offerings. The site is almost certainly located near one of the many pristine lakes or rivers that characterize the area, be it Birch Lake, Fall Lake, or a smaller, more secluded body of water. This proximity provides instantaneous opportunities for paddling, fishing, and nature observation, solidifying its role as an optimal basecamp for a full range of Northwoods activities. The journey from the urban centers of Minnesota is transformed into a scenic approach to authentic wilderness.

Services Offered

As a site within the U.S. Forest Service management system, Campsite #2115 will offer a core set of rustic amenities, designed for low environmental impact and self-sufficiency. The exact services provided at the site depend on its classification—either a "Developed Fee Campground" (higher amenities) or a "Rustic/Backcountry Site" (basic amenities). Visitors are strongly encouraged to contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District to confirm the current status of the site before departure.

Designated Parking Spur: Each site is structured to accommodate a standard vehicle and possibly a small trailer, ensuring safe parking off the main forest road and protecting the surrounding vegetation.
Fire Ring and Cooking Grate: A permanent, dedicated metal fire ring or rock structure with a cooking grate is provided for contained campfires, which are essential for cooking and warmth. Gathering dead and down wood for firewood is permitted, but guests must adhere to all current fire restrictions and safety guidelines.
Picnic Table: A durable picnic table is available at the site, providing a stable, clean surface for food preparation, meals, and gear staging.
Vault Toilets (Outhouses): Well-maintained vault toilets are a standard provision at all Forest Service managed campsites, providing necessary sanitary facilities for visitors.
Water Source Availability (Varies): This is the key variable:
If #2115 is a Developed Fee Site, potable water from a hand pump or solar-powered well will likely be available within the loop.

If #2115 is a Rustic/Backcountry Site, no potable water is provided, meaning campers must bring all drinking water or plan to filter and treat water from a nearby lake or stream.
Garbage Service (Varies): Developed Fee Campgrounds often provide dumpsters for garbage and recycling. Rustic Sites typically require campers to strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles, meaning all trash must be packed out.

This approach ensures the integrity of the forest while providing the foundational comforts needed for a safe camping trip.

Features / Highlights

The experience at Superior National Forest Campsite #2115 is defined by its deep immersion in the natural environment and its strategic location relative to regional attractions.

True Northwoods Seclusion: Even if located within a small campground loop, Forest Service sites are typically well-spaced and surrounded by dense boreal forest, offering a level of privacy and quiet that is often difficult to find in larger State Park campgrounds.
Gateway to World-Class Canoeing: The site serves as an excellent staging area for both day trips and extended excursions. Its proximity to BWCAW entry points allows local users to easily access lakes for paddling, either with motors (on open lakes) or without (in designated quiet zones).
Angler's Paradise: The numerous lakes in the immediate vicinity of Ely are famous for quality fishing for species like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass. The easy drive-in access allows anglers to launch boats or fish from shore/docks at nearby public access points.
Wildlife and Birding: The surrounding Superior National Forest is a critical habitat for moose, black bears, bald eagles, and the largest population of grey wolves in the lower 48 states. Birding is exceptional, with the call of the common loon being a constant soundtrack to the camping experience.
Managed Public Land Use: Camping at a numbered Forest Service site ensures that visitors are supporting the responsible, managed use of public lands. Rules regarding group size (typically limited to nine) and vehicle parking are strictly enforced, guaranteeing a high-quality experience for all visitors.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding fees, reservations (if applicable), current fire conditions, and specific amenities for Superior National Forest Campsite #2115, please contact the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the area.

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 (U.S. Forest Service - Kawishiwi Ranger District)

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

Phone (Summer Concessionaire): (218) 365-2963 (Use for in-season, on-site campground specific inquiries)

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Campsite #2115 is perfectly suited for Minnesota residents seeking an authentic and manageable wilderness experience. For those who already own the necessary camping and outdoor gear, a Superior National Forest site represents a tremendous value and an unparalleled opportunity for immediate immersion into the state’s signature environment. The combination of drive-in accessibility and the seclusion of the deep woods makes it an ideal choice for a variety of local users.

Whether you are introducing children to the beauty of the boreal forest, launching a fishing boat for a weekend on an Ely-area lake, or simply need a quiet place to unwind beneath the Milky Way, this site delivers. It taps directly into the collective Minnesota identity of respect for the environment and a love for the Northwoods. By utilizing this managed public land, locals are securing their access to a part of the country’s, and Minnesota’s, most significant natural treasures, ensuring that the tradition of camping deep in the woods remains strong and accessible for generations to come. It’s not just a campsite; it’s a temporary home in the wild heart of Minnesota.