BWCA Campsite #1666, Prairie Portage, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans who have heard the call of the wild, BWCA Campsite #1666 on Wind Lake represents a truly hidden gem within the vast, protected expanse of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This is a destination that promises solitude, stunning natural beauty, and a unique set of features rarely found in the rugged canoe country. Unlike the more easily accessible campsites, #1666 is situated in a secluded bay off the main paddling routes, offering an unparalleled level of privacy that makes the effort of reaching it worthwhile for local adventurers.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which spans over a million acres of lakes and forests in the Superior National Forest, is universally recognized as one of the world's premier canoe camping destinations. Campsite #1666 embodies the BWCAW's core spirit: a primitive, pristine environment where visitors must paddle and portage to reach their resting place. While the site is officially located near the famous Prairie Portage, it is a deliberate detour from the bustling routes leading toward the Canadian border and Quetico Provincial Park, making it feel miles away from any crowds. This campsite is often described by those who have visited as "very secluded" and a peaceful, rewarding base for a multi-day canoe trip.

Visitors must secure an overnight paddle-only permit for the appropriate BWCAW entry point—likely Entry Point 25 (Moose Lake) or potentially others that lead to Wind Lake—well in advance, as this is a heavily regulated and highly sought-after wilderness area. The experience at Campsite #1666 is one of raw, self-sufficient wilderness living, a chance to reconnect with nature on Minnesota's rugged northern frontier.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #1666 is located on Wind Lake, a smaller body of water situated just north of Moose Lake, Newfound Lake, and Sucker Lake, which form the famous route toward Prairie Portage and the Canadian boundary. The provided address of "2F8M+XW, Prairie Portage, MN 55731" points to the general vicinity near the international border region managed by the Kawishiwi Ranger District, but the campsite itself is nestled in a secluded bay on Wind Lake.

Accessing Campsite #1666 requires a dedicated canoe and portaging trip, as it is deep within the "paddle only" section of the wilderness. Most paddlers begin their journey at Entry Point 25 (Moose Lake), which is the busiest entry point in the BWCAW, located near Ely. From the Moose Lake entry point, a combination of paddling across Moose, Newfound, and Sucker Lakes, along with several portages, is required to reach Wind Lake. The entire journey is typically completed over a day of dedicated paddling and portaging.

Once on Wind Lake, the campsite is located in a quiet, secluded bay, notably "way off the common route." This remote placement is its defining accessibility feature, meaning that while the initial route is well-traveled, the final approach to Campsite #1666 offers a high degree of isolation. Paddlers should be prepared for typical BWCA portages—carrying all gear and the canoe overland between lakes—to reach this unique hideaway.

Services Offered

As with all designated campsites in the BWCAW, Campsite #1666 is a primitive wilderness site. It is designed to offer only the basic, essential infrastructure to protect the environment while accommodating campers. No modern amenities such as running water, showers, electricity, or trash disposal are provided. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash.

Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is installed at the site for cooking and campfires, provided that no active fire restrictions are in place. Gathering small diameter dead and downed wood for fuel is permitted.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (latrine) is provided to ensure proper human waste disposal and maintain the water quality of Wind Lake.
Designated Tent Pads: The site offers areas designated for pitching tents (up to five tent pads noted in one source) to ensure minimum impact on the surrounding vegetation. One review noted the whole site was sandy, which impacts tent setup.
Natural Water Access: Direct access to the fresh, clear water of Wind Lake. All drinking and cooking water must be filtered or chemically treated before consumption.
Maximum Group Size: The campsite is subject to BWCAW regulations, limiting the group to a maximum of nine people and four watercraft.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #1666 is celebrated among those who know it for a few distinct and highly desirable features that set it apart from typical wilderness sites. It offers a rare combination of comfort, seclusion, and natural beauty.

Expansive Sandy Beach: A defining and highly praised characteristic of this campsite is its "beach that goes forever" and "sandy" terrain. A long, west-facing beach is a rarity in the BWCAW's typically rocky landscape, providing easy water access and a unique camping surface.
Unmatched Sunset Viewing: Due to its position with a west-facing beach on Wind Lake, the site is known for its spectacular evening displays, with one visitor calling the sunset viewing "almost unmatched."
High Seclusion: Nestled deep in a quiet bay and off the main paddling corridors to the international border, the campsite offers an exceptional degree of solitude. Customer reviews consistently note its secluded nature and the lack of passing canoe traffic.
Good Fishing Opportunities: The lake and the nearby area offer excellent fishing for species like Northern Pike, providing a potential source for a fresh meal during the trip.
Wildlife Viewing: The quiet, secluded bay is a natural habitat for wildlife, with visitors having reported sightings of hares and mating snapping turtles, highlighting the site's rich biodiversity.

Contact Information

As a remote, unstaffed wilderness campsite, there is no direct address or phone number for BWCA Campsite #1666. All necessary information, permits, and current conditions must be obtained from the managing body, the U.S. Forest Service, or one of the local outfitters in Ely.

Address (Permit Office and General Area):

Address: Kawishiwi Ranger District (Superior National Forest), 9920 East Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731 (The nearest office for the permit entry point)

Phone:

Phone: Contact the Kawishiwi Wilderness Station in Ely at 218-365-7600 for current permit availability, rules, and conditions related to the Moose Lake Entry Point (EP 25) which is the typical access point.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #1666 is an ideal destination for Minnesotans looking for a quintessential, yet private, Boundary Waters canoe adventure. It provides a distinct departure from the state’s more heavily trafficked recreational areas, offering a true "get away from it all" experience that resonates deeply with the local desire for untouched wilderness. The combination of its remote location in a quiet bay and the rare feature of an expansive sandy beach and west-facing views makes the arduous paddle and portage journey entirely worthwhile. For Minnesotans who pride themselves on their state's canoe country and possess the outdoor skills to navigate the BWCAW, this campsite provides a high-reward experience that few can claim to have discovered. It is a chance to claim a truly special, secluded slice of the North Woods, offering peace, superb stargazing, and an intimate connection with the state's most treasured natural asset.