BWCA Campsite #700: Your Gateway to Untamed Minnesota Wilderness

Introduction / Overview: Your True Minnesota Escape

For Minnesota residents seeking the ultimate wilderness adventure, look no further than the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Nestled deep within this million-acre expanse of lakes and forests lies a truly exceptional destination: BWCA Campsite #700. This particular campsite, strategically located on the pristine shores of Canoe Lake, is highly regarded among experienced paddlers and offers a quintessential Boundary Waters experience. It is a designated Forest Service campsite, meaning it is one of the few places where camping is permitted, providing essential amenities while preserving the surrounding natural environment.

Unlike crowded state parks or drive-up campgrounds, Campsite #700 represents a genuine immersion into the north woods. It requires a canoe-and-portage journey, rewarding visitors with solitude, breathtaking natural beauty, and the chance to truly disconnect from the everyday hustle. For local Minnesotans, this campsite serves as a perfect basecamp to explore a network of surrounding lakes, making it ideal for both short, focused trips and longer, multi-day excursions.

The Boundary Waters experience is renowned worldwide, and having a basecamp like #700 enhances this. Reviewers have often noted its superior qualities, with one customer stating simply, "700th the charm," a testament to its highly coveted location and features. It’s an authentic slice of rugged, untouched Minnesota, where the sounds of the wilderness replace the noise of the city.

Location and Accessibility: Reaching Canoe Lake

BWCA Campsite #700 is officially addressed as being near Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, which acts as the nearest major access point and supply hub. However, as an interior wilderness campsite, it is not reachable by car. Access requires a permit and a multi-stage journey, typical of a true BWCA trip.

The most common route to Campsite #700 begins via the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) from Grand Marais, a 57-mile scenic byway that leads into the Superior National Forest. The typical entry point (EP) used to access this area is Entry Point #64 - East Bearskin Lake. This entry point is supported by the Gunflint Ranger Station located near Grand Marais.

From the EP 64 landing on East Bearskin Lake, a canoe journey is required, often involving:

The paddle across East Bearskin Lake to the south arm's eastern end.

A portage (an overland carry) from East Bearskin Lake into Alder Lake (approx. 48-80 rods, or about a quarter of a mile or less).

A paddle across Alder Lake.

A short portage from Alder Lake into Canoe Lake (approx. 22 rods, or under a tenth of a mile).

Once on Canoe Lake, Campsite #700 is typically identified as the westernmost site along the north shoreline, situated prominently with excellent views. This route is considered manageable for paddlers with moderate experience, yet it takes you deep enough to feel truly remote. Visitors should always consult detailed maps (like Fisher or McKenzie maps) and contact the Gunflint Ranger Station for the most current information regarding their permit and entry logistics.

Services Offered (BWCA Wilderness Standards)

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #700 adheres to strict “Leave No Trace” principles and offers minimal, sustainable services essential for a safe, low-impact stay. These services include:

A steel fire grate for contained campfires and cooking, provided fire restrictions are not in place.
A wilderness latrine (often a primitive pit toilet) set back from the main campsite area for sanitation.
Multiple established tent pads (areas cleared for setting up tents) to minimize impact on vegetation.
A cleared, maintained landing area suitable for beaching or tying up canoes.

It is important to note what is not offered, as this is true wilderness: there is no running water (all water must be filtered or treated from the lake), no trash collection (all trash must be packed out), no electricity, and no cell service. Visitors are responsible for bringing all necessary gear, food, and safety equipment.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #700 is frequently praised in trip reports for its unique characteristics and desirable setting. Its key highlights include:

Elevated Position: The site sits slightly up from the lake, often providing outstanding, expansive views of Canoe Lake, especially to the east, making it perfect for sunrise viewing.
Excellent Canoe Landing: The shoreline often features a fine, easily accessible landing spot, which is critical for smooth packing and unpacking of gear.
Spaciousness: It is noted for having plenty of level ground and multiple spacious tent pads, accommodating the maximum group size of nine people and four watercraft with ease.
Proximity to Paddle Lake: Campsite #700 offers easy access to the adjacent Paddle Lake, providing excellent opportunities for day-tripping and additional fishing exploration.
Central Basecamp Location: Its location on Canoe Lake makes it a good hub for exploring the nearby Crystal, Pierz, and Alder Lakes, and potentially accessing the trail to Johnson Falls, a well-known regional attraction.
Fireplace Setup: The fire pit area is often described as well-positioned and elevated above the lake, offering a pleasant sitting area with a view for evening relaxation and cooking.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite #700 is an interior wilderness site, it does not have a direct physical office or dedicated phone line. All official contact and reservation matters are handled through the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the region's entry points.

Address (Nearest Major Town/Ranger District):

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Gunflint Ranger District)

Reservations and Information:

Reservations for BWCA overnight permits (mandatory for Campsite #700) are handled through the national system at Recreation.gov. For specific inquiries regarding entry points, rules, or current conditions, contact the managing Forest Service office:

Gunflint Ranger Station (Superior National Forest)

The phone number for the Gunflint Ranger District is the appropriate contact for local support and detailed permit information, which can be found via a search for the Superior National Forest contact information.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #700 on Canoe Lake is a perfect fit for Minnesotans looking to fully embrace the state's deep tradition of wilderness canoeing and camping. For locals, this site offers more than just a place to pitch a tent—it’s an accessible opportunity to engage with the natural heritage of the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

The journey up the Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais is a familiar, manageable drive that leads directly into the North Woods culture. Once you've secured your permit and launched your canoe from East Bearskin Lake (EP 64), you are embarking on a trip that is the envy of outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.

This specific location is well-suited for families or groups because the distance from the entry point is manageable enough for a first-day arrival, and the quality of the site itself allows for a comfortable, enjoyable basecamp experience. The solitude and stunning natural setting—defined by towering pines, granite shorelines, and water so clear you can see the bottom—offer a restorative escape that few other destinations can match. For any Minnesota local who cherishes the quiet beauty of the north, Campsite #700 is a highly sought-after destination that promises to deepen your connection to this truly unique American wilderness.