BWCA Campsite #870

For Minnesota residents dreaming of a true escape into the tranquil beauty of the Northwoods, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) stands as an iconic destination. Within this vast, protected expanse, BWCA Campsite #870 emerges as a particularly inviting option, especially for groups or those seeking a spacious and scenic wilderness experience. This detailed overview aims to provide local users in Minnesota with comprehensive information about this beloved campsite, helping them plan an unforgettable adventure.

The BWCAW is globally recognized for its untouched lakes, ancient forests, and unparalleled opportunities for paddle-based exploration. Campsite #870 offers a quintessential wilderness experience, where the sounds of urban life are replaced by the gentle lapping of water, the calls of local wildlife, and the crackle of a campfire under a star-filled sky. It’s a place where disconnection from daily routines leads to a profound reconnection with nature, a concept deeply cherished by many Minnesotans who value their state's rich outdoor heritage.

Camping in the BWCAW is an exercise in self-reliance and environmental stewardship. Each designated campsite, including #870, adheres strictly to "Leave No Trace" principles, ensuring its pristine condition is maintained for future generations. This commitment means packing out everything you bring in, respecting the abundant wildlife, and minimizing your ecological footprint. For locals, this isn't merely a trip; it's an active participation in preserving one of Minnesota's most precious natural treasures.

Planning a BWCAW trip requires careful preparation, and understanding the specific attributes of a campsite like #870 can significantly enhance your adventure. While it provides a rustic, undeveloped setting, it offers the essential elements for a comfortable wilderness stay, serving as an excellent basecamp for exploring the surrounding network of lakes and portages. The allure of its scenic views and ample space, as highlighted by past visitors, makes it a highly sought-after location within the wilderness.

Whether you are a seasoned Boundary Waters paddler or embarking on your first wilderness excursion, BWCA Campsite #870 presents a compelling choice for an authentic and memorable Minnesota outdoor experience. Its inclusion within a globally significant wilderness area underscores the importance of every visit in contributing to the preservation of this incredible natural resource, making it a responsible and highly rewarding option for those who call Minnesota home.

BWCA Campsite #870 is located in West Cook, MN 55604, USA. More specifically, this highly-regarded campsite is situated on Alton Lake. It is identified as the campsite "just south of the Kelso Lake portage on the east shoreline of the lake." This positioning places it within the intricate network of waterways characteristic of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is part of the larger Superior National Forest.

Accessibility to BWCA campsites, including #870, is solely by watercraft, primarily canoe or kayak, and requires navigating a series of lakes and portages. There are no direct roads leading to the campsite itself. Visitors typically begin their journey from designated entry points, where they park their vehicles and commence their paddle-and-portage adventure. Given its location on Alton Lake, common entry points that would lead to Campsite #870 would be those that allow access to the Alton Lake area, often originating from the Sawbill Trail or near Ely.

The journey to Campsite #870 involves traversing interconnected lakes and undertaking portages, which are short overland carries of canoes and gear between lakes. This wilderness travel is integral to the BWCAW experience, offering a profound sense of immersion in nature from the very outset of your trip. The remote nature of such a location contributes significantly to its appeal, providing a genuine sense of solitude and escape that is highly valued by Minnesotans.

While the address is listed as West Cook, MN, it's crucial to understand that this is a general geographic indicator for the region. Practical access points would be from communities like Ely or Tofte, which serve as common gateways to the BWCAW. These towns offer essential services such as outfitting, permits, and last-minute supplies for wilderness trips. The deliberate lack of direct vehicle access to the campsite is a fundamental aspect of BWCAW management, designed to preserve the pristine wilderness character of the area, making the effort of getting there all the more rewarding for those who embark on the journey.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), BWCA Campsite #870 adheres to the strict "Leave No Trace" principles, offering essential, minimalist services designed to protect its natural integrity.

• Designated Campsite:

  The campsite is an official, marked location for overnight camping. This helps to prevent widespread impact and concentrates human activity to specific, managed areas.

• Steel Fire Grate:

  Each designated campsite is equipped with a durable steel fire grate. This feature is vital for containing campfires, minimizing the risk of wildfires, and reducing scarring on the landscape. Fires are only permitted within these grates, and visitors must always be aware of and adhere to any fire restrictions in place due to dry conditions.

• Wilderness Latrine:

  A designated wilderness latrine, typically an open-air pit toilet, is provided at the campsite for the disposal of human waste. This provision is crucial for maintaining hygiene and protecting water quality in this sensitive ecosystem. Visitors are strictly reminded that latrines are not for garbage and all other waste must be packed out.

  Note from review: One review mentioned the "hike to the toilet" as a drawback, indicating it may be set back from the main campsite area, which is common for BWCA latrines to ensure privacy and proper waste management.

• Tent Pads:

  Campsites generally offer relatively flat areas, or "tent pads," suitable for pitching tents. Reports for Campsite #870 indicate "ample tent options" and "two nice big tent pads," suggesting it can comfortably accommodate larger groups.

• Canoe Landing:

  A specific area is available for landing canoes. For Campsite #870, customer reviews highlight an "easy landing" and "sandy beach landing on both sides," making access to and from the water convenient, which is a significant advantage in the BWCAW.

• Access to Untreated Lake Water:

  Being directly on Alton Lake, the campsite provides ready access to lake water. However, it is imperative that this water is filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption to ensure its safety.

• Natural Firewood Collection:

  Visitors are allowed to gather dead and downed wood from the surrounding forest for campfires. Collection must be done away from the immediate campsite and should only involve wood that can be broken by hand. Cutting any live vegetation is strictly prohibited.

It is important to emphasize that this is a wilderness experience. There are no flush toilets, showers, picnic tables (beyond the fire grate), electrical hookups, or trash disposal services. All waste, including food scraps, must be packed out. The minimalist nature of these services is intentional, designed to preserve the wild character of the BWCAW and offer a truly self-reliant camping adventure.

BWCA Campsite #870 on Alton Lake stands out for several appealing features and highlights, making it a desirable destination for wilderness campers, especially groups:

• Spaciousness for Groups:

  A significant highlight noted by a past visitor is that it's a "Great campsite with plenty of room for a big group." This indicates ample space for multiple tents and group gathering, which can be a key factor for larger parties planning a BWCAW trip.

• Excellent Views:

  The campsite is praised for its "great views." Being "elevated about 10 feet above the water on a bedrock outcropping" provides panoramic vistas of Alton Lake, particularly at sunset, enhancing the overall wilderness experience and offering fantastic photo opportunities.

• Easy Canoe Landing:

  Unlike some rocky or challenging landings in the BWCAW, Campsite #870 is noted for its "easy landing" and even a "sandy beach landing on both sides of the peninsula." This is a considerable convenience for paddlers, making the process of arriving and departing much smoother.

• Proximity to Kelso Lake and River:

  The campsite is "literally 10 rods away from Kelso," and there's a trail leading to the Kelso River. This close proximity offers easy day trips to explore Kelso Lake, the Kelso River, and even the notable Dolmen Rock, adding further adventure options.

• Elevated Kitchen Area:

  The site boasts an "elevated rock for kitchen area," providing a scenic and potentially less windy spot for cooking and socializing, with "amazing views from the elevated kitchen area."

• Ample Tent Options & Privacy:

  Beyond accommodating large groups, the site provides "ample tent options." Its setting on a "small peninsula" also contributes to a sense of privacy and separation from other potential visitors on the lake.

• Fishing Potential:

  Alton Lake is known for good fishing, and visitors have reported "luck off the front of the campsite only," suggesting good angling opportunities directly from the site itself.

While the "hike to the toilet" was mentioned as a minor drawback, the overwhelming positive feedback regarding space, views, and landing quality solidify BWCA Campsite #870 as a top choice for a memorable and comfortable wilderness camping experience within the Boundary Waters.

For BWCA Campsite #870, similar to all designated campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, there isn't a direct contact number or specific individual assigned to the campsite itself. All management and information are handled by the U.S. Forest Service, specifically through the Superior National Forest, which oversees the BWCAW.

Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA (General geographic area)

For general inquiries regarding BWCAW permits, regulations, trip planning, and current conditions, it is best to contact the U.S. Forest Service office for the Kawishiwi Ranger District, which is often a key point of contact for trips originating from the western side of the BWCAW near Cook or Ely.

U.S. Forest Service – Kawishiwi Ranger District (Ely)Phone: (218) 365-7600

Permits for overnight trips into the BWCAW are mandatory for using designated campsites like #870. These permits are obtained through the national online reservation system:

Website for Permits: Recreation.gov (search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits")

It is highly recommended to secure your permit well in advance, especially for peak season dates and popular entry points, as permits are limited. Local outfitters in nearby towns like Ely also offer valuable services including permit acquisition assistance, route planning, gear rental, and shuttle services, making them excellent resources for planning your trip to Campsite #870.

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #870 represents an outstanding opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty and challenge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This campsite is particularly well-suited for locals due to a combination of its inherent features, the accessible nature of a BWCA trip for Minnesotans, and the deep cultural connection many have to the state's wilderness areas.

Firstly, the campsite’s noted spaciousness makes it ideal for group outings, whether it’s a family reunion, a gathering of friends, or an educational trip. This capacity for larger groups, coupled with the great views and easy canoe landing—features highly valued by experienced paddlers—enhances the overall comfort and enjoyment of the wilderness experience. For Minnesotans who often plan these types of multi-person adventures, finding a campsite that can accommodate everyone comfortably is a significant advantage.

Secondly, the BWCAW is a cornerstone of Minnesota's identity. Many locals have a lifelong relationship with the Northwoods, whether through childhood trips, family traditions, or a general appreciation for the state's natural beauty. A visit to Campsite #870 is not just a vacation; it's an immersion into a landscape that feels inherently "home." This familiarity, coupled with the relatively close proximity for most Minnesota residents compared to out-of-state visitors, makes the planning and execution of a BWCA trip more feasible and less daunting. The nearby outfitting services in towns like Ely are well-versed in assisting Minnesotans, offering tailored advice and gear that caters to local needs and preferences.

Moreover, the wilderness experience offered by Campsite #870 perfectly aligns with the values often held by Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts: self-reliance, respect for nature, and the pursuit of quiet solitude. The minimal amenities encourage a true "back to basics" approach, fostering skills in navigation, camping, and environmental responsibility. For parents, it's an exceptional setting to instill these critical values and outdoor proficiencies in their children, creating enduring memories away from digital distractions. The "hike to the toilet" mentioned in a review, while a minor inconvenience, is part of the authentic, undeveloped wilderness experience that many locals seek, distinguishing it from more developed campgrounds.

In conclusion, BWCA Campsite #870 on Alton Lake is an exceptional choice for Minnesota locals. Its blend of ample space, stunning views, convenient lake access, and its prime location within one of the state's most revered natural areas makes it a premier destination for those seeking an authentic, rewarding, and deeply connected wilderness adventure close to home.

BWCA Campsite #870

West Cook, MN 55604, USA