BWCA Campsite 1440 on Knife

This is a nice campsite with several landing options. I used a small gravelly landing that was very easy for parking the canoe and getting out. From there, it is a short walk through a cedar grove to reach the campsite, though there is also a closer landing option if you want one. The site sits at the base of a ridge. The kitchen is in an open area among cedars and pines where the ridge starts to climb. The view from the kitchen is mostly screened, so you do not get a big open lake view from the fire grate itself, but it is still a very pleasant place to be because of the tall red pines and the cedar grove below the ridge. A trail leads from the kitchen up the ridge to a beautiful view of the lake, though the trail is a little long. The best tent pad is partway up that trail, and another tent pad is in the main camp area. The main camp pad is smaller and may have some roots or rocks, but it works. You could probably find a third tent spot, though it would not be especially comfortable. I liked that this site gives you both shelter in the kitchen area and a great view if you are willing to hike up the ridge.

Solid site. Fire grate area was good. Several acceptable small tent pads. This was the bird show site for us; a grouse entertained us with a 5 minutes song and dance show which was followed by a Sharp-shinned hawk or Cooper's hawk chase of a Flicker in the pines. The latter, was an impressive aerial display. The flicker got away in the end.

We were hoping for the site just northeast of this one, but it was taken. We were pleasantly surprised at how much we liked this site. The tent pad was one of the weakest features. It lacked overhead cover, and was rather rocky. The kitchen had a nice view, if partially blocked by trees. We had shade in the morning, which was nice for breakfast. The walk to the latrine was further than average, but was pleasant enough through the trees. I could see how it could be unpleasant if it were wet, however. It looks like it could get marshy. The best features were the swimming and the view from the top of the hill and down by the landing. The trail up over the top of the hill was fun to explore. The sunset was gorgeous. The kitchen area had plenty of room for stuff, and good seating for a couple of people. There was a lot of walking up and down the hill with water and gear (the price of the nice view). We would definitely stay here again (if the other camp site was occupied). Definitely better than some other camp sites further south on Knife Lake.

I don't know why the other review was so bad. I thought this was an excellent camp site. Great kitchen area..

Poor tent pads, might be OK for 1 night