BWCA Campsite #1612

Introduction / Overview: The Definition of Minnesota Wilderness Camping

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is more than just a park—it is a cherished cultural institution and the ultimate expression of the state's natural identity. Within this million-acre tapestry of lakes and boreal forest lies BWCA Campsite #1612, one of over 2,000 designated, primitive sites that form the backbone of the wilderness experience. This is not a place for RVs or casual car camping; accessing Campsite #1612 requires commitment, involving a combination of paddling and portaging to reach its secluded location.

Each BWCA campsite is unique, marked by a designated sign and offering a simple, sustainable basecamp for adventurers. Campsite #1612 is particularly noted for providing nice views from the fire pit, enhanced by a large log to rest on, suggesting a location with picturesque sightlines, possibly across a lake or river. These sites are the reward for embracing the BWCA's challenges—the portages, the weather, and the self-reliance required. They are designed for low-impact, multi-day journeys, accommodating groups that prioritize solitude and immersion in one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the United States.

Location and Accessibility: A Journey by Paddle and Portage

Campsite #1612 is situated deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a protected federal wilderness located in the Superior National Forest in Northeastern Minnesota.

The general address for the nearest gateway community and administrative base is: Ely, MN 55731, USA.

The exact location of Campsite #1612 is not specified by a street address but by its unique number within the BWCA's mapping system. Historical information suggests sites with similar numbering conventions can be found on major routes, such as those originating from entry points near Ely (like Moose Lake) or in the western BWCA (like the Lac La Croix area). Accessibility is strictly by canoe or kayak and portaging. The journey starts at a designated BWCA Entry Point, where visitors launch their canoes. From there, reaching Campsite #1612 requires paddling across one or more lakes and streams, interspersed with portages—overland trails where all gear and canoes must be carried between waterways. This campsite is not accessible by vehicle or day hiking and requires planning a multi-day route tailored to your experience level and permit restrictions. All parties must have a valid BWCA wilderness permit for overnight use, reserved well in advance through the Forest Service's quota system.

Services Offered (Essential Wilderness Amenities)

BWCA Campsite #1612 provides the two essential, non-negotiable amenities mandated for all designated wilderness campsites within the Boundary Waters. All other services must be supplied by the visitor.

• Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty metal fire grate is provided for safe, contained cooking and campfires. Fires must always be built within this grate.
• Latrine: A primitive wilderness latrine (a simple, dug pit toilet, often covered by a wooden box or seat) is located in a secluded area away from the main camp and water sources.
• Tent Space: The site offers cleared, relatively level areas suitable for pitching tents. Customer feedback specifically mentions "Space for a couple tents," indicating it can comfortably accommodate a standard BWCA group size (maximum 9 people).
• Water: No potable drinking water is supplied. All water must be taken from the lake or stream and purified using a filter, chemicals, or boiling before consumption.
• Food Storage: No bear boxes or food poles are provided. Campers must use their own rope and pack to execute a proper bear hang (at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the trunk) or utilize a bear-proof barrel for food and scented item storage.
• Refuse: No trash service. The BWCA is strictly a "pack it in, pack it out" wilderness; all garbage, including food scraps, must be removed.

Features / Highlights: Scenic Views and True Isolation

Campsite #1612 is highlighted by its location and the quality of the wilderness experience it offers.

• Picturesque Fire Pit View: The customer review explicitly mentions "Nice views from fire pit," suggesting the site is situated on a point, elevated rock ledge, or open shore that maximizes scenery, a major feature in the BWCA.
• Comfortable Seating: The site includes a "large log to rest on" near the fire grate, a simple yet appreciated comfort feature for cooking and socializing that makes the rustic experience more enjoyable.
• Adequate Tent Capacity: Having "Space for a couple tents" confirms the site is sized appropriately for a small to medium-sized group (e.g., 4-6 people), offering multiple flat areas.
• Unmatched Solitude: As with all BWCA sites, the isolation is a defining feature. There are no nearby sites, ensuring a quiet, private experience where the main sounds are loons, wind, and water.
• World-Class Paddling and Fishing: Being in the heart of the BWCA, the area around the campsite offers exceptional fishing (walleye, northern pike, lake trout) and access to miles of interconnected canoe routes.

Contact Information

All official communication regarding BWCA Campsites is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and its reservation system.

Address (General BWCA Area): Ely, MN 55731, USA

Reservations & Permits: Required overnight permits must be reserved through the Recreation.gov system. Permits are entry-point specific and quotas apply from May 1 to September 30.

Phone: Contact the Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District office in Ely for specific rules, conditions, and entry point information related to this area.

What is Worth Choosing: The Authentic BWCA Immersion

Choosing BWCA Campsite #1612 is choosing the gold standard of wilderness canoe camping in Minnesota. It is worth choosing because it provides the full, authentic, and protected BWCA experience with confirmed comfort features.

You are getting a scenically superior site, confirmed by user review to have great views from the central gathering point (the fire pit). In the BWCA, finding a site with natural, comfortable seating and good sightlines is a significant benefit.

It represents the ultimate escape and guaranteed solitude. The challenging access and the mandatory permit system mean you are trading convenience for an unparalleled level of peace, where the environment is preserved at the highest level of protection.

This is a chance to follow the footsteps of the Voyageurs and experience world-class paddling and fishing in one of the cleanest, largest tracts of wilderness in the world. Campsite #1612 serves as a beautiful, functional basecamp for exploring the intricate lake chains of the Northwoods.

For Minnesotans ready to embrace the challenge of portaging and the rewards of untamed beauty, reserving a permit for a route that includes Campsite #1612 is the key to an unforgettable northern adventure. Plan well in advance, pack responsibly, and prepare to be fully immersed in the silent, stunning wilderness of the Boundary Waters.