BWCA Campsite #933 on Middle Cone Lake: Secluded Basecamp in the Northwoods

Introduction / Overview

For local Minnesotans seeking the quintessential wilderness canoe camping experience, BWCA Campsite #933 offers a truly immersive and secluded retreat within the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). This is a designated, primitive campsite located on the shores of Middle Cone Lake, a gem nestled within the vast Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Unlike the more easily accessible entry point sites, Campsite #933 requires a deeper commitment to paddling and portaging, rewarding visitors with enhanced solitude and a profound connection to the Northwoods ecosystem.

The campsite is officially part of the BWCA's system of designated sites, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This status means all users must adhere to the core tenets of wilderness travel: a mandatory permit for overnight use, a group size limit of nine people and four canoes, a strict 'Leave No Trace' policy, and no motorized boats on Middle Cone Lake. Its location on this quieter, more interior lake makes it an ideal destination for base-camping or as a strategic stop on a multi-day loop. Historical records suggest the general area near the north arm of Middle Cone Lake, where Campsite #933 is situated, was once the location of an old logging camp, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the stunning natural scenery. Today, however, the area is fully reclaimed by the boreal forest, providing a pristine setting for modern-day adventurers.

Campsite #933 is particularly well-regarded by veteran paddlers for its high-quality camp amenities—simple as they are—which significantly enhance the overall wilderness living experience, a crucial factor when planning a trip deep into the canoe country.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #933 is found on Middle Cone Lake, one of the three interconnected lakes in the Cone Lake chain (South, Middle, and North Cone Lakes). This area is located deep within the Superior National Forest, officially in the region of West Cook, MN 55604. This address places it near the popular BWCA Entry Point 41, which accesses Brule Lake. However, accessing Campsite #933 is a journey in itself, typically involving a significant paddle across Brule Lake, followed by a series of portages into the Cone Lake system.

Accessing the site begins at Entry Point 41 (Brule Lake) on the Caribou Trail off Highway 61. From the Brule Lake entry, paddlers must navigate Brule's often windy waters, then portage to South Cone Lake, and finally paddle into Middle Cone Lake to reach Campsite #933. The campsite itself is situated on the western shoreline of Middle Cone Lake, toward the long northern arm. This necessary travel time and effort create a natural barrier, which effectively filters out day-trippers and casual campers, ensuring a greater sense of privacy and solitude that locals value highly in the BWCA.

Navigation requires reliable maps, such as the W.A. Fisher maps, and good compass or GPS skills, as official signage is minimal within the wilderness. Its interior location makes it a quiet hub for exploring the smaller, more intimate lakes and ecosystems of the surrounding wilderness area.

Services Offered

As a true BWCA wilderness site, Campsite #933 offers essential, primitive services designed to support minimal-impact camping while maintaining the pristine character of the area.

Designated Camp Area: A clearly marked, permitted camping location that accommodates the maximum BWCA group size of nine individuals.
Wilderness Latrine: A simple, established pit toilet (known as a 'thunder box') is provided and located down a short, designated trail, away from the main camp area and water source.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire grate is installed to contain all campfires. This is the only place fires are permitted, using dead and downed wood found nearby.
Tent Pads: The site is known for having quality, flat areas suitable for setting up multiple tents, providing a crucial element of comfort for overnight stays.
Canoe Landing Access: The site is equipped with an adequate spot for landing canoes and safely securing watercraft overnight, though the specific terrain (rocky or mucky) will vary based on current lake levels.
No Potable Water: Drinking water is not available. Water must be drawn from Middle Cone Lake and properly treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption.
No Modern Utilities: There is no electricity, running water, refuse disposal, or cellular service. All gear, food, and waste (excluding human waste in the latrine) must be packed in and packed out.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #933 is recognized for several distinct features that make it a favorite among those who travel through the Cone Lake chain.

Enhanced Seclusion: The required effort to portage into Middle Cone Lake means this site is typically much quieter than those on major canoe routes, offering a deep sense of solitude and a higher chance of encountering local wildlife.
Historical Context: The area near the site is noted for the remnants of an old logging camp from a bygone era, offering a subtle touch of Northwoods history for those interested in the area’s past.
Good Tent Accommodations: The campsite is reported to feature ample, flat, and spacious tent pads, a significant advantage in the often-uneven terrain of the wilderness.
Wind Protection: Due to its position, the fire grate and camp kitchen area are often well-protected from wind, making cooking and fire management easier and safer, which is particularly beneficial in northern Minnesota’s unpredictable weather.
Access to Multiple Lakes: Middle Cone Lake provides a great central basecamp from which to explore North Cone and South Cone Lakes, offering varied fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing opportunities within a short distance.
Boreal Forest Immersion: The immediate surroundings are characterized by dense boreal forest, providing classic northern Minnesota scenery and a rich environment for observing native flora and fauna.

Contact Information

As a specific, primitive campsite within a designated wilderness area, BWCA Campsite #933 does not have a unique phone line. All necessary permits, regulations, and administrative questions must be addressed through the managing Forest Service office.

Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA (General BWCA Area)

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

Tofte Ranger District Phone: (218) 663-8060

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #933 is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals, especially those who seek an authentic and challenging wilderness experience away from the busiest corridors. This site is not for the faint of heart; it requires planning, paddling, and portaging, but it generously repays that effort with the high-quality, secluded solitude that defines the BWCA. For Minnesotans, the chance to 'basecamp' on a lake like Middle Cone allows for a deeper, multi-day exploration of the surrounding landscape, providing a true respite from modern life.

Its accessibility via the Brule Lake chain means that while it is interior, the starting logistics are manageable for those driving up the North Shore. The confirmed quality of the site—excellent tent pads and a sheltered camp area—minimizes the discomforts of primitive camping, allowing locals to focus on connecting with the environment, whether through fishing, photography, or simply listening to the loons. Campsite #933 is a gateway to the peaceful, quiet heart of Minnesota’s celebrated canoe country, offering the quintessential Northwoods adventure that defines the state’s outdoor culture.