BWCA Campsite #873

For Minnesotans who truly embrace the call of the wild, where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself, BWCA Campsite #873 offers an exceptional wilderness experience. Located within the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), near West Cook, Minnesota, this isn't a traditional drive-up campground. Instead, it's a coveted, primitive paddle-in site on picturesque Kelso Lake, renowned for its stunning views and convenient access. The BWCAW stands as a testament to pristine nature, a vast tapestry of interconnected lakes and ancient forests where the rhythm of life slows down, and the focus shifts to the serene beauty of the Northwoods.

Accessing BWCA Campsite #873 requires a wilderness permit, a canoe, and a commitment to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that this incredible natural treasure remains unspoiled for future generations. Reviews often praise this site as "arguably the best campsite on the lake" due to its "excellent lake viewing" from the fire grate and easy canoe landing. It's a place where privacy and immersion in nature are paramount, making it an ideal choice for Minnesotans seeking an authentic, unforgettable outdoor escape. This article will provide a detailed look at what makes BWCA Campsite #873 a top choice for your next wilderness adventure, covering its unique location, essential services, and remarkable features.

BWCA Campsite #873 is specifically located on Kelso Lake, within the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with its general vicinity noted as West Cook, MN 55604, USA. It is paramount for all prospective visitors to understand that this is a primitive, paddle-in wilderness campsite. Direct vehicle access is not possible. You cannot drive to Campsite #873.

To reach this specific campsite, you must first obtain an overnight wilderness permit from Recreation.gov for an entry point that provides access to Kelso Lake. While West Cook is a town in Minnesota, the primary entry points for accessing this part of the BWCA are more commonly associated with towns like Tofte or Isabella, which are gateways to the eastern and central sections of the wilderness. For example, some common entry points that could lead to Kelso Lake might involve a route from the Sawbill Trail (near Tofte) or other adjacent entry points.

Once at your chosen entry point, you would launch your canoe (or kayaks) and navigate the chain of lakes and portages to reach Kelso Lake. The journey to the campsite is an integral and rewarding part of the BWCA experience, offering stunning scenery and a true sense of adventure. Campsite #873 itself is identified by a specific number on official BWCA maps, which are essential for accurate navigation. Reviewers note that the "canoe landing at this campsite" has "no issues," being "easy in and out," which is a significant convenience for a paddle-in site. It is also mentioned that the site is "right on a canoe route," meaning it "getting some traffic paddling by from Alton Lake." This indicates it's on a well-traveled path but still offers the quiet beauty of the BWCA. For Minnesotans, this unique paddle-in accessibility offers an authentic and deeply rewarding way to explore the state's most cherished wilderness area.

As a designated primitive campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #873 provides fundamental, minimalist services designed to uphold the wilderness character and adhere to strict Leave No Trace principles. These provisions are consistent across nearly all BWCA campsites:

• Steel Fire Grate:

  The campsite is equipped with a steel fire grate, the only permissible location for building a campfire. Campers are expected to use only dead and downed wood found on the forest floor, with strict prohibitions against cutting live trees or vegetation. It is highly recommended to also carry a small, portable camp stove for cooking, as fire bans can occur.

• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet):

  A designated wilderness latrine (a basic pit toilet or privy) is provided for human waste disposal. It is crucial to use this facility correctly, only putting toilet paper into the tank, and packing out all other trash, including personal hygiene products. Latrines are not garbage receptacles.

• Tent Pads/Designated Camping Areas:

  Campsite #873 offers designated areas suitable for pitching tents. Reviews indicate there are "two (maybe three if you have a good imagination) tent pads" at this site, and it's "a little bigger than the other two" on Kelso Lake. Some tent pads are noted as being "close to the kitchen area" or "close to the fire pit," suggesting convenient layouts for group camping.

• Canoe Landing:

  The campsite features a natural landing area for canoes, ensuring "easy in and out" access from the water. This facilitates smooth arrivals and departures, and provides direct access to the lake from the campsite.

• Bear Safety Requirements (Implicit):

  While no physical bear-proof lockers are typically found at primitive BWCA campsites, strict adherence to bear safety protocols is mandatory. All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in bear-resistant containers or hung at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from any tree trunk, and at least 200 feet from tents, to protect both campers and wildlife.

• No Potable Water:

  There is no source of potable (drinkable) water directly at BWCA campsites. Campers must bring their own water or be prepared to filter, boil, or chemically treat water from Kelso Lake for all drinking and cooking needs.

• No Trash Service:

  The BWCA operates on a strict "Leave No Trace" policy. All trash, including food scraps and packaging, must be packed out of the wilderness by the campers. Burning trash in fire grates is prohibited.

• Exceptional Lake Views:

  A major highlight of Campsite #873 is its "excellent lake viewing." The fire grate is positioned "on a ledge right above the water," providing stunning panoramas of Kelso Lake. Reviewers note it "has better views than any of the other three campsites on this lake" and overlooks the lake.

• Considered "Best Campsite on the Lake":

  Multiple sources suggest it is "arguably the best campsite on the lake," indicating its desirability and superior features compared to other sites on Kelso Lake.

• Spacious for Multiple Tents/Hammocks:

  While some sites can be tight, Campsite #873 is described as "a little bigger" and having "two (maybe three) tent pads," with "open and flat" ground near the kitchen area, allowing for potentially a third tent or ample hammock setup. This makes it suitable for groups.

• Strategic Location on Canoe Route:

  Being "right on a canoe route" from Alton Lake makes it a convenient stop for those traversing popular paddling routes, offering easy access for arrival and departure, though it means some "traffic paddling by during the day."

• Good Airflow / Relatively Bug-Free:

  Its elevated, exposed position, while potentially "somewhat wind exposed if it's blowing," also means it "should be relatively bug free," a significant advantage in the Northwoods during bug season.

• Excellent Food Service Setup:

  The site is noted for having a "pretty nice setup for the food service department," with tent pads "close to the kitchen area," making meal prep and dining convenient.

• Unparalleled Wilderness Solitude:

  Despite being on a canoe route, the BWCA provides a profound sense of solitude away from developed areas, allowing for deep immersion in nature.

• Stargazing Opportunities:

  Far from urban light pollution, the night skies over Kelso Lake and BWCA Campsite #873 offer spectacular opportunities for stargazing, revealing a vast canvas of stars.

• Fishing and Wildlife Viewing:

  Kelso Lake offers fishing opportunities. The quiet nature of the BWCA also provides ample chances to observe Minnesota's diverse wildlife, including loons, eagles, moose, and more.

Address: West Cook, MN 55604, USA (General vicinity, exact site is paddle-in)

Phone: BWCA Campsite #873 itself does not have a direct phone number, as it is a specific, individual primitive campsite within the vast wilderness. All reservations for wilderness permits to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are managed through the National Park Service's reservation system, Recreation.gov. You can visit the Recreation.gov website or call their national call center at 1-877-444-6777 for booking information and assistance with quota permits, which are mandatory for overnight trips from May 1 to September 30. For specific park information, including current conditions, regulations, and permit pick-up locations (such as the Tofte Ranger District or Isabella Ranger District, depending on your entry point), it is best to consult the official USDA Forest Service website for the Superior National Forest. The Tofte Ranger District phone number is typically (218) 663-8060, and Isabella is (218) 323-7740. Local outfitters in the region (e.g., near Tofte or Ely, which serve the BWCA) are also invaluable resources, offering extensive trip planning assistance, gear rentals, and detailed knowledge of the campsites and routes.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #873 on Kelso Lake offers a quintessential wilderness experience that resonates deeply with our state's outdoor heritage. Its location within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a jewel of Minnesota's natural landscape, provides a true escape from the ordinary. For locals who cherish solitude, pristine environments, and the challenge of a paddle-in adventure, this campsite is an ideal choice.

Reviews consistently highlight its "excellent lake viewing" and describe it as "arguably the best campsite on the lake," making it a highly desirable destination for those who appreciate scenic beauty directly from their camp. The convenience of an "easy in and out" canoe landing and its spaciousness, able to accommodate "two (maybe three) tent pads," are significant advantages for groups of friends or families seeking a comfortable base in the wilderness. While it is on a canoe route and may see some passing traffic, the overall experience remains one of profound natural immersion.

Furthermore, the promise of a "relatively bug free" experience due to its windy exposure can be a major draw for Minnesotans, who are well-acquainted with the challenges of summer insects. The opportunity to witness spectacular stargazing, enjoy excellent fishing, and simply disconnect in an untouched environment defines the appeal of the BWCA. For any Minnesotan looking for an authentic, rewarding, and undeniably beautiful wilderness adventure that embodies the very spirit of our state, BWCA Campsite #873 stands out as a prime destination, offering cherished memories right in our own backyard.

BWCA Campsite #873

West Cook, MN 55604, USA