BWCA Campsite #696 on Moon Lake: Your Guide to a Minnesota Wilderness Escape

Introduction / Overview

As Minnesotans, we take immense pride in our state’s unparalleled natural beauty, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the jewel in the crown of the North Star State. For those seeking the deepest immersion in the vast, pristine wilderness—a true escape from the clamor of modern life—BWCA Campsite #696 offers an authentic, remote experience. This is not a drive-up campground; it is a designated, primitive backcountry haven on the tranquil waters of Moon Lake, accessible only by canoe and portage. Campsite #696 is one of the approximately 2,000 designated campsites within the BWCA, part of the Superior National Forest. It represents the gold standard of minimalist, leave-no-trace camping, allowing adventurers to connect with nature on its own terms. Visitors here embrace a profound solitude, relying on their paddling skills and wilderness knowledge to navigate the interconnected network of lakes and carry their gear across challenging portage trails. The experience is regulated by the United States Forest Service to preserve the area's wilderness character, meaning a mandatory permit is required for all overnight stays, ensuring the sustainability and serenity of this irreplaceable resource.

A trip to Campsite #696 is more than just camping; it is a pilgrimage into Minnesota's environmental heritage. It demands respect for the strict 'Leave No Trace' principles that govern the BWCA. Preparation is key, involving careful planning of all food, water, and waste management. The reward is an experience that resonates deeply with the Minnesota identity—a chance to witness rugged landscapes, silent lakes, and abundant wildlife, all within a day's paddle of the canoe landing. Campsite #696, while primitive, serves as a vital anchor point for a multi-day canoeing and portaging adventure, offering a protected spot to rest, cook, and recharge before continuing the journey deeper into the wilderness. This specific site is popular due to its unique location on Moon Lake, making it a highly desirable spot for seasoned and prepared wilderness travelers.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #696 is officially located in the northeastern portion of Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region, with its general geographic marker being East Cook, MN 55604, USA. However, prospective visitors must understand that this is a true wilderness site. It is not reached by car via a road sign. Instead, it is situated on Moon Lake, deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which lies along the border with Canada. Access to Campsite #696 requires a motorized or paddle-only entry permit from a designated BWCA Entry Point, often reached via major access corridors like the Gunflint Trail, Echo Trail, or Fernberg Road, depending on the chosen route.

Access to Campsite #696 specifically involves canoeing and one or more portages from a registered Entry Point. Moon Lake is a beautiful body of water with three designated campsites, and #696 is known to be the easternmost of these. It is situated in close proximity to the portage route leading into Deer Lake, placing it on a route that may experience higher canoe traffic due to the number of routes converging in the area. The site’s isolated nature necessitates that all supplies, including drinking water and all necessary gear, must be carried in and packed out by the visitor. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, offering stunning views and a gradual transition from developed areas into the profound quiet of the Northwoods. Local outfitters in nearby towns such as Ely or Grand Marais are invaluable resources for detailed map consultation and planning the most efficient and enjoyable route to Moon Lake.

Services Offered

As a strictly primitive wilderness location, BWCA Campsite #696 provides essential, regulated infrastructure to support the low-impact, leave-no-trace camping ethic. It does not offer commercial amenities such as running water, electrical hookups, Wi-Fi, or trash collection. The services provided are designed to minimize human impact and maximize the wilderness experience.

Designated Campsite: The area is an officially sanctioned camping location, carefully chosen and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service to withstand human use and prevent the proliferation of undesignated sites.
Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided at the primary cooking area to contain fires, reduce ground scarring, and aid in safe meal preparation. Visitors must gather dead and downed wood for fuel.
Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary, open-air box latrine is situated at a distance from the main campsite and the water’s edge. This essential feature is the designated location for human waste disposal, contributing significantly to sanitation and minimizing environmental impact.
Tent Pads (Limited): The site offers designated, although potentially rocky or uneven, areas suitable for pitching tents. Early visitor reports suggest limited, possibly rocky, tent pad space, emphasizing the rustic nature of this specific location.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #696 is cherished by the local canoeing community for specific attributes that enhance the wilderness trip experience, balancing its primitive nature with its aesthetic appeal.

Excellent Water Access: The site is often noted as having a superior canoe landing compared to others on Moon Lake, despite being rocky. It is described as having "good footing" in the shallow water, which is a significant practical advantage for loading and unloading gear and canoes.
Proximity to Major Portage: Its location just west of the portage to Deer Lake makes it an ideal stopover or base camp for groups planning to explore the lakes further to the east.
Scenic Fireplace View: The fire grate area is noted for being well-situated near the water, offering picturesque views over Moon Lake, particularly appealing for enjoying evenings and cooking meals.
Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: Common throughout the BWCA, the site offers exceptional potential for viewing local wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and various waterfowl, providing the definitive Minnesota wilderness immersion.
Fishing Potential: As with most BWCA lakes, Moon Lake and its surrounding waters offer excellent opportunities for fishing for native species such as Northern Pike and Walleye, right from the campsite shore or a short paddle away.
True Solitude: Despite its potential for high canoe traffic nearby, the campsite itself offers a secluded spot where the only sounds are those of the wind, water, and wilderness, embodying the restorative solitude Minnesotans seek.

Contact Information

Due to its classification as a remote, primitive backcountry campsite, BWCA Campsite #696 does not possess a commercial phone line or direct mailing address for reservations. Contact and logistical planning must be directed through the managing authority for the wilderness area.

Address: The geographical center of the region is referenced by the nearest mailing area: East Cook, MN 55604, USA.

Phone: No direct campsite phone number is available. For all permit reservations, rules, regulations, and up-to-date wilderness condition information, visitors must contact the United States Forest Service – Superior National Forest (Tofte, Ely, or Grand Marais Ranger Districts), or utilize the official government permitting system online.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Minnesota, Campsite #696 in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is more than a camping spot; it is a vital part of our cultural and natural heritage. This destination offers the ultimate opportunity for a deep, authentic local experience that cannot be replicated in a traditional campground setting. It serves as a necessary proving ground for self-sufficiency and resourcefulness, skills long valued in the Northwoods.

The minimal infrastructure, including only the essential fire grate and latrine, forces a return to simplicity, disconnecting you entirely from screens and schedules. The challenge of the canoe and portage access fosters a unique sense of accomplishment and a profound appreciation for the area’s rugged landscape, formed by glacial retreat. Campsite #696 is perfectly suited for locals who are experienced in outdoor recreation or who are dedicated to mastering wilderness travel. It provides a unique setting for multi-generational trips, teaching younger generations the critical importance of conservation and the 'Leave No Trace' ethic that sustains the BWCAW. It’s an irreplaceable local treasure that promises unmatched solitude, unparalleled star-gazing, and the kind of memory-making adventure that is woven into the very fabric of Minnesota life. This campsite is your front-row seat to the best of what the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer, a true wild retreat that is both a physical and spiritual homecoming for any Minnesotan. The dedication required to reach this site ensures that those who arrive are invested in its preservation, reinforcing the collective commitment to maintaining this magnificent wilderness for generations to come.