BWCA Campsite #862

- West Cook, MN 55604

For seasoned Minnesota paddlers and wilderness enthusiasts, BWCA Campsite #862 represents the pinnacle of a classic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) experience. Located on the majestic and deep Tuscarora Lake, this site is far removed from the easily accessible entry points, offering a significant sense of solitude and accomplishment. Unlike sites closer to the periphery, #862 is an interior gem, typically reserved for groups committed to a multi-day paddle and multiple portages.

While official records from the U.S. Forest Service provide the number and location, user reports frequently highlight this site as a superb destination, particularly noted for its island location and commanding views over the expansive, deep-water lake. Tuscarora Lake itself is renowned for its stunning, rugged shoreline, which was historically impacted by significant fires in the 19th century, resulting in a rich, diverse forest mosaic today. The lake is especially famous among anglers as a premier spot for Lake Trout fishing, making this campsite a highly sought-after basecamp.

To reach Campsite #862, visitors must commit to a true wilderness journey, often beginning from a Gunflint Trail entry point (such as Round Lake, EP 55, or Larch Creek, EP 80) which requires several portages and navigational effort. This deliberate seclusion ensures a pristine, quiet environment where the chances of encountering other groups are minimized, allowing for a deep connection with the Minnesota Northwoods. Remember, like all BWCA sites, #862 is first-come, first-served once you are inside the wilderness, emphasizing the need for flexible planning and a robust itinerary.

BWCA Campsite #862 is officially located within the vast expanse of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, specifically on an island within Tuscarora Lake.

General Area Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA (The nearest administrative area)

The site falls under the administration of the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. It is not accessible by road; entry requires securing an overnight quota permit for a designated entry point (EP). Given its depth in the wilderness, common access points include those off the Gunflint Trail, a long, paved road leading north from Grand Marais, Minnesota.

The journey to Tuscarora Lake often involves navigating the labyrinthine network of lakes connected by portages. A typical route could involve multiple paddling and portaging segments from an entry point like Round Lake or Cross Bay. This significant physical commitment—often taking an entire day, if not more, to reach—is precisely what preserves the area’s remote character. The paddle across Tuscarora Lake itself can be challenging, as the large lake is susceptible to high winds and strong waves.

Visitors should be prepared for rugged, unmaintained portage trails characteristic of the BWCA interior. Accessibility is purely by non-motorized paddle craft (canoe or kayak), and requires excellent navigational skills using maps and a compass, as well as the physical fitness to manage multiple portages with gear. Local outfitters along the Gunflint Trail are the essential first stop for permits, route guidance, and equipment outfitting before embarking on the paddle to Campsite #862.

Campsite #862, as a designated BWCA site, adheres to the strict 'Leave No Trace' principles and provides only the minimum facilities required for fire safety and sanitation. Campers must be fully self-contained and prepared for a primitive experience.

• Fire Grate: A mandatory, permanent steel fire grate is provided. All fires must be built within this structure to prevent wildfires and protect the forest floor. Campers must be aware of and follow all current Forest Service fire restrictions.
• Wilderness Latrine ('Thunderbox'): A designated, rustic latrine (usually a wooden box with a seat) is located a short, discreet distance from the main camp area and water source, strictly for the proper disposal of human waste.
• Established Tent Pads: The site includes several cleared, relatively flat areas for pitching tents. Using these designated spots is essential for protecting the native ecosystem from overuse and compaction.
• Canoe Landing: A naturally cleared shoreline spot—often a sloped rock face or small gravel area—is maintained for safely landing and launching canoes and for loading/unloading gear.

It is crucial to note that no non-wilderness services exist here: no electricity, no running water (all water must be filtered from the lake), no trash collection (pack-it-in, pack-it-out is mandatory), and no cellular service.

The specific island location of Campsite #862 on Tuscarora Lake contributes significantly to its reputation as a premium wilderness destination in Minnesota.

• Island Seclusion and Views: Being an island site provides a superior level of solitude and protection from mainland disturbances. It often offers 360-degree views of the lake, making for spectacular sunrise and sunset photo opportunities over the water.
• Excellent Fishing Access: Tuscarora Lake is one of the BWCA’s key deep-water lakes, known for supporting a robust population of Lake Trout. The campsite serves as an ideal base for anglers specifically targeting this elusive species.
• Rugged, Classic BWCA Terrain: The island and surrounding mainland feature the rocky, pine-studded landscape characteristic of the Canadian Shield—vaulting pines, exposed bedrock, and clear water—delivering the quintessential Northwoods aesthetic.
• Superior Hammocking and Tent Placement: High-quality island sites like #862 are often noted by past users for having ample, well-spaced trees, making them perfect for setting up hammocks or multiple tents with relative ease and privacy.
• Remoteness and Quiet: The multi-portage journey required to reach Tuscarora Lake naturally filters out day-trippers and less committed groups, ensuring a quiet, deeply immersive experience where the sounds of the wilderness truly dominate.

All official communication and permitting for this area of the BWCA are managed through the Gunflint Ranger District.

Permit Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov is the only source for quota permits)

Gunflint Ranger District Office (Administering Station):

Address: 2020 West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone: (218) 387-1750 (Superior National Forest - Gunflint District)

Prospective visitors are strongly encouraged to contact one of the established, professional outfitters along the Gunflint Trail for current conditions, detailed routing, and gear rental advice, as their expertise is invaluable for an interior trip to Tuscarora Lake.

BWCA Campsite #862 on Tuscarora Lake is uniquely suited for Minnesota locals because it offers the deep, challenging, and rewarding wilderness immersion that the state’s residents truly value. This site is not for the casual visitor; it is for those who embrace the physical and mental commitment required to paddle and portage deep into the interior. For Minnesotans, this challenge is a badge of honor—a chance to disconnect fully from the urban environment and reconnect with the wild, rugged heart of the Northwoods.

The exceptional quality of the campsite—its island setting, stunning views, and reputation for quiet solitude—makes the multi-day journey entirely worthwhile. It provides a pure, uncompromised BWCA experience, complete with opportunities for catching trophy Lake Trout and observing native wildlife in a truly remote setting. Campsite #862 is an escape to a higher level of wilderness, a destination that locals often aspire to visit, solidifying their connection to Minnesota’s unparalleled canoe country legacy.

BWCA Campsite #862

West Cook, MN 55604, USA