BWCA Campsite #893 on Cherokee Lake: Your Secluded North Woods Basecamp

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the jewel of Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, a place where the hustle of daily life dissolves into the rhythmic dip of a paddle. For Minnesotans seeking the profound solitude and challenge of a true wilderness excursion, BWCA Campsite #893 on Cherokee Lake represents a compelling destination. This site is not a conventional campground; it is a designated, primitive wilderness location that offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the deep North Woods environment, far from roads and modern conveniences.

Cherokee Lake is a significant hub in the central BWCA, known for its sheer depth, which supports a healthy population of Lake Trout, and its central location along several major canoe routes. Campsite #893, situated on a large island in the northern section of the lake, is strategically positioned to serve as an ideal basecamp. It provides a natural sense of separation and security, making it a highly desirable spot for multi-day stays. Like all BWCA campsites, access is restricted to those who have secured a reserved quota permit for their chosen entry point and day. Visitors must adhere to strict "Leave No Trace" principles, packing in all necessary gear—from food and shelter to water purification systems—and packing out everything they bring, including all garbage.

The appeal of Campsite #893 lies in its balance of accessibility and remoteness. While it is certainly deep within the wilderness, it is reachable via several popular entry points managed by the Tofte Ranger District, making the initial journey manageable for experienced paddlers. Once established on this island, local adventurers can enjoy the tranquility and the unique ecological features of Cherokee Lake, a cornerstone of the Tofte Wilderness area.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Tofte Wilderness Area

BWCA Campsite #893 is located on Cherokee Lake, a major body of water in the eastern section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, within the Superior National Forest. The official address provided, Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA, simply delineates the township boundaries, as the site is accessible only by paddle and portage across numerous lakes.

Cherokee Lake sits along a popular network of canoe routes, often accessed via entry points from the Sawbill or Gunflint Trail areas, such as Entry Point 38 (Missing Link Lake) or, for longer trips, Entry Point 40 (Temperance River) or Entry Point 47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes). To reach Campsite #893, paddlers typically navigate a series of lakes and rugged portages, making the site an achievement to reach. The campsite itself is found on the north end of a large island located in the northern half of Cherokee Lake. This island location provides a tactical advantage, offering views and a buffer from strong winds that can build up on the large lake. Due to the remote nature of the site, a detailed map (such as Fisher, McKenzie, or Voyageur maps) and proficient navigation skills are absolutely essential. The journey to the site is an integral part of the overall wilderness experience and requires preparation for unpredictable North Woods conditions.

Services Offered (Standard BWCA Primitive Facilities)

As a designated, primitive campsite within the federally protected BWCAW, Campsite #893 offers minimal, standardized facilities designed solely for environmental protection and user safety. No potable water, electrical hookups, showers, or maintained picnic tables are provided.

Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is centrally located within the primary camping area, used for containing fires for cooking and warmth. Visitors must only burn dead and downed wood that is found on the ground.
Latrine (Pit Toilet): A dispersed, open-air pit toilet is located discreetly down a short, marked trail away from the main camp and water’s edge. This facility is a simple wooden box over a pit designed to manage human waste biologically.
Tent Pads: Cleared and leveled areas, known as tent pads, are maintained to allow groups to pitch tents without damaging the surrounding forest floor. Campsite #893 is generally noted as having multiple suitable spots, accommodating the typical group size of up to nine people.
Canoe Landing: The shoreline near the site entrance is maintained as a landing zone. Based on reviews, the landing features a smooth slab of rock on the east side, which provides relatively good access and a spot for gear management.
Water Source: All water for cooking, drinking, and cleaning must be drawn directly from Cherokee Lake and must be purified by boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment before consumption.

Features and Highlights (Focus on Wilderness Immersion and Basecamp Quality)

Campsite #893 is a compelling option for those looking for an immersive, multi-day basecamp experience in a desirable section of the BWCA.

Strategic Island Location: Being on a large island offers superior seclusion and 360-degree views of the lake, while its northern position makes it a good jumping-off point for routes connecting to Gordon Lake or Long Island Lake.
Excellent Lake Trout Fishery: Cherokee Lake is one of the deep lakes in the BWCA that sustains a good population of Lake Trout, providing a challenging and rewarding fishing experience for local anglers.
Secluded and Shaded Setting: Reviewers note that this campsite is often well-shaded, which can be a relief during hot summer months, and that its layout provides a great sense of privacy and isolation, a core desire for wilderness travelers.
Good Group Capacity: The site has space for multiple tents, making it suitable for larger family or friend groups up to the BWCA maximum of nine people per permit.
Access to Multiple Routes: Cherokee Lake is a central hub, allowing groups to day-trip or stage for longer loops that connect to Brule Lake, the Temperance River, or down to Sawbill Lake, maximizing trip versatility.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness site, BWCA Campsite #893 has no direct contact line or staff. All trip planning, regulations, and mandatory permits are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Governing Body: Superior National Forest, Tofte Ranger District

General Ranger Station Phone: (218) 663-8060 (For information on BWCA regulations, current fire restrictions, and trip planning)

Permit Reservations: A BWCA quota permit is required for all overnight stays during the quota season (May 1 – September 30). Reservations must be secured in advance through the official government recreation website, selecting the appropriate entry point for access to Cherokee Lake.

Address for Reference: Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (General geographic area)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Campsite #893 on Cherokee Lake is exceptionally suitable for Minnesota locals who have experience with wilderness tripping and value the deep, unspoiled nature of the Boundary Waters. For the Minnesota canoeist, Cherokee Lake offers a perfect blend of challenging travel and rewarding natural beauty. The site's island location is a major draw, offering a secluded and beautiful anchor point for a week-long vacation that simply cannot be replicated at a drive-up state park.

Minnesotans often seek out the quality fishing and the immense, uninterrupted dark skies that the BWCA, a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary, provides. Campsite #893, with its access to Lake Trout fishing on one of the deepest lakes in the wilderness, and its isolation from any light pollution, meets these needs perfectly. By committing to the necessary portaging and self-sufficiency, local adventurers gain access to a piece of protected land that is both a source of state pride and a vital retreat for mental and physical rejuvenation. It is the ultimate opportunity for local groups to prove their competence in the wild and create lasting, genuinely North Woods memories.