BWCA Campsite #928

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #928 on Gaskin Lake

BWCA Campsite #928 is a designated, primitive wilderness campsite located on the shores of Gaskin Lake, an integral part of the interconnected canoe routes within the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While the official address is listed generally as Tofte Township, MN 55604, this location signifies a deep backcountry experience accessible only by paddle and portage, far removed from any roads. Campsite #928 holds a reputation among Minnesota paddlers as one of the most desirable sites on Gaskin Lake, known for its excellent amenities relative to the wilderness environment and its superior scenic qualities. However, its popularity also means it is highly trafficked and comes with the inherent challenges of managing wildlife encounters.

Gaskin Lake is part of the extensive network managed by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. The lake is often visited as part of a loop or longer route, accessed typically from the Gunflint Trail corridor via entry points such as Meeds Lake (EP 48) or Lizz/Swamp Lakes (EP 47). This area offers stunning Northwoods topography, characterized by rocky shorelines, mature pines, and excellent paddling conditions.

As a highly-rated site, Campsite #928 provides a rewarding basecamp for base-camping or for those passing through. However, prospective visitors must be prepared for a genuine wilderness experience that includes the necessity of strict food and trash management, a critical factor given previous reports of bear activity in the Gaskin Lake area.

Location and Accessibility: A Popular Stop on a Major Canoe Route

Campsite #928 sits on a prominent point along the northern section of Gaskin Lake within the Tofte Ranger District of the BWCAW. Gaskin Lake is positioned off the main chain of lakes near the Gunflint Trail, creating a slightly less remote but still highly popular destination.

Accessibility to this campsite requires an overnight paddling permit reserved for a specific entry point. The most direct routes to Gaskin Lake are often through:

• Entry Point 47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes): This route involves several portages but offers a direct path into the Gaskin area.

• Entry Point 48 (Meeds Lake): Another common starting point leading into the system that connects to Gaskin Lake.

Once on Gaskin Lake, the campsite is located on a significant point, often distinguished by its elevated nature. While the canoe landing is typically described as a smooth rock ledge, the site itself is often reached via a short, sometimes steep, path with timber stairs leading up to the main camping area. Due to its popularity, Minnesotans planning a trip to this site must have contingency plans, as the first-come, first-served nature of BWCA campsites means this highly sought-after location may be occupied upon arrival. This traffic is part of the wilderness reality here—while beautiful, it requires patience and flexibility.

Services Offered

Campsite #928, like all official BWCA campsites, maintains a minimal footprint and provides essential, primitive services designed to preserve the wilderness environment:

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, non-portable steel grate is provided for cooking and warmth. It is the only legal location for building a fire, which must be confined to the grate area. Due to high usage, finding nearby dead and downed firewood can be a challenge, requiring paddlers to canoe short distances to gather wood.

• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A standard latrine, or 'biffy,' is situated a good distance away from the tent pads and shoreline. Its design is intended to safely contain human waste and maintain the hygiene of the campsite.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site typically features multiple (often 2-3) level, established areas suitable for pitching tents. These pads concentrate the impact of camping, and all tents must be placed within these areas.

• Natural Water Access: Water is drawn from Gaskin Lake, which is untreated. Visitors must carry appropriate filtering or purification methods for all drinking and cooking water. The site often features excellent rocky platforms for easy water retrieval.

• Bear-Resistant Food Storage Guidance: While the Forest Service does not provide bear-proof lockers at individual campsites, proper food storage is mandatory. Visitors must utilize bear canisters or employ a proper food hanging technique (12 feet high, 6 feet out from a tree trunk) at all times, given the documented bear activity in the Gaskin Lake area.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #928’s popularity is driven by several outstanding natural and functional features:

• Panoramic Western Views: The site is elevated on a point and faces west, offering Minnesotans "great views of the lake" and exceptional opportunities for watching the sunset over Gaskin Lake.

• Superior Landing Area: It is described as having "3 superb landing areas," with one main landing offering a smooth, level rock ledge and sometimes featuring "timber stairs" leading up to the site, providing excellent canoe access and making loading and unloading gear manageable.

• Excellent Swimming and Lounging: The presence of large, gently sloping rock ledges near the water provides a perfect platform for sunbathing, swimming, and hanging out. The lake bottom in the swimming area is often described as having less rock and a better swimming environment.

• Roomy and Open Layout: The site is noted for its "large open areas for tarps, tents, and kitchen areas," making it comfortable for larger groups (up to the permitted maximum) and conducive to setting up a comfortable basecamp.

• Breezy Point Location: Being situated on a point provides a natural breeze, which is often cited as a key benefit for keeping biting insects (mosquitos and flies) at bay during peak season.

• Bear-Country Readiness: The fact that campers have reported frequent bear visits serves as a constant, natural reminder of the need for impeccable wilderness skills—a key experience for any serious Minnesota outdoorsperson.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness destination, BWCA Campsite #928 has no direct contact line. All inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and area conditions must be directed to the managing United States Forest Service (USFS) office:

Managing Ranger District:

Tofte Ranger District - U.S. Forest Service
7355 West Minnesota Highway 61
Tofte, MN 55615

General Phone (Tofte Ranger Station):

(218) 663-7280

Important Permitting Information:

A mandatory permit is required for all overnight stays in the BWCAW. These must be reserved in advance through the federal permit reservation system, selecting an entry point that provides access to the Gaskin Lake area. Visitors must also inquire about current area-specific restrictions, particularly those related to bear activity, upon picking up their permit.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Campsite #928 on Gaskin Lake is highly suitable for Minnesota locals because it offers a perfect blend of high-quality wilderness aesthetics and a challenging, rewarding experience. It provides the sought-after iconic BWCA views—the sunsets, the rocky shorelines, the deep forests—that define the region's character.

Furthermore, the site’s reputation for heavy traffic and reported bear activity, as noted by one visitor’s concise review of "Too many people...and bears😒," forces Minnesotans to hone their essential outdoor skills. A clean camp, proper food storage, and a respectful interaction with wildlife are mandatory, not optional, here. This site doesn't just offer a view; it offers a lesson in high-impact wilderness ethics and self-reliance. It is an opportunity for local paddlers to practice advanced Leave No Trace principles while enjoying a scenic and memorable location, making it a truly authentic and essential part of the Minnesota wilderness experience.

BWCA Campsite #928

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA