BWCA campsite 735

Introduction / Overview

For those in Minnesota who yearn for a deep connection with untouched nature, BWCA Campsite #735 offers an authentic and rewarding wilderness experience within the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This isn't a conventional campground with modern amenities; instead, it provides a genuine backcountry adventure, where self-reliance and an appreciation for the wild are paramount. The BWCAW, a vast expanse of over one million acres of interconnected lakes, dense forests, and ancient rock formations in northeastern Minnesota, is globally recognized for its pristine beauty and its commitment to preserving a primitive outdoor experience. As one of over 2,000 designated campsites within this magnificent wilderness, Campsite #735 promises solitude, breathtaking natural scenery, and the chance to truly disconnect from the digital world. It's a place where the sounds of civilization are replaced by the calls of loons and the rustle of wind through the pines, inviting you to rediscover the simple yet profound joys of living in harmony with nature. Ideal for both seasoned paddlers and those looking to embark on their first true wilderness journey, this campsite is a gateway to the unparalleled tranquility that defines Minnesota’s iconic North Woods.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #735 is situated within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with its general access point originating from the Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA region. It's crucial for prospective visitors to understand that "Grand Marais" indicates the gateway town from which you'll typically begin your journey into the BWCAW, rather than a direct, drivable address to the campsite itself. As a backcountry site, Campsite #735 is not accessible by road or motorized vehicles (except on lakes with limited motor restrictions, which are typically not where remote sites like #735 are found). Accessing this campsite necessitates a wilderness journey that involves canoeing and portaging. Visitors must first obtain a BWCAW permit for a specific entry point. For campsites in the Grand Marais area, common entry points might include those along the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), such as Saganaga Lake (#55), Missing Link Lake (#51), or Brant Lake (#52), among others. The exact route to Campsite #735 will depend on your chosen entry point and the series of lakes and portages you navigate. Planning your route meticulously with detailed maps (like those from W.A. Fisher or McKenzie Maps) is essential. These maps will guide you through the intricate network of lakes and portage trails, detailing distances and elevation changes. Local outfitters in Grand Marais are invaluable resources, offering canoe rentals, gear, permit information, and expert advice on routes, ensuring a well-prepared and enjoyable journey into this remote part of Minnesota's wilderness.

Services Offered

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #735 provides essential, minimalist services designed to uphold the wilderness's primitive character and promote Leave No Trace ethics. These are not the modern amenities found in drive-up campgrounds, but rather fundamental provisions to ensure a sustainable and authentic wilderness experience. The services typically include:

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided at the campsite. This allows for safe and contained campfires for cooking and warmth. Visitors are always required to check for current fire restrictions and bans, especially during dry periods, to prevent wildfires.
• Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary, typically open-air pit latrine is located at a discreet distance from the main camping area. This facility is crucial for proper human waste disposal, maintaining hygiene, and protecting the sensitive wilderness environment. Visitors are educated on its proper use.
• Cleared Tent Pads/Areas: The campsite features relatively flat and cleared spaces suitable for pitching tents. These areas minimize impact on vegetation and provide a more comfortable sleeping surface, guiding campers to set up their shelters in designated, durable spots.
• Water Access: Proximity to the lake provides a natural source for water. However, all water collected from the lake must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated to ensure it is safe for drinking and cooking, as there is no potable water supply at the campsite.
• Undeveloped Canoe Landing: A natural shoreline, often a small, rocky, or sloped area, serves as a landing spot for canoes, facilitating easy access to and from the water. Depending on the site, this might be a large slab of rock, as suggested by reviews of Pine Lake campsites.
• Natural Wood for Fires: While no pre-cut firewood is provided, campers are generally permitted to gather dead and downed wood from the surrounding area for their campfires, promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

Visitors are expected to be fully self-sufficient, packing in all necessary supplies, including food and water purification equipment, and packing out all trash and waste to preserve the pristine nature of the wilderness.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #735, located on Pine Lake, is often highlighted for several desirable features that contribute to a superior wilderness camping experience. Reviews from those who have stayed at or assessed the site frequently praise its unique attributes:

• Perfect Landing on a Rocky Peninsula: This campsite is noted for its "perfect landing on a small rocky peninsula." Such a landing provides stable access for canoes and offers a picturesque entry and exit point to the lake.
• Expansive Fire Pit Area with Views: The fire pit area "looks out onto the massive expanse of Pine" Lake. This means campers can enjoy stunning, unobstructed views of the water while gathered around the campfire, enhancing the overall ambiance and experience.
• Plenty of Flat Space for Tents: The site is described as having "lots of flat space in the back of the campsite." This is a significant advantage in the BWCA, where level ground for multiple tents can sometimes be challenging to find, ensuring comfort for campers.
• Suitability for Extended Stays: Its quality makes it "easy to see spending a couple of days at." This suggests the campsite offers enough amenities and pleasant surroundings to encourage longer stays, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness.
• Excellent Overall Rating: One reviewer specifically gives it an "A+" overall rating, with "A+" for both tent pads and fire grate area, indicating a very well-regarded site. Another user on Paddle Planner also rates it "Good" with "great landing" and "great firepit," noting "Large slab rock out to the water. Big trees for hanging hammocks. Tent pads for 9 people. Great view."
• Proximity to Key Features: Pine Lake itself is known for "abundant fishing opportunities for Walleye, Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass." Additionally, it provides "access to Johnson Falls and the Border Route Trail," offering opportunities for hiking and exploring beyond the campsite.
• Ideal for Solitude: Like many BWCA sites, #735 provides the sought-after solitude and quiet immersion in nature, far from the sounds of civilization.

These combined features make BWCA Campsite #735 a highly desirable destination for those seeking an exceptional and comfortable wilderness experience in Minnesota's Boundary Waters.

Contact Information

It's important for prospective visitors to understand that BWCA Campsite #735, as a remote backcountry location within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, does not have a direct phone number or a physical address for on-site contact. The management and all permit-related inquiries for the BWCAW fall under the jurisdiction of the USDA Forest Service, specifically the Superior National Forest.

To plan a trip to Campsite #735 or any other site within the BWCA, the primary points of contact are the Superior National Forest headquarters or its various local ranger districts. Since Campsite #735 is accessed from the Grand Marais area, the Gunflint Ranger District would be a key resource.

General Contact Information for Superior National Forest (Headquarters):

Superior National Forest

8901 Grand Avenue Place

Duluth, MN 55808, USA

Phone: 218-626-4300

For more specific local information related to entry points near Grand Marais that would lead to Campsite #735 on Pine Lake, you can contact the Gunflint Ranger District:

Gunflint Ranger District Office

2020 West Highway 61

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone: 218-387-1750

The most critical step for planning a BWCA trip is obtaining a permit. For overnight trips between May 1 and September 30, permits must be reserved through Recreation.gov. You will need to select your entry point (e.g., #55 Saganaga Lake or others that access Pine Lake) and your entry date. It is highly recommended to reserve permits well in advance due to high demand, especially for popular routes and dates. Local outfitters in Grand Marais can also assist with permit pickup, trip planning, and gear needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #735 on Pine Lake embodies the quintessential wilderness experience that defines their home state's adventurous spirit. This particular campsite, highly lauded for its "perfect landing on a small rocky peninsula," "massive expanse of Pine" views from the fire grate, and "lots of flat space" for tents, offers an ideal blend of rugged beauty and practical comfort. It's a prime destination for locals seeking to fully immerse themselves in the solitude and natural grandeur of the Boundary Waters. The BWCAW is more than just a destination; it's a vital part of Minnesota's identity, a place where generations have connected with nature, learned self-reliance, and forged unforgettable memories. For those residing in the state, accessing this profound wilderness from the Grand Marais area is a manageable journey that leads to a truly transformative experience. Whether it's the thrill of paddling through pristine waters, the serenity of a lakeside sunset, the challenge of navigating portages, or the simple joy of an evening campfire under a blanket of stars, Campsite #735 offers an authentic escape. It provides a sanctuary from the everyday, allowing Minnesotans to reconnect with the wild, recharge their spirits, and embrace the unparalleled beauty that lies within their own backyard.

BWCA campsite 735

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA