BWCA Campsite #1602, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview: A Canvas of Wilderness on Basswood Lake

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) holds a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans, representing the pinnacle of primitive, lake-country camping. Among the two thousand-plus designated campsites that dot this million-acre expanse, Campsite #1602 stands out as a unique destination, particularly for those who appreciate open views and excellent air circulation. Located on the massive and historically significant Basswood Lake, Campsite #1602 offers an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the raw, panoramic beauty of the northern forest and its expansive waterways.

Unlike some heavily shaded spots deep within the woods, this site is recognized by experienced paddlers for its bright, open, and often exposed setting. Real customer feedback highlights this distinction, noting it as a "Very nice site, great panoramic views, good wind circulation." This feature is especially valuable during peak summer months, helping to keep insects at bay and providing clear sightlines across the water. Designed for low-impact, self-sufficient wilderness travel, Campsite #1602 provides the necessary primitive infrastructure—a fire grate and a latrine—to maintain the pristine nature of this cherished national wilderness. Choosing this campsite is a commitment to the Leave No Trace ethic and an embrace of the profound quiet and challenge that only the BWCA can deliver.

Location and Accessibility: A Prestigious Address Deep in the BWCA

Campsite #1602 is situated on the shoreline of Basswood Lake, one of the most famous and largest bodies of water in the BWCAW, which straddles the US-Canada border. Its administrative base is the nearby gateway community:

Ely, MN 55731, USA

Basswood Lake itself is accessible via several BWCAW Entry Points (EPs), notably EP 24 (Fall Lake) and EP 25 (Moose Lake), both of which are serviced from the Ely area. The journey to Campsite #1602 is strictly by non-motorized means, typically a canoe. Depending on the chosen entry point, reaching the site involves a mix of lake paddling and the physically demanding activity of 'portaging'—carrying canoes and gear across land trails connecting the waterways. Basswood is known for its size, which means long paddles and the potential for challenging conditions, particularly wind and waves, making a trip here one that requires careful planning and experienced paddling skills. Due to its location on such a major lake, the accessibility is excellent from the Ely area, but the travel required is a proper, multi-day wilderness excursion. As a designated BWCA campsite, visitors must secure an overnight permit, specifying their entry point and date, well in advance through the U.S. Forest Service system.

Services Offered (Essential Primitive Amenities)

In keeping with its designation as a National Wilderness Preservation System site, Campsite #1602 is maintained to provide only the bare necessities required for safe and responsible camping. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, packing in all food, emergency supplies, and equipment, and planning to filter or boil lake water for drinking. Modern conveniences are nonexistent, ensuring the environment remains wild and protected. The site offers:

Designated Tent Pads: Cleared areas for setting up tents. Reports indicate multiple pads are available, but they can be spread out, offering privacy but potentially separating large groups.
Permanent Fire Grate: A steel fire ring is provided for containing fires, which are only permitted using dead and downed wood collected from the surrounding forest.
Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary outhouse, typically a "thunderbox," located discreetly away from the main camp area and the water source for sanitary waste disposal.
Canoe Landing Spot: A natural, undeveloped landing on the shoreline, often rocky, which is suitable for pulling canoes out of the water. Note that this often requires a "wet foot" landing, where you step into the water.

Features / Highlights (A View Worth the Paddle)

Campsite #1602 distinguishes itself from many other forest-enveloped BWCA sites with several compelling features, confirmed by those who have stayed there:

Outstanding Panoramic Views: Its primary highlight is the stunning, wide-open view of Basswood Lake. Located on a point or exposed area, the site offers vast sightlines, making for spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the water.
Excellent Air Circulation: A significant benefit of the site's exposed nature is the "good wind circulation." This natural ventilation helps deter mosquitoes and black flies, greatly improving the comfort level during summer evenings.
Quality Hand-Crafted Seating: Some reviewers have specifically noted the presence of "superbly crafted hand hewn half log for kitchen seating," indicating a well-maintained and comfortable fire pit area, ideal for group gatherings and meals.
Diverse Tent Placement Options: With multiple tent spots—some in the trees and others more in the open—the site offers flexibility for groups, allowing for private sleeping arrangements or the strategic placement of tents to maximize shade or sun.
Basswood Lake Access: The site provides direct access to one of the BWCA’s premier lakes, famous for its excellent fishing (Walleye, Northern Pike) and numerous opportunities for extended paddling routes.

Contact Information (Permit and Planning Resources)

As a designated wilderness campsite, Campsite #1602 does not have a physical office or phone number. All trip planning, reservations, and official inquiries must go through the managing body, the U.S. Forest Service.

Address:

BWCA Campsite #1602, Basswood Lake, Superior National Forest

Ely, MN 55731, USA

For Official BWCAW Information & Permits (Essential Contact):

Kawishiwi Ranger District Office (Near Ely, MN)

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Note: An overnight Quota Permit is legally required for entry between May 1st and September 30th and must be reserved in advance through the official government recreation website. It is crucial to designate your chosen Entry Point (e.g., EP 24 or 25) when making your reservation, as the campsite itself is secured upon arrival on a first-come, first-served basis within the wilderness.

Conclusion: Why Campsite #1602 is Suitable for Local Minnesotans

Campsite #1602 offers a quintessential Minnesota wilderness experience, especially appealing to local paddlers seeking a site with exceptional scenic value. For those who understand and appreciate the primitive nature of the BWCAW, this location is highly suitable for several reasons: it tests your self-sufficiency in a breathtaking setting, it delivers truly panoramic photo opportunities unavailable at most other sites, and its unique, airy layout is a practical defense against the region's summer insects. The challenge of paddling and portaging to a prime spot on a major lake like Basswood is a badge of honor for any experienced Minnesotan outdoors enthusiast. It’s an ideal spot for groups who value both a communal, well-furnished fire area and the privacy afforded by spread-out tent pads. Choosing Campsite #1602 is choosing a memory defined by expansive water, pristine forests, and the unadulterated solitude that makes the Boundary Waters a cornerstone of the North Star State's natural heritage.