Superior National Forest Campsite #2117

**Introduction / Overview: Experience the BWCA's Gold Standard**

For Minnesota's dedicated paddlers and wilderness enthusiasts, the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)** is the pinnacle of outdoor adventure. Within this vast, protected area, **BWCA Campsite #2117** on **Gaskin Lake** has earned a stellar reputation, often being cited by local adventurers as one of the finest campsites in the entire system. It is a true five-star destination for those willing to make the paddle.

This primitive, designated site, managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Superior National Forest, is located deep in the non-motorized section of the BWCA, ensuring a high degree of quiet solitude. Its appeal lies in its impressive topography and well-maintained features, which are rare luxuries in the rugged backcountry. User reviews consistently describe a site with an elevated position that offers excellent drainage and commanding views. Key highlights include not just one, but **three superb landing areas**, one of which features the remarkable convenience of **timber steps** leading up to the main camp area—a significant advantage when portaging heavy gear.

Campsite #2117 is large, accommodating groups comfortably, and its location provides natural protection and aesthetic appeal. If your idea of the perfect Minnesota wilderness trip involves comfortable setup, phenomenal views, and a breezy spot to keep the bugs at bay, this highly-sought-after Gaskin Lake retreat is worth planning your entire route around.

**Location and Accessibility: A Journey to Gaskin Lake**

BWCA Campsite #2117 is located on a prominent point on the northern shore of **Gaskin Lake**, deep within the **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness**.

The site's general administrative area is **Ely, MN 55731, USA**. Its precise location is best determined using maps and GPS coordinates (indicated by the provided geo-code: X3HC+6H).

**Accessibility:**

• **Canoe Access Only:** This is a designated backcountry site accessible exclusively by canoe or kayak.
• **Entry Points:** The most frequent access routes begin from the **Gunflint Trail side**, typically using **Entry Point #47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes)** or **Entry Point #48 (Meeds Lake)**. The journey involves multiple portages across several lakes, making it a challenging but rewarding multi-hour or multi-day paddle.
• **The Paddle:** Gaskin Lake itself is a long, east-west oriented lake that can be challenging in high winds. Campsite #2117 is ideally located on a point, allowing paddlers to approach from the most protected side depending on the weather.
• **Landing Features:** The site is famously accessible with a primary landing featuring **"Timber stairs lead up to the site from an average smooth rock landing"**. Reviewers also note a third, superior landing area with a **"nice sand/gravel beach"** in a protected cove, which is ideal for safe entry, exit, and swimming.

Prospective campers must secure an overnight quota permit for the BWCAW in advance via Recreation.gov for their chosen entry point and date. This site is then claimed on a **first-come, first-served basis** upon arrival.

**Services Offered**

Campsite #2117 provides well-maintained, primitive services designed for the serious backpacker and canoeist, adhering to strict BWCA regulations.

**Campsite-Specific Services (Superior Primitive):**

• **Multiple Tent Pads:** The site is spacious with **"2 nice tent pads"** and potentially more marginal spots, ensuring comfort for most group sizes (up to the BWCA maximum of 9 people).
• **Steel Fire Grate:** A permanent steel grate for campfires and cooking, often surrounded by **"Super nice toilet"** seating.
• **Wilderness Latrine:** A rustic, box-style latrine (thunderbox). Due to the site’s large size and point location, the latrine is generally located a **"solid distance back"**, maximizing the distance from water and the main camp area for hygiene and privacy.
• **Unique Canoe Landings:** Three possible landings, including the remarkable **timber stairs** for easy gear transport and the **protected, sandy beach** for swimming.
• **Hammock Spots:** The presence of mature trees provides **"some Hammock spots"** and plenty of options for hanging food packs.

**BWCA Wilderness-Wide Requirements:**

• **Water Source:** Water must be filtered or treated from Gaskin Lake before consumption.
• **Pack In, Pack Out:** All trash must be packed out; no garbage receptacles are provided.
• **Firewood Caution:** Due to the site's high popularity and heavy usage, **"finding wood is a challenge"** nearby, and groups may need to take a short paddle to collect downed, dead wood.

The high quality of the site's amenities, despite its primitive classification, contributes significantly to its reputation.

**Features / Highlights**

BWCA Campsite #2117 is celebrated for its panoramic aesthetics and practical elements that define a premium wilderness stay.

• **Premier Scenic Views:** Located on a point, the site offers **"Good views of the lake"** and an elevated vantage point, which provides better visuals of the surrounding wilderness and water.
• **Convenient Vertical Access:** The **timber stairway** is a unique, highly practical feature that drastically simplifies the arduous process of unloading gear from canoes up to the elevated camp area.
• **Natural Bug Defense:** Its elevated and exposed point location ensures the **"benefit of enough trees to slow the wind"** while also providing enough breeze to **"keep away bugs"**, a significant advantage during Minnesota's summer months.
• **Exceptional Water Access:** The combination of a rocky ledge (great for sunbathing, fishing) and a **"nice sand/gravel beach area"** (perfect for safe swimming) offers versatility unmatched by most single-landing sites.
• **Spacious and Versatile Layout:** The large, open areas are suitable for big groups, allowing for comfortable separation of sleeping, cooking, and leisure zones. It is noted as having **"Large open areas for tarps, tents, and kitchen areas."**
• **Second Best Site:** Often ranked highly, sometimes second only to another legendary site on the same lake, confirming its elite status among BWCA campsites.

**Contact Information**

As a designated wilderness site, all official inquiries should be directed to the responsible U.S. Forest Service Ranger District.

**Permit and Information Contact (Kawishiwi Ranger District):**

1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

**Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District - Superior National Forest):**

(218) 365-7600

**Reservations/Permits:**

Overnight BWCA permits are required and must be secured via the U.S. Forest Service through Recreation.gov. Accessing Gaskin Lake is generally done through **Entry Point #47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes)** or **#48 (Meeds Lake)**.

**What is Worth Choosing: The Ultimate BWCA Basecamp**

Choosing BWCA Campsite #2117 is choosing a premium wilderness experience that minimizes the logistical headaches of backcountry camping while maximizing comfort and scenery.

**For the Minnesota canoeist, this site is worth the paddle because of:**

• **Unmatched Convenience:** The timber stairs and dual landing areas make this one of the easiest BWCA sites to set up camp at, especially critical after a long day of paddling and portaging. This feature alone drastically reduces physical strain.
• **Exceptional Group Comfort:** The generous, well-drained space and numerous designated areas allow large groups (up to 9 people) to camp comfortably without feeling cramped, ensuring a harmonious trip.
• **Aesthetic and Practical Advantage:** The elevated, breezy point location offers both stellar, unobstructed views of Gaskin Lake and natural defense against insects, translating directly into a more enjoyable and relaxing stay.
• **Prime Exploration Hub:** Gaskin Lake is a pivotal point in the BWCA, connecting to routes leading to Winchell, Horseshoe, and Omega Lakes. Campsite #2117 serves as the perfect, luxurious base camp for day trips and extended explorations into the surrounding wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #2117 is a rare find—a deeply secluded wilderness site that still provides an almost luxurious level of convenience and beauty, solidifying its place as a bucket-list destination for serious Minnesota outdoor adventurers.