BWCA Campsite #719: A Guide to Your Wilderness Escape in Minnesota's Northwoods

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential wilderness experience, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) stands as a unique, non-negotiable destination. Within this million-plus acre expanse of lakes, rivers, and portage trails lies BWCA Campsite #719, an exceptional location that consistently receives high praise from seasoned paddlers. This campsite is not a typical drive-up campground; it is a designated, reserved wilderness site, representing the deep commitment to solitude and natural preservation that defines the BWCA. Campsite #719 offers an immersive, restorative experience, allowing visitors to disconnect from the modern world and fully engage with the ancient boreal forest landscape of the Arrowhead Region.

As part of the Superior National Forest, the BWCAW adheres to strict regulations designed to protect its pristine environment, making a trip here a genuine venture into a managed wilderness. Campsite #719 is specifically located on an island, providing unparalleled privacy and some of the best views and natural features in its vicinity, according to long-time visitors. This site embodies the spirit of a true Northwoods retreat, challenging visitors to portage and paddle to their destination, rewarding their effort with a solitude few other places can match. The site's location within the larger BWCA map places it strategically for routes traveling through its chain of lakes, which include Clove Lake and Gneiss Lake, both noted in public camping records as potential locations for this site number depending on specific mapping versions over time.

Understanding that the BWCA experience is one of remote, self-supported camping is key. Campsite #719 is ideal for those who are prepared to carry in everything they need and carry out everything they bring, adhering to the fundamental principles of Leave No Trace. It is an opportunity to practice responsible stewardship while enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty that Minnesota locals cherish.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #719 is situated deep within the wilderness of the Superior National Forest in the northeastern part of Minnesota, with an official mailing reference point of East Cook, MN 55604, USA. This address serves as a geographical locator for the general region, but it is important for prospective campers to understand that the actual campsite is accessible only by watercraft and portaging, often miles from the nearest road or ranger station. The specific area of the campsite has been noted in public records to be located on a lake that is accessed primarily through one of two BWCA entry points: Entry Point 57 (Magnetic Lake) or Entry Point 80 (Larch Creek), both part of the larger Gunflint Trail network of access points near Grand Marais, rather than the more westerly Cook/Ely area.

Given its island location, accessibility to Campsite #719 is exclusively via canoe or kayak, requiring travelers to paddle across one or more lakes and potentially navigate portages—overland trails connecting waterways—that can range in difficulty from short and flat to long and rugged. The journey is an integral part of the experience, offering stunning views and opportunities to spot Minnesota wildlife. Local outfitters along the Gunflint Trail are the primary source of information and services for accessing this area, providing critical gear, maps, and route consultation that is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.

For Minnesotans, the journey typically begins with a drive north to the Gunflint Trail, a scenic byway that leads into the heart of the BWCA’s eastern access points. From the nearest entry point parking lot, all equipment must be transferred to watercraft. Permits are mandatory for overnight stays between May 1st and September 30th and must be reserved well in advance through the official recreation system, specifying the entry point and date. This controlled access ensures the low-impact, high-quality wilderness experience BWCA Campsite #719 is known for.

Services Offered (BWCA-Specific)

As a designated wilderness campsite within the federally protected BWCAW, Campsite #719 offers a unique set of mandated, rustic services rather than the typical amenities found at a drive-up campground. These services are designed to minimize human impact while facilitating a safe and legal overnight stay. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all food, shelter, and emergency supplies.

The established services provided at this specific BWCA Campsite include:

A designated, permanently located Fire Grate (often a metal ring or box) for safe campfires. The grate is the only legal place to build a fire.
A basic, wilderness-style Latrine, typically an open-air pit toilet located a short walk (200 feet) from the campsite to protect water quality and promote hygiene.
Multiple Tent Pads or designated, flattened areas suitable for pitching tents, minimizing ground disturbance. Campsite #719 is noted by users as often having 2 to 3 good tent pads.
A marked, relatively easy Canoe Landing Area, often comprised of a gently sloping rock slab or a small, accessible beach area, making it easier to pull watercraft ashore.
Sufficient Space for a Kitchen Area (must be set up at least 200 feet from the tents for bear safety), offering natural seating rocks or a level spot for food preparation.

No potable water, electricity, trash disposal, shower facilities, or Wi-Fi are provided. Water must be filtered or boiled from the lake, and all refuse must be packed out. This self-reliance is core to the BWCA experience.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #719 is frequently lauded in trip reports and reviews for its exceptional natural features, which elevate it above many other remote sites. Its specific location, often on an island or a beautiful point, contributes significantly to its popularity and 5-star rating among numerous users. These highlights offer the perfect setting for a memorable Minnesota wilderness retreat:

Island/Point Location: Many reviews indicate this is an island site (or occasionally a beautiful point), which inherently provides maximum privacy, better defense against terrestrial wildlife, and often a superior, multi-directional view across the lake.
Exceptional Views and Sunsets: The campsite is frequently praised for its outstanding western-facing views, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the wilderness waters, a highlight for any Minnesota camping trip.
Excellent Water Access and Swimming: Users often mention the site features easy landing areas—ranging from sandy beaches to large, smooth granite slabs—that double as perfect spots for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing right from the shore.
Abundant Hammocking Opportunities: The site is often noted for having mature, healthy trees—including cedars and spruce—that escaped historical fires, providing ideal hang points for hammocks in shaded areas.
Spacious and Well-Maintained: The fire grate area is often described as large, level, and surrounded by comfortable sitting logs, capable of accommodating a group up to the maximum recommended size of 9 people.

The surrounding lakes offer excellent opportunities for fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. The deep wilderness environment ensures a high chance of viewing local wildlife such as moose, deer, and various bird species, including the iconic Common Loon, whose calls are the soundtrack of the Minnesota Northwoods.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite #719 is a remote wilderness location, there is no direct public contact number or office at the site itself. All planning, permits, and inquiries must be directed to the responsible US Forest Service Ranger District, which is typically the Gunflint Ranger District due to the site’s probable location in the eastern BWCA, or the local LaCroix Ranger District due to the East Cook, MN 55604 address. For the most accurate and current information, especially regarding permits, it is best to contact the general Forest Service office overseeing the region:

Responsible Ranger District (General Area):

LaCroix Ranger District

Address (for general correspondence and nearby service):

East Cook, MN 55604, USA

Primary Contact Phone (Superior National Forest/LaCroix District):

The LaCroix Ranger District office is historically located in Cook, MN, and can be reached by phone for general inquiries, permit pickup questions, and conditions updates. Please use publicly listed US Forest Service numbers for this specific district.

Permit Reservations:

All overnight and motorized day-use permits (May 1–September 30) must be reserved through the official Federal government website for Recreation.gov under the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness section, listing the chosen Entry Point (e.g., Magnetic Lake #57 or Larch Creek #80).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Minnesota, BWCA Campsite #719 represents the pinnacle of accessible, yet deeply challenging, local wilderness camping. This site, with its highly-rated island/point location and exceptional features, is perfectly suited for those seeking a true escape without leaving the state's boundaries. It offers a powerful, multi-day experience that fosters a profound connection to the state's most iconic natural landscape—the Northwoods Canoe Country. Local knowledge of the region and access to nearby outfitters make planning a trip to this site considerably easier for Minnesotans.

Choosing Campsite #719 is choosing premium solitude, breathtaking views, and a traditional Minnesota paddling adventure. It’s an opportunity to test one's outdoor skills, build lasting memories around a campfire under the dark skies of the Superior National Forest, and return home with the quiet confidence that only a self-supported wilderness trip can provide. It's more than just a campsite; it is a gateway to the wild heart of Minnesota, making it an ideal and rewarding destination for any local outdoors enthusiast.