BWCA Campsite 1457 on Knife

This is a great campsite for this area of the lake and is probably one of the more sought-after sites. The kitchen sits high up on a hill with excellent views over the entire south end of the lake. From the landing, the site climbs up a long sloping rock ledge, so by the time you reach the fire grate, you are well above the water. The landing is somewhat difficult, especially if you have multiple canoes. There is a pull-in spot, but it has a deep hole, so I found it easier to land next to some smooth rocks instead. Those rocks could be slippery, so I would be careful, especially in wet conditions. There are three good tent pads. Two are obvious pads near the kitchen, and the third is tucked back in the woods behind the fire grate. There is also one additional possible tent pad on a flat rock. If you have a good sleeping pad, that spot should be workable, but I would still count it as a backup option rather than one of the main good pads. There is not much shade right in the kitchen area itself, but there are some nice shaded areas around camp. Along the ledge, a few white pines provide shade and create a great hammock spot about halfway up the campsite, with both a lake view and relief from the sun. Near the landing, there is also a grove of white pines where we set up a tarp. That area is too rooty and rocky for tents, but it could work well for hammock camping. One drawback is that I had some difficulty finding a good hanging tree. I eventually made it work by going back behind the site and using two trees to loop the rope between, hanging the pack between them. Another great feature of this site is the blueberry area behind the latrine. That area burned in the past, and now there are tons of blueberries growing there. If you are there during blueberry season, head back behind the latrine and up the hill, and you should find plenty.

Beautiful campsite. Great views, kitchen was great, big rocks on the front of this site to fish from. Fishing from camp was great. Caught a lot of walleye and smallies from this site on slip bobbers. Great stargazing from this site. Plenty of room for a few hammocks and tents at this site. Saw a moose crossing the lake to the NE by the island. Only thing I wasn't thrilled about was the landing. But, we made it work. Overall, loved this site and it deserves a 5 star.

Got very lucky as everyone we met said the SAK was crowded. Came across the portage and paddle right up to this elevated site overlooking your own little island. Great views all around and higher views from the backside of the site. Several landing options, all a little tricky but manageable. Nice kitchen area. Great access being right in the middle of the SAK.

Great elevated site looking down east of the south arm of Knife lake

We had a tailwind all the way down Knife and made 19 miles on our staff training trip. Reached this site only to find it occupied by the local Canadians (Geese) who had decided to defecate on the fire grate. Guess we are using a pan tonight! Ended up being a pretty great site all in all. It has seen some use and is pretty exposed, but suited us well.

Stopped here during day trip exploring the South Arm on a gorgeous day. Great view over the lake. Seems like a solid 3 maybe 4* site IMO . Little tiny walk up behind the site to an outlook and berries galore in right season (was an awesome snack for us). Did not camp here so can't speak to what a wind/storm out of the East would do -- might make it a bit rough given exposure.

Nice open site, great view, no tree coverage. The backside towards the Lou is all open due to fire, no trees just scrub brush. Saw a number of snakes.

Frequented by camp bear.

Roomy, breezy, few trees, good landing