BWCA Campsite #1622

🏖️ BWCA Campsite #1622 on Basswood Lake: A Rare Sandy Shoreline Experience

Ask any seasoned Minnesota paddler about the hardest things to find in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), and a sandy beach campsite is almost always at the top of the list. The BWCA is defined by its rugged, rocky Canadian Shield geology, which is why Campsite #1622 on the vast Basswood Lake is considered a prized commodity. This site offers the ideal blend of rugged wilderness camping with the unexpected comfort of a genuine, functional sand beach.

Customer reviews consistently praise this unique geological feature, with one camper calling it a "Great beach campsite." This sandy shoreline serves multiple purposes: it offers an exceptionally easy and gentle canoe landing, provides a clean, soft area for children and pets to play, and, importantly, allows for fantastic shoreline fishing. Visitors have successfully "Caught a couple smallies off the beach," turning the campsite itself into a prime fishing spot. Additionally, one reviewer noted that the "Bugs were not bad at all," which often indicates a site with good air circulation—a major factor in choosing a comfortable summer camp. While a note about previous visitors leaving trash serves as a critical reminder of the area’s "Leave No Trace" requirement, the campsite itself is defined by its exceptional natural gifts: ample space, excellent fishing, and a truly unforgettable sandy shoreline.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Campsite #1622 is located on the highly famous Basswood Lake in the BWCAW, situated directly on the border with Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park.

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

Access: Access to Basswood Lake is typically gained through the primary Ely area entry points, most commonly Moose Lake Entry Point #25 or Fall Lake Entry Point #24. Reaching Campsite #1622 involves paddling across these entry lakes and then into Basswood. This can be a significant travel day, sometimes utilizing towboat services to shorten the distance across the motorized sections of Fall and Moose Lakes.

Motor Allowance: Basswood Lake is notable as a large BWCA lake with certain sections allowing limited motorized travel (up to 25 horsepower), though this campsite is far enough into the lake chain that it maintains a secluded wilderness feel. Campers must secure a permit for any motorized travel. The site itself is not accessed by vehicle; all travel is by canoe or kayak after the entry point.

Permit Requirements: A reserved Quota Permit from the U.S. Forest Service (via Recreation.gov) is mandatory for overnight use during the peak season (May 1 - Sept 30), specifying the required entry point. Campsite #1622, like all BWCA sites, is claimed on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival.

🛠️ Services Offered (Primitive Wilderness Standards)

As a designated BWCA wilderness camp, Site #1622 adheres to the principle of minimal human infrastructure to preserve the natural character of the area. Visitors must be completely self-reliant.

• Campsite Capacity: Reviews state there is "plenty of space for tents," confirming that this is a large site capable of comfortably accommodating the maximum BWCA group size of nine people and four watercraft.
• Tent Pads/Area: Plenty of level area is available for multiple tents. The presence of sand near the water often contributes to a softer, flatter area, though the primary tent pads are typically further back amongst the pines.
• Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires. All firewood must be small-diameter, dead wood found lying away from the campsite itself.
• Wilderness Latrine: An outdoor, pit-style latrine (thunderbox) is provided, typically situated a short distance from the main camp and water source for sanitary disposal of human waste.
• Water: No potable water is supplied. All water sourced from Basswood Lake must be treated by boiling, filtering, or chemical purification before consumption.
• Food Storage: Proper storage of food and scented items (hanging packs or using BRFCs) is mandatory due to bear and other wildlife activity in the BWCAW.

✨ Features and Highlights

Campsite #1622 is highly regarded among the Minnesota paddling community for its standout natural and functional characteristics:

• Rare Natural Sand Beach: This is the premier highlight. The "Great beach campsite" offers a gentle, sandy shoreline for easy, clean canoe landings and a comfortable spot for sunbathing, swimming, and playing—a geological rarity in the rocky BWCA.
• Excellent Shoreline Fishing: Reviewers confirmed "Caught a couple smallies off the beach," indicating the site's immediate access to good Smallmouth Bass fishing directly from the camp area, a major convenience for anglers.
• Large Group Capacity: The site is reported to have "plenty of space for tents," making it ideal for the maximum nine-person group, ensuring comfort and privacy even with many tents pitched.
• Favorable Bug Conditions: The observation that "Bugs were not bad at all" suggests the site is often positioned to receive a reliable breeze across the large expanse of Basswood Lake, greatly enhancing the comfort of the camp experience during summer.
• Great Views: Basswood Lake is known for its wide, majestic vistas. Campsite #1622, positioned to utilize the beach, likely offers excellent, sweeping views of the large body of water.
• Strategic Location: The site is well-positioned for day trips deeper into the Basswood lake chain or towards points of interest on the Canadian border, making it an excellent multi-day basecamp.

📞 Contact Information

Since Campsite #1622 is a specific point in a million-acre wilderness area, there is no direct contact. All administrative tasks are handled by the managing authority and local Forest Service offices.

Address (General Area): Ely, MN 55731, USA (Superior National Forest)

Permit Reservations: Recreation.gov (Search for BWCAW Permits)

Kawishiwi Ranger District Office (Ely Area):

Phone: (218) 365-7600

Local Ely Outfitter: (Consult a local outfitter for the best route planning and gear advice to reach Basswood Lake.)

Note: The incident of trash left behind emphasizes that the cleanliness and preservation of this site rely on every visitor's adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

⭐ What is Worth Choosing BWCA Campsite #1622

For Minnesota paddlers, choosing Campsite #1622 on Basswood Lake is choosing a premium comfort and convenience package in the wilderness. It is overwhelmingly worth choosing for groups with young children, large parties, or anyone who deeply desires an easy-access sand beach for swimming and relaxation.

The combination of a genuine sandy beach—eliminating rocky landings and difficult exits—and the reported low level of bugs makes this one of the most comfortable summer sites in the entire BWCA. It serves as an excellent layover site where fishing from the shore is productive and the generous space accommodates even the largest group. If your wilderness trip requires a degree of natural comfort and built-in aquatic fun, Campsite #1622 offers an exceptional and highly sought-after Minnesota Northwoods experience.