BWCA Campsite #1614

- Ely, MN 55731

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential, paddle-only wilderness adventure, BWCA Campsite #1614 offers an official and designated base of operations deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This is not your typical drive-up campground; it represents the gold standard of ultra-light, primitive camping, demanding preparation, self-sufficiency, and respect for the natural environment.

Located on the shores of the vast and historically significant Basswood Lake, Campsite #1614 is one of the many sites managed by the Superior National Forest. The BWCA is a federally protected wilderness area, meaning every campsite, including #1614, adheres to strict 'Leave No Trace' principles. The campsite number is part of the official US Forest Service numbering system, providing a precise location for permit-holding groups. Its proximity to active canoe routes and the US-Canadian border makes it a strategic stop for both short basecamping trips and longer, deeper wilderness explorations, appealing to local users who value the purity and challenge of a true Northwoods portage trip.

BWCA Campsite #1614 is officially located on Basswood Lake, a sprawling, pristine body of water accessible primarily from Entry Points near Ely, MN 55731. Basswood Lake itself is one of the most famous and largest lakes in the entire wilderness, forming part of the US-Canadian border route.

Accessibility is strictly by watercraft—canoe or kayak—and involves an overnight paddle permit. Depending on the chosen entry point (common entry points include #24 Fall Lake, #25 Moose Lake, or #27 Snowbank Lake, followed by a tow or portage), reaching the campsite can take a full day or more of paddling and portaging, emphasizing its remote nature.

Specifically, user reports place Campsite #1614 across from the portage leading to Newton Lake. This location makes it prone to seeing "traffic" from passing canoes, yet still provides an essential overnight stopping point. Visitors should be prepared for multiple portages—the physical task of carrying all gear and the canoe overland between lakes—to reach this deep-wilderness destination. The remote nature ensures solitude but also necessitates that groups are fully prepared for a self-supported expedition away from all modern services.

In the BWCAW, "services" are intentionally primitive, designed to minimize human impact while providing essential tools for wilderness survival. Campsite #1614 adheres to the standard amenities found across the wilderness area.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, elevated steel fire ring is provided to contain campfires and support cooking, essential for protecting the fragile forest floor from fire damage. Groups must use only dead and downed wood for fuel.

• Latrine: A designated vault or pit latrine, sometimes called a "thunderbox," is positioned well away from the main campsite area and water's edge for hygienic waste disposal.

• Cleared Tent Pads: The site typically contains 2-3 cleared and level areas of soil or hardened ground specifically intended for setting up tents, preventing campers from disturbing new plant growth. User reports suggest it has a maximum of 2-3 tent pads.

• Designated Landing Area: The site has a spot for landing canoes. User feedback mentions two potential landings: one steep and close to the site, and another that involves a short walk, with both composed of sand/gravel.

• No Potable Water: There is no source of treated drinking water. All water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated from Basswood Lake before consumption.

• No Electricity, Wi-Fi, or Services: Campsite #1614 is a true wilderness experience, entirely disconnected from electricity, cell service, and any form of modern retail or lodging service.

The true highlights of BWCA Campsite #1614 are intrinsically tied to its wilderness setting and its prime position on one of the region's largest lakes.

• Prime Basswood Lake Fishing: Basswood Lake is renowned for its exceptional fishing, including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass. Being positioned directly on its shore gives anglers immediate access to prime fishing waters.

• Historical Border Route Access: The site provides an authentic connection to the historic canoe routes used by the Voyageurs. Paddlers can easily access the main travel corridors of the BWCA, making it an excellent stop on a grand loop.

• Limited Group Size: As with all BWCA sites, entry permits limit groups to a maximum of nine people and four watercraft, guaranteeing a low-impact, quiet experience and preserving the feeling of isolation.

• Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the iconic boreal forest, the campsite offers stunning views of Basswood Lake, especially at sunrise and sunset, and opportunities for observing true Northwoods wildlife like moose, bald eagles, and loons.

• Mandatory Permit System: Unlike first-come, first-served areas, an overnight quota permit must be secured through Recreation.gov for a specific entry date and entry point, ensuring a controlled, regulated wilderness experience and preventing overcrowding during the quota season (May 1 - September 30).

As an official, remote campsite within the BWCAW, there is no direct phone number or dedicated mailing address for Campsite #1614. All contact and logistical arrangements are managed through the Superior National Forest and the corresponding Ranger District.

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

Phone (US Forest Service - Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely): (218) 365-7600. This is the official number for the Ranger District that manages the immediate area. Local users should call this number for information on specific entry points, current conditions, permit pickup, and fire restrictions before entering the wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #1614, and the entire BWCAW experience, is a cornerstone of Minnesota's outdoor heritage. For local residents, this site offers an unparalleled opportunity to unplug, test their skills, and connect with the state’s raw, pristine environment. Its demanding paddle-in, carry-your-own-gear nature acts as a natural barrier, filtering out casual visitors and attracting the prepared, experienced local paddler.

The site’s presence on Basswood Lake places it on one of the most desired routes, allowing for memorable fishing trips and an authentic sense of solitude, despite the occasional canoe traffic. It provides the essential, minimalist amenities needed for comfort without compromising the core wilderness values. For Minnesotans, securing a permit for a site like #1614 is a badge of outdoor honor and an annual tradition, guaranteeing a personal, quiet, and deeply rewarding experience in the world-renowned Boundary Waters. It’s an investment in a temporary but total escape from modern life, which is precisely why local users seek it out year after year.

BWCA Campsite #1614

Ely, MN 55731, USA