Discover BWCA Campsite #668: A Northern Minnesota Wilderness Gem

Are you a Minnesota resident seeking the ultimate escape into the true wilderness? The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers unparalleled solitude and natural beauty, and within its vast network of lakes lies a highly-regarded destination for seasoned and aspiring paddlers alike: BWCA Campsite #668. This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a designated, pristine location deep within the heart of the Northwoods, promising an authentic, unforgettable experience free from the noise of modern life. It's a place where the calls of the loons replace the ring of a cell phone, and the sunset over the water is the only show you need.

Campsite #668 is situated on the scenic shores of Gaskin Lake, a beautiful body of water known for its clear depths and stunning surrounding boreal forest. For locals across Minnesota, from the Twin Cities to Duluth, this campsite represents a quintessential Northern MN adventure—a challenging but profoundly rewarding journey into a protected National Wilderness Preservation System area. It’s an ideal spot for groups of friends, family, or solo adventurers looking to truly 'unplug' and reconnect with the natural world that defines the Upper Midwest. We encourage you to delve deeper into what makes this specific location a local treasure and how you can plan your visit to this slice of Minnesota's natural paradise.

The journey to Campsite #668 is part of the adventure itself, cementing its status as a true wilderness experience. The address associated with the general area is East Cook, MN 55604, USA, which places it squarely in the Superior National Forest region near the border with Canada. Since this is an interior BWCAW campsite, there is no direct road access. The accessibility is exclusively via a combination of paddling and portaging from a designated entry point.

Campsite #668 is specifically located on Gaskin Lake. Common entry points that provide access to the area are Entry Point 47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes) or Entry Point 48 (Meeds Lake). The distance and difficulty of the paddle/portage route will vary depending on your chosen entry point and current water levels. Local outfitters and trip planning resources are invaluable for navigating the specific route, ensuring you have the necessary maps and knowledge to travel safely and efficiently. Remember, the BWCAW is a paddle-only zone for the majority of the area, and your trip planning must account for the physical requirements of portaging your canoe and gear between lakes. A key detail to note, as one local visitor mentioned, is that the final trail into the site can be 'a wet trail in after it is thawed' but a 'nice walk when its frozen'—a great tip for seasonal trip planning.

Services Offered (Wilderness & Regulation-Based)

As a designated BWCAW campsite, Campsite #668 offers essential, low-impact facilities designed to preserve the wilderness character of the area. Visitors should be prepared for a self-sufficient trip, bringing all necessary supplies and adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles. The services provided are minimal, rustic, and regulated by the U.S. Forest Service:

Designated Tent Pads: Specific, cleared areas for pitching tents, helping to minimize impact on surrounding vegetation and soil erosion.
Steel Fire Grate: A single, established fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires, mandatory for all fires built in the BWCAW.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet, often a simple wooden "throne" set back a distance from the main camp, is available for human waste disposal, per BWCAW regulation.
Canoe Landing Area: An established, though often primitive, spot on the shoreline for landing and securing watercraft.
Permit System Management: The site is managed under the BWCAW Quota Permit system (required May 1 – September 30), which limits the number of groups entering the wilderness to ensure solitude.
Natural Water Source: Access to Gaskin Lake water, which must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #668 is renowned among those who have paddled Gaskin Lake for its specific, appealing characteristics. Local reviews highlight its prime location and distinct layout:

Multiple Tent Sites: The campsite is reported to have two to three good, usable tent pads, making it suitable for larger groups (up to the BWCAW maximum of nine people) or groups who prefer some separation.
West-Facing Sunset Views: One of the most celebrated features is its orientation, offering exceptional, unobstructed views of the sunset over Gaskin Lake.
Elevated Position: The site sits slightly elevated above the lake, which often provides good natural drainage and better air circulation (a bonus for keeping bugs at bay) and enhances the scenic view.
Shoreline Features for Activity: The site boasts nice rock ledges or a gentle rock platform near the water—perfect for sunbathing, shore fishing, launching a canoe, or gathering water. One review mentions a better canoe landing around to the south, offering options based on wind conditions.
Ample Space for Groups: The fire grate area is noted to be spacious with large sitting logs, comfortably accommodating a substantial group for communal activities.
Proximity to Points of Interest: Gaskin Lake offers paddling access to other beautiful lakes, making this site an excellent choice for a layover or base camp for day trips to explore the surrounding wilderness area.

Contact Information

Because BWCA Campsite #668 is a designated, dispersed campsite within a protected national wilderness area, direct contact with the site itself is not possible. All reservations, planning, and inquiries must be routed through the U.S. Forest Service or an authorized local outfitter.

Address (General Area):

East Cook, MN 55604, USA (This serves as a geographical locator for the region, not the exact campsite coordinates.)

Permit Reservations & Information (Required for Entry):

Website: Recreation.gov (Search for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits)

Local Ranger District (Superior National Forest - Gunflint District is a common contact point for this region):

Visitors should consult the U.S. Forest Service website for the most current phone numbers and operational hours of the nearest Ranger Station, as specific permit pick-up locations vary.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesotans, the BWCAW isn't just a destination; it’s a vital piece of our regional identity. BWCA Campsite #668, nestled on Gaskin Lake, offers an experience that perfectly encapsulates the rugged, pristine beauty of Northern Minnesota—a beauty that local residents instinctively understand and cherish. This particular campsite is an exceptional choice for locals for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, it provides the pure, unadulterated solitude that is increasingly difficult to find, serving as a powerful reset button away from the bustle of city and suburban life. The wilderness immersion here is total. The journey itself, requiring paddle, portage, and careful preparation, connects the traveler with the region's historical heritage of voyageurs and explorers. The ability to access this national treasure is a unique advantage of being a Minnesota resident, offering relatively easy drive-to-access points compared to non-local visitors.

Secondly, the documented features of Campsite #668—its multiple tent pads, stellar sunset views over the water, and solid rock landings—ensure that the effort to reach it is rewarded with a comfortable and scenic base camp. It's a well-loved spot for a reason, promising spectacular photography opportunities and memorable moments, whether you are casting a line into the clear water or simply watching the stars emerge over the canopy.

Finally, embracing the BWCAW means supporting the stewardship of a globally unique ecosystem in our backyard. By planning a responsible trip to Campsite #668 and adhering to all wilderness regulations, Minnesotans actively participate in preserving the wild character of the place for future generations. It’s more than a trip; it’s a reaffirmation of the North Star State's natural heritage, making this secluded spot on Gaskin Lake an essential Minnesota wilderness destination. Plan your permit reservation early and prepare to experience the best of the Minnesota woods.