BWCA Campsite #1604

### 🛶 Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential, paddle-in wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #1604 stands out as a true gem within the vast, million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Located on the legendary Basswood Lake—one of the largest and most sought-after lakes in the BWCA—this site offers a rare combination of large group capacity and luxurious amenities not often found in the deep wilderness: namely, a sizeable, soft, sandy beach. Designated campsites in the BWCA are managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and are intended to provide a designated, sustainable place for groups to camp, protecting the surrounding forest from excessive use.

Campsite #1604 is consistently rated highly by those who have spent a night here, often being described as one of the best sites in its vicinity on Basswood Lake. It is a destination in itself, providing a comfortable, robust base camp for multi-day explorations. Visitors should note that all trips into the BWCAW require a mandatory permit, securing this specific campsite on Basswood Lake upon arrival is first-come, first-served.

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### 🗺️ Location and Accessibility

The campsite is officially located within the BWCAW near Ely, MN 55731, USA, but its true identity is tied to the water. Campsite #1604 is situated on the shoreline of Basswood Lake, which straddles the U.S. and Canadian border, accessible from one of the major entry points near Ely. Basswood Lake is known for its massive size and complex network of bays, islands, and historical significance.

Accessibility is strictly by non-motorized means (canoe or kayak), as is the rule for much of the BWCAW. Reaching Campsite #1604 involves paddling and portaging from one of the western entry points—such as Entry Point #14 (Little Indian Sioux River North) or others that feed into Basswood’s interconnected water system, depending on the route chosen. The journey itself is a core part of the adventure, involving navigating the waters and performing the iconic portages (carrying all gear and the canoe overland) between lakes.

Landing at the Site: A huge advantage of this specific site is its exceptional landing quality. It boasts a super easy landing with a renowned sandy beach spot or, as some have noted, potentially a separate rocky landing. The sandy beach makes for an effortless entry and exit from the water, a stark contrast to the often rocky, tricky landings found elsewhere in the wilderness.

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### 🏕️ Services Offered

In keeping with the strict wilderness preservation standards of the BWCAW, Campsite #1604 offers fundamental, non-developed amenities designed to minimize impact and maximize the natural experience. There are no modern conveniences like running water, electricity, or dump stations—all of which must be packed in and packed out by the user.

• Tent Pads / Sleeping Areas: The site is known to be Large, offering plenty of room for hammocks or tents. While maximum official tent pad counts vary slightly, multiple sources confirm it can comfortably fit a large group, with ample, relatively flat tent sites to choose from.
• Fire Grate: A designated fire grate is provided for cooking and warmth. This is the only place fires are legally permitted. Campers must collect dead and downed wood for fuel.
• Latrine: A wilderness latrine (often referred to as a "thunderbox" or vault toilet) is provided, typically a short distance from the main camp area to maintain sanitation and privacy.
• Canoe/Boat Landing: The primary and most celebrated feature is the sandy beach landing which facilitates easy, stable access for canoes and kayaks. A secondary, more rocky landing may also be available.
• Seating: Often features log seating or natural rock seating around the fire grate area, enhancing the communal cooking and dining experience.

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### 🏞️ Features / Highlights

Campsite #1604 is favored by many Boundary Waters veterans for its highly desirable features that cater well to groups and comfort:

• The Sandy Beach: The number one highlight is the unique, large, hard sand beach. This feature is relatively rare in the BWCA, which is mostly characterized by rocky shorelines. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, sand play, or simply providing a clean, level area near the water.
• Excellent Landing: The sandy approach ensures a super easy landing for all canoes, protecting the boats from scrapes and the paddlers from slick rocks—a huge benefit after a long day of travel.
• Large, Open Campsite: Reviewers consistently note the Large campsite size with a huge, mixed sun and shade clearing, making it ideal for large groups of up to nine people. There is plenty of space for setting up multiple tents and hammocks.
• Insect Control: The site often benefits from a decent breeze off the lake, which can help keep bugs at bay. Customers have noted the helpful presence of dragonflies on mosquito patrol, a natural and welcome sight.
• Quality Hammock & Tarp Setup: The presence of a mix of pine and other trees around the perimeter provides sufficient shade and sturdy trees for hanging tarps and hammocks, enhancing camp comfort.

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### ☎️ Contact Information

As a designated wilderness campsite, there is no direct phone number or specific site address for Campsite #1604 itself. All contact and planning is channeled through the U.S. Forest Service office managing the surrounding area near Ely, Minnesota.

Campsite Location (General Area): Basswood Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, near Ely, MN 55731, USA

Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District (Primary Contact)

Phone: (218) 365-7600 (For general BWCA information and inquiries)

Permits: Reservations for BWCA permits are made through

Recreation.gov

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### 🥇 What is Worth Choosing This Campsite

Campsite #1604 is worth paddling for, especially if your group prioritizes comfort and space in the heart of the wilderness. This site is highly recommended for:

• Large Groups: The exceptional size and multiple tent pad options make it perfect for larger parties of up to nine people, ensuring everyone can spread out comfortably.
• Paddlers Seeking Comfort: If you dread the rocky, difficult landings typical of the BWCA, the sandy beach landing here is a game-changer, offering unmatched ease for loading, unloading, and simply enjoying the shoreline.
• Base Camp Trips: Its robust features and central location on Basswood Lake make it an excellent choice for groups planning to spend several days at a single site, using it as a base for day trips to fish, hike, or paddle the massive lake.
• Those Who Love the Water: Despite some minor reports of murky water at the immediate swimming spot, the presence of a wide-open beach is a rare and beloved feature for sun worshipers, bathers, and those who want an easy transition from land to water.

Booking your BWCA permit early and routing toward Campsite #1604 offers the possibility of securing one of the most comfortable and memorable camping locations in Minnesota’s prized wilderness.