BWCA Campsite #1622

For Minnesotans yearning for an authentic wilderness experience, untouched by modern conveniences and steeped in natural beauty, BWCA Campsite #1622 offers an unparalleled opportunity. Nestled within the vast and pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this designated campsite on Basswood Lake is not just a place to sleep under the stars; it's an immersive journey into one of the most remarkable natural areas in the United States. Unlike traditional campgrounds with drive-up access and amenities, the BWCAW embodies true backcountry camping, requiring a spirit of adventure and a commitment to preserving its wild character. For those willing to paddle and portage, Campsite #1622 promises a deeply rewarding encounter with Minnesota's iconic Northwoods, a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the raw beauty of the natural world.

BWCA Campsite #1622 is located in the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, specifically on Basswood Lake, near Ely, MN 55731, USA. It's crucial for Minnesotans to understand that "accessibility" in the BWCAW differs significantly from typical state or national parks. This isn't a drive-up site; access to Campsite #1622, like all BWCAW campsites, is primarily by canoe or kayak, often involving portages between lakes. The journey begins at a designated entry point into the Boundary Waters, where permits are required. From there, it's a paddle-and-portage adventure to reach your specific campsite.

For locals in Minnesota, the proximity to Ely serves as a significant advantage. Ely is a well-known gateway community for the BWCAW, offering numerous outfitters where you can arrange for canoes, gear rentals, and shuttle services to your chosen entry point. While the physical address leads to the general region, reaching Campsite #1622 itself necessitates careful trip planning, including securing a wilderness permit well in advance, especially for highly sought-after sites like this one, as noted by previous visitors. This controlled access ensures the preservation of the wilderness, contributing to the tranquil and unspoiled environment that makes the BWCAW so special. The adventure begins long before you even set foot at the campsite, starting with the planning and preparation that are integral to any BWCAW trip.

Camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, including at Campsite #1622, involves a different set of "services" compared to a typical developed campground. These services are less about man-made amenities and more about the fundamental provisions and regulations that support a primitive wilderness experience.

• Designated Campsite with Basic Facilities: Each designated BWCAW campsite, including #1622, comes equipped with a steel fire grate for cooking and campfires (where allowed, subject to fire restrictions) and a wilderness latrine (often a box latrine). These are the primary provided facilities, designed to minimize human impact on the environment.

• Lake Access for Water and Recreation: While potable water is not provided, the lake offers a source for water. Campers are expected to filter or boil lake water for drinking and cooking. The lake itself serves as a vast playground for canoeing, kayaking, and, as confirmed by reviews, excellent fishing.

• Permit System for Controlled Access: The U.S. Forest Service manages access to the BWCAW through a strict permit system. This system controls visitor numbers by entry point and date, ensuring that the wilderness remains uncrowded and well-preserved. Securing a permit is a mandatory "service" that enables your visit.

• "Leave No Trace" Principles: While not a direct service, the expectation of adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles is paramount. This includes packing out all trash (even soiled toilet paper, as one review highlighted the unfortunate reality of some visitors not adhering to this rule), minimizing campfire impact, and respecting wildlife. This ensures the wilderness remains pristine for future visitors.

• Fishing Opportunities: As noted by past visitors, BWCA Campsite #1622 provides direct access to good fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass. Anglers will find the lake a productive spot for their pursuits.

• Natural Environment for Primitive Camping: The overarching "service" is the provision of a vast, protected wilderness area where visitors can experience primitive camping, relying on their own skills and gear for survival and comfort.

BWCA Campsite #1622 distinguishes itself through several compelling features and highlights, as evidenced by real customer reviews:

• Exceptional Sandy Beach: This campsite is renowned for its "great beach campsite" and "beautiful sandy beach." Many reviews highlight it as a "highly sought after beach site" and even "the best swimming beach in BWCA." This makes it an ideal spot for swimming, relaxing by the water, and provides an easy canoe landing.

• Prime Fishing Location: Visitors have specifically mentioned catching "smallies off the beach," indicating excellent fishing opportunities directly from the campsite itself. This is a significant draw for fishing enthusiasts.

• Spacious Camping Area: Descriptions like "very large, sandy beach that wraps around a point" and "large camping area" suggest ample space for setting up tents and for groups to spread out, offering a sense of privacy and comfort rare in popular wilderness areas.

• Good Drainage: The sandy nature of the site, while potentially leading to "grit on everything," also means "good drainage," which is a practical benefit for tent camping, especially during rainy conditions.

• Natural Shelter for Kitchen Area: One review notes the "kitchen area is enclosed by trees," suggesting natural windbreaks and a more defined space for meal preparation, even if it means losing the breeze earlier than on the open beach.

• Wildlife Observation: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the Boundary Waters generally offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, from moose and bears to a myriad of bird species. The remote nature of this campsite would likely enhance such encounters.

• Stargazing Potential: Far from urban light pollution, the BWCAW offers some of the darkest skies in Minnesota, making Campsite #1622 an excellent spot for stargazing and potentially viewing the Northern Lights.

Given its location deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #1622 does not have a traditional street address that you can drive to or a direct public phone number for the campsite itself. Instead, contact and access are managed through the U.S. Forest Service and authorized outfitters in gateway communities.

Address for general wilderness access information:

Ely, MN 55731, USA (This is the nearest major town and primary entry point for this part of the BWCAW)

For all inquiries regarding BWCA permits, rules, and general information, Minnesotans should consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Superior National Forest or Recreation.gov. Many local outfitters in Ely can also provide detailed information and assist with permit applications, trip planning, and gear rentals. While a specific phone number for Campsite #1622 does not exist, general inquiries for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can often be directed to the Forest Service Ranger Districts in Ely.

For locals in Minnesota, BWCA Campsite #1622 on Basswood Lake presents an ideal opportunity to experience the state's renowned wilderness heritage. Unlike many recreational areas that cater to casual visitors, this campsite, by its very nature, demands a level of engagement and preparation that truly immerses one in the Northwoods environment. This is why it's so suitable for Minnesotans: it offers an authentic, challenging, yet incredibly rewarding escape that aligns with the state's outdoor ethos. The "highly sought after beach site" with its excellent swimming and fishing opportunities provides a tangible reason to undertake the journey. While some trash has occasionally been left behind by others, the inherent culture of the BWCAW encourages leaving sites "better than you found it," a principle that resonates deeply with environmentally conscious locals. This isn't just a weekend getaway; it’s an adventure that builds character, fosters self-reliance, and provides an unparalleled connection to Minnesota's wild heart. The challenge of reaching the site via canoe and portage only enhances the sense of accomplishment upon arrival, making the pristine sandy beach and abundant fishing even more satisfying. For those who value solitude, natural beauty, and a hands-on outdoor experience, BWCA Campsite #1622 is more than just a place to camp – it's a quintessential Minnesota wilderness journey waiting to be explored and cherished for generations.

BWCA Campsite #1622

Ely, MN 55731, USA