BWCA Campsite #855

- West Cook, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview: Experience True Wilderness at BWCA Campsite #855

For Minnesota residents seeking a profound, restorative retreat from the stresses of modern life, BWCA Campsite #855 presents a classic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness experience. Located on the picturesque shores of Gaskin Lake, this designated primitive campsite offers the quintessential challenge and reward of the Northwoods. It is not a roadside campground but a secluded destination accessible only by the historic method of paddling and portaging, requiring a valid permit from the U.S. Forest Service.

Campsite #855 is part of the sprawling million-acre BWCAW, a federally protected wilderness area known for its pristine lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife. Gaskin Lake itself is a key stop on several popular canoe routes, connecting larger bodies of water like Winchell Lake and being accessible from the well-traveled Gunflint Trail corridor. Campsite #855 is often noted in trip reports for its slightly elevated position, which can provide a good vantage point, and its comfortable, established features that help minimize environmental impact while maximizing the enjoyment of the rugged surroundings.

A successful trip here requires adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles and a spirit of self-sufficiency. This campsite is the perfect base for exploring the deep chain of lakes, fishing for walleye and smallmouth bass, or simply gazing up at the Boundary Waters’ recently designated status as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary—an experience every local must witness.

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

The location of BWCA Campsite #855 is geographically centered on Gaskin Lake, deep within the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. While the general mailing area is designated as West Cook, MN 55604, USA, there is no road leading directly to this campsite. It is a remote backcountry site that demands effort to reach.

Access to Gaskin Lake is primarily gained via entry points located along the Gunflint Trail, a scenic byway that runs north from Grand Marais. The most common entry points for a route to Campsite #855 are Entry Point 47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes) or Entry Point 48 (Meeds Lake). From either entry point, visitors must paddle across multiple lakes and traverse a series of portages—overland trails where canoes and all gear are carried—to reach the site.

Campsite #855 is generally positioned to be slightly elevated from the water’s edge, often featuring an established, smooth rock landing area for watercraft. Reviewers have noted a series of timber steps leading up to the main camping area, suggesting a structure that facilitates access while combating erosion. This slightly challenging but rewarding journey ensures that only those committed to the wilderness experience make the trek, preserving the solitude that defines the BWCAW.

Services Offered

BWCA Campsites are intentionally primitive, offering the bare minimum to concentrate impact and maintain the wilderness character. Campsite #855, like all designated BWCA sites, provides the following essential, fact-based services:

• Wilderness Latrine (Biffy): An established, designated pit toilet is provided some distance from the main camp area and water source. This is mandatory for the hygienic disposal of human waste. All trash, food scraps, or non-biodegradable materials must never be placed in the latrine.

• Steel Fire Grate: A single, official steel fire grate is the only legal location for building a campfire. Fires must be kept small and built only using dead and downed wood found on the ground. The fire must be completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving the site or retiring for the night.

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite features established, relatively level areas, sometimes noted as two main pads, for pitching tents. This regulation helps reduce wear on the surrounding forest floor, and all camping gear must be confined to these areas.

• Water Source: Water is sourced directly from Gaskin Lake. There is no treated, potable water available. All lake water used for consumption—including drinking and cooking—must be purified using a filter, chemical treatment, or by boiling to ensure safety.

• First-Come, First-Served: The site is not reservable. It is available to the first group with a valid entry point permit for the Gaskin Lake area that arrives at the site. This requires groups to have flexible itineraries and alternative campsite options.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #855 is recognized for its unique combination of aesthetic appeal and functional design, making it a reliable and enjoyable stop on any Gaskin Lake route:

• Smooth Rock Landing: The site is known to feature an "average smooth rock landing," which provides a clean, sturdy place to beach or tie up canoes, simplifying the often-tricky process of loading and unloading gear in the wilderness.

• Elevated Camp Area: Reviewers mention an "elevated sloping open site." This height above the lake can provide superior drainage during rain, offering a drier, more comfortable place to pitch a tent and gather.

• Established Structure: The presence of timber stairs leading up from the landing to the site is a notable feature, indicating a well-maintained campsite designed to reduce erosion and improve user experience on the slope.

• Views and Wind Protection: Although slightly sloping, the elevated nature often offers good views of the lake. It also has the "benefit of enough trees to slow the wind," providing a balance of openness and necessary shelter for the main living area.

• Hammock-Friendly: The forest surrounding the site offers "some Hammock spots," allowing visitors the increasingly popular option of stringing up a comfortable, off-ground sleeping or resting area.

• Proximity to Key Waterways: Campsite #855's location on Gaskin Lake places it centrally to the chain of connected lakes in the area, making it an excellent basecamp for day trips further into the wilderness, or a strategic overnight stop for longer, traveling routes.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #855 is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a non-commercial, non-reservable entity. The general address provided for the area, West Cook, MN 55604, refers to the region. All official inquiries, permit issues, and necessary information are handled by the managing district office:

Managing Ranger District (Responsible for the Gaskin Lake Area):

Gunflint Ranger District
2020 West Highway 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone (Gunflint Ranger Station):

(218) 387-1750

Permit Reservations:

Overnight wilderness permits for the BWCAW (required May 1 – September 30) must be reserved online through the official federal portal, Recreation.gov, selecting the appropriate entry point for access to Gaskin Lake (e.g., EP 47 or EP 48).

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #855 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a vital part of the Minnesota outdoor tradition. For locals, this site offers the highly valued opportunity to test their skills in the original "Land of 10,000 Lakes" wilderness. Its location on Gaskin Lake, accessible via the beautiful Gunflint Trail, provides a deep immersion into the Boreal forest ecosystem—an environment that is geographically unique and culturally significant to Minnesotans.

The site's popularity and well-maintained features (like the timber stairs and solid landing) demonstrate its quality, offering a reliable base for a memorable canoe trip, whether for fishing, photography, or simply seeking quiet contemplation. By experiencing a primitive site like #855, Minnesota residents are actively engaging in the stewardship of the BWCAW, preserving its wild character for future generations while enjoying the peace, challenge, and incomparable natural beauty of their state's most cherished wilderness. This is a chance to truly disconnect and return to the roots of Minnesota's profound connection with nature.

BWCA Campsite #855

West Cook, MN 55604, USA