BWCA Campsite #885

- West Cook, MN 55604

For generations of Minnesotans, the ultimate escape has been the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a place where the sounds of civilization are replaced by the call of the loon and the lapping of water against a canoe. BWCA Campsite #885 is a highly-coveted piece of this protected North Woods landscape. This is not a recreational vehicle park or a simple drive-up site; it is a designated, rustic backcountry haven within the vast, million-acre wilderness managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Campsite #885 is particularly well-regarded among the over 2,000 designated campsites in the BWCAW system. Located on Sea Gull Lake, near the end of the historic Gunflint Trail, this site offers more than just a place to sleep—it provides an immersive wilderness experience characterized by solitude, pristine nature, and a unique set of amenities for a backcountry location. It’s known for its protected, sandy cove, making it a favorite for ease of landing and even a unique swimming area. Visiting this site requires a highly sought-after permit, meticulous planning, and a commitment to the Leave No Trace principles that protect the BWCAW's fragile ecosystem. For the Minnesota local seeking to fully disconnect and embrace a challenging but deeply rewarding adventure, Campsite #885 represents the pinnacle of North Woods paddling and camping.

BWCA Campsite #885 is situated on Sea Gull Lake, one of the larger and more accessible lakes in the eastern portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Sea Gull Lake lies along the Gunflint Trail, which begins near Grand Marais, placing the campsite's general area in the vicinity of West Cook, MN 55604, USA.

General Location: Sea Gull Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest, near West Cook, MN 55604, USA.

Accessibility: Access to this campsite is exclusively by watercraft—canoe or kayak—and it requires securing a mandatory, limited-quota Overnight Paddle Permit through the U.S. Forest Service (via Recreation.gov) for a specific entry point, most commonly the Sea Gull Lake Entry Point (#54). This is a competitive process, particularly for peak season dates. Once the permit is secured and the entry point is accessed, the journey to the campsite involves paddling across a segment of Sea Gull Lake. While Sea Gull Lake permits some limited motor use in certain eastern portions, travel to the campsite itself is predominantly done by non-motorized means to preserve the wilderness character of the area. There is no road access, and all gear must be portaged and carried by the camping party.

As a designated wilderness campsite, the services at BWCA Campsite #885 are intentionally rustic and minimal, designed to meet basic needs while ensuring the preservation of the area’s primitive nature. All visitors must adhere to strict wilderness rules, including a maximum group size of nine people and four watercraft.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided at the core of the campsite, which must be used for all fires. Fires are only allowed if there are no fire bans in effect, and only dead and downed wood may be collected and burned.

• Wilderness Latrine: A simple, open-air pit latrine is provided for human waste disposal, located a short distance away from the main camp area to maintain sanitation.

• Designated Tent Pads: Cleared and level areas are available for pitching tents, designed to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation and soil erosion.

• Non-Potable Water Access: The campsite is situated directly on the lake, providing access to water. However, all lake water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption as it is not potable.

• Permit and Entry System: The required overnight permit functions as the primary "service," granting legal, restricted access to the wilderness for the duration of the trip.

• Leave No Trace Infrastructure: Though not a "service" in the traditional sense, the site is designed around Leave No Trace principles, requiring all trash and waste (other than human waste in the latrine) to be packed out completely.

Campsite #885 is celebrated for its natural features, distinguishing it as one of the highly desirable overnight stays on Sea Gull Lake.

• Sandy Beach Landing and Cove: Uniquely for the rocky North Woods, the campsite features a protected, sandy cove that facilitates easy landing of canoes and provides a gentle slope into the water, ideal for swimming and safely securing watercraft.

• Panoramic Lake Views: Situated on a prominent point or area that grants excellent sightlines across Sea Gull Lake, providing stunning sunset and sunrise photo opportunities and dark sky viewing, particularly since the BWCAW was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020.

• Seclusion and Solitude: As a designated wilderness camp, it offers exceptional privacy. The spacing of the campsites is designed to ensure that groups do not infringe on one another’s experience, providing the deep solitude that defines the Boundary Waters.

• Access to Area Exploration: The general area offers opportunities for short, non-designated hiking trails (game trails or paths to granite peaks) to explore the surrounding granite peaks and forest, offering elevated views of Sea Gull Lake.

• Excellent Canoe and Kayak Storage: The geography of the site, particularly the protected cove, allows for simple, protected storage of watercraft away from high winds or waves.

• Quality Firewood Availability: Due to the forested location, there is typically a reasonable supply of dead and downed wood nearby (collected well away from the immediate camp area) for evening campfires, contributing to a classic wilderness experience.

Direct contact information for an individual campsite does not exist. All logistical, permit, and regulations questions must be directed to the federal agency overseeing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Administering Agency: USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest

Permit Reservation Website (Seasonal Quota Permits): Recreation.gov

National Permit Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Toll-free)

Local Superior National Forest Office (for area-specific inquiries): (218) 626-4300

Address (General Area and Permit Issuing Stations): BWCA Permit Issuing Stations are located near various entry points, including those along the Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais/Tofte Ranger District) and the Ely Ranger District.

BWCA Campsite #885 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a cultural touchstone for Minnesotans. It represents a heritage of outdoor adventure, self-reliance, and stewardship deeply ingrained in the state’s identity. For locals, accessing the BWCAW is an annual pilgrimage, a mandatory reset from modern life. This specific campsite, known for its beauty and desirable features, offers the perfect blend of challenge and reward.

Local residents understand the necessary preparation—from securing the highly competitive quota permits (released in January) to mastering the art of the portage—that makes a BWCA trip successful. They appreciate the critical importance of adhering to the strict rules on cans, glass, and waste to protect this precious resource for future generations. Campsite #885, with its sandy beach and stunning location on Sea Gull Lake, provides the ideal launching point for extended trips into the deepest parts of the wilderness. It is an authentic Minnesota experience, offering a tangible connection to the state’s wild north and a chance to truly experience the silence and majesty of the North Woods on its own primitive terms.

BWCA Campsite #885

West Cook, MN 55604, USA