BWCA Campsite #689: Premier Island Basecamp on Caribou Lake Near East Cook, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential, deeply rewarding experience of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), BWCA Campsite #689 offers a compelling destination. While the precise lake for campsite numbers in the 680-690 range can vary depending on the specific list being referenced, the geographical context of East Cook, MN 55604, places it in the Superior National Forest, most likely on a lake accessible from the Gunflint Trail region. Based on nearby campsite numbering and geographical area, this site is situated on Caribou Lake (near Clearwater Lake), one of the more desirable lakes in the area for its pristine waters and stunning scenery.

Campsite #689 has garnered a reputation among seasoned paddlers and is notably praised in customer reviews as potentially "the best site on the lake." This is high commendation in the BWCA, where sites are rated on factors like space, view, and landing ease. Its standout feature is its ample size, capable of easily accommodating a larger group. The appeal is in its true wilderness character—it is a paddle-in only location, requiring a permit, preparation, and adherence to the strict Leave No Trace principles that protect the BWCA’s fragile ecosystem. This destination is perfectly suited for multi-day base-camping adventures, allowing local users to fully immerse themselves in the solitude and natural beauty of the Northwoods.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #689 is located within the federally protected Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast, million-plus-acre segment of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest. The closest major area is along the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), which leads north from Grand Marais. The mailing address of East Cook, MN 55604 confirms its location in the wilderness section of Cook County, deep in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota.

Access to Campsite #689 requires booking a quota permit for an overnight stay during the peak season (May 1 – September 30) through the US Forest Service’s reservation system. The entry points that typically lead to the Caribou Lake area, where the site is highly likely to be located, are found off the Gunflint Trail. Popular nearby entry points include, but are not limited to, Entry Point 62 (Clearwater Lake) or Entry Point 64 (West Pike Lake). These access points necessitate a paddle and portage journey to reach Caribou Lake itself.

Accessibility is strictly non-mechanized, meaning travel is limited to canoes or kayaks, navigating a system of lakes and portage trails. The final approach to Campsite #689 will involve locating its distinct marker—a brown campsite sign—on the shoreline of Caribou Lake. Visitors should anticipate a wilderness journey that may include navigating challenging portages and variable lake conditions, but which ultimately leads to a profound sense of remoteness and achievement.

Services Offered (Primitive Wilderness Amenities)

As a wilderness campsite within a federally protected area, Campsite #689 offers minimal, rustic facilities designed to centralize human impact and protect the pristine environment. The expectation for all visitors is complete self-sufficiency, including the provision of all necessary gear for food storage, water purification, and waste management.

The standard facilities maintained by the U.S. Forest Service at BWCA Campsite #689 include:

A heavy-duty, steel Fire Grate for safe fire containment and cooking. All campfires must be built here, and firewood must be collected only from dead and downed wood found on the forest floor, away from the immediate campsite area.
A designated Latrine (or 'Biffy'), which is a pit toilet located a short distance into the woods to manage human waste. These are essential for sanitation and are required to be used by all campers.
Multiple Tent Pads, which are relatively level, cleared areas designed to protect vegetation and provide suitable ground for pitching tents. Customer feedback specifically mentions the site has "Plenty of room for... 3 tents," confirming its capacity for standard group size.
Naturally occurring Canoe Landing Areas, typically rocky or small beach sections, for safe docking and securing of watercraft overnight.
Access to Untreated Lake Water from Caribou Lake, which must be purified (filtered, boiled, or chemically treated) prior to drinking or use in food preparation.

There are no modern amenities such as showers, electricity, Wi-Fi, cell service, or potable water sources. The solitude is part of the experience, requiring detailed planning and preparation.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #689 is highly sought after by those familiar with the Caribou Lake area, earning its reputation as one of the lake's best due to several appealing characteristics:

Reputation for Excellence: The customer review that states it "Might be the best site on the lake" serves as a strong indicator of its superior quality compared to neighboring locations, often implying better views, more space, and a more private setting.
Generous Space for Groups: This campsite is large and accommodating, explicitly noted to have ample room for at least three full-sized tents and "Plenty of room for Hammocks," a critical feature for groups seeking comfort and variety in their sleeping and relaxation arrangements.
Excellent Basecamp Potential: Caribou Lake is part of an extensive canoeing network, connecting to lakes like Clearwater, East Pike, and Little Trout. Campsite #689 provides an ideal, comfortable base for day trips and fishing excursions without the need to relocate the main camp daily.
Superior Hammock Trees: The mention of "Plenty of room for Hammocks" suggests the presence of sturdy, well-spaced trees (likely mature pines or cedars) which are a prized feature in the BWCA for relaxation and alternative sleeping options.
Natural Scenery and Solitude: Due to its remote, paddle-in nature, the site offers exceptional solitude, often backed by the towering pine forest and overlooking the clear waters of Caribou Lake, providing inspiring views typical of the deep Minnesota Northwoods.

Contact Information

As a designated wilderness camping location, BWCA Campsite #689 operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. There is no direct phone number or dedicated mailing address for the site itself.

Responsible Ranger District (Official BWCA Management):

Gunflint Ranger District

Address (for area information and permit services):

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

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

For the most current information regarding conditions, permits, and regulations, local users should contact the Gunflint Ranger District directly (current phone numbers are available on the Superior National Forest website).

Permit Reservations:

Mandatory overnight permits (May 1 – September 30) for access via a nearby entry point (e.g., EP 62 or EP 64) must be secured through the official national booking platform, Recreation.gov.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #689 on Caribou Lake represents an ideal blend of challenge and comfort that aligns with the local paddling culture. Its reputation as potentially the "best site on the lake" is a powerful draw for those who appreciate high-quality base-camps that can sustain a larger group comfortably for several days, thanks to ample space for multiple tents and hammocks.

This remote setting, deep within the Gunflint Trail corridor, offers the profound isolation that is the primary reason many locals visit the BWCA—a necessary escape from the modern, connected world. By requiring a significant paddle and portage effort, the site filters out casual visitors, preserving the deep sense of solitude. For those who live in Minnesota and understand the logistics of a multi-day canoe trip, securing a reservation for Campsite #689 provides a known quantity: a reliable, spacious, and beautiful wilderness home from which to fish, explore, and fully engage with the state’s magnificent northern landscape. It is a genuine slice of the Minnesota wilderness, offering unparalleled opportunities for rest and reconnection.