BWCA Campsite #1587

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

For veteran canoe country travelers and those seeking an exceptional destination in the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)**, **BWCA Campsite #1587** is a renowned choice. Located on the beautiful and expansive **Pipestone Bay** of **Basswood Lake**, this campsite distinguishes itself not by its primitive nature—which is standard for the BWCA—but by its dramatic setting and generous space. Often cited as one of the best sites in the bay, it provides a spectacular, elevated experience, offering Minnesota locals a wilderness retreat with views that are truly worth the paddle.

Basswood Lake, near the entry point town of Ely, is one of the BWCA’s largest and most famous lakes, rich in history and breathtaking scenery. Campsite #1587 adheres to all BWCA regulations, maintaining the wilderness character while offering a uniquely memorable base camp. Its appeal lies in its rugged features—a high rock face and a pristine gravel landing—that accommodate the logistical needs of larger groups while delivering the profound solitude the BWCA is known for. This campsite is frequently highlighted in local trip reports for its unparalleled aesthetics and practical layout, making it a high-demand location for serious adventurers.

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📍 **Location and Accessibility**

BWCA Campsite #1587 is situated on **Pipestone Bay**, a major arm on the western side of **Basswood Lake**. The administrative location is specified as **Ely, MN 55731, USA**, placing it in the heart of the Kawishiwi Ranger District area, closely associated with the main BWCA entry points near the town of Ely.

Access to Pipestone Bay and Campsite #1587 is most commonly achieved via a route originating from **Entry Point #24 (Fall Lake)**. The journey involves:

• **Initial Travel:** The route starts on Fall Lake, which permits motorboat use (up to 25 HP). Many groups opt for a tow or use their own motor to cover the initial distance quickly.
• **Portages:** The route requires navigating two main, well-maintained portages—first from Fall Lake to Newton Lake, and then from Newton Lake into Pipestone Bay of Basswood Lake. These portages are known to be relatively smooth.
• **Motor Zone:** Pipestone Bay itself is a **motorized zone**, though motor use is restricted to 25 HP max. However, the campsite is far enough from the entry point to still feel distinctly remote. Non-motorized travel takes several hours of paddling and portaging to reach this site.
• **Campsite Specifics:** The campsite is uniquely identifiable by its **sand and gravel landing zone**, which is separate from the main camp area. Visitors must paddle to this landing, secure their canoes, and then take a short, upward walk or "hike" up a rock face—often featuring natural or built rock steps—to reach the elevated clearing where the fire grate and tent pads are located.

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⚙️ **Services Offered**

In keeping with the BWCAW’s mission to preserve primitive wilderness, Campsite #1587 offers a standard set of minimal, rustic services designed to centralize and minimize human impact. Users must be fully prepared to handle all aspects of their trip, from water purification to waste management.

The essential services provided at this designated campsite include:

• **Designated Fire Grate:** A steel fire grate is permanently installed for safe, contained campfires, which is the only place fires are permitted. Reviewers note the fire pit is good, with a decent amount of naturally available dead and downed wood nearby.
• **Wilderness Latrine:** An established outdoor pit toilet (often referred to as a "thunderbox") is placed a private distance from the main camp and water source for sanitary waste disposal.
• **Level Tent Pads (Multiple):** The site is known for having **multiple, flat, sandy, and spacious areas** suitable for pitching tents. This feature is noted by users as ideal for accommodating larger groups.
• **Natural Water Access:** The **sand and gravel landing zone** provides access to Basswood Lake for obtaining water, which **must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated** before consumption.
• **Canoe Landing:** A noted **sand and gravel beach** landing area, praised by users as excellent for safely pulling canoes out of the water and securing them.

No modern amenities such as running water, electric hookups, trash service (you must pack out everything, including all trash), or showers are available.

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🌟 **Features / Highlights**

Campsite #1587’s reputation among local paddlers is built upon its distinct and highly desirable features, confirmed by user reviews:

• **Unrivaled Elevated View:** The primary highlight is the main camp clearing's location **atop a huge rock face or cliff**, providing an **"excellent" and "amazing" 11/10 view** overlooking the island-studded expanse of Pipestone Bay. This panoramic scenery is a major draw.
• **Spaciousness for Groups:** Users confirm this site is **"Ideal for larger groups"** due to its ample, level area on the rock top, featuring multiple locations for tents, a significant advantage over many smaller BWCA sites.
• **Excellent Swimming Area:** The **sand and gravel landing zone** doubles as a fantastic, clear entry point for swimming, providing a pleasant, designated recreation area near the water.
• **Natural Bug Mitigation:** The elevated position of the campsite provides an advantage, as users have noted the elevation **"seemed to trim down the amount of skeeters"** compared to lower-lying sites, offering a slightly more comfortable stay.
• **Challenging but Rewarding Access:** The short, uphill climb to the main camp area, noted as a **"hike up to the campsite,"** serves as a natural barrier that separates the water landing from the living space, contributing to the spectacular view and the site's privacy.
• **Rugged and Clean:** The site maintains a clean, rugged aesthetic due to the rock and sand base, offering multiple, well-drained spots for gear and tents.

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📞 **Contact Information**

As a designated wilderness campsite, #1587 does not have dedicated on-site staff or direct contact information. All questions, permits, and administrative needs must be directed to the responsible Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

The relevant Forest Service administrative office for this section of the BWCA, which is located in **Ely, MN 55731, USA**, is the Kawishiwi Ranger District:

**Address (Administrative/Permit Office):** 1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

**Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District):** (218) 365-7600

Visitors are reminded that all overnight trips between May 1 and September 30 require a quota permit reserved through the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov) and picked up at a designated issuing station like the one above or a local outfitter.

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👍 **What is Worth Choosing**

BWCA Campsite #1587 on Pipestone Bay is absolutely **worth choosing for the discerning Minnesota paddler who prioritizes scenery and group accommodation.** While one user review noted the fishing was a lower point (4/10), the consensus across key features is overwhelmingly positive.

The primary reason to secure this site is the **"11/10" elevated view from the rock face**, offering one of the most spectacular vistas in the BWCA. This feature alone transforms a simple camping trip into a visually stunning wilderness retreat. Furthermore, its generous size and multiple tent locations make it a rare find, perfectly suited for families or friends traveling as a larger group (up to the BWCA maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft). The practical benefits—the smooth **sand and gravel swimming beach** and the natural relief from insects due to the elevation—only add to its premium status. If you are looking for a base camp that is strategically located on one of the BWCA's major lakes, yet feels like a private, sun-drenched sanctuary high above the water, Campsite #1587 is a premier option that warrants the advance planning and effort required to secure it.