Ensign Lake #20

We have deemed this campsite probably one of the worst in Boundary Waters (or B-Dubs, as we call it) because it is always available. But we love it and it has its advantages. It is completely exposed to the wind and elements which can indeed make it miserable in bad weather, but the wind keeps the bugs away. Which is one of the +'s. There is not really anyplace to put canoes, the east side is out of the wind but is rocky and in high water makes it even more difficult. The only place that will hold a tent, or 2 if they are small, is very rocky and also bowl shaped, so be prepared for water issues. But it is great for swimming off the rock point. It drops off to about 8 ft. deep almost immediately so you can dive off swim around and have fun in the water. But beware of Craw-dads they prey on the unsuspecting, we made the mistake of leaving our fish on the stringer overnight and they ate them alive. So don't stay in the water unmoving. And this is probably a problem with all campsites, but when you go back to the latrine you better work quickly because I've never seen mosquitoes so bad in my entire life. My group has gone to this site 5 times in the last 7 years and it has served us well, coincidentally CHORT WAS HERE 5 TIMES as well.

All in all it is the best site in boundary waters so I suggest you give it a try and eat the craw-dads as well. they are delicious. Just make sure you depoop them.

Comments

cup-o-coffee

Ensign Lake #20 Monday August 10th 2009 I agree with J-Money's revue of this site. I have never camped here but have stopped to check it out a couple of times as it is unoccupied on most of my trips to Ensign. There is a comfortable place to pull up a couple of canoes just to the west. A trail leads up the hill to the campsite from there. An anoying inconvenience, but the only practical landing spot for this campsite. reply

TLAC5748

Craw-dads Wednesday March 10th 2010 So sad! Really, we have invasive crayfish in Ensign? I took my 'valley girl' daughter just into the BWCA 7-8 years ago to Fall Lake. I think it was Aug. Hot and lucked out & got the sandy beach site. Shortly after we set up camp, she goes skinny dipping! Horror, bible thumpers going by not to mention regular canoiests! - told her we are next to big SNF campground- and she then realizes there are criders on the bottom. She caught, I cooked. To the point - are there any waters in the BWCA that are not infected with invasive crayfish? Natives are too same & cute to eat. reply