BWCA Campsite #700

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is not just a destination; it's a cherished natural heritage, a place where the wild heart of our state truly beats. Within this expansive mosaic of lakes, forests, and ancient waterways lies BWCA Campsite #700, specifically located on Canoe Lake, accessible from the Grand Marais area. This isn't a typical drive-up campground with many amenities; rather, it represents the epitome of a primitive wilderness experience, offering unparalleled solitude and a profound connection to nature. As one satisfied visitor eloquently put it, "700th the charm," hinting at the unique and captivating allure of this particular spot.

The BWCAW is globally recognized for its strict preservation policies, ensuring that visitors can experience a landscape as close to untouched as possible. This means a trip to Campsite #700 is an immersive adventure that requires planning and self-reliance, but promises immense rewards in return. Forget the noise and distractions of modern life; here, the symphony of loons, the whisper of wind through pines, and the crackle of a campfire are your only companions. This article will guide fellow Minnesotans through what makes BWCA Campsite #700 a truly special part of our state's wilderness crown, covering everything from its specific location and how to access it, to the essential (and minimal) services provided, its standout natural features, and crucial information on how to plan your visit. Get ready to discover why this remote campsite might just be your next favorite Minnesota adventure.

BWCA Campsite #700 is uniquely situated on Canoe Lake, deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. While its general address is listed as Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, it's vital for prospective visitors from Minnesota to understand that this is not a roadside attraction. Grand Marais serves as a key gateway town to the eastern side of the BWCAW, home to many outfitters and entry points that provide access to the vast wilderness.

Accessing Campsite #700, like all BWCA campsites, is exclusively by non-motorized means, primarily canoe and portage. Visitors must first secure a wilderness permit from the U.S. Forest Service for a specific entry point (e.g., those found along the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais) and an entry date. From the chosen entry point, the journey to Canoe Lake and subsequently to Campsite #700 involves paddling across lakes and navigating portages – segments of land where canoes and gear must be carried between waterways. This means a trip to Campsite #700 is a true expedition, designed for those seeking a genuine backcountry experience. The remoteness ensures a low-impact environment, preserving the pristine nature of the wilderness. For Minnesotans, this inherent challenge is part of the appeal, offering a chance to test skills, build resilience, and earn the profound solitude that awaits at the end of the paddle. The journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure, allowing for a gradual immersion into the wild heart of Minnesota.

A fundamental principle of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is "Leave No Trace," meaning that services at campsites like BWCA Campsite #700 are intentionally minimal to preserve the pristine character of the environment. Unlike developed campgrounds with modern amenities, BWCA campsites offer a truly primitive and self-reliant experience. Here's what visitors can expect in terms of provisions at a designated BWCA campsite:

• Designated Campsite Pad(s): Campsite #700 features several cleared, relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents. This helps to concentrate visitor impact, allowing surrounding vegetation to recover. Reviews mention ample tent pads, including some "expansive" and "quaint" options, and good spots for hammocks, suggesting flexibility for various setups.
• Steel Fire Grate: A sturdy steel fire grate is provided at each official BWCA campsite, including #700. This is the only location where fires are permitted (contingent on no fire ban being in effect). Campers are responsible for gathering dead and downed wood for fuel. Reviews specifically mention a well-positioned "elevated" fireplace with good views, enhancing the campfire experience.
• Wilderness Latrine: A basic, open-air pit latrine is located away from the main campsite area at each designated site. These are for human waste only; all other waste, including toilet paper, hygiene products, and trash, must be packed out.
• Access to Untreated Water: Campsite #700 is on the shore of Canoe Lake, providing direct access to water. However, all water from the BWCAW must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as it is not treated.
• Canoe Landing: The campsite is noted for having a "great canoe landing" and "plenty of canoe storage," indicating ease of access from the water and secure places to store watercraft overnight. Some reviews mention a "small gravel landing" or "shallow landing" slightly off the main area, suggesting variety in landing spots.
• Natural Surroundings: While not a tangible service, the immersive natural environment—including access to the lake for swimming (at your own risk), fishing opportunities (with a valid Minnesota fishing license), and the overall tranquility—is the primary "offering" of a BWCA campsite.

BWCA Campsite #700 on Canoe Lake boasts a range of natural features and highlights that contribute to its highly positive reputation and make it a desirable destination for wilderness campers:

• Elevated Kitchen/Fire Grate Area: A frequently praised feature is the elevated position of the kitchen and fire pit area, offering "excellent views of much of Canoe Lake." This provides a picturesque setting for cooking, dining, and enjoying campfires, enhanced by the natural breeze that can help with insects.
• Abundant and Varied Tent Pads: Reviews highlight the presence of "plenty of level tent pads without obstructions," including "expansive" and "quaint" options, as well as "more tent pads" and "good spots for hammocks." This indicates that the campsite can comfortably accommodate multiple tents and different camping setups, making it suitable for various group sizes.
• Picturesque Natural Setting: The campsite is described as being in a "picturesque red and white pine grove" and "canopied by some large, majestic pines and shrouded by plentiful cedars." This natural aesthetic provides ample shade and a truly idyllic, secluded environment.
• Panoramic Lake Views: Its elevated position offers "panoramic view of much of the lake," enhancing the visual experience and providing a sense of spaciousness and connection to the vast wilderness.
• Good Fishing Potential: Comments about catching walleyes "after an easy float through to Paddle Lake" and a smallmouth bass "just off the campsite" suggest that Canoe Lake and nearby waters offer good fishing opportunities for those with a valid Minnesota fishing license.
• Excellent Canoe Access and Storage: With a "certainly a fine landing spot" and "lots of canoe storage," the campsite is well-equipped for paddle-in visitors, ensuring ease of arrival and secure placement for watercraft.
• Shade and Shelter: The presence of large pines and cedars provides ample shade, which is a significant advantage during sunny summer days, and offers natural shelter from the elements.
• Proximity to Paddle Lake: One review specifically recommends visiting Paddle Lake, describing it as an "absolutely striking gem of a lake." This suggests that Campsite #700 serves as a good base for exploring other nearby pristine lakes.
• Solitude and Tranquility: Despite being a popular campsite, its location within the BWCAW ensures a high degree of solitude, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the peace and quiet of the wilderness.

As a wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #700 does not have a direct phone number or email. Individual campsites are not managed or reserved like those in a typical developed campground. Instead, access to all BWCA campsites, including #700, is governed by a permit system overseen by the U.S. Forest Service.

To plan a trip that includes potentially staying at BWCA Campsite #700 on Canoe Lake, Minnesotans must engage with the official BWCAW permit and management channels. The general address provided, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, refers to the area from which many entry points to the eastern BWCAW, including those leading to Canoe Lake, can be accessed.

The primary resource for planning and permits is the U.S. Forest Service, particularly the Superior National Forest which manages the BWCAW.

Relevant contact information and resources for securing permits are:

Permit Reservations (Required for overnight trips May 1 - September 30):Website: Recreation.gov (search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness")Phone (Recreation.gov Help Line): 1-877-444-6777Reservations for the quota season typically open in late January each year.

Local Ranger District (for general information, local conditions, and permit pickup):Gunflint Ranger District (serves entry points near Grand Marais leading to Canoe Lake)Address: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604Phone: (218) 387-1750 (This is for general inquiries, not direct campsite contact).

It is highly recommended to consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for the most current rules, regulations, fire restrictions, and detailed trip planning guides, as well as to confirm the specific entry point closest to Canoe Lake for your intended route. Outfitters in Grand Marais also serve as excellent local resources for planning, gear rental, and permit assistance.

BWCA Campsite #700 on Canoe Lake, nestled within the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, is an ideal destination for Minnesotans seeking an authentic and deeply rewarding outdoor experience. For those of us living in Minnesota, the BWCAW represents the pinnacle of wilderness camping right in our own backyard. This specific campsite embodies the very essence of what makes the Boundary Waters so special: untouched natural beauty, profound solitude, and the opportunity for genuine adventure.

Unlike more developed campgrounds, Campsite #700 requires a commitment to self-sufficiency and an appreciation for primitive camping. This challenge, however, is precisely what makes it so appealing to locals who value resilience, wilderness skills, and a true escape from modern distractions. It's a place where families can bond over shared challenges, friends can explore vast waterways, and individuals can find peace amidst the ancient forests and pristine lakes. The clear canoe landing, multiple tent pads, and elevated fire grate noted in reviews contribute to a comfortable base camp from which to explore the surrounding wilderness.

By choosing BWCA Campsite #700, Minnesotans aren't just going camping; they're participating in a beloved state tradition and actively supporting the preservation of one of North America's most precious wilderness areas. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories, reconnect with nature on its own terms, and rediscover the profound beauty that defines the Land of 10,000 Lakes. For those who yearn for the call of the loon, the whisper of the pines, and the magic of a starry sky unmarred by light pollution, this campsite offers the ultimate Minnesota wilderness escape.

BWCA Campsite #700

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA