BWCA Campsite #935

- West Cook, MN 55604

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), nestled within the vast Superior National Forest, is a jewel of the Minnesota landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities for remote wilderness camping, canoeing, and exploration. For locals seeking a truly immersive Northwoods experience, BWCA Campsite #935 stands as an excellent basecamp or stop along a longer route. This destination promises the quintessential BWCA adventure: solitude, stunning natural beauty, and the challenge of a paddle-in, leave-no-trace environment.

BWCA Campsite #935 is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a designated, maintained campsite deep within a protected wilderness area. Its location on a major, non-motorized lake makes it a popular but rewarding stop for those prepared for a genuine backcountry experience.

Campsite #935 is situated on the eastern shoreline of **North Bay**, a prominent feature on the north side of **Brule Lake** in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Brule Lake is one of the largest lakes entirely within the BWCAW and is known for its size, which can make for challenging paddling in high winds, and its extensive shoreline and numerous islands.

The official entry point for a trip to this area is **Entry Point #41 – Brule Lake**. Access to this entry point is typically via the Caribou Trail (Cook County Road 4), which connects off Minnesota Highway 61 near Lutsen, ultimately leading to the lake landing.

Unlike some BWCA entry points, Entry Point #41 features a convenient boat landing area with no initial portage, allowing users to load canoes directly into the water. From the entry point landing, travelers must paddle across a portion of Brule Lake to reach North Bay and then locate the designated campsite. This campsite is one of over 30 sites available on Brule Lake.

For official permitting, which is required for all overnight paddle trips from May 1st to September 30th, the coordinating office is the **Tofte Ranger Station**. The stated address for the general vicinity is:

Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA (Referencing the nearest civil location for the vast wilderness area)

Phone: Tofte Ranger Station: (218) 663-8060 (The official contact for permits and information regarding this area of the Superior National Forest.)

As a location deep within a federally protected wilderness, Campsite #935 offers essential, no-frills services designed to maintain a primitive experience while minimizing environmental impact. Visitors must pack in and pack out all supplies and waste, practicing Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires, helping to contain fire impact to a single location.
• Primitive Latrine (Thunderbox): An outdoor toilet facility (a wooden box over a pit, or 'thunderbox') is provided, located a short, discreet distance from the main campsite area.
• Tent Pads/Areas: Cleared, relatively level areas are typically available for pitching tents, accommodating groups up to the BWCA maximum size (usually 9 people and 4 watercraft, but check your permit for current regulations).
• Canoe Landing: An area along the shoreline is often worn and serves as a landing spot for watercraft. Campsite #935 is noted for having an above-average canoe landing, which is a significant convenience.

BWCA Campsite #935, and its location on Brule Lake, offers several features that appeal to wilderness enthusiasts:

• Proximity to North Bay: Being on the eastern shoreline of North Bay offers a strategic starting point for exploring the various bays, points, and islands of this part of Brule Lake, or for launching day trips to smaller, nearby lakes.
• Potential for Scenic Views: Sites in the BWCA are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal. This site is situated on a point or elevated area, which often translates to excellent lake views and potential for good sunrise or sunset viewing.
• Relatively Easy Entry: Entry Point #41 is popular because it has no portage directly at the entry, making the initial access to Brule Lake simpler than many other BWCA entries, a plus for larger groups or those with less portaging experience.
• Potential for Basecamping: Brule Lake’s size and the sheer number of other routes and lakes accessible from it make it a great option for base-camping, allowing visitors to set up camp at #935 and take daily excursions.
• Historic Location: The site is noted in some records for having a large, open field area, possibly the former location of a logging camp or basecamp, adding a layer of historical interest to the location.

This wilderness campsite does not have its own phone number or a mailing address in the traditional sense. All essential contact and permitting information is managed by the US Forest Service.

Address (General Area/Nearest Civil Location): West Cook, MN 55604, USA

Phone (Tofte Ranger District, Superior National Forest): (218) 663-8060

For permit reservations, local users should visit the official US Forest Service reservation platform, typically Recreation.gov, and specify **Entry Point #41 - Brule Lake**. The Tofte Ranger Station is the designated office for picking up this permit.

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #935 on Brule Lake is an accessible, yet sufficiently remote, destination that epitomizes the state’s famous “Land of 10,000 Lakes” spirit. Located in the northeastern region, it is a significant, but manageable, drive for a weekend or week-long trip, making it a perfect escape from the hustle of the Twin Cities or other metro areas.

This campsite offers the unique, necessary challenge of a BWCA trip—paddling your gear in and leaving no trace—which provides a profound sense of accomplishment and connection to the wilderness that Minnesotans value deeply. Its position on a large, beautiful lake like Brule is ideal for local families, groups, or seasoned soloists who are comfortable with potential wind conditions and want a robust, yet straightforward, entry into the canoe country. Whether you're seeking excellent smallmouth bass fishing, a scenic base for day-trip portaging into smaller lakes, or simply a remote shoreline where the only sounds are loons and the breeze, Campsite #935 provides a truly Minnesotan outdoor experience that should be on every local adventurer’s list. It's a place where you can disconnect completely and appreciate the unparalleled natural heritage of the Superior National Forest.

BWCA Campsite #935

West Cook, MN 55604, USA