Superior National Forest Campsite #2118

**Introduction / Overview: A Five-Star View on Gaskin Lake**

For Minnesotans who venture into the revered **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)**, finding a truly exceptional campsite is like striking gold. **BWCA Campsite #2118**, located on the scenic **Gaskin Lake**, is one such gem. Nestled deep within the Superior National Forest and accessible from the Ely area, this site is consistently lauded by veteran paddlers as one of the best available in its region. It is a testament to the rugged, yet rewarding, beauty of the central BWCA.

This primitive, designated campsite is often described as being a large, elevated site, offering commanding views of the lake—a major draw for those seeking memorable sunrises and sunsets. Multiple user reviews highlight its excellent layout, including practical features that enhance the wilderness experience, such as a **stairway entrance** from the water and **multiple tent pads**. Though its popularity means it is heavily trafficked and firewood near the camp can be scarce, the quality of the site itself, its spaciousness, and its access to the clear waters of Gaskin Lake far outweigh the effort required.

Gaskin Lake is a long, narrow lake known for its challenging paddling in windy conditions, but its beauty and connection to other popular routes, such as Meeds Lake and Omega Lake, make it a favorite. Campsite #2118 is strategically located to provide shelter, comfort, and an ideal base for multi-day trips deeper into the non-motorized heart of the wilderness.

**Location and Accessibility: A Rewarding Canoe Journey**

BWCA Campsite #2118 is situated on **Gaskin Lake**, within the federally protected **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness** area of the **Superior National Forest**.

The site's administrative area is **Ely, MN 55731, USA**.

**Accessibility:**

• **Canoe Access Only:** This is a strictly paddle-in, primitive site, typical of the BWCAW.
• **Entry Points:** The site is commonly accessed via **Entry Point #48 (Meeds Lake)** or **Entry Point #47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes)**, requiring a series of portages and paddles to reach Gaskin Lake. This ensures a true backcountry commitment.
• **The Paddle:** Gaskin Lake is a long, narrow body of water. Campsite #2118 is located on a point, and the paddle to it will require endurance and careful attention to wind and wave conditions, which can change quickly.
• **Landing Feature:** The site is noted for having two landing options: a primary landing featuring a **smooth rock landing with timber stairs** leading up to the elevated site, and a better, less rocky landing tucked around to the south, which is ideal when the wind is high.
• **Backcountry Hike:** The site itself is elevated, providing good drainage and views, but requires the use of the mentioned stairs or a short, steep climb.

Due to its location within the BWCA, all visitors must secure a reserved quota permit for their specific entry point and date for all overnight stays during the quota season (May 1 - September 30).

**Services Offered**

As a designated, primitive BWCA campsite, #2118 provides essential, minimal services intended to manage visitor impact while ensuring basic comfort in the wilderness.

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

• **Designated Tent Pads:** Reviewers consistently mention **2 to 3 nice, flat tent pads** with numerous other marginal locations, ensuring space for the maximum BWCA group size of nine people.
• **Steel Fire Grate:** A permanent, designated fire ring with a steel cooking grate, as required by the U.S. Forest Service. It features **"really nice and large sitting logs"** around the grate that can easily accommodate a large group.
• **Wilderness Latrine:** A rustic, box-style toilet (thunderbox). Note that the latrine is located a **"solid distance back"** due to the site being on a point, providing maximum privacy. One luxury noted is that the toilet may even have a lid!
• **Excellent Canoe Landing/Access:** Two distinct landing areas, including the unique **timber stairs** and a smoother, less rocky option for adverse weather.
• **Hammock Spots:** The site is described as having "nice pines for hanging hammocks by the water."

**BWCA Wilderness-Wide Requirements & Notes:**

• **Water Source:** All water is sourced from Gaskin Lake and **must be filtered or purified** before consumption.
• **First-Come, First-Served:** Campsites are non-reservable and available to the first permitted group to arrive.
• **Food Storage:** Proper bear-resistant food storage (bear barrels or bear hangs) is mandatory.
• **Firewood Caution:** Firewood near the immediate camp is scarce due to heavy use; a short paddle across the bay is recommended to gather downed wood.

**Features / Highlights**

Campsite #2118 is a highly desirable spot known for its natural beauty, panoramic views, and thoughtful layout that improves the logistics of backcountry camping.

• **Exceptional Sunset Views:** A key highlight is its western-facing orientation on a point, offering "Excellent western facing for sunset" and "nice views of the lake."
• **Superior Landing & Access:** The rare feature of **timber stairs** leading up to the site makes loading and unloading gear significantly easier than typical rocky BWCA landings.
• **Recreational Rocks:** The site features "a few ledge rocks" that are ideal for **sunbathing, fishing from shore, swimming**, and simply taking in the lake view.
• **Spacious Group Area:** The large, open area in front of the elevated fire grate is ideal for setting up a group kitchen and communal space, providing room to move and reducing that crowded feeling common in smaller sites.
• **Good Swimming:** The south-side landing, noted as having a "less rocky lake bottom," is a perfect spot for swimming and cooling off after a long paddle.
• **Lofty Position:** Being an elevated site offers better views, superior drainage during rain events, and a natural windbreak from surrounding trees.

This site is renowned for maximizing the comfort and enjoyment possible within the primitive BWCA guidelines.

**Contact Information**

Campsite #2118 is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Superior National Forest. All official inquiries and permit needs should be directed to the local Ranger District.

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

1393 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731

**Phone (Kawishiwi Ranger District):**

(218) 365-7600 (Use for questions about conditions, rules, and local information)

**Reservations/Permits:**

Overnight quota permits for the BWCAW are mandatory during the quota season (May 1 - September 30) and must be reserved through the U.S. Forest Service via Recreation.gov. Entry Points #47 or #48 are the typical access points for Gaskin Lake.

**What is Worth Choosing: The BWCA's Best-Kept Secret**

For Minnesotans planning their next wilderness canoeing adventure, choosing BWCA Campsite #2118 on Gaskin Lake is choosing a destination site—a place worth paddling for.

**The essential advantages that make this site a top-tier choice are:**

• **Comfort Meets Wilderness:** The unique combination of the timber stairway access, comfortable tent pads, and large, social fire grate area makes this a surprisingly comfortable and practical wilderness site, ideal for groups who want to minimize setup effort and maximize relaxation.
• **Premium Sunset and Scenic Value:** Its western-facing, elevated position guarantees the spectacular Northwoods sunsets that are a hallmark of the BWCA experience, offering priceless, picture-perfect views right from your camp chair.
• **Multi-Functional Shoreline:** The dual landing spots and the ledges for swimming and sunbathing transform the shoreline into a highly usable area, providing safe entry/exit and recreational opportunities that many other sites lack.
• **Basecamp for Exploration:** Gaskin Lake’s position on key paddling routes makes this site an excellent basecamp for layover days or for launching day trips to explore nearby lakes, falls, and portages.

BWCA Campsite #2118 is a highly sought-after location that delivers on its promise of a memorable, comfortable, and spectacularly scenic stay deep inside Minnesota’s most famous wilderness area.