BWCA Campsite #696

For those in Minnesota who truly crave an escape into the wild, BWCA Campsite #696 offers an authentic and unforgettable wilderness experience. Tucked away deep within the vast and awe-inspiring Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campsite is more than just a place to set up your tent; it's an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the pristine beauty and quiet solitude of Minnesota’s iconic Northwoods. As Minnesotans, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a unique and protected wilderness area right in our backyard, and Campsite #696 perfectly encapsulates the spirit of adventure and tranquility that defines our state's outdoor heritage.

The BWCAW is globally recognized for its sprawling network of interconnected lakes and rivers, covering over a million acres. The primary mode of travel and access within this pristine area is by canoe, allowing for a truly unique paddle-in, paddle-out camping experience. Campsite #696 is a prime example of this minimalist approach to camping, providing a designated, unadulterated spot designed to foster a deep connection with the natural environment. This isn't a conventional campground with extensive modern amenities; rather, it’s a primitive wilderness site built to offer a profound and impactful outdoor experience, strictly adhering to Leave No Trace principles to preserve its unspoiled character.

A visit to BWCA Campsite #696 is about embracing self-reliance and the raw beauty of the untamed wilderness. Imagine waking to the serene sounds of loons calling across the water, paddling silently through a mist-shrouded morning, and spending evenings gazing at a canopy of stars unmarred by city lights. It’s a destination for those who seek to disconnect from the constant demands of modern life and reconnect with the wild heart of Minnesota, appreciating the rugged charm and serene beauty that define our cherished wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #696 is specifically located on Moon Lake, deep within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and falls under the general administrative area of East Cook, MN 55604, USA. This places it within the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, a region renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and exceptional opportunities for wilderness recreation in northeastern Minnesota.

Access to BWCA Campsite #696, like all designated campsites within the Boundary Waters, is exclusively by watercraft – typically canoes or kayaks – after obtaining a mandatory wilderness permit. There is no direct road access to this campsite; its remote nature is integral to the BWCAW's designation as a protected wilderness area. This intentional lack of easy access ensures its unspoiled character and provides the solitude that many seek.

To reach Moon Lake and Campsite #696, visitors typically utilize entry points along the Gunflint Trail, a scenic road extending from Grand Marais. Common entry points for routes leading to Moon Lake include Entry Point #62 (Clearwater Lake) or other nearby entry points that offer paddling and portaging routes into the broader lake system that includes Moon Lake. From these entry points, visitors embark on a journey involving paddling across multiple lakes and undertaking portages – overland carries where canoes and gear are transported between waterways. Campsite #696 is noted as the easternmost of three campsites on Moon Lake, located just west of the portage leading to Deer Lake.

It is crucial for visitors to meticulously plan their canoe route using detailed maps, accounting for the distances, the number and difficulty of portages, and the time required to navigate the pristine waterways. The remoteness of Campsite #696, while demanding more preparation and physical effort to reach, is precisely what makes the experience so profoundly rewarding for those seeking true solitude and an immersive wilderness adventure away from crowded areas. Visitors should be prepared for a multi-day canoe trip, carrying all necessary supplies and being entirely self-sufficient.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #696 adheres to strict "Leave No Trace" principles, meaning that services are intentionally minimal and designed solely to preserve the natural environment. The primary "services" provided are the essential elements required for responsible wilderness camping:

• Designated Campsite: A clearly marked area (identified by its unique number 696) where camping is permitted. This designation helps manage human impact and maintain the ecological integrity of the area.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided at the campsite for contained campfires, where permitted. Campers must always check for current fire restrictions (such as fire bans) before and during their trip.
• Wilderness Latrine: Each designated campsite, including #696, is equipped with a rudimentary outdoor toilet facility, often referred to as a "thunderbox" or pit latrine. These facilities are designed to manage human waste hygienically and require responsible use. They are not flush toilets.
• Access to Fresh Water: While there are no potable water hookups, the campsite’s location on Moon Lake provides access to water that can be filtered, purified, or boiled for drinking and cooking purposes. Visitors must carry their own water filtration or purification systems.
• Natural Environment for Recreation: The inherent "services" of this campsite include unparalleled access to the wilderness for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing (with a valid Minnesota DNR fishing license), wildlife viewing, stargazing, and connecting with nature in its purest form.

It is paramount for visitors to understand that there are no modern amenities at BWCA Campsite #696, such as electricity, running water, showers, developed picnic tables (beyond natural logs or rock formations), or garbage disposal services. All trash and unburnable waste must be packed out by visitors, leaving the campsite in the same or better condition than it was found. Campers are expected to be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all necessary supplies and meticulously packing out everything they bring, ensuring no trace of their visit remains.

BWCA Campsite #696 on Moon Lake, like many wilderness sites in the Boundary Waters, offers distinct features and highlights that draw in adventurous campers seeking an authentic Northwoods experience. While specific customer reviews for #696 are not widely available in public data, general characteristics of BWCA campsites and those on Moon Lake can provide insight into what makes this site appealing:

• Remote Solitude: Positioned in a less heavily trafficked area of Moon Lake as the easternmost site, #696 likely offers a significant degree of peace and quiet, ideal for those seeking true solitude away from crowds.
• Proximity to Deer Lake Portage: Its location just west of the Deer Lake portage could offer convenient access for day trips or further exploration into neighboring lakes, expanding route possibilities.
• Classic BWCA Scenery: Campers can expect stunning views of Moon Lake, surrounded by the characteristic boreal forest, rugged cliffs, and clear waters typical of the BWCAW. This includes opportunities for breathtaking sunrises or sunsets over the lake.
• Wildlife Observation: The remote nature of the site increases the chances of encountering a variety of Minnesota wildlife, including moose, deer, beavers, and a diverse range of bird species, especially the iconic loon. Proper food storage (bear bagging) is essential.
• Excellent Stargazing: Away from any light pollution, the night skies over Moon Lake are exceptionally dark, providing spectacular views of stars, planets, and often the Milky Way. On clear nights, the Northern Lights may even be visible.
• Fishing Opportunities: Moon Lake is part of a productive fishing region, and campers at #696 can anticipate good fishing for common BWCA species like northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass directly from the lake.
• Undeveloped Shoreline Access: The site likely offers natural canoe landing spots along the shoreline, providing a direct connection to the water for paddling and swimming (at one's own risk).
• Primitive Camping Challenge: For experienced wilderness campers or those looking to test their skills, the lack of modern amenities is a highlight, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection to nature.

While some reports indicate the easternmost site on Moon Lake (which would be #696) might be "small and a bit rough," this often translates to a more rugged, authentic wilderness feel, which can be a highlight for seasoned campers preferring less "developed" sites. The quality of tent pads, fire grate areas, and canoe landings can vary greatly from site to site, and specific conditions should be anticipated for a truly primitive experience.

As a wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), BWCA Campsite #696 does not have a direct phone number or a dedicated on-site presence. It is a primitive camping location managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Superior National Forest. All administrative inquiries, permit reservations, and general information about the BWCAW and its regulations should be directed to the relevant Forest Service offices or through the official permit reservation system.

Address:
BWCA Campsite #696 is geographically situated on Moon Lake within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which falls under the general administrative jurisdiction of:

East Cook, MN 55604, USA

General Contact for BWCAW Permits & Information:
For reservations, comprehensive rules, regulations, and detailed trip planning guidance related to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the authoritative resources are:

Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District (this is the most relevant district for entry points along the Gunflint Trail, which lead to Moon Lake):
Phone: (218) 387-1750
Address: 2020 West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Recreation.gov (for mandatory wilderness permit reservations):
Website: www.recreation.gov (search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits")

It is crucial to remember that an overnight wilderness permit is required for any trip into the BWCAW, especially during the quota season (May 1 to September 30). These permits are issued for specific entry points and dates, and it is highly recommended to reserve them well in advance due to high demand. While Forest Service offices can provide general information, specific, real-time updates on individual campsite conditions for a site like #696 are best gathered through detailed maps and recent trip reports from the experienced BWCA paddling community.

BWCA Campsite #696 on Moon Lake offers Minnesotans an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the wild heart of their home state. For those of us who grew up with the call of the loon and the whisper of the pines, the Boundary Waters is more than just a destination; it's a profound connection to our natural identity. This particular campsite provides a truly authentic and deeply rewarding wilderness experience that perfectly embodies the adventurous spirit of Minnesotans.

Its location in the East Cook area, accessible via the iconic Gunflint Trail, puts it within reach for many across the state, yet far enough removed to guarantee a genuine wilderness immersion. The journey to Campsite #696, involving paddling and portaging, becomes part of the adventure itself, building character and offering a sense of accomplishment that car-camping simply cannot replicate. Once there, the pristine waters of Moon Lake, the abundant opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and the sheer silence of the wilderness provide a sanctuary from the daily grind.

This is a place where Minnesotans can truly disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves, their companions, and the raw beauty of nature. It’s an ideal setting for families to teach essential outdoor skills, for friends to forge stronger bonds over shared challenges, and for individuals to find solace and inspiration in the vastness of the natural world. Choosing BWCA Campsite #696 means embracing a cherished Minnesota tradition – a commitment to exploring and protecting the incredible natural heritage that defines our state. It’s a chance to truly live the Northwoods experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime, right in our own Minnesota backyard.

BWCA Campsite #696

East Cook, MN 55604, USA