BWCA Campsite #2020: A Hidden Gem in the Angleworm Lake Wilderness

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans who measure a true wilderness experience by its level of solitude and the effort required to reach it, BWCA Campsite #2020 on Angleworm Lake represents a pinnacle destination. Unlike more accessible entry points, Angleworm Lake is renowned for its remote character, primarily due to the single, lengthy portage required to gain entry. This isolation ensures that the designated campsites, including #2020, remain among the most tranquil and pristine in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), a federally protected area within the Superior National Forest.

Campsite #2020 is one of a limited number of sites on Angleworm Lake, which is administered by the Kawishiwi Ranger District, near the general area of West Cook, MN 55604. The low number of permits issued daily for this entry point (Entry Point 20) significantly restricts human traffic, preserving the lake’s rugged beauty and increasing the chances of wildlife sightings. This is not a casual, car-camping experience; it is a true canoe-country basecamp designed for the well-prepared and seasoned adventurer.

The campsite itself offers an authentic, primitive setting on the shores of a deep, glacially carved lake. It adheres strictly to all BWCA 'Leave No Trace' policies, providing only the bare essentials—a fire grate and a wilderness latrine—to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem. The reward for the challenging entry is often described as unparalleled peace and a profoundly intimate connection with the Northwoods environment.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #2020 is situated on Angleworm Lake, which lies deep within the wilderness, and is accessed via Entry Point 20. The general administrative address is given as West Cook, MN 55604, USA, but it is typically associated with the outfitters and resources around the city of Ely, MN, the main gateway community for the Kawishiwi Ranger District.

The primary feature defining the accessibility of Angleworm Lake is the infamous initial portage. To reach the lake, visitors must traverse a long, approximately 640-rod (over two miles) portage trail. This is one of the longest single portages in the entire BWCA system and acts as a natural deterrent, filtering out all but the most committed paddlers. This portage is generally well-maintained but requires significant effort, careful planning, and often multiple trips (double or triple portaging) to transport gear.

Once the canoe is finally launched on Angleworm Lake, the lake itself offers excellent paddling. Campsite #2020 is then reached by water travel, providing a secluded haven after the initial physical challenge. Its remote location provides a true sense of being "off the grid," a prized characteristic for many local users seeking a genuine escape from the pressures of modern life.

Services Offered

As a designated, primitive campsite within the BWCA Wilderness, Site #2020 offers minimal facilities, aligning with the Forest Service's goal of maintaining a pure wilderness character. All campers must be entirely self-sufficient.

Designated Camp Area: A well-established, pre-cleared space for setting up camp, including multiple flat areas for tents, minimizing environmental impact. The maximum group size permitted is nine people and four canoes.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty fire grate is provided for all cooking and campfires. Open fires are restricted to this grate only, and great care must be taken with fire safety.
Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A simple 'thunder box' is installed a considerable distance from the main camp area and the lake to ensure hygiene and protect water quality.
Canoe Landing: The shoreline offers a designated spot for safely pulling canoes onto the land, often a mix of rock or small gravel, which can vary depending on the lake's water level.
No Potable Water: All water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated from the lake before it can be consumed. Campers must carry all necessary water purification equipment.
No Modern Utilities: There is no cell service, Wi-Fi, electricity, running water, or trash disposal. Visitors are required to pack out all trash and debris, adhering to strict 'Leave No Trace' principles.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #2020's primary appeal lies in the characteristics inherited from its unique location on Angleworm Lake, making it a high-value destination for wilderness purists.

Deep Wilderness Solitude: The strenuous initial portage naturally limits the number of visitors, ensuring that users of Campsite #2020 experience a level of tranquility and isolation rarely found at more accessible BWCA sites.
Proximity to Hiking Trails: The Angleworm Lake area is unique in that it features the rugged Angleworm Hiking Trail loop, which provides excellent overland exploration opportunities directly from the canoe route. This offers a change of pace from daily paddling.
Superb Aesthetics: Angleworm Lake is known for its beautiful, rocky shorelines, clear water, and the surrounding old-growth forests, providing excellent photographic opportunities and a stunning backdrop for the camp.
Prime Fishing Location: The lake is a productive fishing spot, though it often requires effort to find the right structure. The remoteness of the site means less fishing pressure than other lakes, potentially leading to better catches.
Potential for Extended Basecamping: Due to the high effort required for entry, many groups choose to establish a basecamp on Angleworm Lake for multiple nights, using Campsite #2020 as a secure hub for day trips to nearby lakes like Home or Gull Lake.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #2020 is administered by the U.S. Forest Service. Direct communication is handled through the managing ranger district.

Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA (General BWCA Area)

Managing Ranger District: Kawishiwi Ranger District (Superior National Forest)

Kawishiwi Ranger District Phone: (218) 365-7600

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #2020 on Angleworm Lake is exceptionally well-suited for the adventurous and nature-loving locals of Minnesota. It caters directly to the strong regional desire for deep wilderness immersion and the satisfaction of earning one's solitude. While the initial 640-rod portage is legendary for its challenge, for Minnesotans who pride themselves on their outdoor resilience, it becomes a badge of honor and a memorable part of the trip's narrative.

This site is perfect for those seeking an authentic, traditional canoe camping experience away from the crowds. It provides a sanctuary where the silence is profound, the views are untouched, and the only traffic is that of the local wildlife. The relatively limited number of permits ensures a high-quality, low-impact experience. For locals who have explored the easier BWCA entry points, Campsite #2020 on Angleworm Lake offers the next level of remote adventure, solidifying their connection to the rugged, beautiful heritage of the Minnesota Northwoods.