BWCA Campsite #695: Exploring the Wilderness Solitude of Moon Lake, East Cook, MN

For dedicated Minnesota adventurers, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an irresistible one. It is a one-million-acre expanse of glacial lakes and untouched forest that represents the pinnacle of North American wilderness travel. Deep within this protected area, BWCA Campsite #695 on Moon Lake offers a distinct and highly-regarded basecamp experience. As a designated stopping point in this iconic landscape, this site promises the solitude and challenge that defines the classic Minnesota paddling trip.

Campsite #695 is officially located in the vast Superior National Forest, near the coordinates associated with East Cook, MN 55604, USA. Unlike a traditional, drive-up campground, accessing this site is an accomplishment in itself, requiring a reserved permit, a canoe, and the ability to navigate through multiple lakes and portage trails. It is part of the extensive network of over 2,000 designated campsites, each providing a bare minimum of infrastructure to maintain the area's pristine wilderness status.

Moon Lake is a relatively small and quiet body of water, and Campsite #695 is widely known among local paddlers as the "middle of the three sites" on the lake. Critically, some user reviews have dubbed this spot “probably the best campsite on the lake,” highlighting its desirable open area and fine view of Moon Lake. The atmosphere here is one of deep backcountry tranquility, ideal for anglers, wildlife viewers, and anyone dedicated to the principles of "Leave No Trace."

For Minnesota locals, securing a permit for a site like #695 is the key to unlocking a profound wilderness experience. It is a place to escape the noise of modern life, reconnect with the rhythm of the North Woods, and embrace the rich tradition of canoe-country exploration that is so integral to the state’s heritage.

Location and Accessibility: A Paddle-In Retreat on Moon Lake

BWCA Campsite #695 is an interior site on Moon Lake, deep within the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. It is not directly accessible by vehicle; the address of East Cook, MN 55604, USA, refers to the general region of the wilderness. Access to Moon Lake typically involves entering the BWCAW via one of the popular, non-motorized entry points off the Gunflint Trail.

Common routes to Moon Lake may originate from Clearwater Lake Entry Point (#62), John Lake Entry Point (#69), or Larch Creek Entry Point (#80), or other nearby access points. A typical route to Moon Lake, depending on the chosen entry point, involves multiple portages and several hours of paddling over subsequent lakes. For example, travel from a common access point might require navigating a series of smaller lakes and portages to reach the tranquility of Moon Lake.

Key Accessibility Information:

Wilderness Transit: The site is accessible exclusively by canoe or kayak, involving both paddling and portaging (carrying the canoe and gear over land).
Entry Point Quota System: An overnight Quota Permit, reserved in advance through Recreation.gov, is mandatory for entry between May 1st and September 30th. The permit specifies the single entry point and date for the trip.
Isolation Factor: Moon Lake is not on a high-traffic, continuous loop, which contributes to its reputation for quiet and seclusion. It’s a rewarding paddle for those who prioritize a low volume of passing traffic.
Non-Motorized Zone: Like most of the BWCAW, the waters around Moon Lake maintain a strict non-motorized policy, ensuring an authentic experience defined by the sound of paddles, wind, and wildlife.

Services Offered at BWCA Campsite #695

In accordance with its wilderness designation, Campsite #695 provides only the essential infrastructure required to minimize human impact and protect the sensitive environment. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, prepared to manage all food storage, water treatment, and waste.

The core services and facilities provided at Campsite #695 include:

Designated Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet, often referred to as a "biffy" by local paddlers, located away from the main camp area and the shoreline to maintain sanitation standards.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, elevated metal grate for containing campfires. All firewood must be dead and downed, and campfires are strictly prohibited outside the provided grate.
Established Tent Pads: Multiple, cleared, and relatively level areas for pitching tents. User descriptions mention several pads, including one right by the water and another near the fire grate, though the overall site might be on the smaller, more efficient side.
Natural Canoe Landing: A designated or commonly used spot on the shoreline for loading and unloading watercraft. Accounts indicate the landing is functional—"not great, but there are much worse"—suggesting a rocky or slightly challenging but manageable entry.

Visitors must remember to pack in all necessary equipment, including water filters or purification tablets, as no potable water is available. All trash, food scraps, and non-burnables must be packed out of the wilderness entirely.

Features and Highlights of Campsite #695

Campsite #695 is highly regarded by those who have stayed on Moon Lake, offering several features that contribute to a high-quality wilderness experience.

Premier Lake Position: The site's location as the middle of three on Moon Lake is often cited in reviews as potentially the "best campsite on the lake," suggesting it offers an optimal combination of views and relative privacy.
Fine Lake Views from Fire Grate: The fire grate is reportedly set up in a nice open area with a “fine view of Moon Lake,” offering an excellent place for groups to gather, cook, and enjoy the sunset over the water.
Waterfront Tent Pad Option: The existence of a tent pad located “right next to the water” is a desirable highlight for campers who enjoy the soothing sounds and views of the lake immediately from their tent.
Ease of Latrine Access: Reports suggest the latrine trail is “easy to reach,” an important, though often overlooked, feature for comfort and convenience in the backcountry.
Potential for Solitude: Due to the nature of Moon Lake being somewhat off the highest-traffic routes, the campsite offers a greater chance of experiencing true peace, quiet, and a sense of remoteness, which is a core value of the BWCAW experience.

Contact Information

As a designated, remote location within a federally managed wilderness, BWCA Campsite #695 does not have a direct physical contact point or telephone line. All official contact and planning must go through the governing U.S. Forest Service office.

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

Permit Reservations: Mandatory overnight permits for the BWCAW must be secured in advance through the federal system, Recreation.gov.

Phone: For general information, emergency contact, or to pick up reserved permits for this region, local users should contact the Gunflint Ranger District Office:

Gunflint Ranger District Office Phone: (218) 387-1750

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #695 on Moon Lake provides Minnesota locals with a perfect opportunity for a meaningful, multi-day wilderness immersion. Its favorable reputation as potentially the best campsite on the lake, coupled with the relative seclusion of Moon Lake, makes it a highly sought-after destination for those looking to escape heavily traveled routes. The site’s amenities—specifically the well-placed fire grate with a view and multiple tenting options—enhance the overall experience for a group or family. Ultimately, a trip to #695 is an accessible yet profound way for residents to engage with and preserve the quintessential Minnesota experience: paddling deep into the North Woods, setting up a self-reliant camp, and enjoying the quiet grandeur of the Boundary Waters.