BWCA Campsite #1622, Ely, MN

Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #1622—A Highly Sought-After Wilderness Beach

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the pinnacle of paddle-in, self-reliant camping. Among the thousands of designated sites, BWCA Campsite #1622 holds a legendary status, particularly for its most distinguishing feature: a magnificent, expansive sandy beach. While most BWCA campsites feature rocky landings typical of the Canadian Shield, this site offers a rare stretch of sand, making it incredibly desirable for swimming, easy canoe landing, and relaxing lakeside leisure. Located deep within the wilderness in the vicinity of Ely, MN, the site provides a rugged, yet surprisingly comfortable, base for exploring the vastness of the Superior National Forest.

Campsite #1622 is not your typical state park campground. It is a genuine wilderness site managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a strict commitment to low-impact camping and preservation. Visitors must adhere to the 'Leave No Trace' principles, meaning everything carried in—except human waste—must be carried out. The allure here is the blend of extreme remoteness and the specific, highly appealing geography. User reviews consistently highlight the site's size, excellent tent space, and the quality of the beach, sometimes calling it one of the best swimming spots in the entire BWCA. Its popularity means that securing a reservation and a permit is crucial, especially during peak season, confirming its reputation as a premier destination for local paddlers.

Due to the campsite's popularity and location, visitors should be prepared for potential boat traffic passing by on the lake, as is common on major BWCA travel arteries. However, the site's generous size and the privacy afforded by the surrounding trees generally mitigate any feeling of crowding at the campsite itself. For Minnesota residents looking for a wilderness trip that offers the solitude of the BWCA combined with the fun of a sandy swimming beach, Campsite #1622 is a celebrated and highly recommended target.

Location and Accessibility: On the Shores of Basswood Lake, Near the Canadian Border

Based on public data, BWCA Campsite #1622 is located on the shores of Basswood Lake, one of the largest and most famous lakes in the Boundary Waters, straddling the U.S./Canada border. Its address is generally considered to be in the remote wilderness outside of Ely, MN 55731. Basswood Lake is accessed primarily through several highly-trafficked entry points, most notably Entry Point #25 (Moose Lake) or perhaps Entry Point #24 (Fall Lake), depending on the specific route taken and the permit secured.

Reaching Campsite #1622 requires a significant commitment to paddling and portaging. Basswood Lake is far enough into the wilderness that reaching this particular campsite typically involves multiple portages across several lakes (such as Moose, Newfound, and Sucker Lakes if entering via EP #25). Paddlers must navigate a chain of waters, carrying all gear and canoes over established land trails (portages) that separate the lakes. This journey, which can take a full day or more depending on fitness and gear load, is a core part of the BWCA experience. As Basswood Lake is a major waterway and often serves as a route to the Canadian side (Quetico Provincial Park), it is common to encounter other paddlers and occasional motorized boat traffic on the southern sections of the lake (where motors are permitted up to a certain point).

The site's position on Basswood offers a spectacular, remote setting. The journey is an adventure in itself, passing through deep forests and past towering pines characteristic of Minnesota's North Woods. Visitors must possess a valid Quota Permit, specifically for the entry point that provides access to Basswood Lake, and be fully prepared with all necessary navigation and safety equipment for true wilderness travel. The nearest official contact point for rules and entry is the U.S. Forest Service Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely.

Services Offered: Essential Wilderness Amenities

Campsite #1622, like all designated BWCA sites, offers a standardized set of basic, essential amenities intended to minimize human impact on the environment while providing a safe and legal place to camp. These provisions reflect the area's designation as a federally protected wilderness area.

Designated Wilderness Latrine (The 'Biffy'): A pit toilet is located in a discreet area away from the main camp and water sources to ensure sanitation. Users are expected to bury all human waste and pack out all trash, including toilet paper, if the latrine is full or they cannot access it.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is provided by the U.S. Forest Service for cooking and campfires. Fires must be contained entirely within this grate using only dead and downed wood found nearby, never cutting live trees.
Established Tent Pads: The site is known to be large and will feature multiple cleared, level, and well-drained areas, or 'tent pads,' for pitching tents. This concentrates the impact of camping, protecting the surrounding fragile soil and vegetation. User reports suggest this site has plenty of space for multiple tents.
Canoe Landing Zone: The defining feature here is the highly-rated, smooth, sandy beach landing, which makes for effortless in-and-out access with canoes compared to the often slippery, rocky shores found elsewhere.
Water Access: Pristine lake water is available for cooking and drinking, but all water must be boiled, filtered, or chemically treated before consumption to ensure safety.

Features / Highlights: The Premier Beach Basecamp

The fame of Campsite #1622 rests entirely on its exceptional natural features, which elevate it above many other BWCA options and make it a highly desirable 'destination site' for Minnesotans planning their annual trip.

The Legendary Sand Beach: This is the single biggest highlight. The rare, large, and clean sand beach provides the perfect area for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. It offers a soft landing for canoes and an unmatched 'lakeside resort' feel within the rugged wilderness.
Excellent Shore Fishing: Customer reviews specifically mention successful fishing right off the beach. Basswood Lake is renowned for its outstanding fishing, particularly for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. The deep water accessible from the shore or nearby areas makes for productive angling.
Ample Tenting Space: The site is known for being very spacious, offering plenty of room to spread out tents and establish separate cooking and social areas. This makes it ideal for larger groups or families seeking maximum comfort and separation between sleeping areas.
Prime Base Camp Potential: Given the effort required to reach Basswood Lake, this high-quality, comfortable site is perfect for base-camping. Groups can set up for multiple days and take day trips to explore the vast network of bays, islands, and connecting waterways without having to pack up all their gear daily.
Superb Views and Sun Exposure: Sites with sandy beaches often feature clear sightlines across the water. Being large and potentially wrapping around a point, the site likely provides expansive, beautiful lake views and excellent sun exposure, which is beneficial for drying gear and reducing the presence of bugs.
High Privacy (Once on Site): Despite the traffic on the main lake, the campsite itself is enclosed by trees, and its large size ensures that occupants have a strong sense of isolation and privacy in their immediate camping area.

Contact Information: Securing Your Wilderness Permit

Access to Campsite #1622 is regulated by the U.S. Forest Service, and a mandatory Quota Permit must be reserved and secured prior to entry into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Address: The responsible permitting office for the Basswood Lake area is the Kawishiwi Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service. 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, USA

Phone: Kawishiwi Ranger District (Superior National Forest): (218) 365-7600

Permit Details: All overnight reservations must be made online through the national reservation system. The permit is tied to a specific entry point and entry date. Given the popularity of a site like #1622 on Basswood, reserving the permit at the earliest possible date is highly recommended. The permit holder must check in at an authorized station or the Ranger District office in Ely before beginning the trip.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Local Minnesotans

Campsite #1622 on Basswood Lake is particularly well-suited for Minnesotans because it embodies the ultimate, classic BWCA experience while offering a rare, premium feature—the expansive sand beach. For locals who understand the challenging logistics of a wilderness trip, the promise of a comfortable, spacious base camp with exceptional recreational value is a major draw. It offers the chance to pursue deep-wilderness fishing, enjoy pristine swimming unlike any other spot in the BWCA, and completely disconnect from urban life. This site is a badge of honor for Minnesota paddlers—a highly sought-after destination that rewards the effort of the long paddle in.

The combination of a world-class beach, excellent fishing grounds, and a location deep within the protected Superior National Forest provides a profound sense of escape and connection to the state's natural heritage. While the reviews note the need for visitors to maintain the 'Leave No Trace' ethic by packing out any previous trash (like the soiled TP mentioned by a customer), this responsibility is embraced by locals who pride themselves on preserving the BWCA. Campsite #1622 is an iconic destination, offering a premium wilderness camping experience right here in Minnesota's treasured Arrowhead Region.