BWCA Campsite #667

- East Cook, MN 55604

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the quintessential Minnesota experience, offering over a million acres of preserved forest, pristine lakes, and challenging canoe routes. For the local paddler, choosing a campsite is about more than just a place to pitch a tent—it's about finding a strategic launchpad for deep wilderness exploration. **BWCA Campsite #667** on Daniels Lake is one such location, renowned not only for its quiet setting but for its position on a key travel corridor along the scenic Gunflint Trail route.

Campsite #667 is a designated, primitive site in the eastern reaches of the BWCAW, placing it in a sought-after area near the Canadian border. Daniels Lake itself is a stunning, clear-water body that serves as a major link for those creating a loop or heading further north toward the renowned border lakes, such as Rose Lake and the famous Border Route Trail. The campsite’s strategic positioning—being the first site west of a significant portage—makes it a prime target for groups seeking a comfortable final stop before tackling the next section of their journey, or a restful basecamp for a multi-day stay.

As with all sites within the BWCAW, Campsite #667 adheres to the highest standards of wilderness preservation. Visitors must obtain an overnight quota permit for the peak season (May 1st through September 30th) to ensure visitor density remains low and the wilderness character is maintained. The experience here is one of total self-reliance, inviting Minnesotans to fully disconnect and embrace the solitude that their northern forest has to offer. The tranquility found on Daniels Lake, combined with the convenience of a designated site, makes #667 a favored resting place for those traveling through this historical canoe country.

BWCA Campsite #667 is located on the **north shoreline of Daniels Lake**, nestled approximately midway along the lake’s length. The general administrative location for this section of the wilderness is **East Cook, MN 55604, USA**. The area is part of the larger Superior National Forest and is accessed via the northern terminus of the Gunflint Trail.

Access to Daniels Lake is commonly achieved through a couple of well-traveled BWCA Entry Points: Entry Point 61 (West Bearskin Lake) or Entry Point 62 (Clearwater Lake). The West Bearskin route involves a portage into Duncan Lake, followed by a paddle and portage sequence that leads to Daniels Lake. For groups looking for a scenic but strenuous start, the Clearwater route offers views of massive, rocky cliffs and involves the challenging but rewarding portages between Clearwater, Mountain, and Rove Lakes before reaching the Daniels system.

The key locational feature of Campsite #667 is its proximity to the **Long Portage**, which connects Daniels Lake to Rose Lake and Rove Lake. It is the first site heading west from this long and often memorable portage. This proximity makes it a highly desirable destination for travelers arriving from the east, as securing a campsite immediately after a major effort is always a priority. It is far enough from the portage to offer seclusion, yet close enough to be a natural stopping point.

Campsite #667, being a designated primitive site within a federally protected wilderness area, provides the essential infrastructure to support responsible, low-impact camping. It offers a standardized set of amenities aimed at resource protection and user convenience, all while maintaining the rustic integrity of the wilderness experience.

• Official Fire Grate: A mandatory, permanent fire grate is provided by the U.S. Forest Service. It serves as the single location where campfires and cooking fires are permitted, minimizing the impact of fire on the surrounding forest floor. All firewood must be dead and downed; cutting live trees is strictly prohibited.

• Wilderness Latrine: The site is equipped with a designated pit toilet, locally known as a 'biffy.' This facility is placed well away from the main camp area and any water source, protecting the pristine quality of the lake water. Visitors must use this facility for all human waste and pack out all trash, including sanitation products.

• Tent Pads/Areas: Although the exact number is variable and subject to natural wear, the campsite is intentionally cleared and maintained to offer multiple relatively level areas suitable for pitching tents. These pads are designed to concentrate impact and prevent random camping across the shoreline.

• Canoe Landing Access: The shoreline near the site provides a functional area for landing and launching canoes. While terrain varies (it may be rocky or rooted), the landing is a critical designated space to minimize erosion and bank degradation.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that "services" in the BWCAW do not include electricity, running water, trash removal, or cell service. Complete self-sufficiency, including water purification, proper food storage (bear bagging or canister use), and packing out everything brought in, is a requirement for all who use the site.

Campsite #667’s reputation as a desirable spot stems largely from its geography and its location within one of the most scenic sections of the BWCAW.

• Strategic Location for Loop Routes: Being the first campsite west of the Long Portage, Site #667 is an ideal stopover for groups completing or beginning the popular western section of the Border Route or the Tuscarora Loop, providing a much-needed rest spot after challenging portaging.

• Proximity to Stairway Falls: From Daniels Lake, a short paddle and portage leads into Rose Lake, where the spectacular Stairway Portage is located. This feature, known for its incredible views of a dramatic cascading waterfall, is one of the most famous scenic highlights in the entire wilderness, making #667 a perfect base for a day trip to witness it.

• Northern Shore Views: Situated on the north shore, the site likely offers excellent views of Daniels Lake's southern expanse. Depending on its exact orientation, the site may also provide an optimal position for viewing sunsets over the water, a highly valued experience in the Northwoods.

• Good Fishing Opportunities: Daniels Lake is known as a solid fishing lake, primarily for Lake Trout and Walleye. Camping at site #667 provides convenient access to explore the lake’s deeper sections and various underwater structures that hold game fish, enhancing the wilderness stay with opportunities for a fresh, wild-caught meal.

BWCA Campsite #667 is located deep within the wilderness, meaning direct, onsite contact or services are unavailable. All official planning, permitting, and management are handled by the U.S. Forest Service.

**Address (General Wilderness Region):** BWCA Campsite #667, East Cook, MN 55604, USA

**Permit and Information Contact (Superior National Forest/Gunflint Ranger District):**

For up-to-date information on entry requirements, fire bans, and trip planning, local users should consult the official U.S. Forest Service information for the Gunflint Ranger District. Permits for the quota season (May 1–September 30) must be reserved online through the national reservation system.

**Emergency Only:** There is no cellular service in this remote region. For genuine emergencies, wilderness travelers must rely on a satellite communication device to reach the Cook County Sheriff's Office or 911 services.

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #667 on Daniels Lake represents the ideal blend of route utility and unspoiled natural beauty. It’s not just a campsite; it’s a milestone on a longer adventure. Its key placement near the Long Portage and the Border Route Trail makes it an invaluable layover spot, allowing paddlers to recover from strenuous travel while simultaneously being just a day trip away from the incredible scenery of the Stairway Portage.

The lake's reputation for good fishing, coupled with the inherent solitude of being deep within the wilderness, promises a highly rewarding trip. By choosing Campsite #667, local adventurers secure a base that is perfectly situated for exploring some of the most dramatic terrain the BWCAW has to offer, confirming its status as a premier destination for those seeking an authentic, challenging, and profoundly beautiful Northwoods experience close to home.

BWCA Campsite #667

East Cook, MN 55604, USA