BWCA Campsite #1586

🛶 **The Ultimate Escape: Introducing BWCA Campsite #1586**

For those in Minnesota whose idea of a perfect getaway involves the absolute absence of roads, noise, and crowds, **BWCA Campsite #1586** is an invitation to authentic wilderness. This numbered site lies deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a protected national treasure spanning over a million acres of the Superior National Forest. Campsite #1586 represents the quintessential BWCA experience: solitude, self-reliance, and immersion in the Northwoods' untouched beauty.

While the exact lake for every single BWCA site is a matter of map consultation and local knowledge, public data strongly suggests that Campsite #1586 is located on Gaskin Lake, a popular, clear-water destination typically accessed via Entry Points like Meeds Lake (#48) or Lizz/Swamp Lakes (#47) off the Gunflint Trail corridor, though also potentially reachable from Ely entry points via extensive paddling and portaging. Known for its aesthetic appeal, BWCA campsites like #1586 are often situated on points or elevated clearings, providing spectacular views. Visitors must be prepared for primitive conditions and strictly adhere to the Leave No Trace principles to maintain the pristine nature of this federally designated wilderness.

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🗺️ **Location and Accessibility: A Commitment to the Canoe**

BWCA Campsite #1586 is located within the expansive wilderness area managed by the U.S. Forest Service, often cited with the general location of Ely, MN 55731, USA, due to Ely’s role as a major outfitting gateway. The defining characteristic of this location is its remoteness: it is accessible only by canoe and portage.

To reach this site, Minnesotans must first secure a mandatory BWCAW Quota Permit (required May 1 – September 30) for a specific entry point. The journey involves hours or even days of paddling across interconnected lakes and physically carrying all gear and canoes across overland trails known as portages. The distance, portage difficulty, and current water levels will all dictate the time and challenge required to reach this site.

• Entry Requirement: Mandatory overnight quota permit (reserved through Recreation.gov).
• Transportation: Non-motorized watercraft (canoe or kayak).
• Final Access: Paddling to the campsite's shoreline landing on the designated lake, followed by a short, often steep, trail up to the camping area.

This demanding accessibility is the guarantee of your wilderness experience—it keeps the crowds away and ensures the lake remains quiet, clear, and unpolluted.

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🛠️ **Services Offered (The BWCA Essentials)**

In accordance with the Wilderness Act, the services at BWCA Campsite #1586 are intentionally minimal and focused on concentrating human impact to designated areas. Comfort is found in nature's beauty, not in modern amenities.

• Designated Camp Area: A specific, marked location identified by a number (often on the latrine sign or near the fire grate). Camping is only permitted at these designated sites.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty grate provided for safe cooking and campfires. Fires must be built exclusively within this grate.
• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A primitive latrine provided for human waste, located away from the main camp area and water source. It is not a garbage can.
• Tent Pads/Cleared Areas: There are typically two to four relatively flat, cleared areas intended for tent setup, though the quality can vary. (Some sites, like those on Gaskin, are noted for having good tent pads).
• Water Source: Direct lake access for gathering water. All water from the lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before drinking.
• No Trash Service: All garbage, without exception, must be packed out. Glass and cans are prohibited within the BWCAW, enforcing a trash-minimizing policy.

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⭐ **Features and Highlights: The Appeal of Campsite #1586**

If Campsite #1586 is indeed on Gaskin Lake (a common assumption for this number range), it carries several highly desirable features often highlighted by seasoned BWCA trippers:

• Elevated, Scenic Vistas: Many Gaskin Lake sites are noted for being elevated on rock cliffs or points, offering superb panoramic views of the lake and ideal spots for sunset viewing.
• Excellent Smallmouth Bass and Lake Trout Fishing: Gaskin Lake and its connected waters are prime areas for classic BWCA fishing. Anglers seeking deep-water species will find this area particularly rewarding.
• Rocky Shoreline and Good Swimming: The clear, deep waters and rocky landings often provide excellent spots for a quick, invigorating swim (though water shoes are recommended for the landing).
• Superior Stargazing (Dark Sky): As part of an internationally recognized Dark Sky Sanctuary, the nights are incredibly dark, providing breathtaking views of the Milky Way and increasing the chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
• Solitude and Quiet: The location's depth into the wilderness, coupled with the daily entry quota, guarantees a truly solitary experience, interrupted only by the calls of loons and the sounds of the wind.
• Well-Maintained Landing: Some high-traffic but high-quality sites in the area feature rock steps or multiple landings, a welcome amenity after a long portage.

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☎️ **Contact Information and Essential Trip Planning**

Direct contact for a specific BWCA Campsite is not possible. All logistics and official information must be coordinated through the U.S. Forest Service or an authorized outfitter.

General Campsite Area: Ely, MN 55731, USA (Wilderness Interior)

Managing Authority: U.S. Forest Service – Superior National Forest

Essential Permit System:

• BWCAW Quota Permit Reservations: Required for overnight entry May 1 – September 30. Bookings are made through the Recreation.gov website or phone line.
• Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)
• Local Ranger Station (Kawishiwi near Ely): (218) 365-7600 (Recommended for local conditions and rules)

Key Reminder: Securing your permit early (released the last Wednesday in January) for your desired entry point is the single most critical step in planning your trip to Campsite #1586.

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✅ **What is Worth Choosing BWCA Campsite #1586**

Choosing a premier site like BWCA Campsite #1586 is worth the considerable effort for Minnesotans seeking the peak experience of wilderness challenge and reward. It offers a unique combination of high scenic value and deep solitude.

It's worth choosing for the sense of achievement that comes from navigating to a remote, highly-rated destination and spending multiple days completely self-sufficient in the wild. The elevated vantage point (if on Gaskin Lake) provides an aesthetic advantage unmatched by less dramatic sites.

Most importantly, this campsite offers a powerful connection to the protected environment. By camping here, you embrace the BWCAW's core values: challenging travel, minimal impact, and the profound realization that this vast, quiet beauty is being preserved, thanks to the dedication of all who adhere to the strict wilderness rules.