BWCA Campsite #727

- East Cook, MN 55604

For many Minnesota residents, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the ultimate destination for true wilderness immersion. Nestled within this vast, protected landscape is BWCA Campsite #727, a highly-regarded site situated on the beautiful West Pike Lake. Known for its elevated position and commanding views, this campsite offers the perfect basecamp for anglers, photographers, and anyone seeking a deep connection with the North Woods. Unlike more easily accessible sites, Campsite #727 requires a dedicated paddle and portage, rewarding visitors with a genuine sense of seclusion and the pristine environment that the BWCAW is famous for preserving.

Campsite #727 is officially a designated stopping point in the federal wilderness, which means it is managed under strict regulations to ensure minimal environmental impact. It is only bookable by a single permitted group, ensuring the quiet and privacy that locals cherish in the wilderness. The site is frequently noted in trip reports and reviews for its unique features—namely, a large, rocky shoreline that doubles as a scenic lounging area and excellent deep-water access for fishing and swimming. Its location on West Pike Lake, which is itself a long, relatively narrow body of water, places it perfectly for exploring a number of other connected lakes and enjoying the challenging, yet rewarding, terrain of the Gunflint Ranger District area.

West Pike Lake is a headwater lake that offers a remote experience, being several portages away from the nearest entry points, which helps to naturally limit the flow of traffic. This makes Campsite #727 an ideal choice for seasoned Minnesotan paddlers looking for a true, multi-day interior trip.

BWCA Campsite #727 is located deep within the eastern region of the BWCAW, accessible primarily via the famed Gunflint Trail area near Grand Marais, MN. The administrative area for the campsite is:

East Cook, MN 55604, USA

To reach West Pike Lake, and subsequently Campsite #727, visitors typically utilize Entry Points such as those leading from the Clearwater, Bearskin, or South Lake areas (for instance, Entry Point #60 – Duncan Lake or Entry Point #58 – South Lake are possible routes). The journey is a multi-portage trip, passing through several interconnected lakes like Clearwater, Caribou, and perhaps Little Caribou or Alder Lake before reaching the destination. The commitment required to reach West Pike Lake ensures that the campsites here, including #727, maintain a higher level of solitude compared to those closer to major access points.

The terrain in this part of the BWCAW is famously rugged, shaped by glaciers into rocky shores, pine-covered ridges, and clear, deep lakes. Accessibility is strictly by paddle and portage, requiring travelers to be completely self-sufficient. Local outfitters along the Gunflint Trail provide crucial services, including canoe rentals, food packing, and vehicle parking, all essential logistics for a successful trip to this remote corner of the Minnesota wilderness.

Campsite #727, like all designated BWCA sites, offers only the fundamental services necessary to support responsible, low-impact camping. Visitors are expected to adhere to all Leave No Trace principles, especially packing out all trash. The basic, durable facilities provided by the U.S. Forest Service at the site include:

• A steel fire grate, which serves as the only legal location for building a campfire. This grate is essential for contained cooking and warming, but is subject to fire bans and the 'dead and downed wood only' rule.
• A wilderness latrine (pit toilet), typically located a short distance away from the main camp area to maintain sanitation and water quality.
• Designated tent pad areas. While often rustic, these are intended to concentrate the impact of tent setup and typically accommodate 2-4 average-sized tents, depending on group size.
• An unimproved canoe landing. For Campsite #727, reviews suggest this often involves a rocky shoreline or outcropping which, while scenic, may require 'expert-level' landing and careful boat handling.
• Access to raw, clear lake water from West Pike Lake, which is mandatory for drinking and cooking (water must always be treated by filtering, boiling, or chemical purification).

BWCA Campsite #727 on West Pike Lake is consistently rated highly by those who have made the journey, often receiving five-star marks for its spectacular natural advantages:

• Elevated Views and Open Space: The site is often noted for being "perched high up on a rocky point" with "elevated views," offering sweeping vistas of West Pike Lake and the surrounding boreal forest—perfect for sunrise and sunset viewing.
• Rocky Outcropping for Recreation: A major feature is the presence of a large, smooth rock outcropping extending into the lake. This feature provides an ideal, sunny spot for swimming (with deep water right off the rocks), sunbathing, and fishing from the shore.
• Excellent Tent Pads and Ample Room: Visitors frequently praise the size of the campsite, noting that it is "huge, roomy" and offers multiple tent pads and many opportunities for hanging hammocks.
• Quality Smallmouth Fishing: West Pike Lake is known for producing good fishing, and the site's proximity to secluded bays and deep-water areas right off the rocks enhances the angling opportunities for Smallmouth Bass and other local species.
• Protection and Seclusion: Situated on a point, the site is often protected from winds from certain directions, and the distance from the entry points ensures a quiet, truly secluded wilderness experience.

As a designated, remote wilderness campsite, direct contact is not available at the site itself. All administrative and operational matters are handled by the U.S. Forest Service:

Managing Authority: Superior National Forest / USDA Forest Service

Administrative Address (Approximate Area): East Cook, MN 55604, USA (For logistical assistance and permits in this area, contact the Gunflint Ranger District Office.)

Permits & Reservations: An Overnight Paddle Permit is mandatory and must be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation System, available via Recreation.gov.

Phone: For current entry point conditions, regulations, and detailed information regarding the Gunflint Ranger District, please contact the Superior National Forest – Gunflint Ranger District Office. (A public search for 'Gunflint Ranger District Grand Marais MN' will provide the most current contact number.)

For Minnesota locals with a passion for the outdoors, Campsite #727 on West Pike Lake is a benchmark BWCA destination. It embodies the full scope of a classic North Woods canoe trip: challenging travel, pristine waters, a high level of solitude, and a campsite that is itself a destination. It is a place that calls to the skilled paddler and committed adventurer, promising a retreat from the modern world that few other locations can match. The elevated, view-rich setting and the excellent recreational amenities available right from the shoreline make it worth the multiple portages required to reach it.

Choosing this site is an investment in a deeply rewarding outdoor experience—one that strengthens bonds with nature and community while upholding the Minnesotan tradition of responsible wilderness stewardship. It’s more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to experience the quiet power and enduring beauty of the Boundary Waters at its absolute best.

BWCA Campsite #727

East Cook, MN 55604, USA