BWCA Campsite #1604, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

For local Minnesotans seeking the profound quiet and challenge of a true wilderness excursion, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) remains the state's undisputed gem. Within the vast network of protected lakes and waterways sits BWCA Campsite #1604, a destination that offers a blend of accessibility and spacious comfort rarely found in a high-demand area. Located within the Superior National Forest and accessible from the Ely, MN region, this campsite is a practical and popular choice for groups looking for a solid base camp on the enormous and historic Basswood Lake system.

What sets Campsite #1604 apart is its unique and highly valued feature: a sandy beach landing. In the rocky, rugged environment of the BWCAW, a smooth, sandy spot to pull up a canoe is a luxury that significantly improves the camping experience, particularly for groups with multiple watercraft. Furthermore, customer reviews consistently praise the site’s size, noting that it is a "large campsite" with "plenty of room for hammocks or tents." This spaciousness makes it an ideal spot for groups up to the maximum permitted size of nine people, allowing for comfortable and spread-out living during your remote stay. While perhaps not boasting the dramatic, high-cliff views of some neighbors, Campsite #1604 is a highly functional and accommodating spot that delivers a genuine, rewarding northern Minnesota wilderness trip.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1604 is located within the greater Basswood Lake area, an international boundary water adjacent to Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. The official general address for trip planning purposes is near Ely, MN 55731, USA. Access to this specific location is most commonly achieved via BWCA Entry Point #24 (Fall Lake), which leads paddlers through Newton Lake and into the sprawling Pipestone Bay, a large section of Basswood.

The journey to Campsite #1604 involves paddling and portaging, a requirement that helps preserve the wilderness character of the area. The route through Fall Lake and Newton Lake is often favored for its relatively manageable portages. While Basswood Lake itself is a massive body of water—one of the largest in the BWCAW—Campsite #1604 is strategically located to serve as a base for exploring the famous fishing grounds and scenic areas of Pipestone Bay and beyond. Visitors must secure a BWCAW Quota Permit in advance for overnight use from the U.S. Forest Service, often picked up at a cooperating outfitter or the Kawishiwi Ranger District office near Ely. Given Basswood Lake’s size, local users should be prepared for significant wind and wave conditions, though the site’s specific beach landing is often described as a “protected cove,” offering some relief from rough waters when landing.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite, #1604 adheres to the strict 'Leave No Trace' principles enforced by the U.S. Forest Service. Services are minimal and intended to manage human waste and fire use, ensuring the environment is conserved for future generations of Minnesotans. The rustic amenities focus on the core necessities of wilderness camping.

Established Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided at the main cooking and gathering area. All fires must be contained within this grate for safety and compliance.
Designated Latrine (Thunder Box): An open-air, box-style latrine is situated down a short path, away from the main camp and water sources, for the proper disposal of human waste.
Multiple Tent Pad Areas: The site is known to be "large," offering "plenty of room" with multiple established, relatively flat spots to pitch tents, easily accommodating the maximum group size of nine.
Superior Water Access: The primary "service" is the easy access to Basswood Lake, providing water for cooking, cleaning, and filtering for drinking. All lake water must be purified before consumption.
Canoe Landing: A standout feature, the "sandy beach spot" makes for a "super easy landing," which is a practical service for loading and unloading gear, and safely securing canoes.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #1604 is celebrated by local BWCA users for specific characteristics that make it a highly desirable stop or base camp. These features contribute to a more comfortable and enjoyable wilderness experience:

The Sandy Beach Landing: This is the site's most distinctive and praised feature. A rare occurrence in the BWCAW, the soft, sandy area allows for effortless canoe landing and gear transfer, minimizing damage to canoes and offering a cleaner entry/exit point.
Excellent Group Capacity: The site is consistently reviewed as "large" and "spacious," easily accommodating multiple tents and hammocks, making it perfect for family trips, scout groups, or multiple-party reservations.
Natural Bug Control: One user review noted a lucky occurrence of "lots of dragonflies on mosquito patrol," a welcome natural feature that helps keep biting insects managed.
Proximity to Key Waterways: Its location within Pipestone Bay gives groups excellent access to Basswood Lake's renowned fishing areas and scenic attractions, including the opportunity for day trips further north.
Comfortable Camp Area: With plenty of tree cover, the site provides ample opportunities for hanging hammocks and setting up tarps for shade or rain protection over the spacious fire grate area.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #1604 is a remote wilderness location, meaning there are no on-site staff or direct contact numbers. All formal contact, reservations, and information regarding rules and regulations are handled by the administering agency:

Address (General Access Area): Ely, MN 55731, USA

Primary Phone Contact (U.S. Forest Service – Kawishiwi Ranger District): For current conditions, permit pickup, or rule clarification related to entry points near Ely, contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District office.

Permit Reservations: All overnight trips require a reservation made through the official U.S. Forest Service system, typically accessed online. This permit specifies the entry date and entry point (likely Fall Lake EP #24).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #1604 on Basswood Lake is particularly suitable for Minnesotans because it facilitates the cherished tradition of large-group wilderness travel that is common across the state. The site’s size and the practical benefit of a sandy beach landing minimize the logistical friction of a remote trip, making the experience more accessible to families and groups of varying ages and skill levels.

For local users, the Basswood Lake area is an iconic part of Minnesota’s North Woods heritage, providing the opportunity to connect with the state's storied past of voyageurs and logging. The reliable, spacious nature of Campsite #1604 means less time struggling with rocky shorelines or cramped living quarters and more time fishing, paddling, and soaking in the immense beauty of the BWCAW. It offers a comfortable, yet still fully immersive, platform for experiencing the unique solitude and challenge that defines a true Minnesota wilderness trip. The combination of space, an easy landing, and access to a massive lake system makes #1604 a practical and highly recommended choice for your next Boundary Waters base camp adventure.