BWCA Campsite #864

- West Cook, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview: Embracing True Wilderness at BWCA Campsite #864

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts, the ultimate pilgrimage is a journey into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). BWCA Campsite #864 is not a drive-in park—it is a specific, designated wilderness site that represents the pinnacle of the state's protected canoe country camping. Located on the northern shore of Gaskin Lake, this campsite offers a quintessential Northwoods experience, combining the challenge of a paddle-and-portage trip with the immense reward of total solitude and breathtaking natural beauty.

Unlike traditional campgrounds, BWCA sites are reserved for permit holders entering the wilderness via a specific entry point on a specific date. Campsite #864 is highly regarded by those who have successfully paddled to it, often cited for its beauty and utility. Reviews from previous visitors consistently mention its nice tent pads, good landing, and excellent views across Gaskin Lake. Because all BWCA camping is conducted under strict Leave No Trace principles, this site, like all others in the wilderness, offers a deeply traditional and environmentally responsible camping opportunity.

This is a site for the prepared adventurer, demanding self-reliance, physical effort to portage gear, and a deep respect for the environment. It is the perfect spot for Minnesota residents seeking to disconnect entirely and immerse themselves in the world-famous silence of the BWCAW.

Location and Accessibility: A Paddle into Gaskin Lake

BWCA Campsite #864 is geographically situated within the vast expanse of the Superior National Forest, listed under the general area of West Cook, MN 55604, USA. Crucially, its location is on the north shore of Gaskin Lake, a destination well within the protected wilderness area. Access to this campsite is strictly by non-motorized means—canoeing and portaging—as dictated by federal wilderness regulations.

To reach Gaskin Lake, visitors typically enter the BWCAW through one of the designated entry points near the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12), such as Entry Point 48 (Meeds Lake) or Entry Point 47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes). Depending on the chosen route, the journey to Campsite #864 involves multiple portages (carrying canoes and gear overland between lakes) and significant paddling across several bodies of water. This remote location ensures genuine isolation, as the only way to arrive is through intentional, human-powered travel.

Gaskin Lake is part of a heavily trafficked canoe loop, meaning the site is popular, but its difficulty of access filters out casual users. Campsite #864 itself is generally described as being slightly elevated from the water, with a good, smooth rock or occasionally stepped landing area for canoes, offering a vantage point for viewing the lake while providing some wind protection from the surrounding forest.

Services Offered

BWCA Campsite #864, as a designated wilderness site, provides minimal services by design, adhering to the principle of primitive, low-impact camping. The emphasis is entirely on self-sufficiency and preserving the wilderness character:

• Wilderness Latrine: Each designated campsite is equipped with a wilderness latrine (a rudimentary outhouse or pit toilet) specifically for human waste. Note that latrines are not garbage cans; all personal waste items must be packed out.

• Steel Fire Grate: A single, established steel fire grate is provided at the primary cooking area of the campsite for contained campfires. Fires must be fully extinguished until cold to the touch when leaving the site or going to bed.

• Established Tent Pads/Areas: The site features designated, relatively flat areas—often called 'tent pads' or 'tent areas'—where campers are required to set up their sleeping units to minimize resource damage and soil erosion.

• Canoe Landing: The site includes an established access point along the shore, often with large rocks or a short stretch of sand, where canoes can be landed and tied off.

• Water Source: Water is sourced directly from Gaskin Lake. There is no potable water provided, and all lake or stream water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before drinking or use in cooking, following strict wilderness health guidelines.

• No Trash Service: Like the entire BWCAW, there is a mandatory "Pack It In, Pack It Out" rule. All garbage, including food scraps, personal hygiene products, and fish remains, must be carried out of the wilderness by the group.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #864 is a favorite among local paddlers for several specific features that enhance the wilderness experience:

• Excellent Lake Vistas: The site's elevated, sloping position offers "good views of the lake" and is particularly noted for potential "fantastic sunset views" across the western expanse of Gaskin Lake.

• Ample Space and Layout: It is described as a large, relatively open site with enough room for multiple tents (accommodating up to the permitted group maximum of nine people), including two distinct, nice tent pads, and flat ground around the fire grate for comfortable seating.

• Protected Access: The smooth rock landing and, according to some reports, a series of timber steps leading up to the main site area, make loading and unloading canoes easier than many other rugged shoreline sites.

• Wind and Bug Control: Being on a point or an exposed shore, the site benefits from breezes that can help keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay, a key consideration for summer trips.

• Strategic Location: Campsite #864 is strategically located for further travel. It offers relatively easy access to other major canoe routes, including the portages toward lakes like Winchell and Horseshoe, making it a good base camp or a mid-trip stopover.

• Forest Environment: The site is located in a mixed forest environment, providing a balance of shade from trees and open areas for views. However, visitors should be aware that finding abundant loose, dead firewood can be a challenge due to the popularity and heavy use of the area, necessitating bringing a camp stove or paddling away from camp to gather wood.

Contact Information

As a non-commercial, remote wilderness site, BWCA Campsite #864 does not have its own physical address or direct phone line. All information, permits, and administrative details for this region are handled by the U.S. Forest Service through the Superior National Forest’s local Ranger Districts.

Managing Ranger District (for permits and local information):

Tofte Ranger District
7355 West Hwy 61
P.O. Box 2159
Tofte, MN 55615

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

Reserve Online: Recreation.gov

Phone (Tofte Ranger Station):

(218) 663-7280

Note: Overnight entry to the BWCAW requires a quota permit reserved in advance, with a specific entry date and entry point (e.g., Meeds Lake #48). This specific campsite (#864) cannot be reserved; it is claimed by the first group to arrive with a valid entry permit for the Gaskin Lake area.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #864 is more than just a place to sleep; it is a vital part of the Minnesota identity, offering a deep connection to the state's protected wilderness heritage. For locals, this site is the benchmark for the challenging yet immensely rewarding experience of Boundary Waters camping. Its suitability lies in the genuine opportunity for "deep solitude"—an escape from the over-commercialized aspects of modern recreation.

The journey to Campsite #864 requires Minnesotans to employ the traditional skills of canoeing, portaging, and wilderness navigation—skills often passed down through generations. Once there, the lack of modern amenities forces a simplifying and refocusing on the essential elements of nature. The great views and secluded atmosphere make the effort worthwhile, and the required adherence to the strict Leave No Trace ethic ensures that the beauty of Gaskin Lake remains preserved for future generations. This is the ultimate trip for a Minnesota resident seeking to test their self-reliance and experience the raw, untamed beauty of the legendary Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #864

West Cook, MN 55604, USA