BWCA Campsite #723

- East Cook, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking the ultimate escape into the state's storied Northwoods, a trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the gold standard. Far removed from the hustle of the Twin Cities and even the accessible car-camping sites, **BWCA Campsite #723** offers a truly primitive and rewarding experience. This site is not a conventional campground; rather, it is one of over 2,000 designated, low-impact sites spread across a million acres of interconnected lakes and pristine forest, specifically located on Gogebic Lake.

What makes Campsite #723 particularly unique is its dual nature: it’s situated on a lake and is accessible by canoe, yet it also lies directly along the path of the rugged Border Route Trail (BRT). This position makes it a strategic stopping point for both paddlers exploring the Gunflint Trail area and backpackers challenging the full BRT, lending it a distinctive wilderness character. A stay here requires embracing the fundamental principles of Leave No Trace, as all visitors are responsible for their own safety, provisions, and waste removal. The rewards are immense: complete solitude, the tranquil call of the loon, and an intense personal connection with the magnificent, glaciated landscape that defines Northern Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #723 is located on **Gogebic Lake** in the northeastern section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, near the broader area of **East Cook, MN 55604, USA**. This address serves as a geographical locator for the remote wilderness region, not a GPS-navigable spot for a vehicle. Accessibility to the site is rigorous and multi-modal.

To reach the lake by water, visitors must secure a mandatory Quota Permit (May 1–September 30) for one of the associated entry points, such as Entry Point #62 (Clearwater Lake) or others in the Gunflint Trail corridor. The journey typically involves several miles of paddling across multiple lakes and undertaking challenging portages—carrying canoes, gear, and supplies over land between water bodies. The canoe landing at Campsite #723 is often described as rocky but manageable.

Unusually for a BWCA campsite, Campsite #723 is also accessible by foot for backpackers. Its location is directly on the Border Route Trail (BRT), a challenging long-distance hiking trail. In fact, reports indicate that the main camp and tent pads are situated immediately adjacent to the trail treadway itself, making it a common overnight stop for hikers. Due to the difficulty and remote nature of the surrounding terrain, this site is generally less heavily trafficked by paddlers than many others deeper within the wilderness, often leaving it available for groups who have traveled far from their entry point. Local outfitters along the Gunflint Trail are the best resources for detailed maps, route planning, and information on current conditions, including potential fire restrictions or challenging portages.

In keeping with the federally mandated wilderness designation, Campsite #723 provides minimal, rustic, and essential infrastructure intended solely to prevent environmental damage. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, as no running water, electricity, or waste disposal services are provided. The essence of the trip is rugged self-reliance.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site is equipped with several identified areas for tent placement. However, being on the BRT, some pads are noted to be small, rocky, or located directly along the trail, accommodating mostly smaller tents and demanding creative camp layout.

• Wilderness Latrine: A primitive pit latrine is provided on the site. Users should be prepared for a steep walk to reach it, as is common with sites chosen for their scenic views or proximity to water, requiring the latrine to be set back for water quality protection.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is the only legal place to build a fire, ensuring that all campfires are contained and minimizing soil impact. Visitors must gather only small-diameter dead and downed wood away from the immediate campsite area.

• Lake Access for Water: Direct access to Gogebic Lake is available, which provides the source for all cooking and drinking water. This water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption to ensure safety.

• Rock Camp Furnishings: User reports often mention unique "rock work"—natural rock tables, chairs, and benches constructed by past users—that serve as makeshift kitchen and sitting areas near the fire grate.

The appeal of Campsite #723 lies in its remote beauty and the unique combination of paddling and hiking access that few other BWCA sites offer. It appeals to the adventurous spirit common among Minnesota’s outdoor enthusiasts.

• Border Route Trail Access: Its location directly on the BRT makes it an excellent base camp for day hikes along one of Minnesota’s most rugged and scenic wilderness trails, offering elevated vistas not always available from the canoe routes.

• Gogebic Lake Fishing: Gogebic Lake is well-known for offering excellent Brook Trout fishing opportunities, providing a prime incentive for anglers. The lake's clear, cold water also makes it a refreshing spot for swimming.

• Distinctive Camp Aesthetics: The natural rock formations and shorelines, often enhanced by established rock seating areas, give the campsite a memorable, rustic atmosphere perfect for evening campfires and stargazing.

• Seclusion and Privacy: Due to the effort required to reach it via multiple portages or a long hike, the site generally offers a high degree of solitude. While hikers may pass by, the evening and morning hours are typically quiet and reserved for the permit group.

• Scenic Northwoods Ecology: The area is nestled in the boreal forest, offering chances to view classic Minnesota wildlife—loons, moose, and various raptors—and observe the unique geology of the ancient Canadian Shield.

As a designated, remote wilderness campsite, Campsite #723 does not have a dedicated on-site staff or direct contact number. All administrative functions, including the issuance of required permits and information on rules, are handled by the U.S. Forest Service.

Address (BWCAW Supervising Office):

Gunflint Ranger District
2020 W. Highway 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone:

(218) 387-1750 (Gunflint Ranger District Office)

All overnight visitors from May 1 through September 30 must possess a Quota Permit, which can be reserved in advance through the federal reservation system, and must be picked up at an official Issue Station, such as the Gunflint Ranger District Office or a cooperating outfitter.

BWCA Campsite #723 is perfectly tailored for the experienced or highly motivated Minnesota resident looking to push beyond the state’s more accessible recreation areas. For locals, this site offers a chance to tap into the heritage of Minnesota wilderness travel—the paddle-and-portage method that is central to the state's identity. Its difficulty of access ensures that the profound silence and pristine nature Minnesotans covet are preserved, fulfilling the promise of "solitude and peace" that the BWCAW is famous for. The unique intersection with the Border Route Trail provides local adventurers with the flexibility to blend a canoe trip with a serious hiking excursion, maximizing the outdoor challenge and reward. Engaging with this level of primitive camping fosters a strong sense of self-reliance, teamwork, and deeper respect for the natural resources that make the North Star State so special. A visit to Campsite #723 is not just a vacation; it's an immersive experience that reaffirms a Minnesotan’s connection to their wilderness homeland, offering lasting memories of clear waters, ancient forests, and dark, star-filled skies.

BWCA Campsite #723

East Cook, MN 55604, USA