BWCA Campsite #1588

- Ely, MN 55731

For Minnesota’s dedicated wilderness paddlers, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers over 2,000 designated campsites, each providing a unique perspective on the Northwoods. BWCA Campsite #1588 stands out as a highly desirable and well-regarded destination, located on the vast and historically significant Basswood Lake, specifically overlooking Pipestone Bay. This site embodies the quintessential BWCA experience, blending robust infrastructure with breathtaking natural features. It’s a classic canoe-country stopover, popular for its beautiful views, ample space, and a mix of sun and shade—a perfect base for a multi-day paddling and fishing trip into the heart of the million-acre wilderness.

This particular campsite is celebrated among the local paddling community for its large, open layout. It provides a welcoming mix of shaded areas for comfortable sleeping and sun-drenched granite for lounging, making it ideal for groups or families seeking a balance between utility and scenery. As a federally designated wilderness campsite, it demands a commitment to self-sufficiency and the highest standards of Leave No Trace ethics, ensuring that its rugged beauty is preserved for the next generation of Minnesota explorers. Campsite #1588 offers a true taste of the Boundary Waters experience that Minnesotans cherish, promising quiet mornings, excellent stargazing opportunities, and the unparalleled feeling of immersion in the Superior National Forest.

BWCA Campsite #1588 is located on Basswood Lake, one of the largest and most famous lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, situated near the Minnesota/Canadian border. More precisely, it lies within the area often accessed via Pipestone Bay.

General Location: Ely, MN 55731, USA (This address refers to the nearest major town and outfitting hub).

Water Access: The campsite is only accessible by watercraft—specifically, by canoe or kayak. Visitors typically secure their required BWCA permit via Entry Point #24 (Fall Lake) or Entry Point #25 (Moose Lake), requiring a paddle and likely a portage or two to reach the expansive waters of Basswood Lake.

Coordinates Reference: Approximate Latitude/Longitude for this site is around 48.0434∘ N, −91.6902∘ W, placing it in a well-traveled, but still remote, section of the wilderness. The canoe landing area is noted by past visitors as being a bit narrow upon approach but functional for groups.

Permit Required: All overnight camping in the BWCAW requires a valid Quota Permit, reserved in advance through the U.S. Forest Service (via Recreation.gov) for a specific entry point (e.g., EP 24 or 25) and entry date during the quota season (May 1–September 30).

As a designated BWCA campsite, #1588 provides the mandatory facilities required by the U.S. Forest Service to consolidate impact and maintain the area's wilderness character.

• Standard Latrine: Every BWCA campsite is equipped with a wilderness latrine (a pit toilet, or 'throne,' usually a box structure over a deep pit) located a short distance away from the main camp area. Note: Past visitor feedback has indicated that the latrine at this specific site may be heavily used and near capacity at times, requiring groups to be prepared to dig a new pit if necessary, in accordance with wilderness regulations.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided at the primary fire ring location, allowing for safe and contained cooking over a wood fire.
• Water Source: Potable water must be drawn from Basswood Lake and then purified (boiled, filtered, or chemically treated) before consumption. The lake water access point at the campsite is typically decent for drawing water.
• Group Capacity: This is a mid-sized site, generally offering three to five distinct tent pads and a maximum group size of nine people, adhering to all BWCAW regulations.
• Food Storage: No bear-proof lockers are provided. All food, trash, and scented items must be stored securely, either by hanging a proper bear bag 10-12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the trunk, or by using a certified bear-resistant container (bear barrel).

Campsite #1588 is consistently noted for several distinctive natural and structural advantages that make it a favorite among experienced paddlers.

• The Granite Dome Viewpoint: A massive, flat, elevated rock area (often described as a dome or large boulder) is a primary feature. This sunning rock is perfect for sitting, enjoying unobstructed panoramic views of Pipestone Bay and Basswood Lake, sunbathing, or escaping bugs when there is a breeze.
• Excellent Camp Layout: The site features a 'big kitchen and sitting space,' which is relatively open and sheltered. This centralized area provides ample room for groups to cook, dine, and gather comfortably.
• Ample Tent and Hammock Space: Reviewers confirm the presence of three good-to-excellent tent pads—level, cleared areas—along with plenty of mature trees, making it easy to string up hammocks or clotheslines.
• Fishing and Swimming Access: The large granite boulders near the shore offer excellent spots for fishing directly from the campsite, and the adjacent rock shelf provides a decent, flat entry point for swimming.
• Mix of Sun and Shade: The location benefits from a blend of canopy cover, offering shade during the heat of the day, while the adjacent rock dome ensures plenty of sun exposure for drying gear or enjoying a warm afternoon.

The BWCAW is administered by the U.S. Forest Service under the Superior National Forest. For permit, regulation, and current condition information, contact the closest Ranger District.

Superior National Forest - Kawishiwi Ranger District (Closest to Basswood Lake Entry Points):

Address: 9935 East Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Permit Reservations: All BWCA quota permits are reserved through the national reservation system:

Website: Recreation.gov (Search for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness)

For Minnesotans, the BWCA is our backyard, a treasured sanctuary demanding respect and preparation. Campsite #1588 on Basswood Lake is particularly suitable for local paddlers because it represents the pinnacle of the mid-range wilderness trip: remote enough to offer profound solitude, yet developed enough to comfortably host a group.

Locals appreciate that this site is known for its durable, rock-based features that stand up to the heavy use the BWCA often sees, while still providing the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. The open, elevated rock area is an intrinsic Northwoods feature, serving as a perfect stage for memorable evenings watching sunsets over the water—a deep-seated tradition in Minnesota canoe camping. For those who already possess the necessary canoe and portage skills and seek a rewarding destination on a classic BWCA lake, Campsite #1588 provides an ideal balance of convenience, comfort (relative to the wilderness), and spectacular scenery. It’s an excellent spot for a layover day, offering great swimming and fishing potential, and allowing groups to settle in and truly absorb the peace of their beloved wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #1588

Ely, MN 55731, USA