BWCA Campsite #570 on Long Island Lake: Your Gateway to Northwoods Seclusion

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the pinnacle of remote, paddle-in wilderness camping, there is no place quite like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Campsite #570 is a designated gem nestled deep within this million-acre protected area, specifically located on the shores of Long Island Lake in the eastern sector of the BWCAW, accessible via the Gunflint Trail area near West Cook. This is not a typical drive-up campground; it is a true backcountry destination, requiring a dedicated canoe trip involving paddling and portaging to reach.

Campsite #570 is renowned among experienced paddlers for its secluded yet strategic location on a point, just northeast of the mouth of the Long Island River. It offers the classic BWCA experience: a secluded spot for up to nine people and four watercraft, with stunning eastern views across the lake and plenty of space for a comfortable, low-impact base camp. To camp here is to commit to the BWCA ethos: leaving no trace, embracing self-reliance, and immersing oneself in the pristine Northwoods environment. All visitors must adhere to strict wilderness regulations, including obtaining a limited-entry Quota Permit from the US Forest Service for a specific entry point and date.

Location and Accessibility

The location of BWCA Campsite #570 is: Long Island Lake, West Cook, MN 55604, USA. The general address references the area closest to where the trip would typically begin, along the Gunflint Trail route.

Accessibility to Campsite #570 is exclusively by canoe or kayak via a series of lakes and portages. No motorized travel is generally allowed to reach this area, ensuring a peaceful, paddle-only experience. Typical entry points that provide access to Long Island Lake include Entry Point #47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes) or Entry Point #48 (Meeds Lake), both of which are accessed off of Poplar Lake. These entry points require several portages—including potentially a one-mile portage from Meeds Lake—which filters out casual campers and maintains the wilderness quality of the area.

Once on Long Island Lake, the campsite is situated strategically on a point, providing good visibility and natural wind protection. It is generally noted as being "out of the way," offering a sense of privacy even on a lake that can be relatively busy during peak season. Due to the rugged, remote nature of the BWCAW, visitors must be fully prepared with all necessary gear, food, and emergency supplies, as there is absolutely no vehicle access or quick exit once the journey begins.

Services Offered

As a designated BWCAW campsite, #570 provides the bare essentials required to maintain the wilderness character while protecting the ecosystem. The services offered are minimal, emphasizing self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles.

Designated Camp Pad Areas: The site features established, hardened areas for pitching tents to minimize damage to vegetation. Reviewers note at least one spot for a small tent and "several other spots back away from the cooking area that are larger."
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires. Fires are only allowed within these grates, and campers must use only small, dead wood found lying on the ground.
Wilderness Latrine: A simple pit toilet (often referred to as a "thunderbox") is provided, located a discreet distance from the campsite, following BWCA regulations for sanitation.
Water Source: No potable water is supplied. Water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) from Long Island Lake before drinking or using for cooking.
Waste Disposal: No trash cans or garbage services are available. All food scraps, packaging, and waste must be strictly packed out by the group (Pack In, Pack Out).

Features / Highlights

Campsite #570 is specifically recognized for several features that make it a highly desirable destination within the BWCAW, especially for those who appreciate solitude and a good vantage point.

Strategic Point Location: Situated on a point, the site is known for being somewhat "out of the way" from the main paddling routes on the lake, offering enhanced privacy and quieter surroundings despite Long Island Lake being a well-trafficked route.
Excellent Views: The campsite offers expansive views looking eastward across Long Island Lake, providing beautiful sunrises and a great vantage point for wildlife viewing and photography.
Ample Space and Tree Cover: The site is described as having "plenty of space" and enough trees to provide good spots for hanging hammocks, a welcome feature for both relaxation and bear bagging/food storage.
Access to Fishing Routes: Long Island Lake is part of a larger network, and its position near the Long Island River mouth can place anglers near excellent fishing grounds, though specific reports on this lake are varied.
Seclusion & Quiet: The overall isolation, mandated by the BWCA wilderness designation and the required effort to reach the site, ensures a high-quality, quiet wilderness experience free from motorized noise (except in limited motor zones elsewhere in the BWCA) and large crowds.

Contact Information

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is administered by the US Forest Service. Campsite #570 is managed by the Gunflint Ranger District. Direct contact with the campsite itself is impossible due to the lack of modern services and communication infrastructure. All inquiries regarding permits, rules, and regulations should be directed to the responsible Ranger District or the official permit issuer.

Address (General Area/Permit Pickup Location):

West Cook, MN 55604, USA (General Geographic Area)

Gunflint Ranger District (Primary Managing Office):

2020 W. Highway 61

Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone:

The primary contact for BWCA information and permits is through the US Forest Service at: (218) 387-1750 (Gunflint Ranger District)

Permits are booked online through Recreation.gov, with the season's permits being released annually on the last Wednesday in January.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #570 is perfectly suited for Minnesota residents because it represents the ultimate local escape: a highly sought-after, protected wilderness accessible right in their own state. For the experienced Minnesotan paddler, it offers a challenging but deeply rewarding trip into a place where the landscape remains as it was generations ago. The necessity of planning, paddling, and portaging to reach Long Island Lake is viewed not as a barrier, but as a critical part of the wilderness immersion—a truly authentic “Minnesota experience.”

Locals who understand the permit system and possess the necessary gear are uniquely positioned to leverage this resource. The seclusion offered by Campsite #570 on a busy lake is a testament to its prime location, promising a genuine opportunity to reconnect with the quiet beauty of the Northwoods. It is an ideal spot for base-campers who want to explore surrounding portages and fishing spots while returning each evening to a designated, well-established wilderness home. Campsite #570 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to the profound solitude and natural beauty that Minnesotans hold dear in their canoe country heritage.