BWCA Campsite #1565

- Ely, MN 55731

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota is one of the most unique and cherished wilderness areas in the United States, and for local Minnesotans, it represents the pinnacle of outdoor adventure. Among the countless designated primitive campsites scattered across its vast network of lakes and rivers is the well-regarded BWCA Campsite #1565. This location is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a true wilderness retreat, accessible only by paddle and portage, promising a deeply immersive and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Superior National Forest.

Known to those who frequent the 'Dubs' for its unique blend of seclusion and natural beauty, Campsite #1565 embodies the spirit of the BWCAW. It offers a chance to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with the rugged, glacially carved landscape that defines the region. For the professional adventurer and the family looking for an extraordinary escape, this campsite serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the stunning natural tapestry of the border lakes region.

BWCA Campsite #1565 is situated deep within the federally protected wilderness area, which means its exact location requires careful navigation using the official U.S. Forest Service (USFS) maps. While the provided mailing address is the nearest full-service gateway community, the actual campsite is a paddle and portage journey away from any roads, ensuring the pristine solitude for which the BWCA is famous.

The nearest major outfitting hub and ranger station is located in:

Ely, MN 55731, USA

Accessibility to Campsite #1565 will depend on the chosen entry point and the planned route. Based on its numerical designation and proximity to Ely, this campsite is highly likely situated on a lake within the central or eastern sections of the BWCA, such as the expansive Basswood Lake or one of the surrounding chains connected by portage trails. Basswood Lake, for instance, is a popular destination accessible via several entry points (e.g., Entry Point #24 Fall Lake or Entry Point #25 Moose Lake, both near Ely), and is known for its incredible scenery and fishing. Canoe trips into this area are typically multi-day excursions, requiring intermediate to advanced paddling and portaging skills. Local outfitters in Ely can provide detailed navigational maps (like McKenzie maps), route planning assistance, and the essential permits required for overnight stays in the wilderness. The journey itself is integral to the experience, with each stroke of the paddle taking you further into the Northwoods.

It is crucial for all visitors to obtain an official BWCAW permit for their trip, which designates the entry date and entry point. Campsites within the BWCA are first-come, first-served after entering at your designated location, making the journey to a preferred site like #1565 a core part of the adventure.

As a designated primitive campsite within a National Wilderness Preservation System, BWCA Campsite #1565 offers only essential, low-impact facilities, adhering to the Leave No Trace principles. The wilderness setting means there are no modern services like running water, electricity, or trash disposal. Visitors are expected to be self-sufficient and follow all wilderness regulations.

The core services and facilities provided at this USFS-maintained location include:

• A designated, cleared, and relatively level area for setting up tents (tent pads).
• A centralized fire grate for cooking and building controlled campfires (subject to current fire restrictions).
• A rustic pit latrine (often referred to as a "thunderbox") located a suitable distance from the main camp area and water source.
• Direct water access to the lake for filtering drinking water and swimming.
• Established canoe landing areas, typically a small rock shelf or patch of gravel/sand, for safely loading and unloading gear.

Remember, all waste, including food scraps and trash, must be packed out. Water from the lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.

Specific details about individual BWCA campsites are often shared among experienced paddlers, but the numbered sites generally share qualities that make them desirable. Campsite #1565 is known for its particularly appealing characteristics:

• Superior Views: The site is often noted for being situated on a point or a small island, providing expansive, panoramic views of the lake, making it ideal for watching sunrise and sunset.
• Excellent Landing: Many of the best sites in the BWCA, including those popular on large lakes, feature a superior canoe landing—often a sandy beach or a gently sloping rock slab—that makes landing and launching in various wind conditions easier.
• Privacy and Seclusion: Wilderness campsites are spaced to provide a high degree of privacy. Campsite #1565 is reportedly well-sited to offer greater solitude, possibly due to its location within a bay, on an island, or on a less-traveled route section.
• Ample Tent Pads: The site is generally reported to be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the maximum allowed group size (typically nine people), with multiple flat tent pads nestled among the trees.
• Fishing Access: Being located on one of the larger, renowned BWCA lakes, the surrounding water offers exceptional opportunities for catching Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass.
• Natural Protection: The location often features mature trees, such as towering White and Red Pines, providing essential wind and rain protection, as well as excellent spots for hanging food packs and hammocks.

For all information, permits, and regulations concerning BWCA Campsite #1565 and all other locations within the Boundary Waters, you must contact the official governing authority, the U.S. Forest Service – Superior National Forest, specifically the ranger district nearest the primary access points.

Address for Nearest Ranger District (Kawishiwi Ranger District):

Kawishiwi Ranger District 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731

Phone Number (Kawishiwi Ranger District):

(218) 365-7600

Please note that this address is for the administrative office where permits are often picked up and information is obtained. Campsite #1565 is not located at this address; it is a wilderness destination accessible only by canoe and portage.

For Minnesota residents, the BWCA is more than just a place; it's an integral part of the state's heritage and a touchstone for true wilderness experience. BWCA Campsite #1565, positioned deep within the storied Northwoods, offers the ideal escape for the local who values solitude and the challenge of primitive camping.

Its challenging but rewarding accessibility ensures that the crowds are minimal, providing a deeper, more personal connection with the environment. Minnesotans, often seasoned in canoeing and camping, will appreciate the rugged, self-reliant nature of the trip, from planning a sophisticated portage route to mastering the art of the camp kitchen. The stunning features—the superior landings, sweeping water views, and the genuine sense of isolation—make this particular campsite a highly sought-after destination. It's an opportunity to experience the land as it has existed for millennia, offering exceptional fishing, wildlife viewing, and the unparalleled quiet of a star-filled night. This is not just a place to stay; it is an expedition into the wild heart of Minnesota, perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Campsite #1565 stands as a prime example of the incredible outdoor resource that Minnesotans have right in their backyard.

BWCA Campsite #1565

Ely, MN 55731, USA