BWCA Campsite #752

For Minnesotans with an adventurous spirit and a desire to truly disconnect, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in pristine, untouched nature. If you're seeking a remote escape where the sounds of civilization are replaced by the whispers of the wind through pine trees and the calls of loons, then BWCA Campsite #752 on East Pike Lake is a destination worth considering. This isn't a conventional campground with easy access; it's a true wilderness site, demanding self-reliance and a deep respect for the environment, but rewarding you with solitude and breathtaking natural beauty.

The BWCAW, spanning over a million acres within the Superior National Forest, is a federally protected wilderness area known for its interconnected lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife. BWCA Campsite #752, located on East Pike Lake near East Cook, MN, is one of more than 2,000 designated campsites within this vast wilderness. While a past visitor noted some challenges with tent pad angles, this speaks to the rugged and natural character of the site, reinforcing the authentic wilderness experience. This article aims to provide you, a local Minnesotan, with a clear and informative overview of BWCA Campsite #752, detailing its unique location and access, the essential services it offers, its distinctive features, and ultimately, why it is an ideal choice for those who crave a challenging yet profoundly rewarding outdoor adventure in Minnesota's iconic Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #752 is situated on East Pike Lake, deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with its general location being near East Cook, MN 55604, USA. As with all BWCA campsites, it is exclusively a "paddle-in" site, meaning there are no roads leading directly to it. Access requires a canoe or kayak journey, often involving multiple lakes and portages (overland trails where canoes and gear are carried). East Pike Lake is located in the eastern part of the BWCA, and common entry points would include those off the Gunflint Trail (e.g., Seagull Lake, Saganaga Lake) or from areas near Ely, depending on your chosen route. The specific route to Campsite #752 would involve paddling across several lakes and traversing portages, which adds to the adventure and ensures a truly remote experience. Local outfitters in nearby towns like Grand Marais or Ely are invaluable resources for detailed maps, route planning, gear rentals, and up-to-date information on current conditions and recommended routes. The journey itself is an integral part of the BWCA experience, allowing you to gradually shed the stresses of daily life and fully embrace the wilderness.

Campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, including BWCA Campsite #752, are designed to offer a primitive camping experience, with limited but essential amenities focused on preserving the natural environment and promoting Leave No Trace principles. Campers are expected to be self-sufficient. The fundamental services and provisions typically found at these designated BWCA sites include:

• Steel Fire Grate: Each designated campsite is equipped with a steel fire grate. This is the only permitted area for building campfires, crucial for safety and minimizing impact. Campers must ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving the site or retiring for the night.
• Wilderness Latrine (Privy): A rustic pit toilet, often referred to as a "thunderbox," is provided a short distance from the main camping area for human waste disposal. It is vital to use this facility correctly and refrain from putting any trash in it.
• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: While not always perfectly level or formal, sites offer cleared areas suitable for pitching tents. For Campsite #752, reviews mention "2 maybe 3 tent pads if you don't mind sleeping at an angle," indicating the natural, rugged terrain. These areas help concentrate impact and protect surrounding vegetation.
• Access to Natural Water Source: The campsite is located on East Pike Lake, providing direct access to lake water. All water from the lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before it is safe for drinking. Potable water is not otherwise provided.
• Firewood (Dead and Down): Campers are permitted to collect dead and down wood for campfires within the vicinity of the campsite. It should be easily broken by hand and collected away from the immediate campsite and shoreline to minimize visual impact and maintain ecological balance.
• Permit System: All overnight and motorized day trips into the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30 require a quota permit, which must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or an authorized outfitter.
• No Cans or Glass Bottles: A strict regulation within the BWCA prohibits the possession of all cans and glass bottles, with exceptions only for fuel, insect repellent, or medicines. All food and beverages must be transported in reusable, non-breakable containers.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: All trash, including food scraps, personal hygiene items, and any other materials brought into the wilderness, must be packed out by the campers. Burning trash is illegal and harmful to the environment.
• Group Size Limit: A maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft are allowed per permit and at any designated campsite to minimize impact and preserve the wilderness experience.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Due to the presence of wildlife, including bears, all food, food containers, and scented items must be stored in a bear-resistant container or suspended at least 12 feet above the ground and 6 feet horizontally from any tree trunk, particularly between March 1 and November 30.

• Rugged Wilderness Experience: BWCA Campsite #752 offers an authentic, challenging wilderness experience, perfect for those seeking to truly test their outdoor skills and immerse themselves in nature without modern distractions.
• Pristine Lake Environment: Located on East Pike Lake, the campsite provides access to clear, clean waters ideal for paddling, swimming (where safe), and fishing. East Pike Lake is part of a beautiful chain of lakes.
• Elevated Site with Views: Reviews suggest it is an "elevated site" with "good views from shoreline," and a "rocky outcropping is a great place to hang a hammock and watch the sun set over the lake." This offers beautiful vistas over the lake and surrounding forest.
• Unique Shoreline Landing: While described as "Awful, almost treacherous landing right in front of camp," there is "a very small, more accommodating one just a little further east," providing an interesting challenge and a more private approach.
• Impressive White Pines: The campsite boasts "impressive large white pines that provide a sheltering canopy over the various tent pads scattered about," adding to the aesthetic appeal and offering some natural shelter.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The remote setting increases the likelihood of spotting native Minnesota wildlife, such as moose, deer, eagles, loons, and various other bird species.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes in this region of the BWCA are known for good fishing, providing opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, among others.
• Unforgettable Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night skies over the BWCA are exceptionally dark and clear, offering incredible views of stars and the Milky Way.
• Solitude and Tranquility: The paddle-in access and strict regulations ensure a quiet and peaceful environment, allowing for deep relaxation and a true escape from noise and crowds.
• Proximity to Portages: The campsite is "close to the portage in/out," making it a convenient stop for multi-day trips and allowing for further exploration of the surrounding lakes.

Address: BWCA Campsite #752 (on East Pike Lake), East Cook, MN 55604, USA

Phone: There is no direct phone number for an individual BWCA campsite, as these are primitive wilderness sites. For all inquiries, permits, and reservations related to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the following are the primary contact channels:

• Recreation.gov: This is the official U.S. government website for booking BWCA permits. You will need to search for "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness" and select an entry point relevant to your planned route to Campsite #752 to check availability and make reservations.
• USDA Forest Service - Superior National Forest: As the managing agency, the Superior National Forest offices can provide detailed information on BWCA regulations, current conditions, and entry points. You can find contact numbers for specific Ranger Districts (e.g., Kawishiwi Ranger District near Ely or Gunflint Ranger District near Grand Marais, depending on your entry point) on their official website. For general inquiries, the Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office can be reached at (218) 626-4300.
• BWCA Outfitters: Local outfitters in towns surrounding the BWCA (e.g., Ely, Grand Marais, Cook, Orr) are invaluable resources. They offer comprehensive trip planning assistance, gear rentals, permit acquisition services, and up-to-date local conditions and route advice.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #752 on East Pike Lake offers an authentic and deeply rewarding wilderness experience, making it an ideal choice for those who truly appreciate the rugged beauty of our state's Northwoods. This isn't a casual camping trip; it's an immersive journey that challenges and invigorates, perfectly suiting the adventurous spirit often found in locals. The "paddle-in" access, while requiring preparation and effort, ensures a level of solitude and pristine nature that is increasingly rare, allowing you to fully disconnect and embrace the tranquility of the wilderness.

The site's natural features, including its elevated position, stunning views of East Pike Lake, and sheltering white pines, create a memorable setting for outdoor living. While the tent pads might offer an "angle," this is part of the charm of a true wilderness site, encouraging adaptability and a deeper connection to the natural terrain. These challenges are not drawbacks, but opportunities for growth and a stronger appreciation for the raw beauty that defines the BWCA. Furthermore, the commitment to Leave No Trace principles ensures that this incredible natural resource remains pristine for future generations of Minnesotans to enjoy.

Choosing BWCA Campsite #752 means embracing a quintessential Minnesota outdoor adventure. It's a chance to hone your wilderness skills, create lasting memories with your companions, and immerse yourself in an environment where nature reigns supreme. For locals, it's a readily accessible portal to one of the nation's most cherished wilderness areas, offering an experience that will revitalize your spirit and deepen your connection to the extraordinary natural heritage of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

BWCA Campsite #752

East Cook, MN 55604, USA