BWCA Campsite #686: A Comprehensive Guide to Caribou Lake's Premier Wilderness Retreat

As devoted Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts know, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers an escape unmatched in the Lower 48 states. Among the system's 2,000+ designated campsites, BWCA Campsite #686 stands out as a favored destination for those seeking a mix of accessibility, space, and genuine North Woods solitude. Located deep within the Superior National Forest near East Cook, this site is a prime example of the rewarding, self-reliant experience the BWCAW is famous for.

Campsite #686 is a designated site on Caribou Lake, which is positioned along a popular and picturesque canoe route known for its stunning cliff-faces and excellent fishing. The site offers a true wilderness experience, requiring meticulous planning and adherence to the strict "Leave No Trace" principles mandated by the U.S. Forest Service. This is not a drive-up campground; it is an expedition base designed for canoeists and paddlers who embrace the challenge of portaging and the reward of total immersion in nature.

Public records and firsthand accounts confirm that Campsite #686 is the westernmost site on Caribou Lake, situated conveniently near the portage to Clearwater Lake. This location makes it an ideal spot for an extended basecamp stay, allowing day trips to explore connecting waterways like Lizz Lake, Clearwater, and potentially into other loops of the Gunflint Trail area. Customer reviews frequently highlight the site's generous size, noting, "Great site. Plenty of room for Hammocks and at least two tents," which speaks directly to its suitability for larger groups and modern camping preferences.

For Minnesota locals, a trip to this specific piece of the BWCAW is an opportunity to reconnect with the state's iconic landscape—a glacial-carved terrain of granite, boreal forest, and clear, cool water. It is a vital part of the regional identity, demanding respect for its pristine condition and rewarding visitors with profound quiet and expansive night skies.

Location and Accessibility: Caribou Lake via Gunflint Trail

BWCA Campsite #686 is officially registered in the general area of East Cook, MN 55604, USA, falling under the jurisdiction of the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. The key to accessing this specific campsite is reaching Caribou Lake, which typically involves using one of the entry points off the scenic Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12), northeast of Grand Marais. The most common entry for this route is through Lizz and Swamp Lakes Entry Point (#47) or potentially Pine Lake Entry Point (#68).

The journey to Caribou Lake is a classic BWCA route, involving several portages connecting Poplar Lake, Lizz Lake, and then into Caribou Lake. The initial travel time can range from a few hours to a full day of paddling and portaging, depending on the chosen entry point and the group's pace. The non-motorized nature of these connecting lakes ensures that the feeling of stepping into true wilderness begins almost immediately upon launching the canoe.

Essential Accessibility Details:

Distance from Road: Campsite #686 is an interior wilderness site, accessible only by watercraft and portaging. There is no vehicle access.
Permitting Requirement: To secure an overnight stay between May 1st and September 30th, a reserved Quota Permit must be obtained months in advance for the designated entry point via Recreation.gov.
Non-Motorized Zone: Caribou Lake and the surrounding connecting lakes are part of the vast non-motorized section of the BWCAW, preserving a peaceful environment free from engine noise.

Services Offered at BWCA Campsite #686

As a designated wilderness campsite, the amenities at #686 are strictly limited to necessary, low-impact facilities intended to concentrate visitor impact and preserve the surrounding natural environment. The experience is one of primitive camping, where visitors must carry in all supplies and carry out all waste.

The fundamental services provided at Campsite #686 are:

Designated Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet facility, typically a box-like structure, strategically placed well away from the lake shore and the main living area (minimum 150 feet) for sanitation purposes. This facility is for human waste only.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire ring provided to contain campfires and minimize fire risk. All fires must be kept within this grate, using only dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand.
Established Tent Pad(s): Clearly worn, level areas designated for pitching tents. Visitors are required to use these pads to prevent the creation of new, destructive camp areas.
Canoe Landing Area: A recognized section of the shoreline, often rocky or sloped, where canoes can be safely landed and tied up. Descriptions suggest the landing here is functional, perhaps on a rock slab, leading to the main site area.

It must be stressed that there is no potable water (water must be filtered or boiled), no trash disposal (pack it all out), no electric hookups, and no cell service. Self-sufficiency is paramount for a successful trip.

Features and Highlights of Campsite #686 on Caribou Lake

Campsite #686 is well-regarded among those who frequent the Caribou Lake area, primarily for its capacity and layout, which caters to the needs of typical BWCA groups.

Excellent Group Capacity: Customer feedback highlights the generous space, specifically mentioning "Plenty of room for Hammocks and at least two tents," which translates to a greater number of established tent pads—some reports indicate at least four—making it suitable for a full BWCA group of up to nine people.
Prime Location for Travel: Its westernmost location on Caribou Lake places it strategically close to the portage leading to Clearwater Lake, facilitating easy day trips or serving as an excellent stopover point for groups traversing this section of the wilderness.
Elevated and Spacious Fire Grate: The fire grate area is often described as well-situated, possibly on an elevated rock slab, providing a good view of the lake and a comfortable area for cooking and gathering.
Good Hammock Potential: As noted by local users, the abundance of mature trees provides numerous suitable locations for hanging hammocks, a highly sought-after feature for many modern wilderness campers.
Access to Hiking/Exploring: Historical trails and paths often connect nearby campsites, offering small areas for exploration behind the main campsite, though visitors should be mindful of staying within established boundaries.

Contact Information

As a designated site within a federally protected wilderness area, Campsite #686 does not possess a direct physical phone number or mailing address for traditional correspondence. All inquiries and official business must be conducted through the governing agency.

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

Permit Reservations: The mandatory Quota Permits for all overnight BWCA trips (May 1st - September 30th) must be reserved through the official federal reservation platform, Recreation.gov.

Phone: For information on current fire restrictions, wilderness regulations, and to pick up reserved permits, local users should contact the relevant administering office, which is the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Their official phone number is the primary resource for essential, time-sensitive information.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #686 offers Minnesota locals a fantastic opportunity to experience the pristine, large-group-friendly camping for which the Gunflint Trail area is celebrated. It provides a rare blend of accessible travel (relative to the deep interior) and a high degree of privacy and space, perfect for family excursions or annual friend trips. The site’s reputation for having ample room for multiple tents and hammocks makes it an ideal gathering place. Moreover, its strategic position on Caribou Lake, a lake known for solid fishing and connections to popular day-trip destinations, maximizes the outdoor possibilities without requiring a major push deeper into the wilderness. For the Minnesota resident, this site is a call to adventure—a place to practice the skills of self-reliance, revel in the natural quiet, and carry forward the deep, abiding North Woods tradition that defines the state's outdoor culture.