Discover BWCA Campsite #711: Your Ultimate Northern Minnesota Wilderness Escape

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), nestled in the Superior National Forest of Northern Minnesota, represents the pinnacle of wilderness camping in the continental United States. For generations of Minnesota residents, the BWCA has been a treasured sanctuary—a place to disconnect from the frantic pace of modern life and reconnect with nature’s untamed beauty. Within this vast, million-acre expanse of lakes, forests, and winding canoe routes, each designated campsite offers a unique chapter in a personal wilderness story. Among these are sites like BWCA Campsite #711, an official, single-group destination that epitomizes the challenge and profound reward of a true North Woods experience.

BWCA Campsite #711 is not a drive-up campground with picnic tables and paved roads; it is a rustic, designated camping area accessible only by watercraft and portage, requiring a fundamental level of self-sufficiency and respect for the wilderness ethic. Its number, 711, is a functional designation used by the Forest Service for maintenance and monitoring, ensuring that the impact of visitors is managed to preserve the area’s primitive character. This particular site is situated on Crocodile Lake, a peaceful body of water that feeds into a larger chain of lakes within the immense BWCA network, characteristic of the pristine, glacially carved landscape that defines our beloved Arrowhead region.

The environment surrounding the site is typical of a deep wilderness area. The shores are often brushy, offering limited casual shoreline access in some spots, which helps to retain the wild, untouched feel of the area. Access to water—critical for drinking (after filtering or boiling)—is a short, intentional trip down to the lake from the main camp area. The campsite itself is characterized by being somewhat shaded and is noted for its proximity to low marshlands in the area, a detail that local users know to translate into a strong recommendation to pack adequate bug protection, particularly during the late spring and summer months. Despite these raw wilderness aspects, the site is designated and maintained to support visitor use while adhering to the strict "Leave No Trace" principles that govern the entire BWCAW. It offers the essential, permanent fixtures required by all designated sites: a single, steel fire grate for cooking and warmth, and a dedicated, dispersed latrine—the only structures permitted in this pristine wilderness area.

The journey to Campsite #711 is part of the adventure. The specific lake, Crocodile Lake, is generally accessed via a chain that often includes an initial entry point off the Gunflint Trail, one of the primary arteries into the BWCA from the eastern side of the Superior National Forest. It is a true backcountry spot, meaning there are no nearby roads, boat landings, or administrative buildings.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #711 is geographically located near: East Cook, MN 55604, USA. This address is essentially the postal reference for the area’s Forest Service Ranger District or a nearby outfitting town, rather than the site itself, which is deep within the roadless wilderness. Specifically, this campsite is found on Crocodile Lake, which is typically accessed through a permit-required entry point (such as Magnetic Lake/Homer Lake or East Bearskin Lake, depending on the route chosen and the specific permit acquired).

Accessibility is strictly non-motorized and non-mechanized during the main quota season (May 1 - September 30), a key feature of the BWCAW's wilderness designation. Visitors must paddle a canoe and portage their gear and watercraft across land trails between lakes to reach this destination. The entry into the wilderness requires a valid permit, which must be reserved in advance through the Forest Service or a local outfitter, specifying the entry date and entry point. This strict control on access ensures a limited number of groups are in the area at any time, protecting the fragile ecosystem and maximizing the sense of solitude. The initial drive to an outfitter or ranger station along the Gunflint Trail is straightforward, but the final miles to the campsite are a rugged, immersive, and often physically demanding journey, rewarding the prepared traveler with genuine isolation.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness site within the BWCAW, the provided services are minimal by design, adhering to the wilderness ethic. Campers must bring all their own supplies, but the location provides the following permanent, non-negotiable fixtures:

Designated Camping Area: A cleared area reserved for a single group, preventing the proliferation of new, damaging campsites.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent structure provided for building fires for cooking and warmth, which helps to contain the fire and minimize soil scorching.
Wilderness Latrine: A standard 'open-air' pit latrine (often referred to as a "thunderbox" locally) set back from the main camp area and water source, designed to manage human waste hygienically.
Canoe Landing: A spot on the shoreline, often featuring a reasonably good landing area with shallow water and flat rock for safely loading and unloading watercraft.
Tent Pads: Multiple, somewhat-cleared and flattened areas (at least four are noted for this site) where tents can be pitched, although some may be more uneven than others.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #711 on Crocodile Lake offers a distinct set of features appreciated by the experienced wilderness traveler, focusing on isolation and raw nature:

Deep Wilderness Isolation: Positioned well within the BWCAW, the site guarantees a high degree of solitude, which is a primary draw for Minnesota locals seeking a true escape.
Shaded and Secluded Kitchen Area: The fire grate is set back from the lake, nestled in the woods, providing a shady, somewhat protected space for cooking and gathering, although with limited lake views from the kitchen itself.
Bog Proximity: The location is noted as being close to low marshlands, which, while potentially increasing bug presence, contributes to a rich, diverse wetland ecosystem, offering chances for unique wildlife viewing and listening.
Good Canoe Launch: The landing is noted as being situated in a small inlet, offering good footing, shallow water, and a flat rock for secure loading/unloading of canoes, which is a practical necessity after long paddling days.
Multiple Tent Options: The site reportedly offers at least four separate tent pad areas, providing flexibility for group layout and allowing for distance between sleeping areas.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite #711 is a designated, remote location and not a staffed facility, direct contact must be made with the administering authority for permits and current conditions.

Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (Reference for the nearest Forest Service district, likely Gunflint or Kawishiwi, depending on the entry point).

Phone: It is best to contact the Superior National Forest or a local outfitter for specific BWCA permit information. The Gunflint Ranger District, which oversees the area, can be reached during business hours.

(Note: Always consult the official US Forest Service website and the specific permit issuing station for the most up-to-date contact details, hours, and regulations before embarking on a BWCA trip.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #711, like all destinations in the Boundary Waters, is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals because it represents a deep dive into the state’s heritage and its most iconic natural landscape. For those residing in Minnesota, the Boundary Waters is not just a destination; it's a rite of passage, an unmatched resource for solitude, challenge, and ecological immersion. This specific campsite on Crocodile Lake, with its remote, slightly challenging character—highlighted by the simple, genuine customer review of "I got very lost. Good woods."—offers the quintessential, unvarnished wilderness experience. It demands preparedness, navigation skills, and a commitment to leave no trace, rewarding the effort with unparalleled quiet, pristine waters, and the chance to view wildlife in their undisturbed habitat. It serves as the ultimate local getaway, providing a powerful, authentic Minnesota wilderness experience that is essential for a complete appreciation of our state's profound natural beauty. It’s an opportunity to truly unplug and embrace the rugged, enduring spirit of the North Woods, a world away from the daily grind, yet right here in our backyard.