BWCA Campsite #1566, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking a classic wilderness experience combined with the practical advantage of a spacious and well-located basecamp, BWCA Campsite #1566 on Basswood Lake stands out as a premier destination. Located in the coveted Pipestone Bay area, this campsite has earned a strong reputation among local paddlers and motorized boat users alike for its large size and picturesque setting. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers over 1,200 designated campsites, but finding one that can comfortably accommodate a larger group while providing excellent proximity to famed fishing and day-trip routes is rare. Campsite #1566 delivers on this promise.

Basswood Lake is one of the largest and most famous lakes in the entire wilderness area, straddling the border with Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. Notably, portions of Basswood Lake, including Pipestone Bay, are open to motorboat use (up to a 25 horsepower limit) via the Fall Lake Entry Point. This unique access makes the journey to Campsite #1566 more manageable, allowing groups to establish a robust camp setup for a longer, relaxing stay. Described in reviews as a "great, huge site," it is particularly well-regarded for its abundance of space under a canopy of tall pines, providing a comfortable and inspiring backdrop for any wilderness vacation.

This location is not just about comfort; it is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for adventure. Its proximity to the Lewis Narrows, a known walleye and northern pike hotspot, and its reasonable distance for a day-trip to the iconic Basswood Falls, cements its status as a top-tier basecamp for Minnesota residents who love to fish and explore the rugged beauty of the North Woods.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1566 is situated on the south shore of Pipestone Bay, a major arm of the enormous Basswood Lake. The campsite is located on a point or peninsula, granting it excellent views and a desirable breeze that can help deter insects. This position places it northeast of the Lewis Narrows, a critical and highly productive fishing area.

The most common access route for Campsite #1566 is via Entry Point 24, the Fall Lake Entry Point, which is supported by the nearby town of Ely, MN 55731. The journey requires a wilderness permit and involves a combination of paddling/motoring and portaging:

Launch onto Fall Lake, which allows 25 HP motors.
Proceed to the 80-rod portage around Newton Falls into Newton Lake.
Cross Newton Lake to the 90-rod portage at Pipestone Falls.
Enter Pipestone Bay of Basswood Lake, from which the campsite is a paddle or motor ride away.

The portages along this route are relatively well-maintained, and the motor allowance on Basswood Lake greatly assists in reaching this site, which is a considerable distance from the entry point. This makes Campsite #1566 an excellent choice for a trip where the destination, rather than the journey, is the primary focus.

Services Offered

As a designated BWCAW campsite, #1566 is a primitive, Leave No Trace site maintained by the Forest Service. The core services are focused on minimizing environmental impact and providing essential structure within the wilderness setting. Campers must carry in all necessary gear, including water filtration equipment, and carry out all trash.

Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided at the main cooking/socializing area. Use is subject to current fire restrictions, and all firewood must be dead and downed wood gathered from the ground, away from the campsite area.
Wilderness Latrine: A standard outdoor pit latrine is located away from the main camp and water’s edge to ensure proper, sanitary disposal of human waste, a mandatory feature of all designated BWCA sites.
Tent Pad Capacity: Campsite #1566 is highly regarded for its large size, with documented capacity for numerous tent pads (some users report up to nine pads), easily accommodating the maximum group size of nine people.
Bear Safety Features: The site offers "great bear bag sites" in the surrounding tall pines, allowing campers to properly hang food and scented items at least 200 feet away from the tents and kitchen area, per wilderness regulations.
Watercraft Access: The landing spot, while occasionally noted as being rocky, is often improved by landing in the small bay located just behind the site, offering a better pull-up area for canoes and motorboats.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #1566 is consistently praised by those who stay there for a number of high-value features, making it a standout spot on Basswood Lake.

Huge, Open Layout: The most frequent and celebrated feature is its massive size. The description "great, huge site" is common, with "what feels like an acre of potential tent space" under "Huge Open Pines." This spaciousness is ideal for larger groups or those desiring extra room to spread out.
Tall Pine Forest Setting: The site is known for its beautiful canopy of tall pines, which provides ample shade and a picturesque backdrop for the camping area and great views of Basswood Lake.
Excellent Hammock Options: Due to the abundant, mature pine trees, the site offers "dozens of sturdy trees for hammocks," appealing directly to campers who prioritize this comfortable form of wilderness sleeping or relaxing.
Superb Fishing Proximity: Located near Lewis Narrows, the campsite is a perfect jump-off point for fishing day trips. This area is famous throughout Minnesota for producing trophy-sized northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
Day Trip Potential: The location on Basswood Lake makes day-trips to the majestic Basswood Falls a realistic and popular option, providing an awe-inspiring excursion for non-fishing days.

Contact Information

As a true wilderness campsite within the federally managed BWCAW, Campsite #1566 does not have a direct, manned phone line. All administrative and trip-planning contact must go through the appropriate U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the area.

Address (Administrative Office):

Address: Kawishiwi Ranger District, 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone:

Phone: Contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 218-365-7600 for BWCA permit reservations, current fire restrictions, and updated wilderness conditions.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #1566 is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota residents who are already familiar with the state's love for lake life and wilderness camping. For locals, the combination of its 'spacious' capacity and its location on the motor-allowed waters of Basswood Lake is a significant draw. It allows groups, perhaps families spanning multiple generations, to comfortably enjoy the BWCA experience without the arduous daily travel required of deep-interior sites. The convenience of motor access cuts down on the effort needed to transport gear, while the huge site allows everyone to have their own space. More importantly, its strategic position in one of the state's best fishing locales—Pipestone Bay and the Lewis Narrows—speaks directly to Minnesota’s deep-rooted angling culture. Staying at #1566 means positioning oneself for a high-reward fishing experience and having a premier, comfortable base from which to launch day explorations into the iconic Boundary Waters wilderness.