BWCA Campsite #885

For Minnesotans and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #885 offers a truly immersive escape into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This is not your typical drive-up campground; it is a remote, paddle-in sanctuary that promises solitude, pristine natural beauty, and the profound quiet of the Northwoods. The BWCAW, a federally protected wilderness spanning over a million acres in northeastern Minnesota, is world-renowned for its interconnected lakes, ancient forests, and historic portage trails. Campsite #885 is one of over 2,000 designated sites, each providing a unique opportunity to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. Imagine the serene sound of loons echoing across the water, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and nights illuminated by a vast, star-filled sky. This particular campsite is located on Long Island Lake, a beautiful and popular destination within the BWCA, offering ample opportunities for exploration, fishing, and a classic Boundary Waters adventure.

BWCA Campsite #885 is situated on Long Island Lake, within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Its general address is listed as West Cook, MN 55604, USA, which places it within the Superior National Forest that encompasses the BWCAW. It is crucial to understand that this is a remote wilderness campsite, meaning it is not accessible by road. Access is exclusively by canoe or kayak, involving a journey of paddling across lakes and portaging (carrying canoes and gear over land) between waterways from a designated BWCA entry point.

Long Island Lake can be accessed from several entry points, making it a versatile destination depending on your desired route and trip length. A common entry point to reach the vicinity of Long Island Lake is Entry Point #50 (Cross Bay Lake). From this entry, paddlers would navigate through a series of lakes and portages, often including Cross Bay Lake, Ham Lake, Rib Lake, Lower George Lake, and Karl Lake, before reaching Long Island Lake. Another possible access point might involve routes stemming from Poplar Lake (Entry Point #47).

The exact location of Campsite #885 on Long Island Lake would be detailed on official BWCA maps, which are essential for navigation within this vast wilderness. Paddlers should be prepared for varying conditions on Long Island Lake, as its size can sometimes lead to windy conditions. The remote nature of the campsite ensures a truly immersive wilderness experience, far removed from the sounds and lights of civilization. The journey to the campsite is an integral part of the adventure, offering breathtaking views of Minnesota's rugged Northwoods landscape and a profound sense of accomplishment upon arrival.

As a designated, primitive campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #885 provides essential services designed to support responsible wilderness camping while upholding the strict "Leave No Trace" principles that govern the BWCAW. The focus is on preserving the pristine environment.

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite includes established, cleared, and relatively flat areas specifically for pitching tents. These pads are designed to minimize impact on the ground vegetation, providing a stable and appropriate place for your shelter. The number of pads can vary, but typically accommodate standard BWCA group sizes.
• Fire Grate: A sturdy, permanent metal fire grate is installed at the campsite. This allows for safe and contained campfires for cooking and warmth, provided that current fire restrictions or bans are not in effect. Campers are encouraged to use only dead and downed wood and ensure all fires are completely extinguished.
• Latrine: A basic, primitive outdoor latrine (often a pit toilet or "thunderbox") is located a short distance away from the main camping area. These facilities are crucial for hygienic human waste management in a wilderness setting. Visitors are reminded to pack out all toilet paper and personal hygiene products.
• Access to Natural Water Source: Campsite #885 is situated on the shoreline of Long Island Lake, providing direct access to water. However, it is absolutely imperative that all water collected from the lake is filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption to remove any potential contaminants and ensure it is safe for drinking. Potable water is not provided directly at the campsite.
• Canoe Landing: The site typically offers a suitable natural area along the shoreline for safely landing canoes and securing them when not in use. While formal docks are absent, these natural landings are chosen for their ease of access for paddlers.

The features and highlights of BWCA Campsite #885 are what make it a desirable destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable wilderness adventure in Minnesota. Its attributes contribute to a truly immersive experience.

• Secluded Wilderness Setting: The primary highlight is the profound sense of solitude and immersion in the untouched wilderness. Far from roads, motors, and light pollution, the campsite offers a genuine escape into nature.
• Long Island Lake Exploration: Being located on Long Island Lake provides extensive opportunities for paddling. This large lake features numerous bays, points, and islands, offering diverse scenery and ample routes for day trips or longer explorations.
• Exceptional Stargazing: With minimal artificial light, the night skies above Campsite #885 are incredibly dark, providing breathtaking views of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way in unparalleled clarity.
• Good Fishing Opportunities: Long Island Lake is known to offer good fishing. Anglers can target various fish species native to the BWCA, providing a rewarding activity during their stay. A valid Minnesota fishing license is required.
• Wildlife Observation: The pristine environment around the campsite is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic loon, bald eagles, various waterfowl, moose, deer, and smaller mammals. Campers have the chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
• Gateway to Further Routes: From Long Island Lake, paddlers can access various portages that lead to other lakes and canoe routes within the BWCA, allowing for flexible trip planning and the exploration of more remote areas. This offers opportunities for longer, multi-day excursions.
• Pristine Natural Beauty: The area around Campsite #885 showcases the rugged, ancient landscape of the Boundary Waters, characterized by towering pines, rocky outcrops, and crystal-clear waters.

As a remote wilderness campsite, BWCA Campsite #885 does not have a direct contact phone number or a traditional mailing address for individual inquiries. Management and reservation for all campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness fall under the authority of the Superior National Forest and the U.S. Forest Service.

For general inquiries, permit information, and assistance with trip planning related to the area encompassing Long Island Lake (which is often within the Tofte or Gunflint Ranger District's jurisdiction, depending on specific entry points), you can contact:

Tofte Ranger District

Address: 7355 W Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615, USA (This is a general Ranger District office, not the campsite itself)

Phone: (218) 663-8060 (Tofte Ranger District Office - for permit questions, regulations, and trip planning assistance)

Permits for entry into the BWCAW are required for all overnight trips and certain day use during the quota season (May 1 - September 30). These permits must be obtained in advance through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to reserve permits well in advance, especially for popular entry points leading to Long Island Lake, as they are limited and in high demand. Local outfitters in the Grand Marais, Tofte, or Ely areas are invaluable resources for detailed route planning, gear rental, and understanding current wilderness conditions and specific regulations for your trip to Campsite #885.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #885 on Long Island Lake offers a quintessential and deeply meaningful experience within their beloved home state. This particular site embodies the spirit of the Boundary Waters: a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey into true wilderness. The act of paddling and portaging to a remote destination is a cherished tradition for many local outdoor enthusiasts, fostering self-reliance, teamwork, and an unparalleled sense of connection to nature. Minnesotans value the BWCA for its pristine condition, understanding the vital importance of preserving such an extraordinary ecosystem for future generations. Experiencing the profound quiet, the unpolluted night skies, and the abundant wildlife at Campsite #885 allows for a complete detachment from the everyday stresses of urban life and a powerful reconnection with the natural world. Whether seeking challenging multi-day paddles, excellent fishing opportunities, or simply a serene retreat into the heart of the Northwoods, this campsite on Long Island Lake provides an ideal setting. It’s a chance to truly immerse oneself in Minnesota’s unique environment, creating enduring memories and strengthening the bond between locals and their remarkable wild spaces.

BWCA Campsite #885

West Cook, MN 55604, USA