BWCA Campsite #1589, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans planning their next Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) adventure, Campsite #1589 offers a compelling combination of superb location, relative comfort, and excellent access to some of the region's best fishing waters. Situated on the legendary Basswood Lake, one of the largest and most historically significant lakes in the entire wilderness, Campsite #1589 is a designated, primitive wilderness campsite that serves as an ideal basecamp for groups looking to maximize their time in the outdoors.

The Boundary Waters, spanning over one million acres of preserved forests and interconnected waterways in the Superior National Forest, represents the pinnacle of wilderness canoe camping in the United States. Campsite #1589 is often noted in local trip reports and forums for its desirable features, including its roomy layout and a noteworthy sandy beach, which elevates the typical rustic BWCA experience. Its location on Basswood Lake, specifically in the area of Pipestone Bay and near the famous Lewis Narrows, places it squarely in a hotspot for walleye and northern pike, making it particularly attractive to local anglers.

A crucial element of this site is its accessibility via the Fall Lake Entry Point (Entry Point 24). This entry point allows for the use of motors up to 25 horsepower on Fall, Newton, and portions of Basswood Lake (including the area near Pipestone Bay), offering a unique flexibility. This motor allowance can significantly reduce the paddling time required to reach a prime location like Campsite #1589, making it a viable option for shorter trips or for groups preferring a slightly less strenuous start to their wilderness vacation. Whether traveling by paddle or motor, this campsite promises a genuine taste of the Minnesota wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1589 is located on Basswood Lake, specifically nestled within the sprawling Pipestone Bay area. Basswood Lake is a massive border water lake that forms a part of the boundary with Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. The campsite’s position is approximately 48.04607 latitude and −91.68209 longitude, placing it near the Lewis Narrows—a widely known fishing ground.

Access to this campsite is predominantly achieved through BWCA Entry Point 24, known as the Fall Lake Entry Point, which is located just outside of Ely, MN. The address provided, Ely, MN 55731, USA, is the nearest population center and the hub for outfitters assisting with these trips. The access route from Entry Point 24 typically involves:

Launching onto Fall Lake (where motor use is permitted).
Paddling or motoring across Fall Lake to the 40-rod portage around Newton Falls into Newton Lake.
Continuing across Newton Lake to the 90-rod portage around Pipestone Falls.
Finally, paddling or motoring into Pipestone Bay on Basswood Lake to reach the campsite.

Since Basswood Lake is open to motorboat use (up to 25 HP maximum) in this area, visitors have the option of arranging a tow service from a local outfitter to speed up travel across the large lakes, or they can use their own low-horsepower motorboat. This feature makes the site relatively accessible as a basecamp, often allowing groups to reach the campsite within one long day of travel from the entry point.

Services Offered

As a designated BWCAW campsite, #1589 provides a primitive, Leave No Trace environment. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, carrying in all their supplies and packing out all trash. The focus of the provided services is on environmental protection and safety.

Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided for campfires and cooking, subject to current fire restrictions. Campers must gather only dead and downed wood from the area, away from the immediate campsite.
Wilderness Latrine: A standard outdoor pit latrine is present to ensure sanitary human waste disposal, a mandatory element of all designated BWCA campsites.
Designated Tent Pads: The campsite is considered "roomy" and "spacious" with multiple areas designated for tents (up to four tent pads noted by some reviewers), helping to preserve the forest floor.
Natural Shoreline Access: The site offers excellent canoe landing or boat mooring spots, often featuring a sand beach and a good landing area for watercraft. Water taken from the lake must be filtered or treated before drinking.
Proximity to Resources: While remote, the site is a significant stop on a motor-allowed route, meaning boat tows or re-supply drops are theoretically possible through authorized outfitters.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #1589 is consistently praised by campers for several standout features that enhance the wilderness experience, making it a highly desirable location in Pipestone Bay.

Spacious and Roomy Layout: Campers consistently describe the site as having a "spacious" kitchen and community area, along with enough tent pads to comfortably accommodate a maximum-sized group. This makes it an excellent choice for a longer-term basecamp.
Rare Sandy Beach: The campsite is known to feature a "fabulous beach," which is a rare and highly sought-after amenity in the often rocky BWCAW. This provides excellent access for swimming and relaxing, though visitors should note high water levels can occasionally cover the beach.
Excellent Fishing Base: Its strategic location near Lewis Narrows and the Basswood Falls area—both highly regarded fishing grounds—makes it an outstanding basecamp for local anglers targeting walleye and northern pike.
Motorboat Access: As it lies on a motor-restricted lake section, the site is accessible to motorboats up to 25 HP. This feature provides flexibility in travel and gear transport, distinguishing it from purely paddle-only interior sites.
Hammock-Friendly Trees: Reviews have noted "a few nice hammock hanging trees," offering an extra level of camp comfort and relaxation options.

Contact Information

For a remote wilderness campsite, there is no direct public phone number or precise street address. All administrative and reservation inquiries must be directed to the U.S. Forest Service or an official outfitter.

Address (Nearest Ranger Station/Area):

Address: Kawishiwi Ranger District, 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 (This office manages the Fall Lake Entry Point)

Phone:

Phone: Contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District at 218-365-7600 for current permit information, conditions, and regulations.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #1589 on Basswood Lake is exceptionally well-suited for Minnesotans, particularly those who have cultivated their outdoor skills and seek a rewarding, multi-day basecamp experience without sacrificing essential comforts. Its prime location on a motor-allowed section of Basswood Lake provides a key advantage: it allows for faster travel, making a deep wilderness experience more accessible within the constraints of a typical local vacation timeframe. The renowned fishing opportunities in Pipestone Bay and Lewis Narrows draw in state residents passionate about angling, offering the chance for a truly memorable fresh catch.

Moreover, the site's unique features—its roomy layout, the luxury of a sandy beach, and its overall high rating among BWCA veterans—ensure a higher quality of wilderness camping. For Minnesotans, this campsite represents a perfect blend of challenging paddling, comfortable base-camping, and world-class fishing, making it a cherished and unforgettable corner of their state's natural heritage.