BWCA Campsite #692

For Minnesotans, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a powerful one, beckoning adventurers to its vast, pristine landscapes. If you're a local seeking an unparalleled wilderness experience, far removed from the everyday hustle, then BWCA Campsite #692 on Little Caribou Lake offers an exceptional opportunity. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with bustling amenities; it's a testament to the wild heart of Minnesota, requiring effort to reach but rewarding you with profound solitude and natural beauty. It's an invitation to paddle through tranquil waters, carry your gear across portages, and sleep under a sky ablaze with stars, all while embracing the core principles of wilderness travel.

BWCA Campsite #692 is one of the designated campsites within the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. While every BWCA campsite offers a unique slice of wilderness, this particular site on Little Caribou Lake provides a distinct experience of remoteness and natural charm. While a past visitor did share a cautionary tale about wildlife, this only underscores the authentic wilderness nature of the BWCA and the importance of adhering to proper food storage techniques. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to BWCA Campsite #692, detailing its remote location and how to access it, the fundamental services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and ultimately, why it is a prime choice for you, a local Minnesotan, to embark on your next unforgettable wilderness journey.

BWCA Campsite #692 is located on Little Caribou Lake, near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. This remote location places it deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, meaning it is strictly a "paddle-in" campsite. There are no roads or motor vehicles allowed to access the site directly. To reach BWCA Campsite #692, visitors typically begin their journey from an entry point off the Gunflint Trail, such as Entry Point #47 (Lizz Lake) or #48 (Meeds Lake). From these entry points, the route to Little Caribou Lake involves paddling across a series of interconnected lakes and undertaking portages (overland trails where canoes and gear are carried) between them. For instance, from Lizz Lake, you would portage to Caribou Lake, and then take a 25-rod portage into Little Caribou Lake. Local outfitters in Grand Marais are invaluable resources for trip planning, detailed maps, gear rentals, and providing up-to-date information on conditions and routes. The paddle to Little Caribou Lake is generally considered a manageable journey, often involving a short paddle and portage from the larger Caribou Lake. This multi-stage access ensures a truly immersive wilderness experience, filtering out casual visitors and preserving the solitude that defines the BWCA for adventurous Minnesotans.

Campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, including BWCA Campsite #692, provide essential, minimalistic services to uphold the wilderness character and promote Leave No Trace principles. Visitors are expected to be self-sufficient and prepared for a rustic experience. The fundamental amenities you can expect at this designated BWCA campsite include:

• Steel Fire Grate: Each campsite is equipped with a durable steel fire grate, which serves as the only permitted location for building campfires. This ensures fire safety and minimizes environmental impact.
• Wilderness Latrine (Privy): A primitive pit toilet, often referred to as a "thunderbox," is provided a short distance from the main campsite area for human waste disposal. It is crucial to use this facility correctly and not as a trash receptacle.
• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: While not always formal, defined pads, the campsite offers cleared and relatively level areas suitable for pitching tents. For Campsite #692, specific reviews suggest "at least three large tent pads" and even "a couple of smaller ones."
• Access to Natural Water Source: The campsite is situated on Little Caribou Lake, providing direct access to lake water. All water from the lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• Firewood (Dead and Down): Campers are permitted to collect dead and down wood for campfires within the vicinity of the campsite, adhering to the principle of only taking what is naturally available and easily broken by hand.
• Permit System: All overnight and motorized day trips into the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30 require a quota permit, which must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or an authorized outfitter.
• Prohibition of Cans and Glass Bottles: A strict regulation within the BWCA is the prohibition of all cans and glass bottles. All food and beverages must be transported in reusable, non-breakable containers.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: All trash, including food scraps, personal hygiene products, and anything else brought into the wilderness, must be packed out by the campers.
• Group Size Limits: To preserve the wilderness experience and minimize impact, groups are limited to a maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft per permit.
• Food Storage Requirements: As highlighted by the customer review, proper food storage is paramount due to the presence of wildlife, including bears. As of March 1 to November 30 each year, all food, food containers, scented items, and refuse must be suspended at least 12 feet above the ground and 6 feet away from tree trunks, or stored in an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear-resistant container.

• Secluded Lake Setting: Being the only campsite on Little Caribou Lake, Campsite #692 offers a truly private and exclusive wilderness experience, allowing campers to have the entire lake to themselves (as often noted by visitors to the area).
• Beautiful and Elevated Location: Reviewers describe it as a "beautiful campsite," elevated above the lake with "good views particularly to the west," perfect for enjoying sunsets.
• Great Kitchen Area: The site boasts a "great kitchen area," often a key feature for comfortable outdoor meal preparation.
• Ample Tent Space: With "at least three large tent pads," the campsite can comfortably accommodate various group sizes.
• Well-Positioned Latrine: The latrine is "well positioned back in the woods," ensuring privacy and minimizing disturbance to the main camping area.
• Nice Canoe Landing: The canoe landing on the east side of the campsite is described as "nice," facilitating easy loading and unloading of canoes.
• Pristine Waters for Fishing and Swimming: Little Caribou Lake, connected to the larger Caribou Lake, offers excellent fishing opportunities (walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass) and clean waters suitable for swimming.
• Proximity to Johnson Falls: The area offers access to stunning natural features like Johnson Falls (a short portage and hike away from nearby Pine Lake), a popular day trip destination for its scenic beauty.
• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The deep wilderness setting increases the chances of observing diverse wildlife, including moose, deer, various bird species (including loons), and potentially black bears.
• Remote and Quiet Environment: The paddle-in access and location deep within the BWCA ensure a quiet and serene camping experience, far from the sounds of civilization.

Address: BWCA Campsite #692 (on Little Caribou Lake), Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone: There is no direct phone number for an individual BWCA campsite. For information, permits, and reservations for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the primary contact channels are:

• Recreation.gov: This is the official U.S. government website for booking BWCA permits. You can search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness" and specific entry points to check availability and make reservations.
• USDA Forest Service - Superior National Forest: As the managing agency, the Superior National Forest offices can provide detailed information on BWCA regulations, conditions, and entry points. You can find contact numbers for specific Ranger Districts (e.g., Gunflint Ranger District near Grand Marais, which would oversee this area) on their official website. For general inquiries, the Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office can be reached at (218) 626-4300.
• BWCA Outfitters: Local outfitters in towns surrounding the BWCA (e.g., Grand Marais, Ely, Cook, Orr) are highly recommended resources. They can assist with trip planning, gear rental, permit acquisition, and provide up-to-date local conditions and guidance.

For you, a Minnesotan, BWCA Campsite #692 on Little Caribou Lake offers the quintessential Boundary Waters experience – a challenging yet profoundly rewarding wilderness journey right in your home state. This campsite is tailor-made for those who cherish solitude, embrace self-reliance, and seek a deep connection with the untouched natural world that defines Northern Minnesota. The paddle-in access, while requiring more planning and effort than a drive-up site, is precisely what preserves the pristine character of Little Caribou Lake and ensures a truly remote and private escape, a luxury increasingly valued by those living in more populated areas.

The beauty of this campsite lies in its simplicity and its direct integration with the surrounding wilderness. With essential amenities like a fire grate and latrine, it encourages a "Leave No Trace" philosophy, fostering a sense of stewardship that resonates with environmentally conscious Minnesotans. The unique highlight of being the sole campsite on Little Caribou Lake provides an unparalleled sense of having your own private slice of wilderness, an ideal setting for quiet contemplation, intimate gatherings, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature without interruption. The opportunity for excellent fishing, access to stunning natural features like Johnson Falls, and the chance to observe abundant wildlife—while always practicing bear-aware food storage—make every moment spent here truly memorable.

Choosing BWCA Campsite #692 is more than just booking a camping trip; it's an investment in a deeply authentic Minnesotan outdoor adventure. It hones your wilderness skills, strengthens your bond with nature, and provides a much-needed respite from the demands of modern life. For locals, it represents a readily accessible gateway to one of the nation's most treasured wilderness areas, offering an experience that will rejuvenate your spirit and deepen your appreciation for the extraordinary natural heritage of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

BWCA Campsite #692

Little Caribou Lake, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA