BWCA Campsite #724

- East Cook, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential northern wilderness experience, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an unparalleled destination. Within this vast, protected expanse of boreal forest and interconnected lakes lies BWCA Campsite #724, a specific designated camping location offering a true immersion into nature. Unlike traditional campgrounds with drive-up access and modern facilities, Campsite #724 represents a designated, primitive site within the BWCAW's "paddle-only" area. This means access is strictly by canoe and portage, upholding the commitment to solitude and wilderness preservation that defines the Boundary Waters experience.

Campsite #724 is situated on the beautiful Gaskin Lake, a gem nestled deep within the Superior National Forest. It's a key stopover or base camp for many popular multi-day canoe routes, providing a structured yet completely wild environment for visitors to pitch a tent, build a controlled fire in the provided fire grate, and disconnect entirely from the hustle of modern life. It is important for all prospective visitors to understand that this is a designated wilderness area campsite—it requires a valid, advance-reserved permit for overnight use, adhering to strict 'Leave No Trace' principles and group size limits (typically a maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft).

The site's number, #724, is part of the extensive numbering system used by the Forest Service to identify the approximately 2,000 designated campsites spread across the BWCAW’s over one million acres. Its location on Gaskin Lake makes it accessible from the popular Gunflint Trail area, appealing to local adventurers from the Twin Cities and Duluth alike who prize remote paddling routes and excellent fishing.

The experience at Campsite #724 is one of rugged beauty: smooth rock landings for canoes, clear waters, and the deep, silent woods of the North. It is a place where you are guaranteed to hear the mournful call of the common loon and, with luck, perhaps spot a moose, a bald eagle, or other iconic Minnesota wildlife.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #724 is officially located within the vast, unincorporated area of East Cook, MN 55604, USA. However, its true location is on the north-central shore of Gaskin Lake, deep inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This is not a roadside campsite; reaching it is part of the adventure, requiring significant paddling and portaging.

To access Gaskin Lake, and thus Campsite #724, visitors typically use one of two main entry points (EPs) along the historic Gunflint Trail, north of Grand Marais:

• Entry Point #48 - Meeds Lake: Often involving a long initial portage to reach Meeds Lake, followed by subsequent paddling and portaging to traverse a chain of smaller lakes leading into Gaskin Lake. This route is challenging but offers early seclusion.
• Entry Point #47 - Lizz and Swamp Lakes: This popular route often begins with a paddle across Poplar Lake (where outfitting services are commonly located), followed by portages into Lizz and Swamp Lakes, and then through another lake or two before reaching Gaskin Lake. This is a highly trafficked but scenic route.

The closest major town for supplies and trip outfitting is Grand Marais, approximately 55 miles south of the entry points via the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12). Accessibility is defined by wilderness travel—there are no roads, cars, or motorized traffic allowed in this part of the BWCAW. Visitors should be prepared for a multi-hour or even full-day journey of canoeing and portaging to reach the campsite from their entry point, depending on their chosen route and pace. This remote location ensures the ultimate wilderness solitude.

Services Offered

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #724 offers only essential, minimal services to maintain its pristine, primitive character. It is vital that all visitors are self-sufficient and prepared for a true backcountry experience. Services are limited to:

• Designated Camp Area: A relatively level and clear spot for setting up tents, accommodating a small group (up to the permit limit).
• Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided by the Forest Service for building controlled campfires. Use is contingent upon current fire restrictions.
• Wilderness Latrine: A simple, open-air pit toilet, typically a box-style setup, is discreetly located away from the main camp area to manage human waste.
• Canoe Landing: An established, though sometimes rustic, landing area—often a patch of flat rock or a small bank—for safely pulling up and securing canoes.
• Water Source: Unlimited access to Gaskin Lake water, which must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated for all drinking and cooking purposes, as no potable water is provided.
• Paddler Access: The site is situated directly on a major water route, simplifying travel and connection to adjacent lakes via portages.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #724 on Gaskin Lake is frequently noted for its specific natural features and location along popular routes. Reviews often highlight its advantages:

• Picturesque Lake Views: The site is often praised for offering excellent, clear views across the lake, ideal for sunrise and sunset observation.
• Adequate Tent Pads: Reports suggest the site generally offers at least two suitable, relatively flat areas for tent setup, accommodating standard group sizes.
• Proximity to Travel Routes: Gaskin Lake is a through-route lake, meaning the campsite provides convenient access to portages leading deeper into the wilderness area (e.g., towards Meeds, Horseshoe, or Omega Lakes), making it suitable for both base camping and traveling groups.
• Fishing Opportunities: Gaskin Lake, like many in the region, is known to hold game fish such as Northern Pike, offering a relaxing camp activity.
• Natural Wind Break: The site is noted for having sufficient tree cover and a slightly elevated position that can provide some shelter from strong winds, a valuable feature on larger lakes.
• Rock Landing: Like many BWCA sites, the landing is often a smooth, sloping rock face, providing a stable—though potentially slippery when wet—spot to land canoes.

Contact Information

For all permitting, route planning, and official information related to BWCA Campsite #724 and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, contact the responsible USDA Forest Service Ranger District:

Responsible Ranger District: Gunflint Ranger District (for entry points #47 and #48)

Address (Issue Station): 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Phone (For General Inquiries and Current Conditions): (218) 387-1750

Permit Reservations: All overnight permits must be reserved and purchased in advance via the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #724 on Gaskin Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals—from experienced paddlers to families seeking a meaningful, unplugged vacation—because it offers a direct and authentic experience of the state's most iconic natural treasure: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The BWCAW is the pride of Minnesota, and this specific campsite provides an accessible entry point to its heart.

For those living in the state, the BWCAW represents a cultural and geographical benchmark. Campsite #724 allows locals to fully embrace the heritage of canoeing and portaging that is intrinsic to the North Woods. It’s an easy-to-plan, challenging-to-execute adventure that is well within a weekend driving distance for many, yet it feels a thousand miles from the nearest city. The lack of amenities is a feature, not a bug, promoting self-reliance and environmental stewardship—values deeply appreciated by Minnesotans who cherish their natural resources.

Furthermore, the location on Gaskin Lake places the site on established routes, offering flexibility for varied trip lengths. A family might use it as a base camp for a few days of fishing and relaxation, while an experienced crew might use it as a night's rest before plunging into a more remote chain of lakes. The process of obtaining a quota permit and reserving a spot at a designated site like #724 is a time-honored Minnesota tradition, guaranteeing that the wilderness remains protected and uncrowded. Choosing this campsite is choosing a deep connection to the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' at its most wild and most beautiful.

BWCA Campsite #724

East Cook, MN 55604, USA