Brigade Swamper Campsite Evaluation

When I started this blog, I foresaw a couple of different uses for it. Firstly, it would function as a way for family and friends to be able to keep up with my summer adventures. Secondly, it would serve as a kind of journal for myself. Thirdly, it might encourage people to attend Northern Tier, work up here, or even just make time to take a trip up to the Boundary Waters. Finally, it would become a resource for other canoeists to use.

            This entry evaluates the campsites that I stayed at during my Brigade Swamper trip to help other canoeists plan their trips. I evaluate campsites on along the following criteria:

-          -Number and Quality of Tent pads

-          -Canoe landing quality

-          -Campfire & common area

-          -General cleanliness of the campsite

Other criteria might also be considered:

-          -Swimming area

-          -View from campsite

-          -Traffic

-          -Nearby points of interest

In the B.W.C.A.W., each campsite is given a number, which can be found on the latrine. Although there is no official map publically available showing these numbers, I will use this system of labeling. For each campsite, I will show its location on the map, give a brief description, and rate it on a scale of 1-5 stars.

Basswood Lake Campsite #103 – Back Bay

3 Stars

Back Bay Campsite 103

Back Bay Campsite 103

This campsite is on an island in Back Bay. It has enough room for tents, but the canoe landing was only moderate. The campsite was also trashy; we found a car charger, cans (not allowed in the Boundary Waters), a welcome mat, and more. The campsite lies in a motorboat zone and so receives heavy traffic. We did see a beaver at this campsite however.

Fourtown Lake Campsite #1

4 stars

Fourtown Campsite #1

View of the rocks & flowing water by the campsite

This campsite is on the south-eastern side of Fourtown lake. It lies next to a small set of rapids, which aren’t big, but are impossible to walk. Unfortunately, this means that the portage trail runs straight through the campsite. The section of the lake on the downstream side is a nice place for swimming; it is comparatively shallow, so it is not as cold as other lakes. The site itself has room for about 3 tents (in close quarters). There are also large rock areas that provide a place to dry one’s feet or just to lie out.

Crooked Lake Campsite #13 – Mouth of Friday Bay

3 – 4 stars

The few places to put tents up in the campsite on Crooked

This camps site was previously rated 4 stars by my family. It has a sloped rock landing, which makes getting in and out of the canoe (wet or dry foot) difficult. The campsite also has limited tent pads. However, the campsite does have several perks. Firstly, it has large rocks that are great for drying, sunning, and sitting. Secondly, there a very nice jumping rock nearby (by Northern Tier policy, a jumping rock must be no greater than 5 ft. high and must have at least 12 ft. of unobstructed water beneath it. This rock satisfies these requirements, although it must be checked every time to make sure changes in water level have not rendered it inappropriate). Thirdly, there is an old, rusting out car on the Canadian side of the lake nearby that can be visited. Fourthly, the campsite has a nice view over parts of Crooked Lake.

 Basswood Lake Campsite #64 – Mouth of Basswood River

3 stars

Campsite a little bit off the mouth of the Basswood River

The landing at this campsite was probably the worst of our trip. There is a small flat area of rock followed by a steep incline, which you have to take your canoes up when you take them out of the water. Strong winds on Basswood make the landing more difficult. There are places for tents, including one down on the end of the peninsula. The peninsula in particular can be subjected to strong winds. The area has a significant amount of traffic, as it is right near the mouth of the Basswood River and Basswood Falls.

Basswood Lake Campsite #128 – Between Rice Bay and Prairie Portage

3-4 stars

Front side of the campsite just past Rice Bay

We actually arrived at this campsite at 8:30 after our dawn paddle. The front side of the campsite has a so-so landing and can be subjected to strong winds. However, if you go around to the back (Prairie Portage side), there is a nice landing and sheltered places to put tents. The campsite’s proximity to Prairie Portage can make it a nice last night stop before heading into basecamp. Other than the wind, I only complaint I have is that there is a lot of motor boat traffic that passes it going to or from Prairie Portage.