BWCA Campsite #2055

- Grand Marais, MN 55604

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is more than a destination; for many Minnesotans, it is a rite of passage and a deeply valued symbol of the state's unspoiled beauty. Within this immense, million-acre protected region lies **BWCA Campsite #2055**, a designated site on the shores of **Alder Lake** that offers an exceptional and classic North Woods camping experience. Located deep within the Superior National Forest, this specific campsite is highly regarded for its balance of accessibility and its strategic location for exploring some of the most beautiful points along the storied Gunflint Trail region.

Unlike developed campgrounds, Campsite #2055 is a primitive wilderness site, embodying the true spirit of the BWCAW. It offers no modern conveniences—no flush toilets, no showers, no electricity, and crucially, no noise from motorized vehicles. This intentional lack of development is precisely what draws local outdoor enthusiasts from across the state, providing a rare opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world. This site is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a meticulously managed gateway into the historic canoe routes once traveled by the voyageurs, giving every Minnesota visitor a chance to pursue true solitude, challenge, and personal integration with nature in a landscape carved by ancient glaciers.

The selection of a campsite is often the most important decision on a BWCA trip, and Campsite #2055’s reputation on Alder Lake makes it a highly coveted spot. Its popularity is a testament to the lake’s abundant resources—from fishing to access points—making it an ideal basecamp for groups ranging from seasoned paddlers to wilderness newcomers.

Campsite #2055 is geographically located within the expansive wilderness area managed by the U.S. Forest Service near the northern tip of Minnesota’s Arrowhead region. The official managing area for permits is the Gunflint Ranger District, which uses the general mailing address of **Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA**. The nearest primary access corridor is the historic **Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12)**, a 57-mile paved road that winds northwest from Grand Marais into the heart of the BWCAW.

The practical entry point for this campsite is **BWCA Entry Point 64 – East Bearskin Lake**. Access involves traveling up the Gunflint Trail, securing the necessary quota permit (required for overnight trips between May 1 and September 30), and launching from the East Bearskin landing. From here, the route into Alder Lake is relatively straightforward: a paddle across East Bearskin Lake followed by a short and generally flat portage of approximately 52 rods (a canoe-length measurement equivalent to about 850 feet). This short and well-maintained portage contributes significantly to the site's popularity, as it minimizes the strenuous work of transporting gear, allowing groups to establish their basecamp more quickly than at many other BWCA locations. Once on Alder Lake, the campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis to all groups who have legally entered via Entry Point 64.

Camping at BWCA Campsite #2055 means embracing a primitive, self-sufficient outdoor lifestyle. The services provided are minimal, deliberate, and designed to protect the fragile ecosystem while ensuring visitor safety and legal compliance. Visitors must adhere to the strict "Leave No Trace" principles, which are actively enforced.

The established, non-negotiable amenities available at this designated wilderness campsite include:

• Permanent Steel Fire Grate: Provided by the U.S. Forest Service, this elevated grate is the only legal location for building a campfire. Campfires are only allowed using dead and down wood found in the area, not by cutting live trees.
• Wilderness Latrine: An outdoor pit toilet (often referred to as the 'green monster' by locals) is located away from the main camp area and all water sources, designed for responsible human waste disposal.
• Designated Tent Pads or Areas: The site includes several cleared, relatively level areas optimized for setting up tents, helping to concentrate impact and minimize erosion in the sensitive forest groundcover.
• Cleared Canoe Landing: An area along the shoreline, often a rock slab or small beach, is typically available for safely landing and securing canoes and kayaks.

It is imperative to understand what is not provided: there is no drinking water (all lake water must be filtered or boiled), no trash disposal (everything must be packed out), no electricity, no running water, and reliable cell service is nonexistent, meaning communication is self-reliant.

Campsite #2055’s desirability stems from its high-quality characteristics and its status as an excellent location for day-trip excursions to key regional points of interest.

Key highlights that elevate the experience at this Alder Lake location:

• Proximity to Johnson Falls: Alder Lake is a key intermediate lake on the path to the spectacular, two-tiered Johnson Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the BWCA. Campsite #2055 serves as a perfect basecamp for a day paddle and hike to this dramatic natural landmark.
• Superb Fishing Opportunities: Alder Lake offers excellent fishing for species prized by Minnesotans, including Lake Trout, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass. The deep, cold waters provide a productive environment for anglers.
• Highly-Rated Campsite Quality: While not the absolute best on the lake, many sites on Alder Lake, including this one, are noted for having features like flat, ample tent pads (often accommodating the BWCA maximum of nine people), good exposure to breezes (helpful for insect control), and functional, scenic fire grate areas.
• Rock Ledges for Star Gazing: The rugged, glacially carved shoreline of Alder Lake often features smooth rock ledges near the campsites, providing ideal, wind-swept areas for launching canoes, swimming, and enjoying uninterrupted views of the night sky, given the BWCA’s status as a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding Superior National Forest offers frequent opportunities to spot iconic North Woods wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, loons, and the elusive timber wolf.

As a federal wilderness campsite, all official inquiries, permitting, and route information must be directed to the managing authority, the **U.S. Forest Service – Superior National Forest**, specifically the local district office.

Primary Management Authority: Gunflint Ranger District

Address: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone: (218) 387-1750 (Contact for permit issuance, route conditions, and general BWCA inquiries)

Permit Requirements: Overnight paddle, motor, or hiking trips entering the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30 require a quota permit reserved via the federal recreation website. You must specify Entry Point 64 – East Bearskin Lake and pick up the permit at a designated issuing station, such as the Gunflint Ranger District office or an authorized local outfitter, on or one day prior to your entry date.

Note: The address provided is for the Ranger Station which manages the area, as the campsite itself has no mailing address or phone line.

BWCA Campsite #2055 on Alder Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota residents seeking a quintessential wilderness experience. For local users, the appeal is twofold: it delivers the challenge and rewards of true wilderness isolation while remaining one of the more logistically manageable basecamps in the vast Boundary Waters system.

Minnesotans appreciate that this site is a superb compromise between deep wilderness solitude and convenient access to one of the most scenic trail systems in the state. The ease of the initial portage from East Bearskin Lake (Entry Point 64) is a significant advantage, particularly for those with younger families or those new to carrying heavy portage packs. This reduced initial labor allows the focus to shift immediately to the pristine environment, the renowned fishing, and the spectacular day trips, such as the paddle and hike to Johnson Falls.

Furthermore, establishing a basecamp at Site #2055 allows locals to efficiently explore a dense network of lakes and hiking opportunities without breaking camp every day. It provides a reliable anchor in the wilderness, maximizing the time spent paddling, observing wildlife, and simply unwinding around the crackling fire grate. It’s an authentic taste of the BWCA’s rugged beauty, accessible from the end of the beloved Gunflint Trail, making it a proud and highly recommended piece of Minnesota’s outdoor heritage. For those in the state who value self-reliance, silence, and untouched nature, Campsite #2055 on Alder Lake is an unrivaled choice for an unforgettable North Woods adventure.

BWCA Campsite #2055

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA