Superior National Forest Campsite #2122

- WXWW+W5, Ely, MN 55731

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape into the unparalleled beauty of the Northwoods, the Superior National Forest offers an array of camping experiences, from fully developed sites to the deeply secluded. Among these opportunities is Superior National Forest Campsite #2122. While not a large, named destination like some of the Forest's Fee Campgrounds, this site represents the true spirit of self-reliant camping in the heart of Minnesota's vast, glacier-carved landscape. Located in the Kawishiwi Ranger District near the iconic town of Ely, this numbered campsite provides a basecamp for exploring one of the country's most spectacular natural areas. It serves as a reminder that the best adventures often require a little initiative and a deep respect for nature.

Camping in the Superior National Forest is more than just an overnight stay; it is an immersion into an ancient boreal forest ecosystem. This region is defined by its over 2,000 lakes, rocky shorelines, towering pines, and abundant wildlife, including the majestic moose, the elusive gray wolf, and the ever-present loon. Campsite #2122 offers a distinct, often rustic, experience that provides a quieter, more personal connection to this environment compared to the larger, more frequented campgrounds. It is precisely this raw, unpolished setting that makes sites like #2122 so beloved by local outdoor enthusiasts—a true Minnesota wilderness experience right in our backyard. The simplicity of the site allows the natural surroundings to take center stage.

Its status as a numbered site suggests a location that prioritizes minimal impact and maximum solitude, often characteristic of the Forest's Rustic Campgrounds or a designated backcountry site outside the permit-restricted Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This type of site typically attracts campers who are prepared to be self-sufficient, bringing their own water and packing out all trash, fully embracing the "Leave No Trace" ethos essential to preserving this remarkable resource for future generations of Minnesotans. By choosing a location like Campsite #2122, you are opting for a quiet retreat that showcases the stunning topography of the Arrowhead Region.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2122 is situated in the Kawishiwi Ranger District, just outside the city of Ely, Minnesota. The specific location is marked by the Plus Code address: WXWW+W5, Ely, MN 55731, USA. This places the site deep within St. Louis County, a region celebrated globally for its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which constitutes the northern third of the National Forest.

Accessibility to such a site typically involves travel on paved highways leading to Ely, followed by a transition onto well-maintained, but often unpaved and sometimes narrow, Forest Service roads. Visitors should be prepared for varying road conditions, especially after heavy rain or during the shoulder seasons. While the site is accessible by car (unlike true wilderness sites that require paddling or long portages), the final approach may be rougher than typical state park roads, adding to the sense of getting away from it all. This journey is part of the experience, offering scenic drives through the dense pine and birch forests that define the North Shore's interior.

Ely, the nearest major community, serves as the essential gateway, offering outfitters, gear rentals, grocery stores, and the Kawishiwi Ranger District office for permits and up-to-date information on fire restrictions and forest conditions. The proximity to Ely, approximately 10 to 20 miles depending on the exact route, means campers are never too far from necessary supplies, yet the location of the campsite itself feels completely remote. This balance of seclusion and convenience is a significant draw for local Minnesotans looking for a quick and meaningful escape. It is advisable for all visitors to download maps or use a reliable non-cellular GPS, as cellular service is often limited or non-existent once you leave the main highways and venture onto the Forest Service road network.

Consistent with the Superior National Forest’s rustic camping model, Campsite #2122 focuses on providing essential elements for a safe, low-impact stay, rather than extensive comforts. The experience emphasizes self-reliance and environmental respect. The services typically available at this type of site include:

• Designated Campsite: A clear, level area for setting up a tent or small camping unit.
• Picnic Table: A sturdy table at each site for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring: A metal fire ring or grate for contained campfires, essential for cooking and warmth (subject to seasonal fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilet: A simple, non-flush outhouse facility nearby, maintained by the Forest Service.
• Limited Vehicle Parking: Space for one or two vehicles, indicating its status as a car-accessible rustic site.
• First-Come, First-Served Access: Many rustic sites operate without a reservation system, encouraging spontaneous local adventures (always check current guidelines).

It is important to note that, as a rustic site, services typically NOT provided include:

• Potable (Drinking) Water: Campers must pack in all drinking water or bring equipment to filter/treat water from a nearby lake or stream.
• Electricity/Hookups: No electrical hookups are available for RVs or trailers.
• Garbage/Recycling Disposal: All trash must be packed out—'Leave No Trace' principles are strictly enforced.
• Showers or Flush Toilets.

The true highlights of Campsite #2122 stem from its location within the vast wilderness of the Superior National Forest:

• Pristine Water Access: The site is likely situated near one of the area’s numerous clean lakes or rivers, offering immediate opportunities for paddling, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
• Fishing Opportunities: The surrounding lakes are renowned for excellent fishing, often yielding Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout—a major draw for Minnesota anglers.
• Hiking and Trail Access: The campsite often serves as a launch point or is near a segment of the Superior National Forest’s extensive trail system, perfect for day hikes or connection to longer routes like the North Country National Scenic Trail.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Campers frequently spot common Minnesota species, and with luck, might catch a glimpse of a moose, an eagle, or hear the unforgettable howl of a gray wolf.
• Dark Skies: Far removed from city light pollution, the campsite provides spectacular views of the stars, making it an excellent location for local amateur astronomers.
• Authentic Northwoods Seclusion: The remote, non-developed nature of the site guarantees a quiet and genuinely secluded camping experience, a treasured commodity in the modern world.

Since Campsite #2122 is an individual, non-staffed site, contact should be directed to the overseeing Kawishiwi Ranger District, which manages the area near Ely.

Address for Administrative/Information Inquiries (Kawishiwi Ranger District Office):

1393 Highway 169 E

Ely, MN 55731

Site Location (Plus Code):

WXWW+W5, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone Number (Kawishiwi Ranger District):

218-365-7600

Superior National Forest Campsite #2122, and others like it, is perfectly suited for local Minnesotans who already possess an inherent appreciation for the state’s rugged beauty and a foundational understanding of wilderness camping ethics. For those living within the state, this site is a readily accessible escape—a weekend retreat that requires minimal travel time relative to the distant feel of the experience. It offers an affordable, authentic, and deeply rewarding alternative to crowded commercial parks.

This location allows residents to quickly disconnect from urban life and reconnect with the state's natural heritage. The rustic nature demands a level of preparedness and self-sufficiency that many Minnesotans embrace, ensuring the area remains pristine. Whether you are an experienced Boundary Waters paddler looking for a car-camping alternative, a family introducing children to the wonders of the Boreal Forest, or a seasoned angler seeking a quiet lakeside spot, this area provides the ideal backdrop. Campsite #2122 offers the profound peace and quiet that defines the northern Minnesota wilderness, making it a vital and cherished local resource for relaxation, recreation, and unforgettable memory-making. It is a genuine piece of the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' wilderness, waiting to be discovered by those who call this beautiful state home.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2122

WXWW+W5, Ely, MN 55731, USA