BWCA Campsite #699: A Premier Wilderness Destination on East Bearskin Lake

Introduction / Overview: Experience the Heart of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters

For Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the pinnacle of outdoor adventure, and finding a quality campsite is the key to a successful trip. BWCA Campsite #699, located on the beautiful East Bearskin Lake near East Cook, MN, represents a true slice of this preserved northern landscape. Designated campsites within the BWCAW are highly sought-after, providing a specific location within the over one million acres of protected wilderness for permitted travelers to set up camp.

Campsite #699 offers a genuine, rustic wilderness experience that is essential to the BWCA ethos. It is a legally mandated stop for overnight travelers in the area, providing the necessary infrastructure—a fire grate and a latrine—while keeping the natural surroundings pristine. Locals who have stayed here often praise its tranquil, well-situated nature, emphasizing the solitude and scenic beauty that defines a classic Minnesota paddle trip. This site is specifically noted as being located at the eastern end of the long north arm of East Bearskin Lake, near the challenging portage to Alder Lake, offering a sense of remoteness despite being on a well-known lake.

Location and Accessibility: A Paddle-In, Permit-Required Wilderness Gem

BWCA Campsite #699 is situated deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which spans the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Its general administrative location is East Cook, MN 55604, USA, though its immediate proximity is to the Gunflint Trail corridor, north of Grand Marais.

Accessibility to Campsite #699 is strictly by canoe or kayak. It is a "paddle-in" site, meaning vehicular access is impossible. Visitors must secure a Quota Permit for overnight stays in the BWCAW from May 1 to September 30, selecting the appropriate entry point that provides access to East Bearskin Lake. This lake is often accessed via the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), with designated outfitters and Forest Service stations in the Grand Marais or nearby areas serving as permit issue points.

Due to its protected status as a National Wilderness Preservation System area, travelers must adhere to strict rules, including the group size limit of nine people and four watercraft. Visitors should be prepared for a multi-hour paddle, or portage and paddle, from the chosen entry point to reach this designated campsite.

Services Offered (Standard BWCA Wilderness Amenities)

As a designated BWCA campsite, #699 provides essential, low-impact facilities for wilderness travelers. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles and be entirely self-sufficient for food, water purification, and shelter.

Steel Fire Grate: Every BWCA campsite is equipped with a steel fire grate for contained campfires and cooking, unless fire restrictions are in place.
Wilderness Latrine: An open-air, non-flushing latrine (often referred to as a "throne" or "biffy") is provided a short, discreet distance from the main camp for the proper disposal of human waste.
Designated Tent Pads: The site offers cleared, established areas for pitching tents to minimize impact on vegetation. Information suggests Campsite #699 typically has at least two established tent pads, though one may be quite small and minimalist.
Canoe Landing Access: The site features a specific landing spot for watercraft. However, historical reports for this specific site indicate that the landing on East Bearskin Lake can have "a lot of debris (i.e. rocks, logs) just offshore," requiring careful navigation upon approach.
Unlimited Natural Water Source: The lake itself provides an unlimited water source for cooking and drinking, but all water from the lake must be boiled, filtered, or treated to ensure safety.

Features / Highlights (A Local’s Perspective on Campsite #699)

Despite being a basic wilderness site, Campsite #699 is celebrated by those who have stayed there for specific experiential features:

Sense of True Remoteness: Positioned at the far eastern end of East Bearskin Lake's north arm, it is "well off the beaten path" for this otherwise busy lake, providing the sought-after solitude essential to a quality BWCA trip.
Privacy and Quiet: Its relatively minimal and "sparse" setup ensures it is generally frequented by smaller, more serious paddling groups who prioritize peace and quiet over large gatherings.
Proximity to Portages: The site is located near a portage to Alder Lake, offering excellent routing options for groups planning to explore deeper into the wilderness. However, users should be aware that the portage from the north arm is reputedly "much more difficult."
Iconic North Woods Scenery: Like all BWCA sites in this region, it is surrounded by the classic conifer and hardwood forest, offering clear lake views that provide a stunning backdrop for the fire grate area.
Ideal for Minimalists: With "minimalist campsite" described in one review, it appeals to experienced wilderness travelers who appreciate a simple, unadorned site that emphasizes the surrounding nature.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite #699 is a designated wilderness location within the Superior National Forest, contact is managed through the federal agency and the associated ranger district responsible for issuing permits and providing trail information. This is crucial for obtaining the required Quota Permit.

U.S. Forest Service - Gunflint Ranger District (Primary Permit & Information Station):
Phone: (218) 387-1750 (This is the general contact for the district that manages the East Bearskin Lake area)
Phone (General BWCA Contact, though local district is recommended): (218) 834-2700
Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (General proximity to the area)

Note on Use:
To reserve an overnight stay at any BWCA campsite, including #699, travelers must obtain a Quota Permit specifying the entry date and entry point for East Bearskin Lake. Campsites themselves are first-come, first-served once inside the wilderness boundary. The listed numbers should be used for permit questions, current fire restrictions, and trip planning assistance.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #699 is exceptionally suitable for Minnesota locals because it offers an authentic, high-quality wilderness experience that is the hallmark of the state's outdoor heritage. For Minnesotans seeking to unplug and fully immerse themselves in the quiet solitude of the North Woods, this campsite delivers. Its slightly challenging access on a busy lake ensures that only dedicated paddlers venture to this remote arm, guaranteeing greater privacy than many other BWCA options.

The site's simple, rustic amenities and "Leave No Trace" requirements align perfectly with the values of conservation and respect for nature shared by local users. For those who own a canoe and possess the necessary portaging skills, Campsite #699 on East Bearskin Lake is a quintessential, hard-earned wilderness retreat, offering the scenic rewards and quiet reflection that only the Boundary Waters can provide. It's a place where local knowledge of efficient portaging and careful landing pays off with unparalleled lakeside tranquility.