BWCA Campsite #1603, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans drawn to the profound solitude and vast, raw beauty of the North Woods, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the ultimate destination. Among its thousands of lakes and over 2,000 designated campsites, BWCA Campsite #1603 stands as a verified and desirable spot on the iconic Basswood Lake, a true gem of the Superior National Forest near Ely, MN. This area is celebrated across the state not just for its stunning scenery, but for its legendary fishing and its unique allowance of limited motorboat access, which makes it particularly attractive for basecamp-style trips.

Campsite #1603 is a designated U.S. Forest Service wilderness campsite, meaning it is legally established and maintained to the strict standards of the BWCAW, ensuring minimal impact on the environment while providing a safe, legal place to stay. This particular site is one of many that dot the extensive shorelines and islands of Basswood Lake, a body of water that crosses the international border into Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. Its remoteness demands thorough planning, including securing a mandatory BWCAW permit, but the reward is an unparalleled connection to Minnesota’s true wild heart.

Unlike traditional campgrounds with modern facilities, Campsite #1603 offers a primitive experience. It provides the essential, officially sanctioned infrastructure—a fire grate and a latrine—to allow groups up to nine people and four watercraft to enjoy the area responsibly. For local users seeking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a world-class natural setting, this campsite offers a genuine and memorable taste of the Boundary Waters experience.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1603 is strategically located on Basswood Lake, a vast and historically significant body of water near the gateway town of Ely, MN 55731. Access to the general area of Basswood Lake is typically gained through the Fall Lake Entry Point (#24) or the Moose Lake Entry Point (#25). Both entry points require travel across several smaller lakes and portages before reaching the expansiveness of Basswood.

The Fall Lake Entry Point is a common route, requiring two portages—a manageable 80-rod carry into Newton Lake, followed by a 90-rod portage into the popular Pipestone Bay of Basswood. From there, groups must paddle to locate the specific campsite. Basswood Lake is notable for its classification as a ‘motor zone’ in certain sections, primarily Pipestone, Back, and Hoist Bays, where motors up to 25 horsepower are permitted. This access provides a significant benefit for local basecampers, allowing for efficient travel to a site like #1603 and then using smaller, paddle-only watercraft for day excursions into non-motorized waters.

Due to its popularity, the Basswood Lake area can see higher visitor traffic, especially in the central bays. Campsite #1603's exact location is determined by its latitude and longitude (approximately 48.02539 / -91.70391 based on common mapping resources, placing it roughly on the main body of Basswood east of Pipestone Bay and north of Hoist Bay), ensuring it is nestled deep enough within the wilderness to offer the tranquility Minnesotans seek, while still being accessible via a designated motor route for the initial travel day.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite within the federally protected BWCAW, Campsite #1603 adheres to the principle of "Leave No Trace." The services provided are deliberately minimal to preserve the area’s primitive nature, ensuring a genuine wilderness experience. These are the mandatory, standard facilities for any legal BWCA campsite:

US Forest Service Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is provided at a dedicated area for safe fire containment. Fires are only permitted within this grate and are subject to current fire restrictions, which must be checked before entering the wilderness.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (or 'biffy') is located a required minimum distance from the main camp, water, and portage trail. This facility is strictly for human waste; all trash, including hygiene products and food scraps, must be packed out.
Designated Tent Pads: Cleared areas intended for tent setup to minimize ground impact and erosion. The number of suitable pads is limited and designed to accommodate the maximum group size of nine people.
Canoe Landing Area: A spot along the shore, which may be rock, sand, or a small gravel beach, that provides a safe area for landing and storing canoes or motorized watercraft out of the water and away from the main campsite area.

It is essential for all Minnesota visitors to carry out all trash, practice proper bear-proof food storage (by hanging packs or using a bear canister), and filter or purify all drinking water, as no potable water source is provided at the site.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #1603's location on Basswood Lake affords it several distinct and highly sought-after features, making it a premium choice for local campers and anglers:

Exceptional Fishing Proximity: Basswood Lake is arguably the most famous fishing lake in the BWCAW, known for its trophy Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. Campsite #1603 is well-positioned for anglers to explore nearby bays and deep water structures.
Potential for Motor Access Convenience: While the actual site itself is a quiet, primitive camp, its proximity to the motor zones of Basswood allows groups to use 25HP motors for quick access on the initial and final legs of their trip, maximizing time for fishing and relaxation.
Views and Topography: Based on its general location, the site likely offers elevated views of the massive lake, a hallmark of many Basswood camps. These sites often feature rocky outcrops, mature pines, and excellent vantage points for watching sunsets over the water.
Isolation and Tranquility: Despite the lake's popularity, the vastness of Basswood ensures that once settled in Camp #1603, groups experience a high degree of privacy, with the sounds of loons and the wind through the pines replacing the noise of everyday life.
Day-Trip Opportunities: The site serves as a perfect launch point for paddle-only excursions further north into the non-motorized wilderness, including the chance to paddle up to the famous Basswood Falls near the Canadian border.

Contact Information

For Minnesotans to secure a permit or seek the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the status and features of Campsite #1603, they should contact the administering US Forest Service office. Official information is paramount for a safe and legal BWCAW trip.

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 official BWCAW permit reservations, map clarification, and current operating conditions, including fire restrictions.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #1603 on Basswood Lake is a highly suitable destination for Minnesota locals because it encapsulates the very best of the BWCAW experience with a key element of convenience. It provides a challenging, yet deeply rewarding, wilderness camping opportunity that is far removed from the urban environment. The vast, island-strewn waters of Basswood are a natural playground for canoeing, photography, and, most importantly, the world-class fishing that is an intrinsic part of the state's outdoor identity. The option for motorboat travel in this section of the Boundary Waters is a particular advantage for local families or groups with heavy gear, allowing them to comfortably establish a basecamp at a remote, beautiful location like #1603 and then spend their days enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. Ultimately, reserving a spot like this connects Minnesotans directly to the legendary, unblemished landscape that defines the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes.'