BWCA Campsite #949

- West Cook, MN 55604

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the gold standard for immersion in nature. It's a place where the landscape remains as wild and pristine as the Voyageurs found it centuries ago. While every one of the BWCA’s designated campsites offers solitude, some spots are known for their particularly appealing features and unique character. Today, we delve into the details of one such location: BWCA Campsite #949. This is not a roadside park; it is a true wilderness retreat, offering local adventurers a chance to fully disconnect from the modern world and experience the best of the North Woods. Campsite #949 sits on the shores of Brule Lake, one of the larger and more popular lakes in the eastern portion of the wilderness, renowned for its challenging beauty and vast paddling opportunities.

This campsite embodies the spirit of self-reliant camping that the BWCAW is famous for, providing the essential infrastructure of a designated site without detracting from the natural environment. Understanding its features, location, and the necessary preparations is key to transforming a mere trip into an unforgettable local adventure. Whether you are a seasoned paddler or planning your first multi-day canoe trip, Campsite #949 offers a welcoming, yet appropriately remote, setting for your wilderness basecamp on Brule Lake.

BWCA Campsite #949 is specifically located on Brule Lake, a large, deep lake situated in the eastern part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Superior National Forest. The administrative address provided, West Cook, MN 55604, USA, serves as a general geographic marker for the broader area of the BWCA. However, as a wilderness campsite, access is strictly by watercraft (canoe or kayak) and portaging.

To reach Campsite #949, visitors must first obtain a mandatory overnight quota permit for the BWCAW's quota season (May 1–September 30), typically reserving a spot through a nearby entry point that grants access to the Brule Lake chain. Entry Point #41, the Brule Lake Entry Point, is the main access point for this area, usually found off of the Caribou Trail (County Road 4) near Lutsen or the Sawbill Trail (County Road 2) near Tofte. Navigating the large waters of Brule Lake can be challenging, as it is susceptible to high winds that can create dangerously large waves. Once on the lake, the campsite is located by map and compass or GPS coordinates, with the journey to it forming a vital part of the wilderness experience. The remoteness of the site, despite being on a well-known lake, requires proper planning and preparedness for paddling and portaging all necessary gear and supplies.

BWCA Campsite #949 operates under the same strict 'Leave No Trace' ethos as all other designated wilderness sites, meaning services are rustic and designed to minimize human impact on the ecosystem. The essential services provided enable responsible camping:

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire grate is installed at the main gathering area for safely building campfires and cooking, helping to protect the soil from repeated fires.
• Primitive Latrine: All sites feature a designated pit latrine—often a wooden box or 'wilderness throne'—positioned a set distance away from the fire grate, tents, and water’s edge to ensure proper sanitation and water quality.
• Canoe Landing Access: The site features a "Nice gravel landing," which is a practical and convenient service for safely pulling canoes ashore, loading/unloading gear, and securing watercraft overnight.
• Flat Tent Sites: The area provides specific, maintained spots for pitching tents, ensuring that campers can find a relatively flat spot to sleep without disturbing new areas of the forest floor.
• Wilderness Safety Protocols: Campers are supported by established BWCA regulations which dictate safe practices, such as treating all lake water before consumption and hanging all food and scented items away from the sleeping area for bear safety.

Based on available information from previous visitors, Campsite #949 on Brule Lake boasts several key highlights that make it a compelling destination:

• Easy Water Access and Landing: The "Nice gravel landing" is a significant highlight, especially compared to mucky or heavily rocky landings sometimes found in the BWCA. It provides a clean, stable entry and exit point for canoes.
• Unique Entry Structure: The site features an "old set of log stairs that brings you up to a fairly open site," suggesting the main camp area is elevated from the lakeshore. This elevation can provide protection from dampness, better views, and a sense of privacy.
• Wind-Protected Location: A key feature noted by a user is that the "Site is protected from the wind," which is a crucial advantage on large, exposed lakes like Brule where high winds can be a major challenge for paddlers and comfort around the fire.
• Open Camp Area: The site is described as "fairly open," which can be ideal for setting up group tarps, enjoying the sun, and allowing a breeze to keep insects at bay, while still retaining some surrounding tree cover for necessary shade and shelter.
• Historical Intrigue: The presence of a trail that "leads to an old garbage pile that probably dates back to the early 1960's" offers a unique point of historical interest for the curious explorer, though campers should always practice Leave No Trace by removing any modern refuse they encounter.

Campsite #949 is a component of the vast wilderness managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It does not have an independent mailing address or phone number. All official coordination, information, and permits must be secured through the appropriate administrative body.

Primary Administrative Contact (Superior National Forest):

Address: 8901 Grand Ave Place, Duluth, MN 55808 (Superior National Forest Headquarters)

General BWCA Permit Reservation Line (managed by Recreation.gov): 1-877-444-6777

Forest Service Kawishiwi District Office (One of the closest offices for permit issuance/inquiries): 1393 Hwy 169 Ely, MN 55731

Phone: 218-365-7600

Note: All reservations for BWCA quota season (May 1–September 30) must be made through Recreation.gov, and local outfitters (found in towns like Ely, Grand Marais, and Tofte) are excellent resources for local advice and permit pickups.

Campsite #949 on Brule Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals looking for an authentic and accessible wilderness challenge. For residents, the BWCA represents an irreplaceable part of their natural heritage, and this particular site offers a classic North Woods experience. Its location on the sprawling Brule Lake is ideal for locals who enjoy multi-day paddling journeys and appreciate large, open water fishing. The unique features—specifically the protected position on a large, wind-prone lake—make it a superior choice for a comfortable wilderness stay, turning a potentially rough trip into an enjoyable basecamp experience.

Locals often possess the gear, knowledge, or proximity to access outfitters quickly, allowing for easier planning around the competitive permit system. By choosing Campsite #949, Minnesotans are not just selecting a place to pitch a tent; they are embracing a tradition of wilderness stewardship and self-reliance. This site provides the quiet, the challenge, and the untainted natural beauty that define a true Minnesota getaway, reinforcing the deep connection between the state’s people and its remarkable natural landscape. This is your personal invitation to explore one of the finest basecamps the vast BWCA has to offer.

BWCA Campsite #949

West Cook, MN 55604, USA