BWCA Campsite #698

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a revered landscape, synonymous with true wilderness and unparalleled outdoor adventure. This vast, protected expanse in northeastern Minnesota, with its intricate network of pristine lakes, winding rivers, and ancient forests, offers a unique opportunity to shed the distractions of daily life and fully immerse oneself in nature's embrace. Within this cherished wilderness, thousands of designated campsites provide essential havens for intrepid paddlers. Among them, BWCA Campsite #698 on East Bearskin Lake offers a more intimate and rustic experience, perfect for those seeking a tranquil base for their Northwoods explorations. This article is crafted specifically for local Minnesotans, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this particular campsite, drawing on available public information to help you plan your next unforgettable journey into our state's wild heart.

The BWCAW, a federal wilderness area within the Superior National Forest, is meticulously managed by the U.S. Forest Service to preserve its primitive character. This means motorized travel is largely restricted, encouraging visitors to explore by canoe or kayak, traversing portages (overland trails) that connect the countless waterways. This mode of travel allows for a deeper connection to the history of the voyageurs and Indigenous peoples who navigated these lands for centuries. Each designated campsite, including Campsite #698, is equipped with basic, low-impact facilities designed to protect the fragile ecosystem while providing fundamental comforts for campers. The landscape of the Boundary Waters, carved by ancient glaciers, showcases dramatic rock formations, towering pines, and exceptionally clear waters, creating a breathtaking and often solitary backdrop for any outdoor adventure. The commitment to preserving this wild space ensures that every visit is a genuinely authentic wilderness experience.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #698 is located within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, specifically on East Bearskin Lake. Its general geographical reference is East Cook, MN 55604, USA. East Bearskin Lake is a well-known entry point lake in the eastern part of the BWCAW, often accessed via the scenic Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12) from Grand Marais. Public information identifies Campsite #698 as a designated site on East Bearskin Lake itself. It is also noted as being located near the portage to Alder Lake, specifically "just around the bend" when looking east from the campsite.

Accessing any BWCA campsite, including #698, requires a wilderness permit. All overnight visitors to the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30 must secure a quota permit in advance through Recreation.gov. This permit specifies your entry point and date, which is crucial for managing visitor numbers and preserving the wilderness experience. For Campsite #698, the most common entry point would be East Bearskin Lake (Entry Point #64). This entry point is known for having an outfitter directly on the lake, which can facilitate canoe rentals and permit pick-up.

Once you embark from the East Bearskin Lake entry point, the journey to Campsite #698 will involve paddling on East Bearskin Lake. The campsite is described as being a relatively short paddle from the entry point, making it a good option for groups looking for a less arduous first-day journey. While the campsite is directly on the lake, you still navigate by canoe or kayak. For precise navigation, it is essential to consult detailed BWCA maps (such as those from Fisher Maps or McKenzie Maps) to pinpoint the exact location of Campsite #698 on East Bearskin Lake and identify any nearby portages or navigational features. Local outfitters in the Grand Marais or Ely areas are invaluable resources for route advice, equipment rental, and up-to-date information on water levels and wilderness conditions, helping to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Services Offered

• Designated Wilderness Campsite: BWCA Campsite #698 is an official, marked campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This signifies it is a legal and recognized location for overnight camping, contributing to the responsible use of the wilderness.

• Steel Fire Grate: The campsite is equipped with a steel fire grate for contained and safe campfires. This allows for cooking, warmth, and mosquito deterrence. Visitors must always check for current fire bans and restrictions issued by the U.S. Forest Service before lighting any fire.

• Wilderness Latrine: Like all designated BWCAW campsites, #698 includes a wilderness latrine (outhouse). These basic facilities are designed to manage human waste effectively and minimize environmental impact. Users are strictly advised to only place human waste and toilet paper in the latrine; all other trash must be packed out.

• Access to Untreated Water: The campsite is located on East Bearskin Lake, providing direct access to lake water. However, this water is untreated and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before it is safe for drinking or cooking. Carrying a reliable water filter or purification tablets is essential.

• Tent Pads/Areas: Reviews indicate that Campsite #698 is "somewhat petite with only a single obvious tent pad." However, it also suggests "another potential tent location just back in the woods" and "a few other spots around the campsite could also be recruited as tent pads in a pinch," offering some flexibility for smaller groups.

Features / Highlights

• Intimate and Rustic Setting: Campsite #698 offers a more compact and perhaps more private feel than some larger BWCA sites. Its "petite" nature can contribute to a sense of seclusion and immersion in the immediate surroundings.

• Good Shoreline Access: Despite a somewhat shielded fire pit, the campsite has "good access to the shoreline," with a "canoe landing" described as "about average or maybe slightly better for BWCA campsites." The landing consists of "clear water lapping over a bed of small rocks and pebbles in shallow water," making for relatively easy canoe handling.

• Peaceful Sitting Area: A unique feature mentioned is a "tranquil sitting area in the forest" accessed by hiking "up the hill," providing an alternative spot for relaxation away from the main camp area.

• Nearby Portage to Alder Lake: The campsite's proximity to the portage leading to Alder Lake offers an opportunity for day trips or further exploration into adjacent lakes within the wilderness system.

• Native Flora: The presence of "grass-leaved goldenrod," "parasol-whitetop in full bloom," and "blue-bead lilies" indicates a rich natural environment and opportunities for plant identification, particularly in summer.

• Classic BWCA Scenery: Even if views from the fire pit are limited, the overall setting on East Bearskin Lake provides classic Boundary Waters beauty with its forested shores and clear waters.

• Wildlife Potential: As with all BWCA sites, there's a chance to observe various wildlife species, including loons, bald eagles, and potentially larger mammals, enhancing the wilderness experience.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #698, being a specific point within a vast federal wilderness area, does not have a direct phone number or a traditional mailing address for direct contact. All permit-related matters and official information for BWCA campsites are managed through the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as part of the Superior National Forest.

Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (This address indicates the general geographic region of the campsite within the wilderness, not a physical office or direct access point.)

For all official inquiries regarding BWCA permits, regulations, and trip planning, local Minnesotans should utilize the following primary resources:

• Recreation.gov: This is the sole official federal government website for reserving BWCA permits. You will search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits" and then select your desired entry point (e.g., Entry Point #64 East Bearskin) and dates. Permits for popular entry points and dates are highly competitive and should be reserved well in advance.

• Superior National Forest Headquarters (for general information about the forest and BWCAW):

• Address: 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808

• Phone: (218) 626-4300

• Local Ranger Districts: The BWCAW falls under several ranger districts of the Superior National Forest. For information specific to East Bearskin Lake and its vicinity, contacting the Gunflint Ranger District in Grand Marais (218-387-1750) or the Tofte Ranger District (218-663-8060) can provide localized updates on conditions, access routes, or specific campsite details.

• Outfitters and Local Guides: Many outfitters in towns like Grand Marais and Ely specialize in BWCA trips. They can provide invaluable assistance with permit applications, route planning, equipment rental, and up-to-date local knowledge. A quick online search for "BWCA outfitters Gunflint Trail" or "Ely outfitters" will yield many options.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #698 on East Bearskin Lake offers a truly authentic and accessible wilderness experience within our beloved Boundary Waters. Its location, with a relatively short paddle from a popular entry point, makes it particularly suitable for those new to BWCA trips, families, or groups looking for a more relaxed initial paddle into the wilderness.

This campsite, while described as "petite," provides all the essential elements for a memorable Northwoods stay. Locals will appreciate the simplicity and intimacy it offers, allowing for a deeper connection with the immediate surroundings. The good shoreline access simplifies canoe landings and departures, a practical advantage. The opportunity to explore nearby areas, such as the portage to Alder Lake, adds flexibility to trip planning, allowing for day excursions.

Camping at a site like #698 embodies the spirit of Minnesota's outdoor culture. It's a chance to unplug from technology, bond with companions, and immerse oneself in the sights and sounds of a truly wild landscape – from the quiet lapping of water on the shore to the rustling of leaves in the boreal forest. For Minnesotans, this campsite on East Bearskin Lake is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an invitation to experience the quiet majesty and profound peace of the Boundary Waters, creating lasting memories in our state’s incredible natural heritage.

BWCA Campsite #698

East Cook, MN 55604, USA