BWCA Campsite #728

- East Cook, MN 55604

For residents of Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is more than just a place to visit—it is a cherished part of the state's identity. Within the expansive, rugged beauty of the Gunflint Ranger District lies BWCA Campsite #728, a site frequently lauded by seasoned paddlers as one of the best in the area. Located on the picturesque Gaskin Lake, Campsite #728 offers the perfect blend of remote wilderness immersion and practical comfort, making it an ideal choice for groups planning a multi-day interior trip.

This designated campsite is a testament to the classic BWCA experience. It is positioned on a prominent point that allows for sweeping views of Gaskin Lake, offering an expansive feel that sets it apart from more enclosed sites. Its remote location—requiring a dedicated journey through multiple portages and lakes—ensures a high degree of solitude, which is precisely what many local adventurers seek in the Boundary Waters. As a federally managed wilderness site, access is restricted to a single permitted group, guaranteeing a private and undisturbed connection with the North Woods. The reviews and trip reports consistently highlight its large, accommodating layout and fantastic recreational features right at the shoreline.

Gaskin Lake itself is a long, narrow lake, known for its pristine waters and rugged surroundings, often connected to other popular lakes like Horseshoe, Winchell, and Meeds. Campsite #728 serves as an excellent central basecamp for exploring this stunning network of waterways.

BWCA Campsite #728 is situated on Gaskin Lake, deep within the eastern section of the Boundary Waters, in the Gunflint Ranger District. The administrative location provided is:

East Cook, MN 55604, USA

The most common access to Gaskin Lake involves starting at an Entry Point along the Gunflint Trail. Typical entry points used to reach this lake include Entry Point #47 (Lizz and Swamp Lakes) or Entry Point #48 (Meeds Lake). From either access point, the journey to Campsite #728 involves a series of paddles and portages, which can take a good portion of a day, or more, depending on group pace and weather conditions. This required commitment is what preserves the lake's quiet, secluded character.

Accessibility is strictly via non-motorized watercraft, such as a canoe or kayak, as is standard within the BWCAW. Visitors must be prepared for the wilderness challenge, which includes navigating rocky portages and paddling across open lake sections. Local Minnesota outfitters based in the Grand Marais or Gunflint Trail area are indispensable for providing up-to-date route information, high-quality gear rentals, and permit-issuing services necessary for a successful trip to this remote area.

In keeping with the strict wilderness management of the BWCAW, Campsite #728 provides only the most basic, durable amenities designed to concentrate human impact and adhere to Leave No Trace principles. All visitors must be fully self-sufficient and prepared to manage waste responsibly, including packing out all garbage. The essential, government-provided amenities include:

• A single steel fire grate, which is the only legal location for building a campfire for cooking or warmth. Users must gather only dead and downed wood.
• A designated wilderness latrine (often referred to as a "thunderbox"), located a discreet distance from the main camp and water’s edge to ensure sanitation.
• Multiple designated tent pad areas. Campsite #728 is known to be large and accommodating, capable of comfortably hosting the maximum permitted group size (9 people, 4 watercraft), offering several well-worn spots for tents.
• An unimproved, natural canoe landing. Many reviews note that the site offers "superb landing areas," with a combination of rocky ledges and possibly even a small gravel/sand area, making load-in and load-out efficient.
• Access to the raw water of Gaskin Lake for cleaning and consumption (all water must be treated—boiled, filtered, or chemically purified—before drinking).

Campsite #728 is consistently rated as one of the finest sites on Gaskin Lake, offering multiple standout features that enhance the wilderness stay:

• Expansive, Open Layout: The site is situated on a large point, providing substantial open areas for cooking, relaxing, and setting up camp, which is ideal for larger groups.
• 300° Views and Western Exposure: Located on a broad point, the site often boasts near 300-degree views of the lake, with a desirable western exposure for exceptional sunset viewing.
• Ledge Rocks for Recreation: A key highlight is the presence of large, sloping rock formations or ledges near the water, which are perfect for sunbathing, gathering water, and enjoying a "great rock platform for gathering water, sunbathing or watching the stars."
• Great Swimming and Shore Fishing: The shoreline often features deep water access and good spots for swimming, and the rock ledges mentioned in reviews are frequently cited as excellent places for fishing directly from the camp.
• Multiple Landing Options: Unique to some large point sites, #728 often features multiple landing spots, including one that may have timber steps or a gentler rock slope, which allows for practical use regardless of wind direction.

Since Campsite #728 is a remote, unmanned wilderness location, all administrative and logistical matters are handled by the federal agency managing the BWCAW:

Managing Authority: Superior National Forest / USDA Forest Service

Administrative Address (Approximate Area): East Cook, MN 55604, USA (Permits and information for this region are managed through the Gunflint Ranger District Office.)

Permits & Reservations: An Overnight Paddle Permit is mandatory from May 1 - September 30. Reservations must be secured through the National Recreation Reservation System, accessed via Recreation.gov.

Phone: For current entry point conditions, regulations, and detailed trip planning assistance concerning 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 yield the most current contact details.)

BWCA Campsite #728 on Gaskin Lake is perfectly suited for experienced and aspiring Minnesota wilderness travelers. It represents a quintessential Boundary Waters trip, offering the rigorous, deeply rewarding challenge of an interior route, balanced by a campsite that feels like a natural paradise. Its excellent features—the spectacular views, the open, accommodating layout, and the fantastic water access—make the effort of the journey utterly worthwhile.

For locals, this site is an escape into the untouched nature of their home state, offering a tangible connection to the legendary North Woods. It’s an ideal basecamp for family adventures, fishing trips, or simply a chance to fully unplug and immerse oneself in the solitude that the BWCAW was established to protect. Choosing Campsite #728 means choosing one of the most celebrated and scenic basecamps the Minnesota wilderness has to offer.

BWCA Campsite #728

East Cook, MN 55604, USA