BWCA Campsite #872

- West Cook, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents who embrace the Northwoods and the challenge of true wilderness travel, BWCA Campsite #872 on Kelso Lake offers a classic, unadulterated Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) experience. Located within the vast expanse of the Superior National Forest, this designated primitive campsite is a popular stop for groups completing the scenic Kelso Loop route, often accessed via the nearby Sawbill Lake Entry Point.

Campsite #872 is one of approximately 2,000 official campsites scattered across the million-acre BWCAW, each offering a unique point of refuge along the intricate network of lakes and portages. Unlike front-country campgrounds, this is a pack-in, pack-out site that demands self-sufficiency. It is highly regarded by many local paddlers for its favorable position on a point or peninsula, which typically provides a good breeze to deter insects and open sightlines across Kelso Lake—a desirable feature in the often-secluded BWCA environment. It is known to be an open campsite, providing ample space for groups to set up their temporary wilderness home. Visitors seeking this site must secure an overnight quota permit for the appropriate entry point during the regulated season (May 1 - September 30).

Kelso Lake itself is a crossroads for canoeists, linking to popular destinations like Sawbill Lake and Alton Lake. Geologically older than some surrounding lakes, Kelso features many floating bogs—a rich environment for unique Northern Minnesota flora, including the insect-eating Pitcher Plant. This campsite, therefore, is not merely a place to sleep, but a base from which to explore a rich, varied, and genuinely wild ecosystem.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #872 is located on Kelso Lake, which is situated in the broader administrative area of West Cook, MN 55604, USA. Kelso Lake is managed by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, but its popular access is often through the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38). It is crucial for local users to understand that the address is a geographical reference for the general vicinity, not a navigable street address.

Access to Campsite #872 is exclusively achieved by canoe or kayak. A typical route involves paddling across the initial lake from the entry point and utilizing one or more portages (land trails where watercraft and gear are carried) to reach Kelso Lake. For many visitors coming from Sawbill Lake, the route includes the short but historically significant portage into Alton Lake, followed by the portage into Kelso Lake. The portages in this area are known for historically having a narrow-gauge railroad used for an old lookout tower, giving them unique character.

The site itself is one of three designated campsites on Kelso Lake, specifically the middle of the three sites along the east shore. Its position on a point or peninsula means it often features a solid, rock-based canoe landing, making arrival and departure manageable, even in moderate winds. The nearest gateway communities that provide outfitting and last-minute supplies for this area are found near the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Services Offered

As a designated primitive campsite within a National Wilderness Preservation System, the services available at BWCA Campsite #872 are intentionally minimal, adhering to the "Leave No Trace" ethos. The site is maintained to ensure sustainability and resource protection.

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Features / Highlights

The features and highlights of BWCA Campsite #872 are centered on the natural environment and its excellent geographical position on Kelso Lake.

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Contact Information

Campsite #872 is a remote, unstaffed site within the BWCAW. For permit reservations, rules, and regional information, travelers must utilize the resources of the Superior National Forest and official permit system.

Address: Kelso Lake, West Cook, MN 55604, USA (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 inquiries, typically (218) 626-4300, or the national reservation hotline (1-877-444-6777) for permit-specific questions.

Note: Overnight entry permits for this area are typically secured via the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38) through Recreation.gov. It is essential to reserve well in advance during the peak summer season.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #872 offers a genuine slice of the state’s wild heritage, making it an ideal choice for a local wilderness adventure. This site embodies the rugged beauty and serene solitude that the Northwoods is famous for, and the challenges of accessing it reinforce a deep connection to the natural environment.

Locals understand that the best views often come with a bit of effort. The peninsula location rewards the portaging effort with open views and a much-needed defense against summer insects. Furthermore, the Kelso-Alton-Sawbill area, with its unique geology and accessible loop routes, is an excellent choice for Minnesotans of varying canoeing experience levels. The slight inconvenience of the water's bog drainage flavor, as noted by fellow travelers, is a minor hurdle easily overcome with modern filtering and flavor packets—a small concession for the spectacular scenery and profound quiet.

Choosing this campsite means engaging in a beloved Minnesota tradition. It's an opportunity to escape the hustle of the Twin Cities and other urban centers, trade traffic noise for the call of the loon, and reconnect with the simple, essential rhythms of life under the vast northern sky. For the Minnesota outdoors enthusiast, Campsite #872 is a temporary, wild haven that resets the soul.

BWCA Campsite #872

West Cook, MN 55604, USA