BWCA Campsite 1616 on Basswood

This is our favorite site in the entire BWCAW. It has it all! It's in the middle of a huge lake, so lots of privacy (except for folks arriving later in the day hoping it's available). It has a wonderful beach in a protected cove that is a great landing, and perfect spot for swimming or bathing. It has spectacular views in every direction via fun and interesting paths across the island, including sunsets visible from comfortable sitting rocks not far from the kitchen. There is plenty of seating around the fire grate, and plenty of flat places to put bowls and plates. It has an abundance of possible tent spots, both near the kitchen, as well as in the under the trees closer to the cove, if additional shelter is desired. The kitchen has some shade for much of the day, and nearly all of the tent pads have morning shade. The breeze mostly comes in off the lake from the west, keeping bugs away. There are plenty of sturdy trees for hanging tarps, hammocks, clotheslines, food packs, etc. There is excellent fishing around the nearby islands and into the nearby bays. The latrine has been moved a short distance in the past 12 months to be more private (see picture). Just don't tell anyone about this campsite, since I want it to always be available for us.

Absolutely excellent site. I agree with other posts, this is one of the best I have ever came at as well. Nice views from elevated site. Great fire pit/kitchen area. Plenty of places for tents and a large tarp. Hammock sleepers could go anywhere and be happy here. Excellent landing and canoe storage area. Yes, the latrine is fairly close to the tent sites, but a tarp or just some coordination can ensure privacy.

This is an awesome place, multiple places for tents. (we had 9 in our group). Great fishing off the east shore.

Nice, south-facing site with a great view. It is in a red pine grove with a few scattered cedars. Plenty of tent pads among the trees with a soft pine bed. Sandy landing in a bay that is protected on both sides by peninsulas (unless there is a south wind, then it is not protected). Rock point in front of the kitchen that is nice for taking in the view.

Great site, it only gets marked down because of the less than private latrine. We had a large mixed group and privacy was important. We hung a tarp up behind the latrine and that gave us all the privacy we needed. Very breezy site and as others said, no bugs.

great open site with amazing protected cove with sandy beach for landing and swimming. fishing abounds, great views, level tent pads.

This was the best campsite we stayed at on our entire trip. It is a beautiful open site with tall pines, with a cooking area on a rock peninsula. Wonderful view and very breezy (no bugs!). Great cove landing with a small sandy beach. We had two Hennessy hammocks and there were ample trees to choose from when setting them up. I only give it 4 stars because the toilet is not very private. It is a decent distance from the tent pads/main area of camp, but due to the lack of underbrush, it is visible from the canoe landing and parts of the main campsite.