BWCA Campsite #859 on Wine Lake: Your Gateway to Northwoods Solitude

Introduction / Overview

For many Minnesotans, the ultimate escape from the hustle of modern life is found within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). BWCA Campsite #859 represents a coveted piece of that experience: a designated, primitive, paddle-in campsite that promises profound solitude and breathtaking natural beauty. Unlike traditional developed campgrounds, this location offers no amenities beyond the absolute basics, compelling visitors to fully embrace self-sufficiency and the timeless practice of wilderness travel. Campsite #859 is uniquely situated on Wine Lake, a stunning body of water known for its clear depths and surrounding stands of towering white pine—a feature often highlighted by those lucky enough to secure a permit for this particular area.

The location on Wine Lake places this campsite in a network of routes that can be accessed from several entry points, most commonly including those managed by the Tofte Ranger District (such as Entry Point #38 – Sawbill Lake) or the Gunflint Ranger District (such as Entry Point #51 – Missing Link Lake), depending on the specific route chosen for the trip. While the provided address of West Cook, MN 55604 is a broader administrative location, the actual site is deep within the roadless area of the Superior National Forest. The trip to Campsite #859 is thus an integral part of the adventure, involving canoeing and portaging (carrying canoes and gear across land trails) over varying distances. Securing a permit is the critical first step to experiencing the unparalleled tranquility that this highly-regarded site offers. This truly is the heart of the Northwoods, preserved for those seeking an authentic wilderness challenge.

Location and Accessibility

While the official mailing jurisdiction is:

West Cook, MN 55604, USA

The actual location of BWCA Campsite #859 is on Wine Lake, a secluded lake deep within the Boundary Waters. Access to the campsite is strictly controlled to maintain its wilderness character.

Permit Required: Overnight stays between May 1st and September 30th require a reserved Quota Permit, which must be picked up in person at the corresponding Forest Service office or an authorized outfitter. The permit specifies the date and location of entry, ensuring controlled use.
Entry Points: Depending on the chosen route, common entry points to reach Wine Lake are often found along the Gunflint Trail (e.g., Missing Link Lake) or near Tofte (e.g., Sawbill Lake), requiring several hours of paddling and portaging to reach the campsite’s location.
Paddle and Portage Travel: The campsite is accessible only by canoe or kayak. Visitors must be prepared for the physical demands of portaging all gear and watercraft over natural, unmaintained forest trails that connect the various lakes and waterways on the route to Wine Lake.
Navigation: This is backcountry camping. The site is marked only by a small Forest Service sign on the shoreline and its location on official BWCA maps. GPS or traditional map and compass skills are essential for navigation.

Services Offered

As a designated site within a federally protected wilderness area, BWCA Campsite #859 adheres to the management philosophy of providing a primitive, “leave no trace” experience. The services provided are minimal and intended for environmental protection and group containment, not comfort:

Designated Camp Area: A specific, pre-compacted area for pitching tents to minimize impact on surrounding vegetation. Only one group (maximum of nine people) is allowed to occupy the site at any given time.
Primitive Latrine: A pit toilet, often referred to as a 'thunderbox,' is placed a short, discreet distance from the main camp area and water’s edge to ensure proper sanitation and waste disposal.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty fire ring is installed at the site. All campfires and cooking fires must be built inside this grate, utilizing only dead and downed wood that is found within the area.
Water Source: Direct access to Wine Lake for obtaining water. However, all lake water is considered non-potable and must be treated (boiled, filtered, or chemically purified) before consumption.
No Trash Disposal: There are no waste bins. All trash, food scraps, and waste must be securely packed out of the wilderness by the camping group.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #859 on Wine Lake is particularly celebrated by those who have camped there for its unique natural features and excellent camp amenities (relative to the primitive BWCA standard):

Magnificent White Pines: The site is often praised for being situated amongst a grove of gigantic, mature white pines, providing ample shade, excellent hammock options, and a classic Northwoods aesthetic.
Superior Canoe Landing: User reviews frequently note the campsite features a very nice, easy canoe landing, sometimes with gently sloping rocks or gravel that makes loading and unloading simpler than at more rugged sites.
Elevated and Sheltered Position: The campsite is reported to be relatively high off the water, offering good views and a natural shelter from wind, which is a key comfort feature in the BWCA.
Excellent Group Seating/Kitchen Area: The fire grate area is described as multi-tiered and spacious, often featuring natural log benches or flat rocks that can comfortably seat a crowd, creating an ideal social and cooking space.
Secluded Lake Setting: Wine Lake itself is known to be a stunning, quiet, and secluded body of water, making this site an ideal base camp for a multi-day trip focused on relaxation, fishing, and deep-woods exploration.
Fishing Opportunities: Like most BWCA lakes, Wine Lake offers exceptional opportunities for catching native fish species, adding another layer of traditional wilderness recreation to the experience.

Contact Information

For detailed trip planning, current wilderness conditions, and all necessary permit reservations related to the BWCA, the primary contact for this general region is the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the western portion of the Superior National Forest:

LaCroix Ranger District Address:

320 N. Highway 53, Cook, MN 55723

BWCA General Information and Permit Line (LaCroix Ranger District):

(218) 666-0020

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #859 on Wine Lake offers Minnesota residents a unique, premium slice of their state's wilderness heritage. For those living in the region, the Northwoods are not just a vacation spot, but a defining feature of home. A trip to this specific campsite is the perfect opportunity to engage with that identity. Local knowledge and proximity make it easier for Minnesotans to secure the highly sought-after permits, coordinate with local outfitters for specialized gear (like lightweight canoes and food packs), and embark on multi-day expeditions with less logistical stress than out-of-state visitors. The site’s renowned natural beauty—especially its towering white pines and private, elevated setting—ensures that the effort involved in the paddle and portage is rewarded with a quintessential, high-quality wilderness experience. This is the place to reconnect with nature, practice authentic woodcraft, and secure memories of a lifetime in Minnesota’s crown jewel, the Boundary Waters.