BWCA Campsite #712

For Minnesotans passionate about true wilderness immersion, BWCA Campsite #712 offers an exceptional opportunity within the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This isn't your average drive-up campground; it's a designated backcountry campsite, accessible only by canoe and portage, promising an unparalleled escape into one of the nation's most pristine natural areas. Located on Crocodile Lake, Campsite #712 has garnered a reputation among seasoned paddlers as one of the best sites in the area, offering a blend of natural beauty and functional camping features that enhance the wilderness experience.

The BWCAW itself is a million-acre mosaic of interconnected lakes, rivers, and forests, entirely within the Superior National Forest. It's a place where motorized vehicles are largely prohibited, and the sounds of nature prevail. Campsite #712 embodies this spirit. Described as having a "much better than average" canoe landing and a "fire grate in a nice open area in the woods," it provides the essential elements for a comfortable and authentic wilderness stay. While views of the lake from the immediate fire area might be limited, the overall spaciousness and the presence of "at least three decent tent pads" make it ideal for groups. For Minnesota locals, a trip to the BWCA, and specifically to a well-regarded site like #712, is a quintessential rite of passage and a profound way to connect with the state's wild heart.

BWCA Campsite #712 is located on Crocodile Lake, within the vast expanse of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), managed by the Superior National Forest. The address "East Cook, MN 55604, USA" refers to the general geographic region and the zip code associated with the eastern side of the BWCAW, particularly for entry points accessible from towns like Grand Marais or Ely. It's crucial for Minnesotans to understand that this is not a street address you can drive to directly.

Accessibility to BWCA Campsite #712 is exclusively by canoe and portage. Visitors must first choose an official BWCAW entry point (e.g., from the Gunflint Trail or other access roads), which themselves can be a drive from major Minnesota cities. From the entry point, the journey to Campsite #712 on Crocodile Lake will involve paddling across several lakes and undertaking one or more portages (carrying canoes and gear overland between lakes).

The specific route to Campsite #712 would depend on the chosen entry point, but Crocodile Lake is generally accessed via routes that traverse the eastern sections of the BWCAW. Navigation within the BWCAW relies entirely on maps and compass (or GPS devices with downloaded maps), as there are no signs pointing to specific campsites. Trip planning is an essential part of the BWCAW experience, requiring research into entry points, paddling routes, and portage lengths to reach a particular campsite. This unique accessibility is what preserves the wilderness character of the BWCAW, offering a truly immersive experience for those willing to paddle for their peace and quiet.

Services Offered (Standard for BWCA Wilderness Campsites):

• Designated Primitive Campsite: Campsite #712 is one of over 2,000 designated primitive campsites within the BWCAW. Camping is only permitted at these marked sites.
• Canoe Landing: This specific site is noted for having an "excellent canoe landing," which is a significant amenity in the BWCAW, where landings can often be rocky or muddy.
• Fire Grate: A steel fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires. However, campers must always check for current fire restrictions and bans, which are common in Minnesota during dry periods. Campers must use dead and downed wood only.
• Latrine: Each designated BWCAW campsite, including #712, is equipped with a wilderness latrine (typically a pit toilet), positioned away from the main camp area.
• Tent Pads: Campsite #712 is noted to have "at least three decent tent pads," providing relatively flat and clear areas suitable for setting up tents, accommodating a group effectively.
• No Potable Water: There is no access to potable (drinkable) water. All water from lakes or streams must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• No Trash Services: There are no trash receptacles. All garbage and food waste must be packed out of the wilderness entirely – "pack it in, pack it out."
• No Electrical Hookups or Modern Amenities: As a wilderness area, there are no electrical hookups, showers, or other modern conveniences. Campers must be fully self-sufficient.

Features / Highlights:

• Pristine Wilderness Environment: Experience deep solitude and natural beauty in one of America's most protected wilderness areas, free from motor noise (in non-motorized zones) and light pollution.
• Excellent Canoe Landing: A significant advantage of Campsite #712 is its "much better than average" canoe landing, making arrival and departure smoother.
• Spacious Fire Grate Area: The "fire grate is in a nice open area in the woods," providing ample space for cooking, gathering, and enjoying a campfire (when permitted).
• Multiple Tent Pads: With "at least three decent tent pads," the site can comfortably accommodate multiple tents, suitable for small to medium-sized groups (up to the BWCAW's maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft per permit).
• Access to Crocodile Lake: Enjoy paddling, fishing, and exploring the clear waters of Crocodile Lake. The site may offer limited lake views from the fire area but the lake is easily accessible.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The BWCAW is rich in wildlife, offering chances to see moose, deer, beaver, otters, and a wide array of bird species, including loons.
• Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night skies over the BWCAW are exceptionally dark, providing incredible opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Milky Way.
• Portaging Experience: The journey to the campsite involves portaging, which is a quintessential BWCAW experience, adding to the sense of accomplishment and connection with the historical voyageurs.

Contact Information:

Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (This is a regional address for the BWCAW, not a direct address for the campsite itself).

For BWCA Campsite #712, as a specific wilderness campsite, there is no direct phone number. All permits, regulations, and official information for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Superior National Forest. BWCA permits are required year-round for all visitors, and for overnight trips between May 1 and September 30, a quota permit is necessary.

Primary Contacts for Information and Permits:

• Superior National Forest:
• Phone: (218) 626-4300 (Superior National Forest Headquarters) or contact the specific Ranger District managing the entry point you plan to use (e.g., Tofte, Grand Marais, or Ely Ranger Districts).
• Website: The official U.S. Forest Service website for the Superior National Forest (fs.usda.gov/superior) is the primary resource. Navigate to the "Recreation" section, then "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness."
• Permit Reservations (Quota Permits): Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Permits for the upcoming season typically go on sale in late January. Search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness" on Recreation.gov.
• Outfitters: Many local outfitters in towns like Ely and Grand Marais are authorized permit issuers and can assist with trip planning, gear rental, and permit acquisition. They are an excellent resource for detailed information.

It is absolutely essential for Minnesotans planning a trip to BWCA Campsite #712 to secure a permit well in advance, understand all BWCAW rules and regulations (e.g., group size limits, no cans/bottles, Leave No Trace principles), and be thoroughly prepared for a self-sufficient wilderness expedition.

BWCA Campsite #712 on Crocodile Lake is an ideal destination for Minnesota locals who are truly seeking an authentic, challenging, and deeply rewarding wilderness experience. For residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the BWCAW represents the pinnacle of paddle-in backcountry camping, and a site like #712 exemplifies its best offerings.

This campsite is perfectly suited for those who embrace self-reliance and the beauty of an unplugged adventure. The journey to reach it, involving paddling and portaging, becomes an integral part of the experience, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to the landscape. For Minnesotans, this is an opportunity to truly escape the demands of modern life and immerse themselves in the state's pristine natural heritage.

The established features like a good canoe landing, multiple tent pads, and a fire grate make the primitive camping experience more comfortable, while the remote setting ensures solitude and unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and stargazing. It’s a chance to create lasting memories in a place where the wild beauty of Minnesota is preserved for generations. For locals who value conservation and a profound outdoor connection, a trip to BWCA Campsite #712 is not just a camping trip, but an essential Minnesota adventure.

BWCA Campsite #712

East Cook, MN 55604, USA