BWCA Campsite #698 on East Bearskin Lake: Your Gateway to the Gunflint Wilderness

Introduction / Overview: Your Traditional Stop on East Bearskin Lake

For Minnesotans looking to immerse themselves in the state’s world-renowned canoe country, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers a lifetime of destinations. Among its over 2,000 designated campsites, BWCA Campsite #698 is a modest yet essential stop for those launching their adventure from the popular Gunflint Trail area. Situated on the beautiful East Bearskin Lake, this site represents the classic, no-frills wilderness camping experience that draws thousands of paddlers to the North Shore region every year.

Campsite #698 is designed to host small groups seeking the deep woods experience. It is noted for being somewhat petite, accommodating a traditional BWCA group of up to nine people and four watercraft, though it is often best suited for smaller parties due to its limited number of obvious tent pads. As an official designated campsite, it plays a vital role in protecting the sensitive ecosystem of the Superior National Forest by concentrating human impact to an established area, ensuring the surrounding forest remains pristine for generations of Minnesotans to enjoy.

Location and Accessibility: Near the Heart of Canoe Country

BWCA Campsite #698 is strategically located on the north shore of the south arm of East Bearskin Lake. The administrative location for this part of the wilderness is near East Cook, MN 55604, USA, placing it in the northeastern section of the state, accessible primarily via the famed Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais.

Access to this campsite begins at BWCA Entry Point #64 - East Bearskin Lake. This entry point is a highly frequented access point, though a significant portion of East Bearskin Lake is outside the BWCA and allows for limited motor use (up to 25 h.p.). This means the initial paddle may include some motorboat traffic, but Campsite #698 is located further into the wilderness zone, specifically on the north shore of the lake's south arm, just west of the portage to Alder Lake.

To reach Campsite #698, visitors must first secure a Quota Permit for Entry Point 64 during the peak season (May 1 to September 30). The journey requires paddling across East Bearskin Lake. Its position near the Alder Lake portage makes it an excellent first-night stop or a convenient layover for groups planning to delve deeper into the chain of lakes that characterize the central Gunflint corridor.

Services Offered (The BWCA Standard of Primitive Camping)

In line with the requirements of the National Wilderness Preservation System, Campsite #698 offers the fundamental, low-impact facilities necessary for a safe and responsible stay. The services provided are designed for functionality and environmental protection, requiring all campers to be self-sufficient regarding water and waste management beyond the provided infrastructure.

Steel Fire Grate: A robust, government-issued steel fire grate is provided at the core of the campsite, intended for containing cooking fires and preventing the spread of wildland fires. Always check local fire conditions.
Wilderness Latrine: Every designated BWCA campsite, including #698, is equipped with a wilderness latrine (a pit toilet) situated well away from the lake and main camping area to maintain hygiene and protect the water quality of East Bearskin Lake.
Designated Tent Areas: The site features a few cleared areas, or "tent pads," including at least one obvious, level spot near the fire grate, plus a potential secondary spot further back in the woods. These areas concentrate foot traffic and camping activity.
Canoe Landing: The shoreline offers what is described as an average-to-better canoe landing for a BWCA site, consisting of clear, shallow water lapping over a bed of small rocks and pebbles, providing a suitable spot for pulling in and securing watercraft.
Non-Potable Water Access: East Bearskin Lake provides an abundance of raw water, which must be treated (boiled or filtered) before consumption, as no potable water source is supplied at the wilderness campsite.

Features / Highlights (A Quiet Hub for Deeper Travel)

While not a flashy island site, Campsite #698 is valued by local paddlers for its practical advantages and quiet surroundings, especially for those venturing beyond the easily accessible sections of East Bearskin Lake.

Proximity to Alder Lake Portage: The site is ideally situated just west of the portage leading into Alder Lake, which is a gateway to other remote lakes like Canoe, Crystal, and Pierz. This makes it a perfect staging point for early-morning portages.
Small-Scale and Intimate: Described as a "petite" site with only one primary tent pad, it naturally lends itself to smaller groups (often 4-6 people), offering a more intimate, quieter camping experience away from potentially larger parties.
Forested Setting: The campsite is fairly well-shaded, providing respite from the mid-day sun. The area is surrounded by a mixed forest of birch, aspen, and cedar, offering a genuine North Woods atmosphere.
Protected Fire Pit Area: The fire pit is described as being somewhat shielded from the lake, which, while limiting the view from the cooking area, can provide a welcome wind break on a breezy evening.
Good Shoreline Access: The canoe landing is noted for being relatively clear and accommodating with small rocks, making for a manageable entry and exit compared to some of the muddier or rougher landings in the BWCA.

Contact Information

As Campsite #698 is a designated area within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, all official contacts and reservation inquiries are managed through the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees the Superior National Forest, specifically the local Ranger District.

U.S. Forest Service - Gunflint Ranger District (Local Management Authority):
Phone: (218) 387-1750 (Contact for local conditions, fire restrictions, and permit details)
Phone (General BWCA Permit Reservations): 1-877-444-6777 (For Quota Permit booking via Recreation.gov)
Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (General administrative location for this section of the Superior National Forest)

Note on Permit Requirements:
Overnight stays at Campsite #698 require a reserved Quota Permit for Entry Point 64 (East Bearskin Lake) during the peak season (May 1 – September 30). The site itself is first-come, first-served once inside the wilderness.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #698 is ideally suited for Minnesotans because it offers a highly accessible yet authentic wilderness gateway experience. For local residents, the Gunflint Trail area is a cherished, relatively close escape into the deep woods. This campsite, with its location on East Bearskin Lake (Entry Point 64), provides a quick and manageable paddle to start a trip, making it perfect for weekend warriors or those introducing family and friends to the BWCA for the first time.

The site's main appeal is its dual nature: it is easily reached via a major entry point (which allows a small motor for the initial portion), yet it quickly connects via the nearby portage to the motor-free, more remote lakes like Alder, Canoe, and Clearwater. For a local paddler, Campsite #698 is the reliable, classic stop that efficiently sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Minnesota's most treasured wilderness, ensuring both ease of entry and a true connection with nature before disappearing into the larger canoe routes.