BWCA Campsite #1611

For Minnesotans and those who truly yearn for an unadulterated wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #1611 offers a profound immersion into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Located near the iconic gateway town of Ely, this isn't just a campground; it's a designated, remote campsite within a federally protected wilderness, accessible only by paddle and portage. It represents the pinnacle of unplugging from modern life, challenging oneself, and connecting intimately with one of the most pristine and silent landscapes in North America.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast expanse of over one million acres, is a unique and cherished part of Minnesota's identity. As the only large temperate lake-land wilderness in the National Wilderness Preservation System, it's renowned for its intricate network of interconnected lakes, rivers, and portage trails. Established to preserve its primitive character, the BWCAW offers an experience of expansive solitude, allowing visitors to travel through ancient forests and across sparkling waters in the spirit of the Indigenous peoples and voyageurs who navigated these same routes centuries ago. Campsite #1611 is one of over 2,000 designated sites within this wilderness, each offering a unique vantage point and an unparalleled sense of seclusion.

BWCA Campsite #1611 is situated deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with its nearest access point typically being from the Ely, MN area. While the address provided is simply "Ely, MN 55731, USA," it is crucial to understand that this campsite is not directly accessible by vehicle. Instead, it requires a wilderness permit and a journey involving canoeing and portaging across one or more lakes and land trails.

Access to any BWCAW campsite, including #1611, begins at a designated "Entry Point." The specific entry point chosen will dictate the length and difficulty of your paddle and portage to reach Campsite #1611. Given its status as a BWCA campsite, it is on one of the thousands of lakes within the wilderness. For example, some known BWCA campsites are found on large lakes like Basswood Lake or Saganaga Lake, which are accessed via specific entry points such as Fall Lake (#24), Moose Lake (#25), or Snowbank Lake (#27) from the Ely side. These entry points themselves require driving on paved or gravel roads, sometimes including long stretches of forest roads like Fernberg Road (Lake County 18) east of Ely.

Once at an entry point, all travel into the wilderness, and subsequently to Campsite #1611, is by non-motorized means (canoes, kayaks, hiking). This involves paddling across lakes and then portaging (carrying your canoe and gear) over designated land trails between lakes. The trails can be rugged, rocky, muddy, and involve significant elevation changes. Preparing for this physically demanding journey is essential. Due to the remote nature of the BWCAW, cell phone service is non-existent. Carrying detailed waterproof maps (such as McKenzie maps) and knowing how to use a compass are absolutely vital for navigation and safety. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips from May 1 to September 30 and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, specifying your entry point and entry date. Walk-up permits may be available, but reservations are highly recommended due to quota limits.

Campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are intentionally primitive to preserve the wilderness character. BWCA Campsite #1611, like all designated BWCA sites, offers a minimalist set of facilities:

• Designated Campsite: A cleared, relatively level area for pitching tents, designed to accommodate one group (up to 9 people and 4 watercraft).
• Fire Grate: A metal fire ring with a grate for cooking and campfires. Campers are encouraged to use camp stoves for cooking to minimize impact. Gathering dead and downed wood for fires is permitted, but bringing your own small, certified firewood is recommended to prevent invasive species.
• Wilderness Latrine: A primitive, often box-style or pit latrine located a short distance from the main campsite for human waste disposal. It is crucial to use these facilities to protect water quality and wilderness hygiene.
• No Potable Water: There is no direct source of potable (drinking) water. All water gathered from the surrounding lakes or streams must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• No Garbage Service: The BWCAW operates under strict "pack it in, pack it out" regulations. All trash, food scraps, and waste must be carried out of the wilderness by the campers.
• No Electricity or Running Water: There are no electrical hookups, showers, flush toilets, or other modern conveniences. Camping is entirely self-sufficient.
• Permit Required: An entry permit is required for all overnight trips into the BWCAW from May 1 to September 30. This permit specifies your entry point, entry date, and group size.

• Profound Solitude and Serenity: Campsite #1611, being a remote BWCA site, offers an unparalleled sense of quiet and isolation. Away from motorboats and large crowds, visitors can experience true tranquility and connect deeply with nature.
• Pristine Waters for Canoeing and Kayaking: The interconnected lakes surrounding the campsite provide endless opportunities for paddling through clear waters, exploring islands, and navigating narrow channels. The absence of motorboats on most BWCA lakes ensures a peaceful paddling experience.
• Exceptional Fishing: The BWCAW is renowned for its world-class fishing. Depending on the lake where Campsite #1611 is located, anglers can expect to find walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and other species.
• Wildlife Viewing: The deep wilderness environment is home to an abundance of wildlife. Campers often have opportunities to spot moose, black bears (requiring proper food storage), white-tailed deer, beavers, otters, and a diverse array of birdlife, including the iconic loon.
• Stargazing Beyond Compare: With virtually no light pollution, the night skies over BWCA Campsite #1611 are breathtaking. Stargazers can witness the Milky Way in incredible detail and, if fortunate, even the aurora borealis.
• Challenging Portages and Rewarding Journeys: The physical challenge of portaging between lakes adds to the sense of accomplishment and immersion in the wilderness. Each portage brings you deeper into the untouched beauty of the Boundary Waters.
• "Leave No Trace" Ethics: Camping in the BWCAW reinforces strong wilderness ethics, promoting responsible outdoor practices that minimize human impact and preserve the fragile ecosystem for future generations.

BWCA Campsite #1611 is managed as part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which falls under the Superior National Forest. For all inquiries regarding permits, regulations, conditions, and specific details about BWCA entry points and campsites, it is essential to contact the U.S. Forest Service.

The primary contact for the Ely area entry points and related BWCA information is the Kawishiwi Ranger District:

Kawishiwi Ranger District Address: 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

Kawishiwi Ranger District Phone: (218) 365-7600

General Superior National Forest Phone: (218) 626-4300

Permit reservations are made online through Recreation.gov or by calling their reservation line. You will select your entry point, entry date, and group size. Local outfitters in Ely can also assist with permit acquisition, trip planning, and gear rental.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #1611 isn't just a place to camp; it's an opportunity to engage with a defining element of their state's natural heritage. This type of wilderness camping is deeply embedded in the culture of Minnesota outdoors enthusiasts, offering an experience that developed campgrounds simply cannot match.

Its suitability for locals is profound. It provides an accessible (albeit challenging) way to disconnect completely from urban life and reconnect with nature on an intimate level. The physical demands of paddling and portaging foster resilience and a deep appreciation for the pristine environment. For families, it's an unparalleled educational experience, teaching self-reliance, navigation, and environmental stewardship. For solo adventurers or small groups, it offers unparalleled solitude and a chance for profound introspection amidst breathtaking beauty. The BWCA is often seen as a spiritual home for many Minnesotans, a place where the calls of loons echo across glassy lakes and the scent of pine fills the air. Camping at a site like #1611 allows locals to fully embrace the core values of conservation and outdoor adventure that define their state, reinforcing a vital connection to the wild heart of Minnesota. It's an investment in personal well-being and a testament to the enduring appeal of true wilderness, right in their backyard.

BWCA Campsite #1611

Ely, MN 55731, USA