BWCA Campsite #1613, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview

BWCA Campsite #1613 is not a typical local campground; it is a single, designated primitive campsite located deep within the vast, million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), part of the Superior National Forest in Northeastern Minnesota. This is the definition of a true wilderness experience, offering unparalleled solitude, challenge, and integration with nature.

The BWCAW is a federally protected area renowned for its glacially carved landscape of interconnected lakes, streams, and boreal forests. With over 2,000 designated campsites across the wilderness, each one, including #1613, is designed to accommodate only one group at a time, ensuring a pristine and highly private camping experience. A trip to Campsite #1613 involves mandatory paddle-and-portage travel, as motorboats are heavily restricted and roads are non-existent.

A successful stay at Campsite #1613 requires planning well in advance, as the entire wilderness operates on a strict permit system, especially during the peak season (May 1 through September 30). Visitors here embrace the "Leave No Trace" philosophy, carrying in all necessary supplies and carrying out all waste, upholding the primitive character of this National Geographic "must-see" destination.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #1613 is located deep within the Superior National Forest, associated with the greater Ely, MN region. While the official mailing address is listed as Ely, MN 55731, USA, the campsite itself is remote and inaccessible by road.

Address: Wilderness Campsite (Accessible via waterways from Ely Entry Points), Ely, MN 55731, USA

Accessibility details for local users:

Wilderness Entry Point: Access to the area that includes Campsite #1613 typically begins by obtaining a quota permit for a specific entry point, often one of the many available near Ely, such as Snowbank Lake or Mudro Lake, which serve as gateways to the central wilderness.
Canoe and Portage Travel: Reaching the campsite requires a multi-day canoe and portage trip. The exact location of Campsite #1613 is on the shores of a specific lake (commonly Kekekabic Lake or a nearby connected waterway), and its accessibility depends entirely on the chosen route, water levels, and the physical demands of carrying gear and canoes over land.
Terrain: Campsites in the BWCAW are known to have varied terrain. Some are situated atop rock knobs with commanding views, while others may be flatter. The landing area at the water’s edge can often be rocky or steep, requiring cautious unloading of gear.
Remote Location: Once at Campsite #1613, travelers are far removed from all modern services, including emergency services, communication, and commercial amenities. This remoteness is the central draw of the BWCAW.

Services Offered (Provided by the U.S. Forest Service in the BWCAW)

The services at designated BWCAW campsites are intentionally simple and robustly enforced to preserve the wilderness character.

Designated Campsites: The campsite is officially surveyed and designated by the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring it is a legal and established place to camp. Only one group is allowed per campsite.
Latrine Facilities: Each designated campsite is furnished with a wilderness latrine (a primitive pit toilet). Visitors are required to use these facilities for human waste.
Fire Grates: A steel fire grate is provided at each campsite for building fires. Campfires must only be built inside the provided grate, and only dead, downed wood may be collected for fuel.
Limited Impact Area: The site offers a relatively flat, rock-free area to pitch tents and a designated landing spot for watercraft, minimizing impact on the surrounding boreal forest.
No Water or Garbage Service: There is
Strict Regulations: All groups must adhere to BWCAW regulations, including a maximum of nine people and four watercraft per party, and no cans or glass bottles are allowed (exceptions only for fuel, medicine, and bug repellent). All members of the permit group must camp together.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #1613's true value lies in the natural features and the quality of the immediate surroundings, which vary by campsite but universally include profound peace and quiet.

Absolute Privacy and Solitude: As a single-party campsite, #1613 guarantees total privacy. The site is a basecamp for exploration, often allowing groups to go days without seeing other people, which is a hallmark of the BWCA experience.
World-Class Paddling and Fishing: Located on one of the interconnected lakes of the wilderness (often associated with Kekekabic Lake), the area offers excellent fishing opportunities for species like walleye, northern pike, and lake trout. The waterways are perfect for unhindered canoe exploration.
Breathtaking Views: Many BWCA campsites are known for spectacular views, often situated on rocky points or islands. Campsite #1613, like others, likely offers unique sight lines of the lake, providing opportunities for memorable sunsets, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Viewing: The BWCAW is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including moose, deer, beaver, and the largest population of timber wolves in the lower 48 states. Remote campsites like #1613 maximize the chance of quiet encounters with these animals.
Historical Context: Campsite #1613 is in an area historically used by the Ojibwe and French voyageurs, adding a layer of rich, timeless heritage to the camping experience.
Proximity to Hiking Trails: Depending on its exact location, the campsite may offer nearby access to historic trails like the Kekekabic Trail, allowing for both canoe and hiking excursions (additional hiking permits may apply).

Contact Information

To plan a trip to BWCA Campsite #1613, all necessary arrangements and permitting are managed through the U.S. Forest Service via the national reservation system. The primary contact is the local Forest Service office, generally the Kawishiwi Ranger District, which manages access near Ely.

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

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

U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest (Tofte or Kawishiwi District for area information): (218) 365-7600

Note: The specific campsite is

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Minnesota, Campsite #1613 and the entire BWCAW represent the ultimate in local outdoor heritage. This is a place for Minnesotans who truly understand and respect the wilderness ethos, offering an escape that few other places in the lower 48 states can match.

It is perfectly suited for those seeking a personal challenge, a technological detox, and a deep appreciation for the state’s untouched natural beauty. Locals are accustomed to the concepts of "pack in, pack out" and self-sufficiency, which are mandatory here. The ability to reserve an entry permit for a route that passes by #1613 allows for a highly personalized adventure, whether the goal is world-class fishing, silent paddling, or simply enjoying a pristine shoreline. Campsite #1613 offers a connection to the historical and natural soul of the Minnesota Northwoods, far away from crowds, providing a uniquely rewarding and unforgettable local adventure.