BWCA Campsite #688: Secluded Wilderness Retreat on Caribou Lake, East Cook, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota adventurers who value deep solitude and a retreat into the unblemished Northwoods, BWCA Campsite #688 offers an exceptional basecamp location. Situated within the sprawling million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this site is specifically located on the north shore of Caribou Lake, near the lake's western end. Its geographical context, confirmed by the address of East Cook, MN 55604, places it squarely in the rugged and beautiful Gunflint Trail region of the Superior National Forest, an area known for its pristine waters and challenging, rewarding canoe routes.

Campsite #688 is identified as the third campsite east of the portage connecting Caribou Lake to Clearwater Lake. Unlike some of the more highly trafficked and publicized campsites in the area, Campsite #688 is often noted for its quiet and secluded nature, making it particularly attractive to paddlers seeking a true escape. Current reports suggest it is one of the less-used campsites on Caribou Lake, providing a welcome break from the busy season crowds. The site itself is set back from the water in a forest clearing, providing comfortable, shady areas for setting up camp and blending harmoniously with the wilderness environment that Minnesota locals cherish.

As with all BWCA destinations, accessing Campsite #688 requires obtaining a specific entry permit and embracing a completely self-sufficient, Leave No Trace style of camping. This preparation ensures that the wild character of Caribou Lake and its surrounding ecosystem is preserved for future generations of Minnesota explorers.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #688 is located on Caribou Lake, which lies within the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. This places it in the remote northeastern corner of Minnesota, in Cook County. Access is managed through the BWCAW quota permit system, with the most common entry points found along the scenic Gunflint Trail, which begins in Grand Marais.

The most typical way to reach Caribou Lake is via Entry Point #62 at Clearwater Lake. From the entry point, paddlers travel across Clearwater Lake and navigate a significant portage (a carry over land) to the west end of Caribou Lake. Campsite #688 is then found by paddling east along the north shore, being the third designated campsite from the portage landing.

The journey is entirely paddle and portage, requiring canoes, gear, and physical effort. Due to its setting on the north shore, the actual canoe landing for Campsite #688 is subtle and can be slightly difficult to spot from the water. It is important for travelers to be proficient with navigation and map reading (Fisher F-14 or McKenzie #2 maps are typical for this region) to successfully locate this specific site among Caribou Lake’s six total campsites. The remoteness associated with this paddle-in access is precisely what guarantees the tranquility found at the campsite.

Services Offered (Primitive Wilderness Amenities)

Campsite #688, like all designated BWCA campsites, offers only fundamental, rustic facilities. It is a primitive wilderness experience, meaning all campers must pack in and pack out all supplies and refuse. The purpose of the facilities provided is to concentrate the impact of camping activities to protect the surrounding area.

The standard facilities maintained by the U.S. Forest Service at BWCA Campsite #688 include:

A designated, steel Fire Grate for cooking and safe campfires. All fires must be contained within this grate, and wood must be dead and downed, following BWCA regulations.
A small number of level, established Tent Pads. Reports indicate the site has two main tent pads and potentially a third area, offering comfortable, grassy spots often nestled back from the main lake view in a forest clearing.
An established Latrine (or 'Biffy'), typically a pit toilet located a short walk into the woods, which is the mandatory facility for human waste disposal.
A natural Canoe Landing Area, usually a rocky edge or small bay, for securing watercraft. Users should note that this landing can be brushy and slightly challenging to see from the water, enhancing the site's privacy.
Access to the lake's Untreated Water. All water drawn from Caribou Lake must be purified via filtering, boiling, or chemical treatment before consumption or use in food preparation.

There are no amenities such as trash disposal (all trash must be packed out), running water, electricity, or cell service. The silence and self-reliance are core elements of the experience.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #688 is notable among its neighbors for characteristics that appeal specifically to those seeking deeper immersion in the wilderness:

Deep Seclusion: The site is described as potentially the least-used on Caribou Lake. Its challenging-to-spot landing and position set back from the shoreline contribute to a feeling of deep solitude, making it an excellent choice for quiet, reflective trips.
Shady and Open Layout: The camp area is a grassy clearing nestled under a canopy of trees, offering welcome shade and a flat, comfortable surface for pitching tents. This feature is particularly desirable during hot summer months.
Potential for Fishing from Shore: Caribou Lake is known for producing quality fish, including Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. Although the site is set back, fishing nearby the landing or from a secure point on the shoreline offers a chance to catch dinner without paddling far.
Access to Caribou Lake's History: An old railroad grade trail, remnants of the area's logging past, is noted to run near this site, potentially connecting it to its neighboring campsites (#686 and #687). This offers a unique, historical element to explore on foot near the camp.
Comfortable Tent Pads: Unlike rocky sites, Campsite #688 is reported to have comfortable, level tent pads, some of which are on beds of pine needles or grass, ensuring a more restful night's sleep.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #688 is a remote, unstaffed location under the management of the U.S. Forest Service. There is no direct phone number or dedicated local address for the campsite itself.

Responsible Ranger District (Official BWCA Management):

Gunflint Ranger District

Address (for area information, maps, and permit services):

2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Primary Contact Phone (Superior National Forest/Gunflint District):

Local users should consult the official Superior National Forest website for the current contact number of the Gunflint Ranger District. This office provides essential information on current conditions, regulations, and permit pick-up.

Permit Reservations:

Mandatory overnight permits (May 1 – September 30) for access via Entry Point #62 (Clearwater Lake) or other nearby access points must be booked and paid for through the official U.S. Government reservation system, Recreation.gov.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #688 on Caribou Lake is a perfect fit for Minnesota residents who possess the necessary experience and gear for deep-wilderness travel. For those who seek to truly 'unplug' and avoid the more crowded parts of the BWCA, this site’s reputation for being "less-used" offers a golden opportunity for quiet contemplation and an authentic encounter with nature.

The site’s features—a comfortable, grassy clearing, excellent shade, and a challenging-to-find landing—all contribute to a unique, highly private camping experience. It serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the connecting lakes of the Gunflint region, including the popular fishing waters of Caribou Lake and its routes to Clearwater Lake. In essence, Campsite #688 is not for the novice, but for the local enthusiast, it is a reward: a peaceful, remote piece of Minnesota wilderness where the only company you keep is the loons and the stars, offering the tranquility that only the Boundary Waters can provide.