BWCA Campsite #870 on Alton Lake: Spacious Group Base Camp with Stunning Views near West Cook, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents seeking the ultimate in canoe-country solitude without sacrificing space for a larger group, BWCA Campsite #870 on Alton Lake stands out as a premier destination. Located within the globally renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the Superior National Forest, this primitive campsite offers a rugged, authentic Northwoods experience combined with an unusually generous footprint for a wilderness site.

Alton Lake itself is a gem—a large, clear waterway known for its high hills, beautiful scenery, and its function as a crossroads connecting several popular canoe routes, including the short portage to Sawbill Lake and a path to the sheltered Kelso River. Campsite #870 is situated strategically on the eastern shoreline of Alton Lake, just south of the Kelso Lake portage. This location makes it an excellent base camp, allowing for easy day-trip excursions into neighboring lakes while providing a comfortable and spacious home site.

The site is consistently praised by local paddlers for its large, open area and capacity to host bigger groups comfortably, a key consideration for Minnesota families or multiple-canoe parties traveling together. Visitors report an elevated setting for the fire grate and kitchen area, which delivers spectacular views across the lake, making the entire experience feel expansive and deeply connected to the natural landscape. Like all BWCA sites, #870 is maintained with a primitive ethos, requiring visitors to secure permits, practice Leave No Trace principles, and be entirely self-sufficient.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #870 is located on the eastern shore of Alton Lake, near the geographic area designated as West Cook, MN 55604, USA. This places it in the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, a region synonymous with premier Minnesota wilderness paddling.

Access to Alton Lake and Campsite #870 is primarily through the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38). From the entry point, it’s a relatively straightforward paddle and a short, flat portage (historically the site of a logging railway) from Sawbill Lake directly into Alton Lake. The ease of the initial access is a major reason why Alton Lake is so popular, offering a quick transition from civilization into the wilderness.

Once on Alton Lake, the campsite is located just south of the portage that connects Alton to Kelso Lake. The canoe landing at Campsite #870 is noted for being "easy" and sometimes featuring a "nice sandy beach," which is a significant bonus for smooth launching and landing of canoes, especially when managing gear or for groups that include children. Its position allows for seamless travel—a short paddle (approximately 10 rods) from the landing area can also connect travelers to the sheltered Kelso River, a wonderful option for exploring when Alton Lake is windy.

Services Offered

As a designated site within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Campsite #870 maintains a primitive standard, offering minimal, essential facilities for sustainable wilderness camping, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Permanent Fire Grate: A heavy-duty metal fire grate is provided at a designated spot. This is the only legal area for building a fire, crucial for cooking and warmth. At site #870, the kitchen/fire area is often described as elevated and surrounded by rock, which is ideal for food preparation.

Vault Latrine (Thunderbox): A primitive, non-flush latrine, referred to as a "vault toilet" or "thunderbox," is available for human waste disposal. It is located a significant distance from the main camp, as one customer review notes a notable "hike to the toilet," ensuring sanitation and privacy.

Multiple Tent Pads/Areas: The site is known to be spacious, offering "plenty of room for a big group" and a capacity for three or more tents, with up to nine people recommended. This abundance of cleared space is a key amenity for larger parties.

Easy Canoe Landing: The shoreline features a well-defined and easy-to-use canoe landing. The area often has an advantageous composition, such as a "sandy beach," which simplifies loading, unloading, and canoe storage.

Access to Clean Water: The lake itself provides a clean water source, which must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption, following all BWCA guidelines.

Bear Safety Trees: Plenty of mature trees are available throughout the site for safely hanging food and scented items in a bear bag, a mandatory practice in the BWCA.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #870 is celebrated for a combination of natural and structural features that elevate it above a typical wilderness campsite.

Exceptional Group Capacity: The site’s spaciousness is its defining highlight. With ample room and multiple distinct tent pads (some sources suggest three or more), it easily accommodates larger groups, making it one of the most practical options on Alton Lake for big Minnesota families or organized youth trips.

Amazing Panoramic Views: Due to its elevated position on the eastern shore of Alton Lake, the campsite provides "great views" of the lake, especially from the elevated rock area often used as the kitchen/sitting space. These vistas are perfect for morning coffee or watching sunsets over the water.

Sandy Beach Access: A unique and highly desirable feature for a BWCA site is the noted "nice sandy beach" on its western end. This natural beach provides safe, easy water access for swimming, sunbathing, and is a significant convenience for landing and launching canoes.

Strategic Route Access: Its proximity (just 10 rods) to the Kelso River offers a sheltered day trip opportunity, allowing paddlers to explore the quiet river and visit the unique Dolmen Rock, even when Alton Lake is too windy for open-water paddling.

Elevated Kitchen Area: The main camp area, including the fire grate, is often situated on an elevated rock shelf or platform. This not only enhances the view but also provides a naturally flat, hard surface that stays drier and is ideal for meal preparation.

Solitude with Accessibility: While the BWCA is always a wilderness experience, the campsite’s location offers a rare balance. It is a short trip from a main entry point, yet situated deeply enough to feel genuinely remote and secluded.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #870 is a primitive, unstaffed location within a federally protected wilderness area. All administrative matters, including permitting and emergency contacts, must be directed to the overseeing U.S. Forest Service office.

Address: Alton Lake, West Cook, MN 55604, USA (Remote Wilderness Location)

Primary Administrative Contact: Superior National Forest, Tofte Ranger District

Phone: Visitors must use the most current general number for the Superior National Forest for regional inquiries, typically (218) 626-4300, or the national reservation hotline (1-877-444-6777) for permit-specific questions.

Note: Overnight permits for entry via Sawbill Lake (#38) are mandatory from May through September and must be reserved in advance through the federal reservation system, Recreation.gov. Early booking is essential due to the popularity of the entry point.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #870 on Alton Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals who view the Boundary Waters as their backyard wilderness. This site addresses two key practical needs of the local paddle community: accommodating large groups and providing an optimal base-camp location. Locals with large families or established paddling groups will deeply appreciate the confirmed spaciousness and multiple tent pad areas, which are often hard to guarantee in the BWCA. The site's ability to host eight or more people comfortably makes logistics simpler and the experience more enjoyable.

Furthermore, its proximity to the Sawbill Entry Point, combined with the excellent day-tripping opportunities via Kelso Lake and River, allows Minnesota paddlers to maximize their time in the wilderness with minimal travel stress. The stunning, elevated views and the rare sandy beach for swimming provide a classic Northwoods backdrop that elevates the overall experience. By selecting Campsite #870, locals choose a proven, high-quality destination that delivers all the rugged beauty and solitude the BWCA is known for, with a level of convenience and group capacity that only the most sought-after sites can offer.