BWCA Campsite #690

- East Cook, MN 55604

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is more than just a place to camp; it is a vital part of our cultural heritage and an essential annual pilgrimage. Deep within the protected Superior National Forest, near the historic Gunflint Trail, lies **BWCA Campsite #690** on the pristine waters of Caribou Lake. This site stands out among the area's numerous designated camps for its exceptional amenities—specifically, its generous size and prime solar exposure.

The designation of "campground" in this context refers not to a developed facility with shower houses and paved roads, but to a primitive, maintained wilderness site sanctioned by the U.S. Forest Service. Campsite #690 offers the quintessential Northwoods experience: a private, designated area featuring a fire grate and latrine, surrounded by boreal forest and crystalline water. It has earned a reputation among local paddlers as a fantastic, reliable choice, particularly for groups seeking comfort, space, and a favorable spot to recharge after a day of paddling and portaging. The site’s positioning on Caribou Lake provides a gateway to some of the most stunning, rock-strewn geography the Arrowhead Region has to offer.

BWCA Campsite #690 is situated in a remote, yet highly desirable, sector of the wilderness, near the border waters. Its official administrative location is listed as **East Cook, MN 55604, USA**.

The physical location of the campsite is on **Caribou Lake**, and is uniquely positioned to offer an excellent mix of access and tranquility. It lies just west of the easternmost of the two portages connecting Caribou Lake to the larger Clearwater Lake. This makes it a strategic stopping point for loop trips that include the legendary Clearwater Palisades.

Accessing Campsite #690 requires an official entry point permit and is strictly non-motorized travel, as Caribou Lake is a paddle-only lake within the BWCAW interior.

• Primary Entry Points: Most groups access Caribou Lake via Entry Point 62 (Clearwater Lake, which allows 10 HP motors to the portage) or Entry Point 64 (Caribou Lake/Lizz Lake/Swamp Lake). The former requires paddling Clearwater and then portaging into Caribou; the latter involves an immediate immersion into paddle-only waters. Your starting permit dictates your legal point of entry.

• The Paddle Journey: Regardless of the initial entry point, reaching Campsite #690 involves a significant paddle and often at least one portage, emphasizing the wilderness nature of the trip. The campsite is generally found tucked behind a small island, offering a degree of shelter and privacy from the main lake traffic.

• Permit Requirements: Between May 1st and September 30th, all overnight visitors must secure a quota permit for their specific entry point and date via Recreation.gov. Planning and booking must be done well in advance, as these permits are limited and highly sought after by local wilderness enthusiasts.

As a designated wilderness site, Campsite #690 provides the fundamental amenities necessary to sustain a group while minimizing the impact on the environment. Visitors must be prepared for a fully self-reliant experience, carrying in all gear and packing out all trash.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided as the designated, legal location for all campfires. This feature helps contain fires and limits scarring of the landscape. Campers must adhere to all current fire restrictions and utilize only small, dead, and downed wood found on the ground.

• Wilderness Latrine: A dispersed pit-toilet, or 'thunderbox,' is located a short trail walk from the main camp area. This is essential for proper human waste disposal and maintaining sanitation in the wilderness. It is strictly for human waste and toilet paper; absolutely no trash or hygiene products should ever be deposited here.

• Designated Tent Pads: As one satisfied visitor noted, the site features "**plenty of tent pads**." This is a crucial service for large groups, as these are the only areas where camping is allowed. The flat, established pads ensure that groups of up to nine people can find suitable locations for their tents without damaging new vegetation.

• Water Source: The lake itself is the water source. However, no potable water is supplied. All water must be treated—boiled, filtered, or purified—before drinking or cooking. Minnesotans understand the necessity of this step to maintain health and respect for the natural water quality.

What truly sets Campsite #690 apart are the specific natural characteristics that make a wilderness stay comfortable and memorable, earning it rave reviews from experienced trippers:

• Prime South Exposure: The customer review highlights the coveted "**south exposure**." This is a significant advantage in the Northwoods, as southern exposure provides maximum daylight, natural warmth, and the best chance for sun and breeze. This feature is vital for drying wet gear, keeping the camp area free of excessive moisture, and reducing the nuisance of insects.

• Exceptional Space and Layout: The site’s reputation for having a "**nice area**" with "plenty of tent pads" means it is well-suited for the maximum group size of nine people and four watercraft. A spacious site makes for a more relaxed experience, allowing for separate kitchen, sleeping, and gear areas, promoting safety and group harmony.

• Strategic Location for Day Trips: Being situated close to the portage leading to Clearwater Lake makes #690 an excellent launch point for day excursions. Groups can easily paddle over to Clearwater to hike The Palisades trail for breathtaking views, or continue a route deep into the interior, making it a perfect base for a layover day.

• Sheltered Landing Area: The site’s location, often described as being behind a small island, provides natural protection from prevailing winds and rough weather. This makes for safer canoe landings and a more comfortable camp experience during windy periods, a common occurrence on larger BWCA lakes.

As a remote wilderness location, BWCA Campsite #690 has no direct phone line or street address for navigation. All communication, permits, and planning are handled through the U.S. Forest Service.

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

Permit Reservations: Must be reserved in advance for the May 1–September 30 season. Search for and reserve your overnight quota permit for the associated entry point (e.g., Entry Point 64 or 62) via Recreation.gov.

Administrative Office: For up-to-the-minute conditions, official BWCA maps, and fire restrictions, contact the local U.S. Forest Service Ranger District that services the Gunflint Trail area. Outfitters in the Grand Marais region also serve as essential contact points for local knowledge and permit issuance.

BWCA Campsite #690 on Caribou Lake is uniquely suited for Minnesota residents because it offers the perfect balance of challenging wilderness travel and comfortable, practical camping. Locals understand that a well-chosen campsite is the foundation of a successful BWCA trip, and #690’s known features—the highly-prized south exposure for sun and drying, the ample space for tents and gear, and the strategic location near major travel routes—make it a premium destination.

This campsite provides the deep connection to nature and the solitude that Minnesotans seek without compromising the practicality needed for a multi-day trip. It is a place where we can confidently bring a large family or friend group, knowing the site can handle the logistics, allowing everyone to focus on the true wilderness experience: listening for the call of the loon, searching the horizon for a moose, and enjoying a simple campfire under the vast Northwoods sky. For the experienced local paddler looking for a reliable, high-quality basecamp in the Gunflint region, Campsite #690 on Caribou Lake is an outstanding choice that embodies the best of the Boundary Waters experience.

BWCA Campsite #690

East Cook, MN 55604, USA