BWCA Campsite #863

- West Cook, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking to truly disconnect and find the deep, restorative quiet of the Northwoods, BWCA Campsite #863 offers an exceptional and secluded destination. Located within the vast, million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campsite is nestled on the shore of Zenith Lake. Unlike high-traffic lake chains, Zenith Lake often feels far more remote, granting visitors a more intimate and traditional wilderness experience.

Campsite #863 is a designated, primitive site administered by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. It is important to note that this is a "wild-in" experience—meaning there are no modern amenities, no vehicle access, and no reservations for the site itself; only the entry permit is reserved. This particular site is known among experienced paddlers for being well-protected and elevated, offering unique views of Zenith Lake despite being slightly tucked away in a bay.

The campsite is generally suited for smaller groups who value seclusion over large, sprawling beach areas. Its accessibility requires a commitment to paddle and portage, upholding the BWCAW's designation as a non-motorized area. Visitors planning a trip to #863 should anticipate carrying all their gear and supplies and embracing the rigorous 'Leave No Trace' principles. This dedication is the key to unlocking the beauty and solitude that makes the Boundary Waters a cherished part of Minnesota's natural heritage. The rewards here are measured in silence, stunning natural views, and a profound sense of accomplishment.

BWCA Campsite #863 is located on the shores of Zenith Lake, deep within the Superior National Forest in the Gunflint Ranger District of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

General Area Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA

As with all BWCA campsites, the postal address is a regional marker and not the exact, accessible location. Campsite #863 is a boat-in, wilderness site. Access is achieved only by canoe or kayak and involves a multi-day journey of paddling and portaging across several bodies of water. The specific routes to Zenith Lake are varied, often starting from one of the designated BWCAW entry points accessible via the historic Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), which extends north from Grand Marais.

Common entry points for a route that includes Zenith Lake might be Entry Point 47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes) or another nearby access point, requiring skilled navigation and the ability to traverse multiple portages. The seclusion of Campsite #863 is directly tied to the effort required to reach it—it is intentionally deep in the wilderness, limiting visitor numbers and preserving its primitive character. Proper planning with maps and an official BWCA permit is mandatory before attempting this journey. The remoteness means cell service is non-existent, emphasizing the self-reliance required of every Minnesota adventurer who undertakes this trip.

As a strictly primitive wilderness site, Campsite #863 adheres to the minimum level of services required by the U.S. Forest Service to ensure sustainability and group management within the BWCAW. Visitors must be fully equipped for self-support, including all shelter, food, and water purification needs.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site offers several relatively flat spots for setting up tents. Visitor reports suggest between two and four manageable tent pads, making it a good fit for small-to-average-sized BWCA groups (maximum group size is 9 people and 4 watercraft for any BWCA group).
• Wilderness Latrine: A designated pit latrine is provided to manage human waste away from the lake and main camp area. Visitors often mention the trail to the latrine, highlighting its distance which ensures discretion and minimizes environmental impact.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, raised steel fire grate is the only legal place for building a campfire. All fires are contingent upon current fire regulations and bans.
• Canoe Landing Area: A clear, though possibly rocky or muddy, area is designated for pulling up and securing canoes or kayaks. Reports indicate a "decent landing with room to unload" and move watercraft to a sheltered spot.

Crucial Note: There is no potable water, garbage collection, electricity, or running water available. All water must be filtered or boiled from Zenith Lake. All trash must be packed out—the principle of "Pack it in, Pack it out" is strictly enforced to maintain the wilderness quality Minnesotans cherish.

BWCA Campsite #863, despite being small and relatively tucked away, has specific features that make it a favorite for those who manage to paddle its remote location on Zenith Lake.

• Elevated and Sheltered Location: The campsite is perched on high ground accessed by a short climb from the water. This elevation provides protection and allows for views of the lake through the trees, while keeping the sleeping areas sheltered from wind and weather.
• Superior Seclusion: Deep within a bay on Zenith Lake, the site is known for having little canoe traffic, offering a high degree of privacy and solitude that many Minnesota travelers seek in the BWCAW.
• Unique Forest Experience: The site is well-forested with large trees, providing excellent shade, ample opportunities for hanging food bags (bear bags), and a cozy, sheltered feel compared to more exposed point sites.
• Pollinator Activity: One traveler report noted "lots of neat pollinator activity" due to flowering plants immediately around the site, suggesting a vibrant, healthy micro-environment perfect for nature observation and photography.
• Suitability for Small Groups: Given its slightly smaller, multi-level layout and tent capacity, the site is perfectly optimized for a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small paddling group looking for a cozy, tight-knit camp atmosphere.

Direct contact with BWCA Campsite #863 is impossible, as it is a remote location without any on-site staff or direct line. Information must be sought through the administering body and the permit reservation system.

Administrative Contact (Permit Reservations): 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

General Administrative Office: Superior National Forest Headquarters, 8901 Grand Ave Place, Duluth, MN 55808 (Note: This is an administrative office, not the campsite location.)

Permit Requirements: A quota permit is required for all overnight trips from May 1st to September 30th. Permits must specify the entry point that provides access to Zenith Lake. Self-issued permits are required for all overnight trips outside of the quota season (October 1st – April 30th). Local Minnesota outfitters near towns like Grand Marais or Ely are excellent resources for obtaining permits and renting gear.

BWCA Campsite #863 on Zenith Lake is the quintessential destination for the Minnesota local who has experienced the more accessible parts of the Boundary Waters and is now ready for a deeper dive into true wilderness solitude. Its inherent inaccessibility is precisely what makes it ideal; the required multi-day paddle and portage filters traffic, ensuring the few who reach it are rewarded with a level of peace that is increasingly rare in the modern world.

This campsite specifically caters to the seasoned, self-reliant local who appreciates a smaller, more intimate setting. The elevated position, sense of seclusion in the bay, and the natural shelter provided by the surrounding forest create a perfect base for a low-key, nature-focused trip—whether fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply escaping the daily grind. Campsite #863 represents the challenging, yet deeply fulfilling, end of the Minnesota outdoor spectrum, offering a powerful, personal connection to the state's most pristine and protected landscapes. It's a wilderness gem waiting to be discovered by those willing to paddle for it.

BWCA Campsite #863

West Cook, MN 55604, USA