BWCA Campsite #852

- West Cook, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview: Your Gateway to the Deep Northwoods at BWCA Campsite #852

For Minnesota residents who yearn for the silence and unspoiled beauty of a true wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #852 offers a premier opportunity. Situated deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this location is not a simple drive-up site; it is a designated, primitive campsite accessible only by canoe and portage. It embodies the spirit of self-reliance and environmental stewardship that defines the Northwoods experience.

Campsite #852 is notably located on Gaskin Lake, one of the popular and beautiful lakes in the Gunflint Trail region of the BWCAW. It is highly regarded in the paddling community, often noted for its superior location and excellent features, making it a desirable stop for groups traveling through the chain of lakes that includes Horseshoe and Winchell. Unlike typical developed campgrounds, this site provides the essentials—a fire grate and a latrine—and leaves the rest to nature and the camper’s resourcefulness, ensuring a traditional and low-impact visit.

A trip to Campsite #852 requires planning, preparation, and a valid permit from the U.S. Forest Service. This commitment is repaid with the chance to observe Minnesota’s wildlife, fish for native species, and experience the quiet solitude of a landscape shaped by glaciers and preserved for wilderness canoeing.

Location and Accessibility: The Gaskin Lake Journey from West Cook, MN

BWCA Campsite #852 is located on the shores of Gaskin Lake, an interconnected body of water found in the protected federal wilderness area managed by the Superior National Forest. Although its mailing address is listed generally as West Cook, MN 55604, USA, this site is far removed from any roads or towns. It is a remote backcountry destination that requires a significant paddle-and-portage effort.

Gaskin Lake is commonly accessed from the Gunflint Trail side of the BWCAW. Popular entry points for reaching this site include Entry Point 47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes) or Entry Point 48 (Meeds Lake). The route involves navigating several lakes and performing multiple portages, where all gear, canoes, and supplies must be carried overland. The precise location of Campsite #852 is reported to be on a prominent point on Gaskin Lake, offering a desirable combination of lake exposure and surrounding forest cover.

The journey itself is part of the experience. The effort involved in reaching this remote destination guarantees a level of tranquility and isolation that is increasingly hard to find, making the campsite a perfect goal for a multi-day Minnesota wilderness trek.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #852 adheres to the principle of "primitive camping." Services are minimal, functional, and designed to minimize human impact, emphasizing the camper's need for self-sufficiency:

• Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet, or "biffy," is provided for the sanitary disposal of human waste. Campers must use this facility exclusively for its intended purpose and are strictly forbidden from leaving trash or non-biodegradable items within it.

• Steel Fire Grate: A single, established steel fire grate is maintained at the main living area. This is the only place campfires are legally permitted. Campers must use existing dead and downed wood only and must extinguish all fires until cold to the touch when unattended.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site features established, relatively level areas where tents must be pitched. This minimizes the compaction and erosion of the soil, concentrating impact in a small, predetermined zone.

• Canoe Landing: The shoreline area near the site is maintained as a landing zone for watercraft. Campsite #852 is specifically highlighted in reviews for having multiple, good landing areas, including one described as a smooth rock ledge and another with constructed steps, making access easier.

• Non-Potable Water Source: Water is drawn directly from Gaskin Lake. There are no pumps or spigots. All water used for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth must be properly treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before consumption.

• No Waste Disposal: The mandatory "Pack It In, Pack It Out" policy means there are no trash bins. All refuse, garbage, and food packaging must be packed out of the wilderness by the camping party.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #852 on Gaskin Lake is one of the more sought-after sites in the area, offering distinct advantages to the experienced paddler:

• Exceptional Sunset Views: Being located on a point with excellent western exposure, the site is known for providing "excellent western facing" views, making it a prime location to watch the sunset over Gaskin Lake.

• Multiple Landing Options: A rare benefit of this site is the existence of reportedly three superb landing areas. This is particularly valuable as it allows groups to choose a landing that is sheltered from the prevailing wind direction, enhancing safety and ease of access.

• Ideal Swimming Access: The presence of a ledge rock and sand/gravel beach areas makes this site highly suitable for swimming and water activities, a highlight for summer visitors.

• Spacious Camp Area: The site is described as being quite large with plenty of room, including multiple areas for tent setup and designated spots for hanging hammocks near the water, accommodating larger BWCA groups within the legal limits.

• Rock Platform and Sunbathing: A large, exposed rock platform is a noted feature, providing a natural place for sunbathing, gathering water, or simply sitting to enjoy the "beautiful 300° views" of the lake and surrounding forest.

• Wind-Swept Location: As a point site, it often catches a breeze, which can be an immense benefit during the warmer months by helping to keep biting insects at bay.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite #852 is a remote federal wilderness site, contact is maintained through the managing Forest Service district. The physical address provided (West Cook, MN 55604, USA) is a general area designation, not a direct mailing address for the site.

Managing Ranger District (Responsible for Gaskin Lake Region):

Gunflint Ranger District
2020 Gunflint Trail
Grand Marais, MN 55604

Permit Reservations and General BWCA Information (for May 1 - September 30 overnight trips):

Reserve Online: Recreation.gov

Phone (Gunflint Ranger Station):

(218) 387-1750

Note: Overnight entry requires a quota permit reserved through Recreation.gov, specifying an Entry Point (like Lizz and Swamp Lakes #47) and a date. This specific campsite (#852) is occupied on a first-come, first-served basis by a group with a valid permit for that area and date. Always have backup campsites in your itinerary.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #852 is particularly suitable for Minnesota locals because it delivers the quintessential, deeply rooted Northwoods canoe camping experience. For generations, Minnesotans have cherished the BWCAW as the ultimate escape, a place where the state’s wild, glacial landscape is fully preserved. This specific site, with its desirable point location, stunning sunset views, and excellent shore access, is a highly sought-after reward for the rigors of the canoe trip.

Visiting #852 requires a local's understanding of wilderness ethics, weather patterns, and the tradition of portaging. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for fishing, wildlife viewing (including possible moose sightings), and a complete disconnection from modern life. It is an experience that builds upon Minnesota's rich outdoor culture, cementing a personal connection to the most famous and protected wilderness area in the state. For those prepared to embrace the challenge and the simplicity of life on the water, Campsite #852 on Gaskin Lake is an unforgettable piece of Minnesota's natural heritage.

BWCA Campsite #852

West Cook, MN 55604, USA