BWCA Campsite #2064 on South Lake: A True Wilderness Challenge

Introduction / Overview: For the Dedicated Wilderness Seeker

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is renowned for offering a spectrum of camping experiences, from well-loved sites to those that test the mettle of even seasoned paddlers. BWCA Campsite #2064, located on the historic South Lake, falls into the latter category, making it a place of interest for the highly prepared Minnesota adventurer. This site is identified by some maps as South Lake Camp 8. It is crucial for prospective visitors to understand that a BWCA campsite is a primitive, designated location and not a developed campground with modern facilities.

Campsite #2064 is positioned in a remote section of the eastern BWCA, far from any motor noise and deep within the Superior National Forest. It promises an authentic, unfiltered wilderness experience, a characteristic highly valued by locals looking to truly escape. However, public comments highlight that this campsite presents specific, unique challenges. Notably, the surrounding landscape is highly active with wildlife, including beavers, which directly impacts the immediate terrain. Feedback from past users indicates that the site is highly rustic, advising groups to arrive with flexibility and low expectations regarding ground conditions and the availability of level areas for sleeping. This is a campsite for those who prioritize solitude and the raw wilderness experience over comfort and convenience.

Location and Accessibility: A Remote Spot on South Lake

BWCA Campsite #2064 is located on South Lake, one of the lakes along the US-Canadian border in the northeastern edge of the BWCA. The general administrative area is East Cook, MN 55604, USA, placing it in the remote reaches accessible primarily via the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais. This area is far from paved roads and requires a multi-day paddle and portage journey to reach.

Access to South Lake itself is often achieved through Entry Point #64 (East Bearskin Lake) or Entry Point #58 (South Lake). The site is particularly noteworthy for its precise location: it is situated directly adjacent to, or connected by a short side trail to, the portage that leads onward to Rat Lake. This makes it an excellent overnight stop for groups traversing the system, but also means it may see some portage traffic during peak daylight hours.

It must be emphasized that this is a paddle-in, paddle-out site. There is no vehicle access, no docks, and no groomed trails leading from the site to civilization. The terrain in this part of the BWCA is rugged, shaped by glacial forces, and heavily forested. The local ecosystem, specifically the presence of beaver activity, is noted as a factor that may influence the campsite's immediate surroundings and landing area, demanding careful navigation upon arrival.

Services Offered (Expect Primitive Conditions)

As with all sites within the National Wilderness Preservation System, Campsite #2064 adheres to minimum requirements designed to protect the natural environment while allowing for overnight stays. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient and follow all 'Leave No Trace' principles. Given its noted issues, it is imperative to prepare for the most basic of facilities.

Official Fire Grate: A single, official steel fire grate is provided for cooking and warmth. It is the only place fires are legally allowed.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (or 'thunderbox') is provided, usually situated away from the main camp area and water source for sanitary disposal of human waste.
Limited Designated Tent Pads: User feedback indicates a significant scarcity of level ground. This site reportedly offers only "barely any" suitable tent pads, meaning groups must be prepared to utilize small, less-than-ideal spots, or use smaller tents to accommodate the terrain.
Primitive Water Source: The lake itself provides the only water source. All water must be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before drinking or cooking.
Canoe Landing: The landing may be compromised or challenging due to natural activity. Paddlers should be ready for a potentially mucky or rugged take-out that may require extra care to secure canoes and gear.

Features / Highlights (True Solitude and Wildlife Viewing)

What Campsite #2064 may lack in developed comfort, it offers in profound wilderness immersion and a unique proximity to active wildlife and transit routes. This site is defined by its rawness and challenging environment.

Active Beaver Environment: A highly notable feature, confirmed by user reports, is the immediate presence of a beaver dam or strong beaver activity. For naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts, this provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe the impact and industriousness of one of the BWCA's most iconic animals.
Excellent Transit Location: Its position right on the portage to Rat Lake makes it a crucial staging point for groups planning to travel deeper into the network of interior lakes in this segment of the forest.
Maximum Solitude: Due to its challenging nature and remote location, this site is typically less utilized than others on major lakes, offering a higher probability of undisturbed solitude, a true prize for many Minnesota paddlers.
Raw Wilderness Immersion: This site strips away all notions of 'glamping,' forcing visitors to engage directly with the environment. It is ideal for experienced campers seeking a true test of their backcountry skills and a completely unvarnished wilderness stay.
Starry Night Skies: Like much of the BWCA, this area benefits from being a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary, promising some of the best stargazing and potential Northern Lights viewing in the state, far from urban light pollution.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #2064 is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. All logistical and regulatory inquiries are directed to the appropriate district office serving the Gunflint Trail area.

U.S. Forest Service - Gunflint Ranger District (Local Authority):
Phone: (218) 387-1750 (Recommended for local conditions, fire restrictions, and beaver activity updates)
Phone (General BWCA Permit Reservations): 1-877-444-6777 (For Quota Permit booking via Recreation.gov)
Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (General administrative area for this remote section of the Superior National Forest)

Note on Permit Requirements:
An overnight Quota Permit for the applicable Entry Point (e.g., #64 or #58) is required for camping at this site between May 1 and September 30. The campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis once within the wilderness area.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Campsite #2064 is uniquely suitable for experienced Minnesota wilderness enthusiasts who are ready for a genuine challenge and who value the integrity of an untamed landscape. For the local paddler, this campsite represents a step beyond the well-traveled routes, offering a chance to practice advanced Leave No Trace ethics and demonstrate true resilience in the face of nature’s reality. It is a site that requires—and rewards—flexibility in trip planning, a patient approach to finding a comfortable spot, and an appreciation for the raw, unmediated interactions with the boreal environment.

While the site's challenging condition, including limited tent pads and the presence of a beaver dam, might deter casual campers, it is precisely these characteristics that make it a compelling destination for seasoned locals. It offers a deeper connection to the wild, a story of genuine wilderness survival, and a high likelihood of experiencing the profound solitude that the BWCAW is famous for—a rarity even within this protected area.