Campsite #697, East Bearskin Lake: Your Gateway to the BWCA Wilderness

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a familiar and deeply personal one. This million-acre expanse of pristine lakes and forests in the Superior National Forest offers an unparalleled opportunity for solitude and adventure. However, not all access points are created equal. BWCA Campsite #697, situated on the shores of East Bearskin Lake, offers a distinctive wilderness experience that blends relatively easy access with a direct, thrilling connection to the deeper, non-motorized zones of the BWCA.

This is a designated, single-party campsite, meaning it is officially maintained by the U.S. Forest Service to accommodate one group at a time, ensuring privacy and minimizing ecological impact. The site is notable for its location right at the official boundary line of the BWCAW, which means that while the campsite itself is within the protected wilderness, the main body of East Bearskin Lake permits limited motor use. This unique positioning makes Campsite #697 an excellent staging point for trips into the deepest parts of the wilderness or a perfect basecamp for those who appreciate the convenience of an accessible entry lake but desire the full, official BWCA camping experience. It’s a place where you can transition smoothly from the world of nearby civilization into the profound silence of the North Woods.

The environment around Campsite #697 is heavily shaded, nestled among the tall trees common to the region. While this provides excellent cover and a sense of coziness, it also means campers should be well-prepared for the presence of insects, particularly during peak summer months—a common and accepted reality of any authentic Minnesota wilderness outing. The atmosphere is one of rugged natural beauty, demanding respect for the strict Leave No Trace principles that govern all activity within the BWCAW.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #697 is officially located on East Bearskin Lake, geographically referenced near the East Cook, MN 55604, USA postal area. This location is deep in the Arrowhead region of Northeastern Minnesota, accessible primarily via the Gunflint Trail, a scenic byway that begins in Grand Marais and travels north into the wilderness edge.

Accessibility to Campsite #697 is achieved by watercraft on East Bearskin Lake. This particular lake allows for motorized travel on most of its waters, meaning the initial paddle to the campsite may be shorter than to deeper wilderness sites. For many local users, this blend of initial accessibility via a motor-use lake, followed by the requirement to adhere to full wilderness camping rules at the site itself, offers a practical balance. The site is found on the south shoreline of the lake, notably close to the creek that flows in from Crocodile Lake. To access this area, visitors typically use Entry Point 64 (East Bearskin Lake) or arrange transport with a local outfitter located along the Gunflint Trail. A valid BWCAW Quota Permit is required for all overnight stays during the quota season (May 1 - September 30), and must specify the entry point and date. The campsite is considered “easy access” by BWCA standards, but visitors should be prepared for a rocky canoe landing where boats must be lifted onto the bank.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite within the protected BWCAW, Campsite #697 provides the minimal, mandatory fixtures required to facilitate low-impact camping while maintaining its primitive character. No modern conveniences like running water, electricity, or garbage disposal are present. Services include:

Designated Single-Group Use: Reserved strictly for one permitted group, ensuring a private and exclusive camping experience.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, steel ring and grate for safe, contained fires for cooking and warmth (fire restrictions permitting).
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet structure (often referred to as a "thunderbox") is located via a trail set well back from the lake and the main camp area to protect water quality.
Multiple Tent Pads: The site is noted to offer several good tent pads—flattened, previously used areas suitable for pitching tents, minimizing impact on surrounding vegetation.
Wooded Setting: A dense, shaded canopy that provides natural shelter and a true North Woods atmosphere.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #697 on East Bearskin Lake offers several unique and compelling highlights that make it a distinct choice for Minnesota campers:

Proximity to Crocodile River Falls: The site’s location near the creek from Crocodile Lake means it offers trail access to the Crocodile River rapids and an impressive 97-foot waterfall. This provides a spectacular, easily accessible natural wonder right near the campsite.
Unique Boundary Location: The site is situated where the BWCA’s restrictive rules begin. While visitors may experience some residual activity from the motor-use lake (including the occasional sight of private cabins across the water), it provides an excellent balance for groups looking for a semi-primitive experience without committing to a multi-day paddle deep into the wilderness.
Highly Shaded Camp Area: The site is heavily shaded, making it a cooler, more comfortable option during hot summer days, and lending a deep forest feel to the camp kitchen and sleeping areas.
Access to Deep BWCA Routes: From East Bearskin Lake, the dedicated paddler can portage directly into the deeper, paddle-only lakes of the BWCA, making this site an ideal first-night stop or final-night base on a multi-day wilderness journey.
Abundant Seating: The fire pit area is noted for having natural log seating, offering a comfortable and rustic gathering spot for the group.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness location, the "contact information" refers to the administrative body responsible for its management and permitting.

Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (The nearest administrative reference point for the Superior National Forest’s Gunflint Ranger District, which manages this part of the BWCAW).

Phone: Visitors should contact the Superior National Forest—Gunflint Ranger District directly for permit pick-up, current conditions, and rules.

(Note: Always utilize official US Forest Service and Recreation.gov resources for securing permits, checking office hours, and verifying regulations before any BWCA trip.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #697 is an incredibly suitable and strategic choice for a wilderness outing. It represents an approachable entry point for those new to the Boundary Waters, or a convenient base for seasoned veterans. Its position on East Bearskin Lake makes the initial access relatively straightforward compared to the multi-portage treks required for deeper sites. This balance of easy reach and authentic wilderness is a major draw. Furthermore, the campsite's proximity to the stunning Crocodile River Waterfall provides a tangible, high-reward natural attraction that doesn't require days of paddling to find. Locals often seek out the unique, memorable spots within the BWCA, and this site provides both a comfortable, officially managed camping spot and a remarkable natural wonder right on its doorstep. Whether as a final destination for a short, restorative trip or the beginning of a longer journey into the wilderness heart of the state, Campsite #697 offers Minnesotans an authentic, memorable, and well-located way to connect with the state's most cherished and protected environment. It allows a genuine BWCA experience without the full-scale logistical commitment of the remotest areas, making the North Woods more accessible to all.