BWCA Campsite #874

- West Cook, MN 55604

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) holds a place of deep reverence in the hearts of Minnesotans. It represents the purest form of backcountry experience available in our region: a vast, roadless tract of over one million acres, defined by pristine lakes, rugged forests, and the challenge of self-propelled travel. Among the hundreds of designated wilderness campsites scattered across this magnificent area is BWCA Campsite #874, a highly sought-after destination located on the expansive and picturesque Sawbill Lake.

Campsite #874 is not a traditional drive-up campground with amenities like showers or paved pads. Instead, it offers an authentic, primitive wilderness experience, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the BWCAW's federal designation. Visitors must paddle or portage to reach it, instantly setting the stage for a trip defined by quiet solitude and a profound connection to the natural environment. This particular site, situated on a major lake, is valued for its balance of accessibility—being relatively close to the entry point—and its inherent wilderness feel.

For the local user, choosing a site on a lake like Sawbill means benefiting from a well-known access point, Entry Point 38, which is supported by a full-service outfitter nearby. This proximity to support, while still requiring a paddle into the wilderness, makes Campsite #874 an excellent option for both seasoned BWCA veterans and families looking to introduce children or beginners to the backcountry experience without immediately committing to multi-day portage chains. Securing a Quota Permit is essential for overnight stays between May 1st and September 30th, reinforcing the managed, low-impact approach to preserving this precious Minnesota resource.

The wilderness regulations, including the "Leave No Trace" mandate, are strictly enforced, ensuring that the natural beauty experienced by a local today will be there for generations of Minnesotans to come. This commitment to preservation is why a stay at Campsite #874 remains a quintessential Northern Minnesota adventure, offering unparalleled opportunities for canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. It’s a true escape into the Northwoods, right here in the West Cook region.

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BWCA Campsite #874 is centrally located on Sawbill Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, part of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. The general administrative address associated with the area is West Cook, MN 55604, USA. Sawbill Lake is a major access point, serving as a primary gateway to numerous routes and a destination in its own right.

Accessibility is a key advantage of this campsite, as it is reached via BWCA Entry Point 38 - Sawbill Lake. To get there, travelers must drive the 24-mile Sawbill Trail (Cook County Highway 2) north from the North Shore town of Tofte on Lake Superior. The trailhead provides ample public parking and is the official launch site for all BWCA trips originating here.

Campsite #874 is one of several designated sites on Sawbill Lake itself, often described as being located in a desirable area of the lake, possibly within one of its bays or on a point that offers separation from the main entry area. Sawbill Lake’s large size and various bays make it feel less traveled than the immediate vicinity of the entry point, even though it’s technically on the same body of water. Depending on its exact placement, the paddle-time to reach Campsite #874 can vary, but generally requires a moderate paddle of a couple of hours or less from the landing, making it an excellent first-night campsite or base camp location. Because it requires paddling to access, the site offers a legitimate wilderness experience without the immediate requirement of a rugged, multi-portage journey.

Its location on Sawbill Lake allows for easy day-trip canoeing to several surrounding lakes, including Alton, Kelso, and Smoke, thereby offering a variety of fishing and exploration options without the necessity of breaking camp daily. This strategic position is what makes Sawbill Lake campsites, and particularly #874, so highly favored among local visitors.

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BWCA Campsite #874, in adherence to the Wilderness Act, provides only the minimal, essential facilities necessary to manage human impact on the pristine environment. All camping is self-supported, meaning visitors must bring their own supplies for food, shelter, and water treatment.

The standardized, rustic facilities provided at this designated campsite include:

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire ring is installed to safely contain campfires for cooking and warmth. All fires must be kept within this grate.

• Latrine: A dispersed pit latrine (an elevated wooden box) is located a short, designated walk away from the main camp area and the lake shore for sanitary disposal of human waste.

• Established Tent Pads: Areas have been cleared and flattened to create multiple spaces for pitching tents, concentrating wear and tear and protecting surrounding vegetation.

• Canoe Landing: A designated spot, often a rocky outcrop or small beach, is available for landing and securely staging canoes.

It is important to note that the nearby Sawbill Lake Entry Point area provides numerous external services—including a full outfitting store, canoe rentals, and showers—but these are outside of the BWCAW and must be accessed before or after the stay at Campsite #874. Once at the campsite, the experience is completely self-reliant and focused on enjoying the unspoiled nature of the wilderness.

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Campsite #874 is celebrated by local paddlers and campers for several features that enhance the wilderness experience:

• Prime Base Camp Location: Its placement on Sawbill Lake offers an excellent base from which to launch day trips deeper into the BWCAW without the hassle of setting up and taking down a new camp every day.

• Excellent Fishing: Sawbill Lake is well-known for its superb fishing, including populations of Walleye and Northern Pike, providing a fantastic opportunity to catch dinner right from the camp's shoreline or via a short paddle.

• Accessibility to Entry: Being on Sawbill Lake means a potentially shorter paddle to and from the entry point than sites on interior lakes, reducing travel time and making the final day of the trip less strenuous.

• Desirable Separation: Campsites on Sawbill, like #874, are typically well-spaced and often positioned on points or in secluded bays, offering the desired solitude and privacy of the wilderness.

• Scenic Views: Campsites on the main body of Sawbill often boast commanding views across the water, providing beautiful backdrops for sunrises, sunsets, and watching the resident wildlife, particularly the iconic loon.

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Campsite #874 is an unstaffed wilderness site. All administrative, regulatory, and reservation inquiries must be directed to the federal and contracted organizations that manage the BWCAW at this entry point:

Managing Ranger District: Tofte Ranger District (Superior National Forest)

Address (for Tofte Ranger District): 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

Phone (for Tofte Ranger District): (218) 663-8060

Outfitter/Entry Point Support (Sawbill): Sawbill Canoe Outfitters is located at the entry point and can assist with permits, gear, and local knowledge.

All required overnight permits (May 1st - September 30th) for Entry Point 38 must be reserved online through the National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov).

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For people living in Minnesota, BWCA Campsite #874 on Sawbill Lake is an ideal destination that perfectly encapsulates the local outdoor tradition. This specific location offers an excellent balance: the convenience of a popular, fully supported entry point (Sawbill) paired with the genuine peace and quiet of a wilderness campsite. This combination is particularly suitable for Minnesota families who cherish outdoor time but may have limited vacation days or are introducing younger members to the rigor of a backcountry trip.

Choosing a site on Sawbill Lake means less time spent portaging and more time dedicated to fishing, relaxing by the fire, and exploring the shoreline. The lake’s size and structure provide a vast aquatic playground for day paddling, yet the designated campsite location ensures isolation from other groups. The accessibility allows for a quick, efficient start and end to the trip, maximizing the time spent truly disconnected from urban life. This campsite is a gateway to practicing our unique Minnesota heritage of wilderness canoeing, strengthening the bond between the resident and the state's most profound natural treasure. It is a place where you can guarantee a night under an unpolluted sky, listen to the loons, and return home feeling genuinely refreshed—a feeling that is fundamentally Minnesotan.

BWCA Campsite #874

West Cook, MN 55604, USA