BWCA Campsite #1587

For those in Minnesota who truly seek to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of the wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an unparalleled experience. Within this vast expanse of interconnected lakes and pristine forests lies BWCA Campsite #1587, a highly-regarded destination that promises an exceptional outdoor adventure. Unlike commercial campgrounds, BWCA campsites are primitive, designated sites within a protected wilderness area, offering a true back-to-nature experience. This article will provide a detailed look at BWCA Campsite #1587, outlining its unique features, accessibility, and why it stands out as an ideal spot for wilderness enthusiasts from Minnesota and beyond.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, part of the Superior National Forest, is a million-acre wilderness area stretching along the U.S.-Canada border. It's renowned for its ancient forests, pristine lakes, and extensive network of canoe routes, offering a rare opportunity for self-propelled travel and solitude. Campsites within the BWCAW, like #1587, are designated by a steel fire grate and a wilderness latrine. They are accessed primarily by canoe, requiring a permit to enter and a commitment to Leave No Trace principles. BWCA Campsite #1587, located on Pipestone Bay of Basswood Lake, is particularly notable for its impressive natural features and suitability for larger groups, a rarity in some parts of the wilderness. It's a testament to the raw beauty and rugged appeal that draws thousands to this iconic Minnesota landscape each year.

BWCA Campsite #1587 is located on Pipestone Bay, a significant arm of the expansive Basswood Lake. Basswood Lake itself is one of the largest and most popular lakes within the Boundary Waters, accessible via entry points near Ely, Minnesota. The official address provided, "Ely, MN 55731, USA," signifies its proximity to this wilderness gateway town. To reach Campsite #1587, visitors typically begin their journey from an entry point near Ely, such as Fall Lake (Entry Point #24), which provides access to Basswood Lake through a series of short portages and paddles.

Accessibility to BWCA campsites is exclusively by non-motorized means (canoeing, kayaking, or portaging on foot for hiking entry points), maintaining the wilderness character. From the Fall Lake entry point, paddlers would navigate through Newton Lake and then portage into Pipestone Bay. The journey to the campsite is part of the adventure, requiring planning, paddling, and portaging, but it rewards visitors with a profound sense of accomplishment and immersion in nature. While no direct roads lead to the campsite, Ely serves as the primary base for outfitting and accessing the various entry points. The town offers all necessary services, from grocery stores and outfitters to lodging for pre- or post-trip stays, making it a convenient starting point for any BWCA expedition.

It is important to understand that BWCA campsites are wilderness sites, meaning they offer very limited, if any, developed services. The focus is on self-sufficiency and minimal impact.

Services Offered (within the BWCA Wilderness context):

• Designated Campsite: A clear, official location where camping is permitted, helping to concentrate impact and preserve the surrounding wilderness.
• Wilderness Latrine: A designated, primitive pit latrine (often a "thunderbox") is provided at each campsite to manage human waste properly.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent fire grate is present for building contained campfires, reducing the risk of wildfires and impact on the forest floor.
• Tent Pads (Natural): While not "built" in the conventional sense, reviews indicate level areas suitable for pitching multiple tents, which have naturally formed or been lightly cleared by previous use.
• Canoe Landing Zone: A designated area for landing canoes, typically a sandy or gravel beach, ensuring easy water access and minimizing shoreline erosion.

Features / Highlights (as noted in customer reviews and public information):

• Prime Location on Pipestone Bay: Described as "one of the best spots on Pipestone Bay," indicating its desirability and scenic appeal within a popular part of Basswood Lake.
• Sand and Gravel Landing Zone: Provides excellent canoe access and doubles as a "great swimming spot," a highly sought-after feature in the BWCA.
• Elevated Site with Excellent Views: The campsite is perched "atop a huge rock face with an excellent view," offering panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding wilderness. This elevated position also contributes to "trimming down the amount of skeeters."
• Spacious and Level Site: With "multiple locations for tents" and described as "ideal for larger groups," this campsite can comfortably accommodate more campers than many other BWCA sites which often have limited space.
• Good Fire Pit with Decent Wood: Reviews note an "overall good pit with decent amount of wood around," suggesting readily available firewood (dead and downed wood, as per BWCA regulations).
• Reduced Mosquitoes (due to elevation): A significant advantage in the summer months, the elevated position helps mitigate insect presence, enhancing the camping experience.
• Scenic Beauty: The "amazing rock face overlooking lake" is a major draw, providing incredible photographic opportunities and a memorable backdrop for a wilderness stay.
• Solitude and Connection to Nature: While a designated site, being deep within the BWCA means a profound sense of wilderness and escape from modern life.

Contact Information:

As a designated wilderness campsite, there is no direct phone number for BWCA Campsite #1587 itself. Access to this site, and indeed any BWCA campsite, requires a permit obtained through the Superior National Forest or Recreation.gov. For general inquiries about BWCA permits, rules, and conditions, you would contact the U.S. Forest Service:

Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA (This is the general town for BWCA access points)

For permit information and assistance, contact the Kawishiwi District Office of the Superior National Forest, which covers the Ely area:

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (Kawishiwi District Ranger Station, Ely, MN)

BWCA Campsite #1587 is exceptionally suitable for locals in Minnesota, particularly those who cherish the state's natural heritage and seek a profound wilderness experience. Its prime location on Pipestone Bay within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers a truly authentic and immersive camping adventure, far removed from the distractions of everyday life. For Minnesotans, who often grow up with a deep appreciation for lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation, this campsite provides an accessible yet challenging opportunity to connect with nature on its own terms.

The campsite's notable features, such as its spacious layout, excellent swimming access, and stunning elevated views that help deter mosquitoes, make it a highly desirable spot, especially for larger groups of friends or family. While it requires careful planning and adherence to wilderness ethics, the reward is an unparalleled sense of solitude, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to create lasting memories. For Minnesotans looking to experience the heart of their state's legendary wilderness, Campsite #1587 offers an ideal basecamp for paddling, exploring, and truly embracing the unique natural beauty of the Boundary Waters.

BWCA Campsite #1587

Ely, MN 55731, USA