BWCA Campsite #1583, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview: Embracing the Boundary Waters Solitude

For generations, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has been a defining piece of the Minnesota identity, offering a deep, authentic connection to the natural world. Tucked within this vast, protected expanse of over one million acres is Campsite #1583. While perhaps not as famous as some large, landmark sites, Campsite #1583 represents the true, quiet heart of the BWCA experience: a designated, primitive space for paddlers to rest, recharge, and completely immerse themselves in the solitude of the North Woods.

Located near the popular gateway community of Ely, this campsite is a sanctuary where the only sounds are the rustle of the boreal forest and the calls of the loons. Like all of the 2,000+ designated sites in the BWCAW, Campsite #1583 adheres to strict wilderness regulations, meaning it is kept simple and rustic by design. It provides the absolute essentials for a safe and responsible stay, challenging visitors to live by the principle of "Leave No Trace." It is an opportunity for local Minnesotans to put their outdoor skills to the test and enjoy a world-renowned wilderness area that lies right at their doorstep.

This article serves as your factual guide to what you can expect when choosing Campsite #1583 for your next backcountry adventure.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Superior National Forest

Campsite #1583 is geographically located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a federally protected area spanning the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. The site’s official administrative area is connected to the closest major town and ranger district:

Ely, MN 55731, USA

Reaching Campsite #1583 requires dedication, as is the case for all BWCA campsites. There are no roads or motor vehicle access points directly to the site. It is exclusively accessible by canoe or kayak, following established water routes and portages from a designated BWCAW entry point near Ely. The precise lake and bay where Campsite #1583 resides can be located on official BWCA maps, which are essential tools for navigation.

The accessibility of this particular site will be contingent upon the conditions of the entry point you choose and the portage route you must follow to reach the site’s lake. The journey involves paddling across glacial-carved lakes and streams, and likely carrying (portaging) your canoe and gear across the strips of land between waterways. This is not a roadside campground; it is a true backcountry experience that begins the moment your paddle hits the water. Local outfitters in the Ely area can provide detailed route planning assistance, permit information, and shuttle services to help you begin your journey to #1583 efficiently and safely.

Services Offered (Essential Wilderness Amenities)

The core philosophy of the BWCAW is to preserve the primitive character of the area. Consequently, Campsite #1583 does not offer modern amenities like running water, electricity, showers, or maintained picnic tables. The services provided are the minimum necessary for a controlled and sustainable camping experience in the wilderness:

Designated Tent Pads: A cleared, relatively flat area (or areas) for pitching tents, helping to minimize environmental impact and vegetation damage.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate for cooking and warmth, required for all campfires to contain sparks and prevent wildfire spread. Visitors must gather only dead and downed wood for fuel.
Wilderness Latrine: A designated outhouse (often a "thunderbox" or vault-style toilet) located a specified distance from the main camp area and water source for sanitary disposal of human waste.
Canoe Landing: A natural lakeshore spot—which may be rocky, sandy, or a small gravel beach—suitable for pulling canoes out of the water and storing them overnight.

Features / Highlights: The Primitive Appeal

While individual reviews for Campsite #1583 may not be as numerous or detailed as those for certain highly trafficked points, its location within the BWCAW guarantees a selection of unique highlights that define the experience of this area:

Profound Solitude: As a wilderness campsite, #1583 is designed to offer a sense of deep isolation, a defining characteristic of the Boundary Waters experience that is increasingly rare in the US.
Unspoiled Natural Beauty: The site is surrounded by the classic boreal forest landscape of the Superior National Forest, featuring towering pines, birch, and aspen, with ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Stargazing Opportunities: Being deep within the BWCAW, far from city lights, the site offers extraordinary dark skies, providing some of the best stargazing and potential Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) viewing in Minnesota.
Fishing and Paddling Base: It serves as an excellent basecamp for day trips to explore adjacent lakes, fish for native species (such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass, depending on the lake), and master portaging skills.
Primitive Challenge: For Minnesotans who seek to truly test their self-reliance, the primitive nature of the site ensures that the entire experience—from filtering water to building a fire—is a rewarding, self-sufficient challenge.

Contact Information (The Wilderness Permit System)

It is important to understand that BWCA Campsite #1583 does not have a dedicated telephone number or on-site staff. All management, information, and reservation processes are handled through the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and its designated permit system.

Address:

BWCA Campsite #1583, Superior National Forest

Ely, MN 55731, USA

For Official BWCAW Information & Permits:

To plan a trip and secure a required permit, you must contact the USFS Kawishiwi Ranger District or utilize the official reservation system.

Kawishiwi Ranger District Office (Near Ely):

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Note: An overnight Quota Permit is mandatory for any entry between May 1st and September 30th and must be reserved in advance through the federal Recreation.gov system, specifying your entry point and date.

Conclusion: Why Campsite #1583 is Suitable for Local Minnesotans

Campsite #1583 is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an invitation to participate in a storied Minnesota tradition. For locals, it represents an accessible, yet deeply authentic, wilderness escape that defines the adventurous spirit of the state. This site provides the perfect backdrop for:

Family Tradition: Passing down essential camping, canoeing, and Leave No Trace skills in a controlled, designated environment.
Stress Relief: Offering a mandatory digital detox and an unmatched sense of quiet solitude that can only be found miles into the wilderness.
A True Challenge: Proving that you can thrive in a self-sufficient setting, relying solely on your gear, skills, and the natural resources available.

While basic in its amenities, this campsite ensures the BWCAW remains the pristine, undeveloped land Minnesotans value. Choosing Campsite #1583 means choosing an uncompromised wilderness experience—a place to paddle, portage, and truly appreciate the profound silence of one of America's greatest natural treasures, right here in the great state of Minnesota. It is an essential component of the local outdoor experience that every resident should seek to enjoy.