BWCA Campsite #2307: Your Ultimate Wilderness Escape on Fishhook Lake, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the pinnacle of North Woods solitude, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the gold standard of wilderness experiences. Campsite #2307 is not a typical drive-in campground; it is a designated, remote location deep within the million-acre BWCAW, demanding commitment and preparation but rewarding campers with unparalleled privacy and natural beauty.

Designated as 'Fishhook Lake Campsite 1' and officially numbered 2307, this site offers a true escape from modern life. It is located on Fishhook Lake, a scenic spot along the popular Brule Lake Trail route. Unlike roadside camping, access to this site is earned through paddling, portaging, or hiking, ensuring that those who reach it are dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the wilderness. The camping experience here is strictly primitive—it is a 'Leave No Trace' environment where the forest provides the backdrop and you provide the essentials.

BWCA campsites are intentionally spaced far apart, offering groups a sense of total isolation, often on private points or small islands. Campsite #2307 is celebrated for being located on a point, surrounded by water on three sides, providing expansive lake views and natural protection from neighbors. It embodies the essence of the BWCAW: a chance to disconnect from technology (cell service is virtually non-existent) and reconnect with the pristine lake-and-forest ecosystem that defines the Minnesota North Country.

This site, like all BWCA sites, is available on a first-come, first-served basis once you have secured the necessary entry permit for the corresponding entry point. The wilderness awaits those ready for the challenge of a truly remote camping adventure.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #2307 is situated on Fishhook Lake, deep within the Superior National Forest near the international border. The provided address of West Cook, MN 55604, USA, refers to the general outfitting and access area along the Gunflint Trail corridor, near Grand Marais.

Access to Campsite #2307 is fundamentally a wilderness journey and requires a permit reservation for a specific entry point. Based on its location on Fishhook Lake and the Brule Lake Trail, the common entry points used to reach the area include Entry Point #78 (Brule Lake Trail) or Entry Point #41 (Brule Lake), both of which are accessed via the Brule Lake Road off the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12).

The journey to the campsite is an integral part of the experience:

Entry: The trip begins at a designated BWCA entry point, requiring a reserved quota permit during the high season (May 1 to September 30).
Travel: The main mode of travel is by canoe and portage, though this specific site can be accessed via the Brule Lake Trail hiking route.
Final Approach: If hiking the Brule Lake Trail, the campsite requires a relatively long access trail—estimated by some users to be nearly a quarter-mile—leading from the main trail to the secluded point on Fishhook Lake.
Navigation: There are no signs within the BWCA wilderness; navigation is done with maps and compasses. Visitors must be self-reliant and proficient in route-finding.

The difficulty of access contributes to the area's preservation and the quality of the wilderness experience.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #2307 provides only the most essential, standardized services to ensure a sustainable experience while adhering to strict 'Leave No Trace' principles. All sites are intended for one group (maximum 9 people and 4 watercraft) at a time.

The services provided at this specific designated campsite are:

Latrine: A wilderness latrine (often a pit toilet, sometimes referred to as 'the throne') is located away from the immediate camp area, typically well before the campsite itself along the access trail, as noted by visitors.
Fire Grate: A single steel fire grate is provided at the main kitchen area for building controlled campfires. Campers must use only small diameter dead wood found lying on the ground.
Campsite Clearing: A cleared area is provided for the placement of tents (the site on Fishhook Lake is noted as potentially having limited 'tent pads' but ample room for hammock setups).
Canoe Landing: A suitable area is maintained on the shoreline for landing and securing canoes and watercraft.
Permit System: The mandatory permit system manages group size and entry to minimize impact on the wilderness, providing a form of 'environmental service.'

It is important to note what is not provided: No potable drinking water (all water must be filtered or boiled from the lake), no electricity, no trash disposal (all refuse must be packed out), no picnic tables, and no established shelters.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #2307 is highly regarded by those who have traveled to Fishhook Lake for its exceptional wilderness qualities and specific physical features:

Point Location and Views: The campsite is uniquely situated on a point that extends into Fishhook Lake, offering commanding 300° views of the water and surrounding forest. This location is key for watching the sunrise and sunset.
Ultimate Privacy: Due to the long access trail from the main route and the natural water boundaries, the site is known for its deep seclusion, offering a truly private, uninterrupted wilderness stay.
Proximity to Brule Lake Trail: The campsite's access trail connects directly to the Brule Lake Trail, making it an excellent basecamp for hiking portions of the BWCAW, which features scenic ridges and old-growth timber.
Fishing and Water Activities: Fishhook Lake is the headwaters of the North Branch Cascade River. The deep water surrounding the point offers great opportunities for fishing directly from the shore or a nearby rock platform, as well as excellent swimming.
Pristine Forest Setting: The fire grate is nestled among large pines, and the entire area is part of a lush, mature forest ecosystem, ideal for wildlife spotting and enjoying the quiet grandeur of the Superior National Forest.
Hammock-Friendly Layout: Reviews suggest the site is particularly suitable for hammock camping due to the abundance of mature trees on the point.

Contact Information

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, specifically under the Superior National Forest. Due to the remote nature of individual campsites, there is no direct phone number or specific address for Campsite #2307 itself. All official inquiries, reservations, and permit pickups are handled through the relevant Ranger Districts or official reservation services.

Address (General Area/Permit Pickup): West Cook, MN 55604, USA (Outfitter/Entry Point Region along the Gunflint Trail)

Gunflint Ranger District (Primary Management Office): The district responsible for entry points in this area, such as Brule Lake. Contact them for current conditions, rules, and local information.

Gunflint Ranger District Phone: (218) 387-1750

Permit Reservations: All BWCA overnight entry permits must be reserved through the official federal reservation website or phone line well in advance of the trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #2307 is uniquely suited for Minnesota locals who possess a deep appreciation for, and experience with, wilderness travel. This is not a casual camping spot; it is an expeditionary destination that perfectly aligns with the state's identity as a land of 10,000 lakes and vast forests.

For the Minnesota resident, this site offers the ultimate challenge and reward: an authentic, multi-day, self-supported journey that culminates in a truly private sanctuary. The need to paddle, portage, or hike to reach the site acts as a natural filter, eliminating noise and crowds and ensuring that only the most dedicated wilderness enthusiasts make it to Fishhook Lake.

It is an ideal location for locals to practice advanced 'Leave No Trace' ethics, test their outdoor skills, and introduce family to the state's most revered natural area. Whether you are fishing the clear waters, hiking the adjacent trail, or simply lounging in a hammock on the breezy, scenic point, Campsite #2307 offers a degree of expansive solitude that cannot be found in traditional campgrounds. It is a vital piece of the Minnesota wilderness heritage, waiting for the prepared and respectful traveler.