Superior National Forest Campsite #2167

- West Cook, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape into the state’s world-renowned wilderness, Superior National Forest Campsite #2167 offers the perfect blend of solitude, stunning natural beauty, and rustic camping. This site, located deep within the vast expanse of the Superior National Forest (SNF), is a classic example of the primitive, self-reliant camping experience that defines the North Shore region. It is not a bustling, developed campground, but rather a designated, rugged spot where you can truly unplug and reconnect with nature.

The unique selling point of this location, as attested to by local visitors, is its proximity to a body of water famed for its clarity. The mention of a "clearest lake" suggests a pristine, spring-fed environment, ideal for paddling, fishing, and simply enjoying the reflective beauty of the water. For local users, this represents the quintessential northern Minnesota experience—a chance to get away from the demands of urban life and immerse oneself in an environment where the most notable sounds are the calls of loons and the whisper of the boreal forest wind.

Campsite #2167, like many numbered sites in the SNF that are outside of fee-based developed campgrounds, provides a platform for dispersed camping with minimal impact. These sites are designed for the experienced camper who practices strict

Leave No Trace

ethics. By focusing on minimal infrastructure, the Superior National Forest preserves the wild character of the land, offering a camping adventure that is both rewarding and deeply respectful of the environment. If your idea of camping involves waking up to unspoiled vistas and clear, clean water, this is a destination well worth the drive up the North Shore.

The specific location of Superior National Forest Campsite #2167 places it within a vast and beautiful area of the North Shore, near West Cook, MN 55604. While this general area is highly accessible via major regional routes like Highway 61 and the connecting Forest Roads, the exact site is tucked away, offering seclusion.

As a site within the Superior National Forest, this location is managed by the USDA Forest Service and is likely part of the network of "Rustic" or "Dispersed" campsites. These sites are typically found along forest service roads, providing a designated, but very primitive, place to pull off and set up camp.

• Drive-In Access (Rustic/Dispersed): The site is generally accessible by vehicle, though the exact path will involve traveling on unpaved Forest Service Roads. These roads can vary in condition, requiring caution and potentially a higher-clearance vehicle, particularly in spring or after heavy rain.
• Remote Wilderness Setting: The location places the camper deep into the northeastern corner of Minnesota, far from large towns or commercial centers. This distance is a major draw for those seeking true wilderness and dark night skies.
• Proximity to Water: The most important aspect of the location is its connection to the clear lake mentioned in user reviews. Accessing this spot means a short walk or a very short drive to the shoreline, perfect for launching a canoe, kayak, or small fishing boat.
• Navigational Challenge: Finding numbered dispersed sites like #2167 often requires a detailed Forest Service map, knowledge of the local area, or GPS coordinates, as road signage can be minimal or non-existent. This element adds to the adventurous and isolated feel of the experience.

Travelers should be prepared for long stretches without cellular service once they leave the main highways, necessitating careful trip planning and navigation.

The Superior National Forest Campsite #2167 is a model of rustic simplicity. Its appeal lies in its minimal development, ensuring that the natural setting remains the star of the show. Campers must understand that the term "services" here refers to the basic infrastructure put in place to manage human impact, not comfort.

• Designated Camping Space: The site provides a cleared, durable surface for setting up a tent or parking a small RV/trailer. This designated space helps prevent the widening of the campsite and protects surrounding vegetation.
• Fire Ring and Picnic Table (Typical): While exact amenities can vary at primitive sites, most Superior National Forest rustic campsites include a metal fire ring with a cooking grate and a simple wooden picnic table.
• Vault Toilet (Often Present): Many designated dispersed sites, especially those with official numbers, include a vault toilet (outhouse) to facilitate safe and sanitary waste disposal, preventing contamination of the water and soil.
• Natural Water Source Access: The site offers immediate access to the clear lake or water body. However,

  NO POTABLE WATER IS PROVIDED

  . All water collected from the natural source must be filtered, purified, or boiled before use.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are

  NO TRASH SERVICES OR DUMPSTERS

  . Campers are wholly responsible for packing out all garbage, including food waste and hygiene products, maintaining the pristine condition of the site.

Visitors should expect to be completely self-sufficient. Firewood is not provided and must be either responsibly gathered from dead and down wood (following current regulations) or brought in from an approved local source to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

The enduring attraction of Campsite #2167 stems from its secluded location and its connection to the area's incredible natural features. It offers an opportunity for an authentic, deep woods camping experience that often eludes visitors to more developed areas.

• Exceptional Water Clarity: A primary highlight is the water quality of the nearby lake, famously described by users as the "clearest lake." This feature is ideal for fishing, underwater photography, and quiet, reflective paddling, creating an immediate sense of peaceful tranquility.
• Stargazing and Dark Skies: Located far from major urban centers, the site benefits from exceptionally dark night skies, offering Minnesotans an unparalleled opportunity for stargazing, amateur astronomy, and viewing the Northern Lights when conditions are right.
• Unpressured Fishing and Paddling: Due to the remote and rustic nature of the campsite, the adjacent lake often sees less recreational traffic than easily accessible lakes. This provides a better chance for successful fishing and uninterrupted quiet on the water.
• Gateway to Forest Trails: Campsite #2167 is likely situated near or connected to a web of primitive or non-motorized Forest Service trails. These trails are perfect for exploring the surrounding boreal forest, offering opportunities for day hikes and wildlife tracking.
• True Solitude: Unlike crowded fee campgrounds, this type of dispersed site is designed for spacing and privacy. It is an ideal spot for those who prize solitude and a quiet, intimate experience with the Minnesota wilderness.

As a specific, numbered dispersed campsite within the federally managed Superior National Forest, this location does not have its own phone line or physical mailing office. The most reliable contact information is for the Ranger District office responsible for that section of the Forest, which is the entity that manages the site, provides maps, and offers up-to-date conditions and fire restriction information.

Address (General Area): Superior National Forest, West Cook, MN 55604, USA

Phone (Relevant Management Authority): For the most accurate and current information regarding Campsite #2167, the best resource is the nearest Superior National Forest Ranger District Office. A general public inquiry line for the SNF is often available through the USDA Forest Service. (Note: Please search for the current phone number for the Superior National Forest or the specific Ranger District, as this is subject to change).

Note: Always check the official Superior National Forest website for current alerts, regulations, and fire restrictions before heading out, as conditions in the wilderness can change rapidly.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2167 holds a special significance for Minnesotans. This site represents the accessible wilderness—a hallmark of the state’s identity. It is a place where locals can utilize their innate knowledge of northern outdoor skills, from safe campfire management to filtering water, in a rugged yet regulated environment. The low-impact, free-use (outside of potential dispersed area fees) nature of this campsite makes it an affordable and desirable option for those who frequently escape to the North Shore.

More than just a place to sleep, it offers a necessary retreat into the high-quality natural environment that Minnesota protects so fiercely. The chance to camp next to a "clearest lake" without the crowds of a major state park is a privilege that resonates deeply with the local desire for authentic, uncommercialized nature. Campsite #2167 is not just a spot on a map; it is a vital part of the state’s outdoor heritage, providing the perfect venue for locals to renew their connection to the cherished woods and waters of the Arrowhead Region.

Superior National Forest Campsite #2167

West Cook, MN 55604, USA