BWCA Campsite #2017

For residents of Minnesota, the call of the wild is often answered by a journey into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This federally protected wilderness, nestled within the sprawling Superior National Forest, represents a truly unique and irreplaceable natural treasure. It offers a profound escape from the demands of modern life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a landscape of ancient forests, countless pristine lakes, and winding waterways, all primarily accessible by paddle and portage. Among its myriad of designated campsites, each offering its own unique appeal, lies BWCA Campsite #2017 – a destination that promises an authentic and deeply rewarding wilderness experience for those seeking unparalleled solitude and connection with nature.

The BWCAW stands apart from traditional campgrounds. It is intentionally maintained in its primitive state, meaning there are no roads, no electrical hookups, and minimal developed amenities. This commitment to preserving its wild character ensures that a visit to BWCA Campsite #2017 is more than just a camping trip; it’s an expedition into a timeless natural world. Here, the serene quiet is broken only by the whispers of the wind through the pines, the splash of a paddle, or the haunting calls of a loon across a glassy lake. It’s a place where the night sky, far removed from urban light pollution, explodes with countless stars, offering a breathtaking celestial display. This immersive environment encourages self-reliance, fosters a deep respect for the natural world, and provides a much-needed opportunity to disconnect and recharge.

While individual BWCA campsites each possess their distinct characteristics, they all adhere to a shared philosophy of minimal impact and maximum natural immersion. Campsite #2017, like its counterparts, serves as a rustic yet perfectly functional base for adventurers, allowing them to explore the vast network of canoe routes, fish in abundant waters, and truly live in harmony with the untouched environment. The journey to and stay at such a site is a profound experience, building resilience and cultivating an even greater appreciation for Minnesota's invaluable natural heritage.

BWCA Campsite #2017 is situated deep within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which forms part of the larger Superior National Forest. Its general address of East Cook, MN 55604, USA, should be understood as a broad geographic identifier for its region within the wilderness, rather than a specific street address with direct vehicle access. Reaching BWCA Campsite #2017 is an integral part of the wilderness adventure itself, necessitating entry via one of the designated BWCAW entry points.

Access to this campsite is primarily by canoe, involving a journey across a series of interconnected lakes and rivers, interspersed with portages—overland trails where canoes and gear are carried between waterways. The specific entry point and the exact route to Campsite #2017 will depend on your starting location and the particular canoe routes you choose to navigate within the BWCAW system. Meticulous planning using detailed topographic maps of the BWCAW is absolutely essential for charting your course, understanding portage lengths and conditions, and assessing the overall difficulty of your trip. Invaluable resources for route planning, up-to-date map information, and insights into current wilderness conditions can be found through the USDA Forest Service and local outfitters located in gateway communities such as Ely, Grand Marais, or Cook. These outfitters can also assist with permit acquisition, gear rentals, and shuttle services to various entry points. While parking facilities are typically available at or near designated BWCAW entry points, it is always wise to confirm specific arrangements with your chosen permit issuing station or outfitter well in advance of your trip. The journey itself, paddling through pristine waters and carrying your gear across scenic portages, is a significant and rewarding part of the overall BWCA experience.

Camping at BWCA Campsite #2017, consistent with all designated sites within the BWCAW, offers a true wilderness experience, which means that amenities are intentionally minimal. This approach is designed to preserve the pristine natural environment and encourage strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Visitors should arrive fully prepared for a self-sufficient trip.

• Wilderness Latrine: Every designated campsite, including #2017, is equipped with a wilderness latrine. These are simple, rustic toilet facilities designed to manage human waste responsibly in a remote setting. Users are expected to utilize these facilities properly and pack out all personal hygiene products.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided at each designated campsite. This grate helps to contain campfires, reducing the risk of wildfires and minimizing impact on the ground. While campfires are permitted in these grates (unless fire bans are in effect), campers are strongly encouraged to use portable camp stoves for cooking to conserve firewood and minimize environmental impact.
• Designated Tent Areas: While not always perfectly level or manicured, campsites offer clear, relatively flat areas that are suitable for pitching tents. These locations are carefully chosen to minimize disturbance to natural vegetation and provide a stable, comfortable surface for sleeping.
• Access to Natural Water Sources: Campsites are invariably located adjacent to a lake or stream, providing convenient access to natural water. However, it is absolutely critical to remember that this water is not potable and must be thoroughly filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption to ensure safety and prevent waterborne illnesses.

It is crucial to understand what is typically NOT available: there are no flush toilets, no showers, no electricity, no trash disposal services, no developed picnic tables or shelters beyond the basic fire grate, and generally no cellular or Wi-Fi service. Campers are solely responsible for packing in all their food and supplies, and equally important, for packing out all trash and waste, leaving the campsite in the same pristine condition, or even better, than they found it.

BWCA Campsite #2017, like all designated campsites within the Boundary Waters, boasts a remarkable array of features that make it an extraordinary destination for those seeking an authentic and deeply immersive wilderness experience.

• Untouched Natural Beauty: The foremost highlight is the breathtaking, unspoiled natural environment. Visitors will be surrounded by mature boreal forests, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundant diversity of indigenous flora and fauna. The landscape is wild, untamed, and offers a profound sense of natural wonder, completely removed from urban noise and light pollution.
• Profound Solitude and Tranquility: The BWCAW is renowned globally for its ability to provide genuine solitude. Campsite #2017 offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape the constant clamor of daily life, immersing oneself in the serene sounds of nature—the rustling of leaves, the gentle lapping of water against the shoreline, and the iconic, echoing calls of loons. It’s an ideal setting for quiet contemplation, meditation, and simply reveling in the profound peace of the wilderness.
• Exceptional Paddling Opportunities: Situated within the heart of the BWCAW, the campsite provides direct access to the vast, interconnected network of lakes and rivers. This allows for endless possibilities for canoeing and kayaking, ranging from leisurely day trips to extensive multi-day expeditions exploring hidden bays, islands, and portaging to entirely new lake systems.
• Spectacular Stargazing: With virtually no artificial light pollution, the night sky over BWCA Campsite #2017 is often a dazzling spectacle. On clear nights, the Milky Way arches vividly across the heavens, offering an awe-inspiring astronomical display rarely seen in populated areas.
• Superb Fishing: The lakes throughout the BWCAW are celebrated for their excellent fishing opportunities, hosting a variety of prized species including northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. Campsite #2017's location makes it a fantastic base for anglers looking to cast a line in pristine, productive waters. (A valid Minnesota DNR fishing license is required.)
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The Boundary Waters is home to a diverse array of iconic wildlife, including majestic moose, elusive black bears, timber wolves, bald eagles, loons, and various waterfowl and smaller mammals. Staying at a remote campsite like #2017 significantly increases your chances of observing these animals in their natural, undisturbed habitat.
• Embodiment of Leave No Trace Ethos: The entire BWCAW operates on strict Leave No Trace principles. Camping at #2017 means actively participating in the preservation of this wilderness by meticulously packing out everything you pack in, minimizing your environmental impact, and leaving the site in an even better condition than you found it for future visitors. This collective commitment ensures the long-term health and beauty of the area.

As a wilderness campsite situated within a national forest, direct "contact information" for an individual site like BWCA Campsite #2017 is not available in the traditional sense. You cannot call the campsite directly. All inquiries and necessary arrangements for visiting any BWCA campsite are managed through the Superior National Forest and its official permit issuing stations.

Address for general inquiries regarding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest:

Superior National Forest, USDA Forest Service

8901 Grand Avenue Place

Duluth, MN 55808

USA

Phone: (218) 626-4300 (Superior National Forest Headquarters)

For specific questions about BWCA permits, current conditions, or detailed route planning, it is highly recommended to contact the Ranger District responsible for issuing permits for your chosen entry point. When reserving your permit through Recreation.gov, you will select an issue station, and they will be your primary point of contact for trip-specific information. Permit reservations for the BWCAW, especially for popular entry points and dates between May 1 and September 30, are highly competitive and should be booked well in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Local outfitters in the towns surrounding the BWCAW, such as Ely, Grand Marais, or Cook, are also invaluable resources for detailed route planning, gear rentals, and current wilderness conditions, and can often assist with the permit process.

BWCA Campsite #2017, and the entirety of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offers an extraordinary and uniquely accessible wilderness experience right in the backyard of Minnesotans. For those who call the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" home, this iconic region provides a profound escape into nature that is both geographically convenient and deeply enriching, fostering an unparalleled connection to the state's very essence.

For Minnesota residents, the BWCAW is far more than just a tourist destination; it’s an opportunity to engage directly with their state's magnificent natural heritage. It's a proving ground for self-reliance and outdoor skills, whether it involves mastering a canoe stroke, perfecting a portage, or learning to live harmoniously and responsibly within the wilderness. It serves as an ideal setting to introduce children and friends to the wonders of the wild, imparting vital lessons in conservation and the critical importance of Leave No Trace ethics. The profound solitude found within these ancient forests and on these pristine lakes offers a powerful antidote to the relentless pace of modern life, promoting mental clarity, stress reduction, and a deep sense of peace that only true wilderness can provide.

Engaging with the BWCAW, from the meticulous planning of permits to navigating its intricate waterways, becomes a cherished part of the Minnesota outdoor tradition. It’s an adventure that can be adapted to various skill levels, from those seeking a rigorous multi-day expedition to families desiring a more gentle, yet undeniably authentic, immersion in nature. BWCA Campsite #2017 is not merely a geographic point; it is an invitation to explore the wild, untamed heart of Minnesota, create enduring memories, and cultivate a deeper, lifelong respect for the state's irreplaceable natural resources. It’s a journey into the soul of the Northwoods, promising a return to simplicity and an invigorating connection with the natural world that resonates deeply with those who cherish Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #2017

East Cook, MN 55604, USA