BWCA Campsite #851: Your Premier Wilderness Retreat in Minnesota's Arrowhead

Introduction / Overview: Experience the Heart of the Boundary Waters

For Minnesota locals and passionate outdoor enthusiasts across the state, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is undeniable. Nestled within the expansive Superior National Forest, the BWCAW is a protected one-million-acre wilderness renowned for its pristine lakes, ancient forests, and unmatched solitude. Among its over 2,000 designated sites, BWCA Campsite #851 offers a truly authentic, secluded retreat. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it represents the ultimate immersion into the Northwoods—a place where you trade in the sounds of traffic for the haunting call of the loon and the whisper of wind through the pines.

Campsite #851 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to an experience that has earned the BWCAW global recognition as one of the world's most cherished wilderness areas. It epitomizes the "Leave No Trace" ethic, offering basic, essential amenities while preserving the rugged, primitive character of the land. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, relying on their own skills and gear to navigate, filter water, and safely store food, embodying the true spirit of wilderness adventure. The reward is unparalleled: complete disconnection, world-class canoeing and kayaking, exceptional fishing, and some of the darkest night skies for superior stargazing, as the entire BWCAW holds the rare Dark Sky Sanctuary status.

A trip to Campsite #851 is a commitment to a multi-day paddle and portage journey, making it a highly desirable spot for those seeking maximum tranquility and a profound connection to nature. It is a fundamental Minnesota adventure, one that requires planning, preparation, and a deep respect for the regulations designed to keep this environment pristine for generations to come.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Arrowhead Region

BWCA Campsite #851 is situated in the remote Arrowhead Region of Northeastern Minnesota, specifically within the massive Superior National Forest. While the administrative address is associated with the general area of West Cook, MN 55604, USA, this site is not directly accessible by car. It is a designated wilderness campsite, meaning accessibility is strictly via paddle and portage after entering the BWCAW at a specific, permitted entry point.

The region around Cook, MN, is served by key access routes like the Echo Trail, which provides entry to numerous starting points for a wilderness trip. A paddler's journey to Campsite #851 will depend entirely on the lake it is located on and the corresponding entry point secured via the required permit. This journey could range from a relatively short half-day paddle to a multi-day excursion involving numerous portages—carrying canoes and gear over land between lakes.

Due to the wilderness designation, road access terminates at the designated entry point parking lot. From there, your canoe or kayak becomes your primary mode of transportation. This intentional lack of infrastructure is precisely what preserves the area’s primitive nature, ensuring that the tranquility of Campsite #851 remains intact. Local outfitters in nearby towns like Ely, Grand Marais, or Cook are invaluable resources, offering shuttle services to entry points, detailed route advice, and gear rental to help you successfully reach this remote destination.

Services Offered (Primitive Wilderness Environment)

In keeping with its status as a federally protected wilderness area, the services offered at BWCA Campsite #851 are intentionally minimal to preserve the environment’s primitive character. Visitors must be fully prepared to be self-reliant.

Services provided at the designated campsite include:

A designated, cleared area for setting up tents (tent pads are not guaranteed, but flat ground is usually found).
An established, metal fire grate for contained campfires and cooking.
A wilderness latrine (a simple pit toilet, typically a wooden box or “throne” over a pit) located a short distance from the main camp area to promote sanitation.
Safe, designated canoe landing and mooring area (often just a shoreline rock or small beach).
An ample supply of dead and downed wood nearby for responsible firewood gathering.

Services NOT offered (visitors must plan to provide their own):

Running water or potable water (all drinking water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated from the lake).
Electricity or phone service (expect no cell signal).
Flush toilets or shower facilities.
Garbage or recycling disposal (all trash must be packed out—“pack it in, pack it out”).
Picnic tables or shelters beyond the fire grate.
Motorized vehicle access or designated parking.

Features / Highlights: The Untouched Minnesota Wild

Campsite #851’s true value lies in the unique wilderness features and experiences it provides, rather than typical modern amenities.

Unmatched Solitude and Seclusion: As a designated site, only one group is permitted to camp here at a time, ensuring a private and tranquil experience far from crowds.
World-Class Paddling: Direct access to the interconnected chain of lakes and rivers that make up the BWCAW, offering thousands of miles of canoe routes to explore.
Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: The surrounding lakes are home to numerous game fish, including Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout, offering superb opportunities for anglers.
Dark Sky Sanctuary: The BWCAW’s remote location and lack of light pollution provide one of the best locations in the world for viewing the Milky Way, meteor showers, and, seasonally, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Wildlife Viewing: The site offers a high probability of viewing iconic Minnesota wildlife, such as moose, black bears (requiring proper food storage), bald eagles, and the namesake Common Loon.
Pristine Natural Shoreline: Campsite #851 is situated on an ancient, glacially carved landscape featuring rugged shorelines, clear water, and towering stands of pine and birch.
Leave No Trace Immersion: The simple, raw nature of the site forces visitors to fully engage with and respect the principles of minimal impact camping, a rewarding experience in itself.

Contact Information and Permits

Since BWCA Campsite #851 is a site within a federally managed wilderness, booking and inquiries are handled by the managing agency and authorized cooperating businesses (Outfitters). Direct contact for the campsite is not available.

Address (General Area): West Cook, MN 55604, USA (Note: This is an administrative address for the region, not a GPS-navigable campsite location.)

Phone (Superior National Forest/BWCAW Management): To be determined based on the responsible Ranger District (e.g., Kawishiwi or LaCroix Ranger District, but contact information is best sought through official Forest Service channels for the BWCAW).

Permit System:

Access to Campsite #851 requires a mandatory BWCAW Entry Permit.

Reservation: Overnight quota permits for the peak season (May 1 to September 30) must be reserved in advance through the official federal reservation website (Rec.gov). Permits are released months in advance on a specific date (typically the last Wednesday in January) and are highly competitive.
Entry Point: The permit specifies an entry point and date; visitors must enter the wilderness at that precise location and time.
Group Size: Groups are limited to nine people and four watercraft.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #851, and the wilderness that surrounds it, is more than just a camping spot for Minnesotans—it is a cherished part of the state’s heritage and a true backyard treasure. For local users, this site is the ultimate escape, providing a necessary respite from the demands of modern life that few other places can match. The BWCAW offers a unique and accessible (via planning) experience that fosters resilience, self-reliance, and an intimate appreciation for Minnesota's incredible natural beauty.

It is an ideal destination for those who want to truly unplug, as the absence of cell service enforces a complete digital detox. The paddling routes offer a genuine physical and mental challenge, while the deep solitude provides a profound sense of peace. Unlike crowded state park campgrounds, this remote, designated site promises privacy and a direct connection to the raw, ancient landscape of the Northwoods. Taking on the challenge of a BWCA trip is a rite of passage for many Minnesotans, cementing a personal bond with the land. Campsite #851 is a highly sought-after location within this legendary wilderness, offering a premier basecamp for creating lifelong memories of Minnesota’s magnificent, untouched outdoors.