BWCA Campsite #687: Your Guide to a Legendary Horseshoe Lake Wilderness Retreat in East Cook, MN

For those of us who call Minnesota home, the mere mention of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) conjures images of pristine, interconnected lakes, towering pines, and a silence so profound it’s a therapeutic balm for the soul. BWCA Campsite #687 represents one of the 2,000+ designated destinations within this million-acre sanctuary. Unlike the developed campgrounds found elsewhere in the state, a stay at #687 is an exercise in self-reliance and environmental stewardship, offering a genuine, unadulterated North Woods experience.

Based on detailed public records and trip reports shared by the paddling community, Campsite #687 is prominently situated on Horseshoe Lake, a beautiful, mid-depth lake known for its fishing and scenic appeal. Horseshoe Lake is positioned along a very popular canoe route in the eastern part of the BWCAW, typically accessed via the Gunflint Trail. The popularity of the route means that securing a permit for entry is competitive, but the solitude offered by Campsite #687 itself is well worth the effort. It is a true wilderness retreat where visitors are expected to leave behind only footprints and take away only memories.

This designated site is a sought-after piece of prime Minnesota real estate for any experienced canoeist. Descriptions of the site often highlight its favorable characteristics—be it a nice open area, a sturdy landing, or panoramic views of the water. To reach it, local paddlers must embark on a multi-portage journey, confirming that this is an interior site—a place protected by distance and effort, ensuring a high-quality wilderness experience consistent with the BWCA’s mission.

A trip to Campsite #687 is an escape from the front-country and an embrace of Minnesota's profound natural heritage. It demands adherence to the strict 'Leave No Trace' principles and respect for the ecosystem. For the seasoned local, it is not merely a camping trip; it is an expedition that connects them directly to the geological and cultural history of the Canadian Shield.

Location and Accessibility: Horseshoe Lake via the Gunflint Trail

BWCA Campsite #687 is located in the greater wilderness area near East Cook, MN 55604. However, for planning purposes, the critical details are its host lake and the corresponding entry point. Campsite #687 is located on Horseshoe Lake. This lake is primarily accessed through an entry point off the scenic Gunflint Trail, most commonly Lizz and Swamp Lakes Entry Point (#47) or, less frequently, Meeds Lake Entry Point (#48).

The journey begins after a substantial drive north from Duluth or the Twin Cities, following the Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12) to the specified entry point parking area near Grand Marais. From there, access to Horseshoe Lake is achieved via paddling and portaging, a system of short, overland trails connecting the various waterways. The remoteness of the site is its core appeal, guaranteeing a genuine wilderness experience.

Key Accessibility Considerations:

Distance from Entry: Reaching Campsite #687 requires several portages (carrying canoes and gear over land) and significant paddle mileage. Visitors should plan for at least a half-day of hard travel to reach the site, depending on their entry point.
Mandatory Quota Permit: Overnight access between May 1st and September 30th requires a reserved Quota Permit secured months in advance through Recreation.gov for the specific entry point, date, and group size.
Motor Restrictions: The area surrounding Horseshoe Lake is non-motorized, ensuring that the primary mode of travel and the dominant soundscape is paddling and natural noise. This preserves the essential wilderness character.

Services Offered at BWCA Campsite #687

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, the term "services" is used to denote the minimal, standardized, and environmentally-conscious provisions set by the U.S. Forest Service. These elements are designed for resource protection, not visitor comfort or convenience. Campsite #687 is no exception, strictly adhering to the "Wilderness Act" regulations.

The fundamental services provided at Campsite #687 include:

Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal structure for containing campfires. Use is restricted to dead and downed wood only; cutting standing trees, alive or dead, is strictly prohibited.
Designated Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary, pit toilet facility situated at least 150 feet back from the main campsite and water’s edge. This is solely for human waste, and all garbage, including hygiene products, must be packed out.
Established Tent Pad(s): Clearly worn, leveled areas intended for pitching tents. Visitors are required to utilize these existing pads to prevent expanding the size of the campsite and disturbing native vegetation.
Shoreline Landing Area: An identified, stable place on the rocky shoreline for landing and launching canoes. This area should be respected and not expanded, minimizing erosion.

It is essential for local users to remember that the site offers no services typical of front-country camping: no running water, no electricity, no cellular service, and no trash disposal. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient.

Features and Highlights of Campsite #687 on Horseshoe Lake

Campsite #687 on Horseshoe Lake is frequently discussed in the paddling community for its distinctive features, which often make it a highly desirable spot:

Superior Landing and Access: Numerous reports praise the site for having a decent, often sandy, or small rock outcrop landing area, making the critical task of loading and unloading canoes easier than at many rugged BWCA sites.
Scenic Vistas: The site is often noted for offering good lake views, possibly facing a desirable direction (e.g., west or east) for watching sunsets or sunrises over the water.
Proximity to Key Waterways: Horseshoe Lake sits on a popular loop or path connecting to other large lakes like Gaskin and Winchell, making #687 an excellent location for a base camp to explore a wider range of the surrounding wilderness.
Excellent Camp Layout: The site is often described as spacious, with several well-cleared tent pads, a comfortable fire-grate area, and enough elevation to promote breezes that help manage insects in the summer.
Quality Fishing Opportunities: Horseshoe Lake is part of a healthy ecosystem offering excellent angling for smallmouth bass and northern pike, allowing for fresh fish dinners prepared right at the site's fire grate.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness location, Campsite #687 does not have a direct physical contact or phone number. All trip planning, permitting, and regulation inquiries must be handled through the official U.S. Forest Service management authority.

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

Permit Reservations: Quota Permits for all overnight BWCA trips (May 1st - September 30th) must be secured online through the official reservation system at Recreation.gov. The most relevant office for management and permit pick-up is the Gunflint Ranger District or a cooperating outfitter located along the Gunflint Trail.

Phone: For general BWCA regulations, current alerts, or fire restrictions related to the Gunflint District, local users should consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the most up-to-date contact information for the supervising Ranger District.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #687 is perfectly tailored for the experienced or aspiring Minnesota paddler. It encapsulates the challenging, yet deeply rewarding, character of the state's most cherished wilderness area. For locals, the BWCA is more than a park—it is a symbol of Minnesota’s commitment to preserving wildness. A trip here offers an unparalleled level of solitude and a chance to disconnect completely from the digital world, fostering a deep connection with nature that is hard to find elsewhere. The effort required to paddle and portage into a remote site like #687 is understood by locals as the price of admission for this kind of high-quality, low-impact experience.

By securing a permit and committing to the "Leave No Trace" ethos, Minnesota residents ensure that this breathtaking piece of the state's natural history—with its rock formations, vast boreal forest, and clear lakes—will remain pristine for generations to come. Campsite #687 offers a world-class outdoor adventure right in the state's northeastern corner, providing a restorative environment that is both a physical challenge and a spiritual renewal.