BWCA Campsite #600: A Local's Guide to True Wilderness Camping in East Cook, MN

For lifelong residents of Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the pinnacle of North Woods adventure. It is a place revered for its silence, its ancient, glacially-carved landscape, and the opportunity for multi-day, self-supported canoe trips. Among the vast network of over 2,000 designated sites, a location like BWCA Campsite #600 stands out, offering a highly sought-after destination for local paddlers seeking the true spirit of the wilderness.

Campsite #600 is not a drive-up location; it is a meticulously managed, primitive site situated deep within the federally protected wilderness. The precise location, based on public records and user trip reports, places it on Clove Lake, which is typically accessed via the Magnetic Lake Entry Point (#57) near the Gunflint Trail. This context immediately sets the stage for a classic BWCA journey: one that involves paddling across multiple lakes and undertaking challenging portages—the short overland trails connecting waterways—to reach your temporary home.

A trip to Campsite #600 is more than just camping; it is a true expedition into the largest contiguous area of uncut forest in the eastern United States. It requires planning, preparation, and, most importantly, securing the highly regulated Quota Permit required for overnight stays between May 1st and September 30th. This quota system, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is what guarantees the solitude and low-impact experience that defines the Boundary Waters. For the local user, securing a permit for a prime site like #600 is often the successful culmination of meticulous planning that begins in late January when reservations open.

The experience at Campsite #600 is one of genuine solitude, far from the conveniences of modern life. It’s an immersion into a landscape where the only sounds are the cry of the loon, the splash of a paddle, and the whisper of the wind through the vast boreal forest. For Minnesotans, it is the purest expression of the state's natural identity.

Location and Accessibility: Clove Lake and Entry Point #57

BWCA Campsite #600 is located within the wilderness tract of the Superior National Forest, near East Cook, MN 55604. While this general area is correct, the key to access lies in identifying its specific entry point and water body. Campsite #600 is known to be on Clove Lake, making its likely access point Magnetic Lake Entry Point (#57) on the Gunflint Ranger District.

Accessibility begins with a drive up the historic Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12) from Grand Marais. This scenic 57-mile drive leads to the more remote sections of the wilderness boundary. From the entry point parking lot, access to Clove Lake involves significant paddle and portage travel, confirming that a trip to #600 is a dedicated canoe or kayaking expedition.

Paddlers should be prepared for:

Long Distance Travel: Multiple hours of paddling and several portages are required to reach an interior lake like Clove. This makes Campsite #600 a popular destination for multi-night stays.
Rugged Portages: The portages—overland trails connecting lakes—can be rocky, muddy, or steep. They require carrying all gear and watercraft, often multiple times, to reach the destination.
Mandatory Permit System: Unlike many Forest Service sites, an overnight stay at #600 requires a Quota Permit reserved for a specific entry point (e.g., Magnetic Lake) and a specific start date (May 1st to September 30th).

Services Offered at BWCA Campsite #600

The term "services" in the BWCAW context refers to minimal, federally mandated facilities designed to protect the resource, not provide convenience. Campsite #600, like all designated BWCA sites, follows strict wilderness regulations.

The standard facilities provided at Campsite #600 include:

Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire ring or grate is installed for the safe containment of campfires. Visitors must use only dead and downed wood gathered from the ground and not cut any live vegetation.
Designated Tent Pad/Area: A cleared, flat space or spaces intended for pitching tents. Visitors are required to use only these established areas to minimize impact on the fragile forest floor.
Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary, open-air outhouse facility, typically a barrel or wooden box, used for human waste disposal. It is crucial to remember that this is not a trash receptacle; all personal hygiene products, food scraps, and trash must be packed out.
Anchor/Landing Area: While not an engineered 'dock,' the site will have a recognizable, low-impact area suitable for pulling canoes out of the water and accessing the site.

It must be emphasized that the site provides no potable water, no garbage service, no electricity, and no modern amenities. Every visitor must be prepared to filter or boil all drinking water and strictly adhere to the "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principle for all trash.

Features and Highlights for a Clove Lake Trip

Campsite #600, situated on Clove Lake, offers a host of specific features that make it a highly desirable location:

Island Setting (Possible): Reports for campsite numbers in this area often indicate island sites, which offer superior views, natural defense against bugs, and enhanced privacy and wind protection for fires.
Prime Fishing Location: Clove Lake and its surrounding waters are known for excellent smallmouth bass, northern pike, and potentially lake trout fishing, offering a true "catch-and-cook" wilderness experience.
Dark Sky Sanctuary: As part of the BWCAW, the area is an officially designated Dark Sky Sanctuary. Campsite #600 offers an unparalleled opportunity for night sky viewing, including the Milky Way and frequent displays of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Immersion in Old-Growth Forest: The BWCA contains the largest area of uncut forest in the eastern United States. Camping at #600 means sleeping among towering red and white pines that have stood for centuries.
Strict Solitude: The rigorous permit quota system ensures that only a limited number of groups can enter the surrounding area each day, guaranteeing the peaceful and solitary experience the BWCA is famous for.

Contact Information

Campsite #600 is a wilderness location and does not have an independent phone number or mailing address. All administrative and planning needs must be directed to the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the permitting and management of this section of the BWCAW.

Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (General Forest Area)

Permit Reservations: Permits for May 1 - September 30 must be reserved through Recreation.gov. Reservations open on the last Wednesday in January for the entire season. Local paddlers must secure a permit for the appropriate Entry Point (likely #57, Magnetic Lake) and designated entry date.

Phone: For information regarding rules, regulations, current fire restrictions, or conditions near the Gunflint Trail entry points, local users should contact the Gunflint Ranger District office. Please verify the latest contact information on the official U.S. Forest Service website before travel.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #600 is highly suitable for Minnesota locals, particularly those who have a deep appreciation for paddling, camping, and conservation. It represents a rite of passage for many Minnesotans—the ultimate challenge and reward the state's wilderness offers. The permit system ensures that this pristine environment remains protected, and local users understand the value of securing these quotas to maintain the quality of the experience. It offers a total and restorative escape, forcing visitors to live by the rhythm of the sun and the paddle. By undertaking the necessary preparation, securing the permit months in advance, and adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles, Minnesota residents gain access to one of the most uniquely beautiful and globally recognized wilderness areas right in their own backyard. Campsite #600 provides the isolation, the beauty, and the profound quiet that is the hallmark of a truly memorable Boundary Waters adventure.