BWCA Campsite #399

For those of us in Minnesota who yearn for a deep connection with the untouched wilderness, BWCA Campsite #399 on Caribou Lake offers a wonderfully authentic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) experience. This campsite is frequently highlighted for its quiet solitude and a strong sense of privacy, making it an ideal destination for adventurers seeking a true escape into the Northwoods. It provides a peaceful basecamp from which to explore the pristine lakes and forests that define our state's wild, northern reaches.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a federally protected area covering over a million acres in northern Minnesota, is a testament to the preservation of raw, natural beauty. It’s a vast network of interconnected lakes and rivers, traversed primarily by canoe, where motorized travel is largely restricted. BWCA Campsite #399 embodies this ethos, providing a rustic, Leave No Trace camping environment. Caribou Lake itself is a 250-acre body of water, well-regarded for its fishing opportunities, which adds to the allure of this particular campsite. Its location, while providing a sense of seclusion, is also within a system of lakes that allows for both peaceful relaxation and opportunities for further exploration, making it a well-rounded choice for a memorable wilderness trip.

BWCA Campsite #399 is situated on Caribou Lake, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, near West Cook, MN 55604, USA. As with all BWCA campsites, direct vehicle access is not possible. To reach Campsite #399, you will need to embark on a paddle-in and portage journey from a designated BWCA entry point.

Caribou Lake is often accessed via Entry Point #47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes) or Entry Point #48 (Meeds Lake), both of which are located along the scenic Gunflint Trail. From these entry points, the route to Caribou Lake typically involves paddling across several smaller lakes and navigating relatively short and manageable portages. While Caribou Lake does experience some through-traffic as paddlers journey to other popular lakes like Horseshoe and Gaskin, Campsite #399 is often described as being more private. Detailed BWCA maps (such as those from Fisher Maps or McKenzie Maps) are absolutely essential for precise navigation, as they will mark the exact location of Campsite #399, along with all portage trails, other campsites, and important navigational features. Planning your route carefully, understanding the distances of your paddle and portages, and being prepared for varying lake conditions (such as wind) are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip to this secluded spot.

BWCA Campsite #399, like all designated campsites in the Boundary Waters, offers fundamental, rustic amenities, adhering to a "leave no trace" philosophy. Visitors should be prepared for a self-sufficient wilderness experience, as modern conveniences are not available. The services you can expect include:

• Designated tent pads: The campsite features cleared, relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents. These are typically designed to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation and offer a comfortable sleeping surface.
• Steel fire grate: A durable metal fire ring with a cooking grate is provided for contained campfires. Campfires are only allowed within these grates, and it is imperative to check for and strictly follow any current fire restrictions or bans before and during your trip.
• Wilderness latrine: A secluded outdoor latrine (outhouse) is available, typically located a short walk from the main camping area. This facility is crucial for proper human waste disposal and maintaining the sanitation of the wilderness.
• Canoe landing: The campsite will have a designated area for landing canoes, designed to minimize erosion and facilitate safe entry and exit from the water.
• Access to natural water sources: Campers will have direct access to the water of Caribou Lake. However, all water collected from the lake must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption to ensure it is potable.

It is important to remember that this is a true wilderness experience: there is no running water, electricity, flush toilets, showers, or trash disposal services. All waste, including food scraps and garbage, must be packed out with you, leaving the campsite as pristine as you found it.

• Quiet and private atmosphere: Campsite #399 is often noted for its excellent privacy and secluded feel, providing a true sense of escape from other groups and the outside world. This is a significant draw for those seeking tranquility.
• Good fishing access: Caribou Lake is known for its walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, and this campsite provides direct access to these fishing opportunities.
• Rustic wilderness immersion: The site offers a genuine back-to-basics camping experience, perfect for those looking to disconnect, enjoy the sounds of nature, and rely on their outdoor skills.
• Potential for wildlife viewing: Like all areas of the BWCAW, the campsite offers opportunities to observe diverse Minnesota wildlife, including various bird species (like loons), deer, and potentially moose or bear (proper food storage is essential).
• Scenic Northwoods beauty: Surrounded by the iconic conifer and deciduous forests of the Northwoods, the campsite offers picturesque views and the refreshing scent of pines.
• Opportunity for stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night sky over Caribou Lake can be incredibly dark, offering spectacular views of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way.
• Access to nearby routes and features: While secluded, the campsite's location on Caribou Lake still allows for day trips or further exploration into other parts of the BWCAW, linking to popular routes.

Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA (General area for BWCA access)

As a remote wilderness campsite, BWCA Campsite #399 does not have a direct contact number. All management and permit issuance for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are overseen by the U.S. Forest Service. For specific information regarding permits, regulations, route planning, or current conditions relevant to your entry point and intended travel area, visitors should contact the relevant Ranger District Office or the Superior National Forest Headquarters. For the Caribou Lake area, accessed via the Gunflint Trail, the Gunflint Ranger District in Grand Marais is the primary point of contact.

Key Contacts for BWCA Information and Permits:

Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office:

8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808

Phone: (218) 626-4300

Gunflint Ranger District Office (relevant for Caribou Lake/Gunflint Trail area):

2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone: (218) 387-1750

Permit Reservations: For overnight trips during the quota season (May 1 – September 30), permits are required and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. Reservations for the upcoming season typically open on the last Wednesday in January and are highly competitive for popular entry points and dates. It is strongly advised to book your permit as early as possible.

Online Permit Reservations: Recreation.gov BWCAW Permits

Always consult the official USDA Forest Service website for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for the most current regulations, fire restrictions, and operating hours before planning your trip. Additionally, local outfitters along the Gunflint Trail are invaluable resources for trip planning, gear rental, and up-to-date local knowledge specific to the Caribou Lake area.

For those of us fortunate enough to call Minnesota home, BWCA Campsite #399 on Caribou Lake offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the pristine beauty and tranquility of the Boundary Waters, right in our backyard. We are incredibly lucky to have access to such a vast, protected wilderness, and this particular campsite's reputation for quiet and privacy makes it a gem for those seeking true solitude.

The journey to Campsite #399, while requiring planning and effort, is a rewarding part of the adventure, leading to a profound sense of accomplishment and disconnection from the everyday. It's an ideal choice for Minnesotans looking for an authentic northern wilderness experience, whether you're an avid angler, a dedicated paddler, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat to recharge in nature. By choosing to explore and cherish places like BWCA Campsite #399 and meticulously adhering to Leave No Trace principles, locals not only enjoy an incredible trip but also play a vital role in preserving this irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations of Minnesotans to discover and enjoy. Embrace the quiet call of the wild and plan your escape to this secluded haven.

BWCA Campsite #399

West Cook, MN 55604, USA