BWCA Campsite #955

- West Cook, MN 55604

Minnesota is home to one of the crown jewels of the National Wilderness Preservation System: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). BWCA Campsite #955 is not a typical drive-up or RV park; it is a remote, designated primitive campsite accessible only by paddle and portage, offering a deep immersion into the state’s pristine Northwoods. This site represents a unique opportunity for Minnesotans to disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the raw, untouched beauty of their state's interior waterways.

Located within the vast Superior National Forest, Campsite #955 is one of over 2,000 such sites maintained to minimize human impact and preserve the area's wilderness character. The experience here is defined by self-reliance, requiring visitors to carry in all necessary supplies, including food, water purification, and shelter, and to adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles. For locals seeking a genuinely challenging and rewarding multi-day canoeing or kayaking trip, the journey to and stay at Campsite #955 provides an authentic taste of the Voyageur spirit that shaped the region's history. Planning starts with securing a coveted overnight quota permit for the associated entry point, which typically falls under the jurisdiction of the LaCroix Ranger District near Cook, Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #955 is situated in the broader geographical region of West Cook, MN 55604, USA. This area places it in the western section of the BWCAW, often accessed via entry points managed by the LaCroix Ranger District. The "West Cook" designation is crucial for trip planning, as it directs adventurers to the appropriate resources and access roads leading to the water.

Accessibility to Campsite #955 is exclusively by watercraft and overland portage trails. Visitors must first travel to an authorized BWCAW Entry Point in the West Cook area—such as Trout Lake (#1), Little Indian Sioux River (#9), or Moose River South (#8)—depending on the official route of the campsite. Once at the entry point, the journey involves paddling across lakes and rivers and portaging (carrying) canoes and gear over the trails that link the bodies of water. The remote nature of the site means that the exact paddling distance and difficulty will vary, but travelers must be prepared for a multi-hour or even multi-day paddle and portage to reach the tranquility of Campsite #955. This paddle-in, paddle-out model is central to the BWCA experience and guarantees the isolation that locals seek.

In line with its status as a federally protected wilderness area, Campsite #955 provides only the most essential, primitive facilities. The emphasis is on preserving the environment and maintaining the area's wild character. Visitors must be fully self-reliant for all other needs, including food storage (which must be bear-proofed), cooking, and shelter.

The standard services provided at a designated BWCA campsite, including Campsite #955, are:

• Wilderness Latrine: A simple, open-air pit toilet facility, situated well away from the main camp area and water's edge, designed to manage human waste.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, elevated metal grate placed over a designated fire pit for safely building and containing campfires for cooking and warmth.
• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: Naturally cleared or leveled areas intended for pitching tents, ensuring that vegetation and ground cover outside these zones remain undisturbed.
• Established Canoe Landing: A recognized area along the shoreline, often a cleared or rocky spot, designated for safely landing and securing canoes and kayaks.
• Non-Potable Water Source: Direct access to the surrounding lake or river water; however, all water must be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before consumption as no potable water is supplied.

It is important to remember that use of glass bottles and cans (other than for non-food items like fuel or medicine), as well as motors, are strictly regulated or prohibited in most BWCA areas to maintain the primitive experience.

A trip to BWCA Campsite #955 is a vacation from civilization itself, offering features and highlights that only a true wilderness area can provide. The site’s location in the western BWCA often means a slightly different forest character and set of lakes compared to the eastern or central districts.

Key features and highlights that make this destination special include:

• Profound Isolation: The multi-portage journey required to reach the deeper wilderness ensures exceptional quiet and the opportunity for uninterrupted solitude—a rare luxury today.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to iconic Minnesota wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, osprey, otters, and the region’s signature Common Loon, which often serenades campers at dawn and dusk.
• Outstanding Freshwater Fishing: The lakes accessible from Campsite #955 are known for producing excellent catches of Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass, offering a fresh, natural meal prepared over the campfire.
• Rugged, Untamed Scenery: Visitors are surrounded by the vastness of the Superior National Forest, characterized by granite cliffs, towering pines, and clear, glacially-carved lakes, providing endless photographic opportunities.
• Dark Skies Preservation: The remote location ensures minimal light pollution, offering an unparalleled view of the night sky, making it an exceptional place for viewing stars, meteors, and potentially the Northern Lights.
• Challenge and Achievement: The self-guided nature of the trip, from navigation to setting up camp, provides a deep sense of accomplishment and a true test of outdoor skills.

Since BWCA Campsite #955 is an unmanned wilderness site, it has no direct phone or staffed address. All official questions, permit management, and emergency contact must be handled through the managing office for the area, the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

Address (General Area/Ranger District): West Cook, MN 55604, USA (The physical campsite is remote and unstaffed.)

LaCroix Ranger District Office

Address: 320 North Highway 53, Cook, MN 55723 (For in-person services, maps, and permit issuance)

Phone: (218) 666-0020 (Primary contact line for the managing Ranger District)

Reservations: Overnight Quota Permits (May 1 – September 30) are mandatory and must be reserved through the federal system via the Recreation.gov website or phone reservation center.

For residents of Minnesota, a journey to BWCA Campsite #955 is more than a camping trip; it is an expedition into the heart of their natural heritage. The BWCAW represents the ultimate local adventure, a bucket-list destination that defines the state's outdoor culture. This experience is perfectly tailored for locals who value self-reliance and environmental preservation. The rigorous journey filters out casual tourists, ensuring that the peaceful, clean, and authentic wilderness experience remains intact for those Minnesotans willing to put in the effort.

This unique locale offers the ideal setting for making unforgettable memories—whether teaching kids to portage, catching a large Walleye on a remote lake, or simply lying back to watch the stars far from the nearest streetlamp. By seeking out a remote spot like Campsite #955, you are not only enjoying a vacation but actively participating in the long-standing Minnesotan tradition of canoeing and camping within this irreplaceable national treasure. It provides the quintessential Northwoods getaway, right in your own backyard.

BWCA Campsite #955

West Cook, MN 55604, USA