Superior National Forest Campsite #2120, Ely, MN

For generations of Minnesotans, the call of the Northwoods has represented the ultimate escape—a place where the stresses of urban and suburban life dissolve into the silence of the boreal forest. The Superior National Forest is the crown jewel of this experience, offering millions of acres of protected land, dotted with pristine lakes and rivers. Among the many hidden gems within this vast wilderness are the small, rustic, and often unreserved campsites that provide an authentic, back-to-basics camping opportunity. Superior National Forest Campsite #2120 is one such location, an ideal spot for local residents who understand that the best Minnesota adventures are often found off the beaten path.

This particular site, Campsite #2120, is a designated spot within the Superior National Forest system, falling under the jurisdiction of the Kawishiwi Ranger District near the celebrated gateway community of Ely. Unlike the larger, developed campgrounds where reservations are often necessary months in advance, sites like #2120 typically offer a more secluded, first-come, first-served camping experience. This is the true appeal for local users: the chance for spontaneous adventure and a greater degree of solitude.

The environment surrounding Campsite #2120 is classic Northeastern Minnesota wilderness. Visitors can expect to be enveloped by a canopy of red and white pines, balsam fir, and birch trees. These rustic locations are managed to maintain the area's primitive nature, ensuring that the camping experience focuses on minimizing human impact while maximizing connection with nature. This commitment to a minimal-impact style of camping is what makes these sites so attractive to seasoned Minnesotan outdoor enthusiasts looking for an authentic and tranquil retreat away from the crowds. It's an opportunity to truly hear the loons call and see a sky unpolluted by city lights.

Location and Accessibility

Superior National Forest Campsite #2120 is located deep within the forest road system of the Kawishiwi Ranger District, serving the Ely area of Minnesota. The provided geographical markers—the Plus Code X26C+33, Ely, MN 55731, USA, and the coordinates 47.9575897,−91.9815470—place this site on one of the numerous lakes or rivers in the area, likely off a forest road that branches from a main route like the scenic Echo Trail or State Highway 169.

Access to rustic and backcountry campsites in the Superior National Forest typically involves driving on graded gravel or unpaved forest roads. While generally accessible by most vehicles, travelers should be prepared for slower speeds and rougher terrain than paved highways. The approximate coordinates suggest a location north of the well-known Kawishiwi River area and west of the main cluster of developed campgrounds closer to Ely. This positioning is significant, as it suggests an even higher level of quiet and seclusion than some of the more frequently visited locales.

Local users from the Twin Cities or other parts of the state should plan their travel to Ely first, then navigate the final, crucial miles using detailed maps or GPS to reach the specific forest road that serves the campsite. Due to the remote location, cell service is often nonexistent, reinforcing the need for preparation and self-reliance. The difficulty of access is directly proportional to the wilderness reward—you earn the solitude here.

Services Offered

As a single-party designated rustic campsite in the Superior National Forest, Campsite #2120 offers intentionally limited services designed for self-sufficient camping, a characteristic that appeals strongly to local users who prefer a more primitive experience. The amenities provided are standard for this class of site throughout the forest:

A cleared and leveled area suitable for pitching one or two tents, maximizing comfort in the rugged terrain.
A sturdy picnic table for cooking and meal preparation.
A metal fire ring or fire grate, designated solely for campfires and cooking, essential for proper fire safety.
A wilderness latrine, typically a vault or pit toilet, providing the most basic sanitation facility.

It is imperative for campers to understand what is not provided, consistent with the rustic classification:

No potable or treated drinking water is available; campers must pack in all drinking water or bring appropriate filters/purification systems to treat water from a nearby lake or stream.
No trash disposal services are provided; the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" rule is strictly enforced for all trash and refuse.
No electrical hookups, showers, flush toilets, or other developed facilities are present.
These sites are typically free of charge but are often first-come, first-served, requiring flexibility in travel plans.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Campsite #2120 are tied directly to its wilderness location and the kind of recreational activities it supports.

Genuine Solitude: As a single, rustic campsite, it offers significantly more privacy and tranquility than multi-site campgrounds, making it ideal for quiet contemplation and undisturbed nature observation.
Direct Lake or River Access: The coordinates strongly indicate a lakeside or riverside location, providing excellent, immediate access for canoeing, kayaking, and non-motorized boating, key elements of the Minnesota camping culture.
Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: These remote, small-body waterways are often phenomenal for catching local species like walleye, northern pike, and panfish, attracting serious anglers from across the state.
Prime Wildlife Habitat: The deep forest setting increases the chances of viewing Minnesota’s majestic wildlife, including moose, deer, and various bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Authentic Primitive Camping: It serves as a necessary challenge for those who seek to test their outdoor skills and practice the fundamental principles of wilderness survival and Leave No Trace ethics.
Unaffected Night Skies: The remote location ensures an unbelievably dark night, providing world-class views of the Milky Way and the Northern Lights (when conditions are right).

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding accessibility, open season, fire restrictions, and any site-specific regulations pertaining to Campsite #2120, local campers should contact the main administrative office for the area.

Address: X26C+33, Ely, MN 55731, USA (Approximate location in the Superior National Forest)

Primary Contact: Kawishiwi Ranger District Office

Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600

It is highly recommended to call the Ranger District prior to departure, especially for conditions on unpaved Forest Service roads that may be affected by weather.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Superior National Forest Campsite #2120 embodies the spirit of self-reliant outdoor adventure that is deeply woven into the Minnesota identity. For locals, this site offers a much-needed escape that feels genuinely remote without requiring the complex permitting of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The first-come, first-served nature of rustic sites provides a critical opportunity for last-minute trips when state parks are fully reserved, making a spontaneous Northwoods adventure entirely possible. It is a place where Minnesotans can utilize their established skills in fishing, canoeing, and camping, finding peace in the solitude of the forest. By choosing a rustic site like #2120, local users are actively supporting the preservation of the Superior National Forest by adhering to low-impact camping principles, ensuring that this treasured piece of Minnesota’s natural heritage remains pristine for generations to come. It is, in essence, a return to the roots of what it means to be an outdoorsperson in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.