BWCA Campsite #680

- East Cook, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking a truly authentic Northwoods experience, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape to nature. Among the over 2,000 designated campsites within this million-acre protected area in the Superior National Forest is the sought-after BWCA Campsite #680. This site is located on the beautiful and historic Clearwater Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear water and dramatic palisades that rise hundreds of feet above the water’s edge. Unlike public campgrounds that offer modern facilities, Campsite #680 provides a primitive, Leave No Trace camping experience, demanding self-reliance and deep respect for the environment.

A trip to this site embodies the challenge and reward of wilderness travel, accessible only by paddle or, on Clearwater Lake, by a limited motor size, and requiring a mandatory permit from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). It is a highly valued destination for local adventurers looking to immerse themselves in an ancient landscape, connecting with a tradition of canoe travel that dates back centuries. The BWCAW is one of Minnesota’s proudest natural features, and designated sites like #680 are the cornerstone of the wilderness experience—offering a quiet, reserved space where the only background noise is the call of the loon. Prospective visitors must be prepared to follow all wilderness regulations, ensuring this remote location remains pristine for future generations of Minnesota explorers.

BWCA Campsite #680 is officially part of the area encompassed by East Cook, MN 55604, USA. Its precise location is on the north shoreline of Clearwater Lake, situated between other popular BWCA sites and just east of Campsite #681. Clearwater Lake is a major entry point (Entry Point 62) along the storied Gunflint Trail, one of the primary access routes into the eastern BWCAW.

Access to Campsite #680 is strictly controlled and involves a deliberate journey:

• Required Permit: Overnight stays in the BWCAW between May 1st and September 30th necessitate a reserved quota permit. This must specify Entry Point 62 - Clearwater Lake and the designated entry date. The permit holder must be present for the entire trip.

• Travel Method: The campsite is a paddle-in or motorboat-in site. Clearwater Lake is one of the few lakes in the BWCAW that allows motors, with a restriction of 10 horsepower or less, and possession of a single additional motor no greater than 6 horsepower, provided the motors in use do not exceed 10 HP. Paddling is the traditional and most common method of reaching the site.

• Route Navigation: Upon entering Clearwater Lake, the campsite is located along the north shore, requiring navigation across open water. Knowledge of map, compass, or GPS is essential, as there are no directional signs pointing to individual campsites within the wilderness.

• Proximity to Features: Campsite #680 is strategically located, offering relatively close access to portages leading to connecting lakes and the highly prized Border Route Trail (BRT), a noted hiking trail that weaves through this part of the wilderness.

In keeping with the BWCAW’s mission to preserve its primitive character, the services available at Campsite #680 are limited to the necessary infrastructure for minimizing human impact. All campers must bring everything they need and be prepared to manage their waste responsibly.

• Steel Fire Grate: Every designated BWCA campsite, including #680, is equipped with a steel fire grate. This is the only place fires are permitted, using only dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand. Visitors must always fully extinguish the fire with water until the ashes are cold to the touch.

• Wilderness Latrine: A designated pit toilet, typically located a short distance away from the main camp area and hidden from the lake, is provided for human waste. Absolutely no trash, including paper products other than toilet paper, should be placed in the latrine.

• Designated Camping Area: The site includes prepared, relatively flat areas for pitching tents. These areas are established to concentrate impact and prevent damage to surrounding vegetation. Groups are required to camp together at this single site.

• Water Source: Water is drawn directly from Clearwater Lake. Given the wilderness setting, potable water is not supplied; all water used for drinking and cooking must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified).

• "Pack It Out" Policy: There are no trash disposal facilities. All garbage, food scraps, and non-burnable materials (including cans and glass bottles, which are generally prohibited) must be secured and packed out upon departure.

Campsite #680 is distinguished by its north shore location on one of the BWCAW’s most scenic lakes, providing campers with specific natural highlights:

• Access to the Border Route Trail (BRT): Its proximity to the north shore means that a short, often unmarked trail or portage connects to the BRT, offering excellent opportunities for day hikes along the ridges and cliffs that overlook the lake country.

• Scenic Lake Views: The site offers fantastic views, particularly across the wide expanse of Clearwater Lake toward the dramatic, high cliffs known as The Palisades on the southern shore. These views are especially spectacular at sunrise or sunset.

• Clearwater Lake Fishing: Clearwater Lake is known for holding a good population of cold-water fish species, including Lake Trout, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass. Shoreline fishing or trolling nearby provides a classic Northwoods fishing experience.

• Dark Sky Experience: As part of the BWCAW, a designated International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Campsite #680 offers an incredible, unpolluted view of the night sky, ideal for stargazing and potential Northern Lights viewing.

• Wildlife Opportunities: Being tucked away on the north shore provides excellent cover for viewing local wildlife, including moose, black bear, and various waterfowl. Visitors must practice proper food storage in bear-resistant containers or by hanging packs.

Direct contact information for the remote campsite is not available. Planning and regulatory queries for BWCA Campsite #680 must be handled through the official managing authority.

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

Permit Information: Wilderness entry permits are obtained through the national recreation reservation system. Search for Entry Point 62 - Clearwater Lake.

Administrative Office: Inquiries about regulations and current conditions should be directed to the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest (Specific phone number and address for the Ranger District should be sourced from the USFS website for official updates).

BWCA Campsite #680 is ideally suited for Minnesota residents who cherish the state’s commitment to preserving its natural environment. For locals, this site is not merely a camping location; it is a profound connection to the geographical and cultural heart of the state—the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." The required planning and effort—securing a quota permit, paddling or motoring to a remote site, and packing in every necessity—foster an invaluable sense of personal accomplishment and environmental responsibility. It provides the genuine solitude that city life often denies, offering world-class fishing, hiking access to the Border Route Trail, and stunning views of the palisades that are practically in your own backyard. Choosing Campsite #680 ensures a personal retreat into one of the country's largest and most magnificent wilderness areas, affirming the local value of challenge, conservation, and the unmatched beauty of the Minnesota Northwoods. This is the place for Minnesotans to reconnect with the wild spirit of their home state.

BWCA Campsite #680

East Cook, MN 55604, USA