BWCA Campsite #609

- East Cook, MN 55604

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) holds a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans, representing the pinnacle of unspoiled nature and the spirit of self-propelled exploration. This vast, million-acre expanse of interconnected lakes and pristine forests, located in the Superior National Forest, is a federally protected wilderness—meaning the experience is intentionally primitive, challenging, and profoundly rewarding. When planning a trip into this iconic landscape, choosing the right designated campsite is paramount, and few offer the distinct, highly coveted features of **BWCA Campsite #609**.

BWCA Campsite #609 is not just another spot on a map; it is documented by seasoned paddlers as a standout destination within the wilderness system, primarily due to its unusual and desirable features. Nestled deep within the Gunflint Trail area of the BWCA, this site promises the legendary solitude, spectacular scenery, and rugged adventure the region is known for, while also providing a rare convenience that significantly enhances the typical Northwoods experience.

Unlike conventional campgrounds, Campsite #609 is a true backcountry experience. It is a primitive location that demands complete self-sufficiency from its visitors—there is no potable water source, electricity, or running water. Every camper must operate under the strict "Leave No Trace" principles to preserve the area’s delicate ecosystem. Accessing a site like #609 requires planning, physical effort (paddling and portaging), and the essential advance reservation of an overnight quota permit, which controls entry and ensures that the feeling of isolation and unspoiled beauty is maintained for all users. These rules are in place not to restrict enjoyment, but to protect the character of the BWCA for generations of Minnesotans.

The general location of BWCA Campsite #609, **East Cook, MN 55604, USA**, places it within the remote and rugged Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, a well-known starting point for many deep wilderness excursions. More specifically, Campsite #609 is situated on **Clove Lake**, a clear, scenic body of water within the eastern BWCAW.

Reaching Clove Lake and Campsite #609 is an adventure in itself, typically requiring entry via one of the popular Gunflint Trail access points, such as Entry Point 57 (Magnetic Lake) or Entry Point 80 (Larch Creek). This route involves a combination of paddling across multiple lakes and portaging your canoe and gear over the wilderness trails that connect the waterways. The effort involved ensures that groups arriving at Clove Lake are committed to the wilderness experience, often resulting in fewer encounters with other travelers compared to sites nearer the entry points.

The journey to this site takes paddlers through an area renowned for its post-fire regeneration, offering unique views of the forest ecosystem healing and adapting. Clove Lake itself is surrounded by high ridges and hills, creating a deeply enclosed, serene atmosphere. Once on Clove Lake, Campsite #609 is a highly sought-after, designated landing point, meaning its availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis once your party has entered the wilderness on its permitted date. Planning for a layover day at the site or having alternative campsites scouted is always a wise strategy for any BWCA trip.

As a designated campsite within a Federally Protected Wilderness Area, Campsite #609 offers only the fundamental, minimal infrastructure required to concentrate human impact and adhere to wilderness regulations. This is the beauty and challenge of BWCA camping—you must bring everything you need and be completely self-reliant.

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire ring is provided by the Forest Service. This is the only approved location for building a campfire. Visitors must source only dead and downed wood from the area and are strictly prohibited from cutting standing trees, whether dead or alive.

• Wilderness Latrine: A vault or pit-style toilet, known locally as a "biffy," is situated discreetly away from the tent areas and the water's edge. This facility is strictly for human waste; all trash, including food scraps and hygiene products, must be packed out.

• Established Tent Pads/Areas: The site features hardened, identifiable areas intended for pitching tents. Using these established areas is mandatory to prevent the expansion of the campsite and the trampling of surrounding vegetation, preserving the overall health of the forest floor.

• Lakeshore Access: The site provides a clear area for safely landing and securing canoes and access to Clove Lake’s water. All water taken from the lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as it is non-potable.

Visitors are responsible for practicing bear safety, storing all food and scented items away from the main camp, and leaving the site cleaner than they found it.

BWCA Campsite #609 on Clove Lake is revered among local paddlers for its distinctive natural assets that set it apart from many other sites in the wilderness.

• Rare Sandy Beach: The single most notable feature of Campsite #609 is its sprawling, genuine sand beach. While most BWCA sites feature rocky, challenging shorelines, this beach offers an ideal area for swimming, sunbathing, easy canoe loading, and comfortable lounging—a true gem in the Northwoods.

• Exceptional Swimming: The clear water of Clove Lake combined with the gentle slope of the sandy beach creates one of the best, most comfortable swimming areas in the entire Boundary Waters system, especially appealing during the warm summer months.

• Sunset Views: Its likely orientation on the lake often provides stunning, unobstructed views of the sunset over the water, offering perfect photography opportunities and a memorable end to each wilderness day.

• Proximity to Historical Waterways: Clove Lake is a key connection point, linked to the Pine River and the Granite River, which forms part of the historic Voyageur canoe route along the Canadian border. Base camping at #609 allows for scenic, challenging day trips into this historically significant area.

• High Privacy Rating: Due to its distance from major motor entry points and its general location deep within the Gunflint Trail area, this site often offers excellent privacy, enhancing the feeling of being truly alone in the wilderness.

As a remote wilderness location, BWCA Campsite #609 has no direct contact number or on-site facility. All planning and reservation inquiries must be directed to the official managing authority.

**Address (General Wilderness Location):** BWCA Campsite #609, East Cook, MN 55604, USA

**Permit and Information Contact (Superior National Forest/BWCAW):**

All administrative details, including trip regulations, mandatory permit reservations, and current safety advisories, are managed through the U.S. Forest Service. The Gunflint Ranger District Office is the primary issuing station for this section of the BWCAW. Overnight quota permits must be reserved in advance via the official national recreation reservation system.

**Emergency Communication:** Visitors must understand that cellular reception is non-existent. Carrying a satellite communication device (satellite phone or messenger) is strongly advised for use in life-threatening emergencies only. Emergency services must be contacted via 911 through such a device.

BWCA Campsite #609 on Clove Lake is tailor-made for Minnesotans seeking to connect with the state’s profound natural heritage. It represents the quintessential Northwoods camping challenge while offering a unique, luxurious payoff: a beautiful, sandy beach and excellent swimming. For Minnesota families and seasoned paddlers, the journey to Clove Lake serves as a local pilgrimage, providing a rigorous but highly rewarding immersion into the state's signature wilderness landscape.

The seclusion of the site, guaranteed by the permit system, offers a complete break from the noise and pace of urban life—a necessary reset button often sought by local users. Campsite #609 provides the perfect base for exploring the historical Granite River routes or simply laying over to enjoy a rare, comfortable sand beach in the middle of a rugged boreal forest. It is a highly-rated destination that captures the true essence of a challenging, yet deeply satisfying, Minnesota canoe trip.

BWCA Campsite #609

East Cook, MN 55604, USA