BWCA Campsite #850

For Minnesotans seeking an authentic wilderness experience, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and immerse oneself in pristine nature. Within this expansive and protected landscape, designated campsites provide essential stopping points for adventurers. Among these, BWCA Campsite #850, located on Cross Bay Lake, stands out as a highly desirable option, known for its unique characteristics and strategic position within a popular canoe route. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of this remarkable wilderness destination, helping local users plan their next unforgettable outdoor adventure.

The BWCAW is a federally protected wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota, celebrated for its intricate network of interconnected lakes and rivers, making it a prime destination for canoe camping and portaging. Unlike traditional campgrounds with extensive amenities, BWCA campsites are primitive by design, emphasizing self-reliance and strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Campsite #850 fully embodies this wilderness ethos, providing a designated, undisturbed space for your group to connect with nature, far from the distractions and noise of modern life.

This comprehensive overview will delve into the precise location and accessibility of BWCA Campsite #850, the essential services you can expect (or the self-sufficiency required), its unique features and highlights, and critical contact information for planning your trip. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to confidently embark on a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible journey to this extraordinary corner of Minnesota's wilderness. Whether you are an experienced Boundary Waters paddler or planning your first venture into this iconic landscape, Campsite #850 offers an experience that is consistently praised by those who visit.

BWCA Campsite #850 is situated on Cross Bay Lake, a notable body of water within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The general address provided, Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA, places it within Cook County, a gateway region to the BWCAW. However, it's vital to understand that direct road access to individual campsites within the wilderness is nonexistent. Accessing Campsite #850, like all BWCA sites, requires a wilderness permit and involves a combination of paddling and portaging.

Cross Bay Lake is often accessed via Entry Point #50 – Cross Bay Lake, typically beginning from a drop-off point near the Gunflint Trail. From this entry point, visitors usually start their journey on the Cross River, which connects to Ham Lake and eventually Cross Bay Lake. This route involves navigating a series of portages, some of which may be described as rocky but generally manageable. Outfitters located along the Gunflint Trail, such as Seagull Canoe Outfitters or Clearwater Historic Lodge, can provide shuttles to Entry Point #50 and offer invaluable advice on route planning and navigation to Cross Bay Lake.

Upon reaching Cross Bay Lake, locating Campsite #850 will require the use of detailed navigational maps (e.g., Fisher or McKenzie maps), which accurately depict campsite locations. Public information suggests that Cross Bay Lake has two campsites, with one often described as being "on the south end of the lake near the waterfall" or "on a sharp bend on the west side of the lake." Given that specific campsite numbers are not always universally mapped with public descriptions, it's best to consult recent trip reports or outfitter advice for the most accurate identification of Campsite #850 on Cross Bay Lake. The journey to the site often involves paddling through various bays and fingers of Cross Bay Lake, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. The portages along the route, though sometimes against the current on the way in, are generally well-maintained.

As a designated campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #850 provides a truly rustic and self-sufficient camping experience. You will not find modern amenities such as running water, electricity, or flush toilets here. The "services" provided are primarily those mandated for wilderness preservation and to minimize visitor impact, ensuring the area remains as wild as possible.

• Pristine Natural Environment: The most significant offering is the unspoiled natural setting, providing clean air, quiet surroundings, and the chance to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the Northwoods. All water collected from the lake must be treated before consumption.
• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite features cleared, relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents, designed to concentrate impact and protect the surrounding fragile ecosystem. While the exact number of pads can vary, BWCA campsites are designed to accommodate typical group sizes.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided at the campsite for building campfires. This helps to contain fires, reduce wildfire risk, and provides a designated cooking area. Visitors should always check current fire restrictions and follow safe fire practices.
• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): Each designated campsite in the BWCAW is equipped with a wilderness latrine, typically a primitive pit toilet. These facilities are designed to manage human waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Users are expected to use these facilities for their intended purpose only and pack out all other trash and waste.
• Access to Cross Bay Lake: Direct access to Cross Bay Lake allows for paddling, fishing (with a valid Minnesota fishing license), and water collection. The lake itself is known for its fishing opportunities for northern pike and walleye.

BWCA Campsite #850 on Cross Bay Lake is noted for several appealing features that contribute to its popularity and overall high regard among paddlers. While specific user experiences can vary, general characteristics often highlighted include:

• Strategic Location: Cross Bay Lake is part of a popular canoe route, offering access to other lakes like Ham Lake, Rib Lake, and potentially larger routes to Long Island Lake. Campsite #850's location provides a good base for day trips and further exploration within the eastern BWCAW.
• Scenic Surroundings: Cross Bay Lake itself is described as having varied scenery, from narrower river-like sections with slight currents to wider bays. The presence of nearby features like a small waterfall flowing into the lake from Rib Lake (or from a small unnamed lake in the Hairy Lake PMA) adds to the natural beauty and opportunities for exploration around the campsite.
• Good Fishing Opportunities: Cross Bay Lake is known for its walleye and northern pike fishing. Being located on the lake, Campsite #850 offers direct access for anglers to try their luck from shore or by paddling to promising fishing spots.
• Variety of Terrain: The area around Cross Bay Lake features interesting geological formations, including rock ledges and areas that might provide elevated views. While specific details for #850 are less common in public reviews, BWCA campsites often leverage the natural contours of the land for tenting and gathering areas.
• Wildlife Viewing: As with much of the BWCAW, Cross Bay Lake and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including loons, various waterfowl, and possibly larger mammals.
• Secluded Wilderness Experience: Despite being on a known route, BWCA campsites offer a profound sense of seclusion. Campsite #850 provides the solitude and quiet that are hallmarks of a true wilderness trip, far from motor traffic and developed areas.
• Potential for Unique Landing: While some BWCA landings can be challenging, the character of Cross Bay Lake, with its varying shoreline, might present a unique landing experience for canoes.

Since BWCA Campsite #850 is a primitive wilderness campsite and not a commercial entity, there is no direct phone number or specific contact information for the campsite itself. All management and permit issuance for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are handled by the U.S. Forest Service.

To plan your trip, understand regulations, and secure the necessary permits to enter the BWCAW and access Cross Bay Lake, you will interact with the U.S. Forest Service's Superior National Forest offices.

General address for the Superior National Forest:Superior National Forest8901 Grand Avenue PlaceDuluth, MN 55808USA

For permit reservations and specific inquiries about the BWCAW, especially concerning entry points like Entry Point #50 – Cross Bay Lake, which leads to this campsite, the relevant Ranger District is typically the Gunflint Ranger District, as it manages entry points in the eastern part of the BWCAW.

Gunflint Ranger District Phone: 218-387-1750

Permit reservations for the BWCAW are primarily made through Recreation.gov. It is crucial to reserve your permit well in advance, especially for popular entry points and during peak season (May 1 - September 30), as daily quotas are enforced to preserve the wilderness experience. You can make reservations online or by calling their toll-free number.

Recreation.gov Website: https://www.recreation.gov/Recreation.gov Phone: 1-877-444-6777

Remember that your permit will specify your entry point and date; once inside the wilderness, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis within the designated area. Always consult official BWCAW maps and resources for detailed navigation to Campsite #850 once you've entered the wilderness.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #850 on Cross Bay Lake offers a quintessential Boundary Waters experience, deeply connected to the state’s natural identity. This campsite, positioned along a well-known canoe route, provides an excellent opportunity for locals to immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty and solitude of Minnesota’s wilderness.

Minnesotans, often with a natural inclination towards outdoor pursuits, are well-equipped to appreciate the self-reliant nature of a BWCA trip. Camping at #850 encourages a profound connection with the environment, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of responsible outdoor ethics. It’s a chance to truly unplug from the demands of modern life, paddle through crystal-clear waters, and witness the captivating wildlife that calls the Boundary Waters home, all within a reasonable driving distance from many Minnesota communities.

The fishing opportunities on Cross Bay Lake are a significant draw, allowing locals to enjoy a favorite pastime in a truly wild and productive setting. The journey to the campsite itself, involving the rhythmic motion of paddling and the physical challenge of portaging, becomes an integral part of the adventure, creating a sense of accomplishment and memorable shared experiences. The primitive nature of the campsite ensures minimal human impact, preserving the raw, untamed beauty that makes the Boundary Waters a globally recognized wilderness.

In essence, BWCA Campsite #850 isn't merely a place to set up a tent; it’s an invitation for Minnesotans to embrace their state’s rich outdoor heritage. It offers an invaluable opportunity to build character, strengthen bonds with fellow adventurers, and create enduring memories amidst one of North America's most extraordinary natural landscapes. By adhering to the principles of Leave No Trace, locals can ensure that this incredible wilderness remains pristine for future generations to explore and cherish.

BWCA Campsite #850

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA