BWCA Campsite #1564

For Minnesotans with a deep appreciation for the wild, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) needs no introduction. It's a national treasure, offering an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in a pristine, untouched landscape of interconnected lakes and forests. Among the myriad of designated campsites within this vast wilderness, BWCA Campsite #1564 stands out as a noteworthy destination for those seeking an authentic and expansive outdoor experience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Campsite #1564 a compelling choice for your next paddling adventure, viewed from the perspective of a local user.

The BWCAW is renowned for its commitment to preserving a true wilderness character, meaning access is primarily by watercraft, and amenities are minimal to maintain the natural integrity of the area. Campsite #1564 embodies this ethos, offering a rustic yet rewarding experience for self-reliant campers. It’s a place where the sounds of civilization fade, replaced by the calls of loons, the whisper of the wind through pine trees, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. For locals, planning a trip to a BWCA campsite like #1564 means embracing an adventure that combines the physical challenge of paddling and portaging with the profound peace found only in untouched nature. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories, hone outdoor skills, and reconnect with the wild heart of Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #1564 is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, accessible from entry points near Ely, MN 55731, USA. The BWCAW itself spans over a million acres in the northern third of the Superior National Forest, bordering Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. This means that Campsite #1564 is not reachable by car; access is exclusively by watercraft, requiring visitors to paddle and portage to their destination.

Specifically, Campsite #1564 is situated on Basswood Lake, right on the channel leading to Jackfish Bay. This particular location offers both benefits and considerations for paddlers. While the campsite provides beautiful views and receives a nice breeze, its position on a main channel means there will be boat traffic (both paddle and limited motor use on designated parts of Basswood Lake) passing by. However, many visitors have noted that this traffic is generally not a nuisance, even during two-day stays, suggesting it doesn't detract significantly from the wilderness feel.

Accessibility to the campsite itself is described as having a couple of good landings, though one might become tricky with a strong south wind. The campsite is elevated above the lake, offering great views. The terrain is generally quite open, with some mature pine trees providing shade and excellent spots for hammock camping. It’s described as a "huge campsite," with two separate areas for tents, making it suitable for larger groups. Despite some recent blowdowns, visitors are advised to assess trees near their tent setups for safety. Overall, reaching Campsite #1564 involves a rewarding paddling journey through the interconnected lakes of the BWCAW, requiring self-sufficiency and an appreciation for water-based travel in a wild setting.

• Designated Campsite: BWCA Campsite #1564 is one of over 2,000 designated campsites within the wilderness, meaning it's a recognized and maintained (though primitive) camping location.
• Wilderness Latrine: Each designated campsite, including #1564, is equipped with a wilderness latrine, typically an open-air vault toilet, for human waste disposal. It is crucial to use these facilities correctly and not as trash receptacles.
• Steel Fire Grate: A steel fire grate is provided at the campsite for safe campfire building. Campers must only build fires within these grates and are encouraged to use a camp stove for cooking to minimize impact.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Campsites within the BWCAW are generally first-come, first-served. While a permit secures your entry into the wilderness, it does not guarantee a specific campsite.
• Undeveloped Water Source: Potable water is not available. Campers must filter, boil, or chemically treat water from the surrounding lake for drinking and cooking.
• Leave No Trace Ethos: All users are expected to strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all trash, minimizing impact on vegetation, and properly disposing of human and food waste away from water sources when a latrine isn't available.
• Fishing Opportunities: Located in the BWCAW, Campsite #1564 offers access to excellent fishing for various species like northern pike, walleye, bass, and lake trout, though a valid Minnesota DNR fishing license is required.

• Expansive Campsite: Described as "huge" and able to accommodate "the largest groups," Campsite #1564 offers ample space for multiple tents and provides breathing room, which is a significant highlight in the often compact wilderness sites.
• Beautiful Views and Breeze: Elevated above the lake, the campsite boasts great views, especially for sunsets as it faces WSW. It also benefits from a nice breeze, which can be a welcome feature on warm days and may help with insects.
• Mature Pine Trees and Hammock Space: The presence of many mature pine trees makes it excellent for shade and offers abundant opportunities for hammock camping, a popular choice for many paddlers.
• Strategic Location on Basswood Lake: Being on a channel to Jackfish Bay means it's a central location for exploring, though it also sees some boat traffic. For birdwatchers, this constant flow can also mean more opportunities to spot wildlife.
• Good Landings: Despite potential wind challenges, the site is noted for having "a couple of good landings," which is essential for watercraft accessibility and eases the process of getting gear ashore.
• Primitive and Authentic Wilderness Experience: Without modern amenities, the site offers a true wilderness immersion, encouraging self-reliance and deep connection with the natural world.
• Fishing Hotspot: Located on Basswood Lake, a well-known lake within the BWCAW, it offers excellent opportunities for fishing right from the narrows or nearby waters.
• Dark Sky Sanctuary: The entire BWCAW is a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary, meaning Campsite #1564 offers incredible opportunities for stargazing and potentially viewing the Northern Lights, far from light pollution.

Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA

As BWCA Campsite #1564 is a specific, designated site within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, there isn't a direct phone number for the campsite itself. All aspects of planning a trip to the BWCAW, including obtaining permits, understanding regulations, and getting general area information, are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

For Minnesotans planning their adventure to BWCA Campsite #1564, the primary point of contact and information source is the Superior National Forest, which manages the BWCAW.

• Superior National Forest Headquarters (Duluth): (218) 626-4300
• Kawishiwi Ranger District Office (Ely): (218) 365-7600

Permits are required for all overnight and some day visits to the BWCAW, especially during the quota season (May 1 - September 30). These permits must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling their reservation line (1-877-444-6777). It is highly recommended to plan and reserve your permit well in advance, as quota permits are limited and released on the last Wednesday of January each year. You must enter the BWCAW at the entry point and on the date specified on your permit.

For Minnesotans seeking an unparalleled wilderness adventure, BWCA Campsite #1564 offers an ideal blend of accessibility and authentic solitude. Its location within the world-renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, specifically on Basswood Lake near Ely, makes it a prime destination for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The journey to the campsite itself, requiring paddling and potentially portaging, embodies the spirit of exploration and self-reliance that many local outdoor enthusiasts cherish.

This campsite's notable features, such as its generous size, beautiful views, and suitability for hammock camping, cater to a diverse range of preferences, making it welcoming for large groups or those simply desiring more space. The natural breezes and open layout contribute to a comfortable camping experience, even in the heart of the wilderness. While its location on a channel means some passing watercraft, this usually doesn't diminish the pervasive sense of peace; in fact, it can offer interesting opportunities for birdwatching and observing other paddlers' journeys.

Furthermore, as part of the BWCAW, Campsite #1564 adheres to strict wilderness preservation guidelines, ensuring that the environment remains pristine for all to enjoy. This commitment to conservation resonates deeply with Minnesotans who value our state's natural heritage. The challenge of a BWCA trip, from securing permits to navigating waterways and practicing Leave No Trace principles, cultivates a profound appreciation for the outdoors and fosters invaluable outdoor skills. Ultimately, Campsite #1564 provides a quintessential Minnesota wilderness experience—a place for locals to escape, explore, fish, stargaze under a certified Dark Sky, and create cherished memories in one of the most magnificent natural areas our state has to offer.

BWCA Campsite #1564

Ely, MN 55731, USA