BWCA Campsite 731

- Pine Lake, Grand Marais, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential northern escape—one defined by pristine waters, towering pines, and an unmatched sense of quiet solitude—the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is our state's crown jewel. Among its vast network of lakes and campsites lies BWCA Campsite 731 on Pine Lake, a destination that embodies the rugged beauty and deep-rooted tradition of a Minnesota canoe trip. This site is not a typical developed campground with amenities like showers or electricity; rather, it is a designated, undeveloped wilderness site managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offering an authentic, low-impact camping experience as dictated by the BWCAW's strict Leave No Trace principles.

Pine Lake itself is renowned for its stunning, expansive waters, excellent fishing for species like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass, and its unique position along the historic Border Route Trail, which traces the Minnesota-Canada boundary. Campsite 731 is one of approximately ten designated campsites lining Pine Lake's shores, and it has garnered a reputation among experienced paddlers for its superior features and incredible setting. It represents an opportunity for local residents to fully immerse themselves in the world-class, internationally recognized quiet and wildness that defines this million-acre tract of public land. Planning a trip here requires obtaining a necessary BWCAW permit, but the reward is an unparalleled connection to the North Woods.

BWCA Campsite 731 is situated deep within the designated wilderness area of the Superior National Forest, which necessitates a paddle-in, portage-in approach. The official address provided—Pine Lake, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA—places it geographically in the rugged terrain near the charming, historic harbor town of Grand Marais on the North Shore of Lake Superior. However, accessibility to the campsite itself is strictly via the water and portage trails.

The most common point of entry for a trip that includes Pine Lake is generally through an official BWCAW Entry Point, such as Entry Point #62 (Duncan Lake) or a similar nearby launch point off the Gunflint Trail (a scenic National Scenic Byway). From the entry point, visitors must navigate a series of lakes and portages—lightly maintained trails where gear and canoes must be carried overland—to reach Pine Lake.

This journey is part of the experience, offering increasing solitude the deeper you venture. Campsite 731 is positioned on Pine Lake, often cited as being located on a small rocky peninsula or having an excellent, massive sloping rock for a canoe landing, which makes for easier access from the water than some other sites. While the drive from the Twin Cities to the Grand Marais area is substantial (over 4 hours from Duluth and nearly 7 hours from St. Cloud to the trailheads), for dedicated Minnesotans, this trek is a pilgrimage to one of the most remote and cherished landscapes in the state. No vehicles, wheeled carts (except on a few designated routes), or motorboats are allowed in this non-motorized section of the wilderness, ensuring a truly quiet experience.

The BWCAW operates under a strict wilderness management plan, meaning the "services" at a designated campsite are intentionally minimal to preserve the environment and the wilderness experience. BWCA Campsite 731 offers the following essential, basic provisions:

• A designated tent area with multiple spots (often noted to accommodate three tent pads, though this can vary)

• A steel fire grate for cooking and campfires (restrictions may apply during high fire danger seasons)

• A wilderness latrine (an outdoor, pit toilet generally located a short distance away from the main camp area)

• Access to a natural water source (Pine Lake, though all water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before drinking)

• An official, defined canoe landing/landing rock, which is a key feature of this specific site

• Abundant dead and downed firewood available for collection in the surrounding forest (no cutting of live trees is permitted)

Campsite 731 is often reviewed positively by the paddling community, standing out among the sites on Pine Lake for several key reasons:

• Superior Canoe Landing: Multiple reviews highlight a perfect or excellent landing on a small rocky peninsula or a massive, smooth, sloping rock, making loading and unloading easier than at sites with rugged, steep, or muddy landings.

• Exceptional Views: Its strategic position provides clear, unobstructed views out onto the massive expanse of Pine Lake, ideal for watching sunrises, sunsets, or tracking weather.

• Abundant Flat Tent Space: It is noted for offering "lots of flat space" in the back of the campsite, making tent setup comfortable and accommodating for a full group.

• Basecamp Potential: Given the lake's abundant fishing, access to the Border Route Trail, and proximity to Johnson Falls on the west end of Pine Lake, this site is an ideal spot to set up a comfortable basecamp for day trips.

• Excellent Fire Grate Area: The fire pit area is positioned well, often looking out onto the lake, creating a superb setting for cooking and evening reflection.

• Ample Hammock Options: The site is described as having tons of trees for almost unlimited hammock setup options, enhancing relaxation and group comfort.

Since this is an undeveloped, remote wilderness campsite and not a traditional campground with an office, direct contact is handled through the administering forest service.

The site location is:

Pine Lake, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Part of the Superior National Forest and BWCAW)

For information on permits (required May 1 to September 30), regulations, and official trip planning, you must contact the U.S. Forest Service or an authorized outfitter. While there is no direct public phone number for Campsite 731, key BWCAW contacts are:

Permits and Reservations: Recreation.gov (Search for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits)

Superior National Forest - Gunflint Ranger District (Near Grand Marais):

Address: 2020 West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone: 218-387-1750 (For general information and current conditions)

It is crucial to reserve your permit well in advance, as BWCAW entry points operate on a quota system to manage visitor impact and maintain solitude.

BWCA Campsite 731 on Pine Lake is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to one of Minnesota’s most defining and cherished landscapes. For locals, this wilderness sanctuary offers a critical escape from the pace of modern life—a true digital detox where the only sounds are the cry of the loon, the wind in the pines, and the crackle of the campfire.

The BWCAW is an integral part of Minnesota's identity, and a trip to a well-regarded site like Campsite 731 is a rite of passage for many in the state. It allows Minnesotans to fully appreciate the vast, protected North Woods ecosystem in their backyard. Because the entire BWCAW experience is based on self-sufficiency—paddling, portaging, and living off purified lake water—it encourages a unique sense of teamwork, self-reliance, and deep respect for nature.

The difficulty of the paddle-in access to Pine Lake tends to naturally filter out less dedicated visitors, ensuring that those who make it to Campsite 731 are rewarded with an exceptionally high degree of solitude and the pristine environment for which Minnesota's wilderness is internationally known. The superior features of the site, from its excellent landing rock to its stunning panoramic views, position it as a desirable destination for any Minnesota resident looking to fulfill the dream of a classic Boundary Waters adventure—a challenging but profoundly rewarding experience that reconnects them to the heart of the North Star State. This is where you trade the traffic noise of the city for the silence of a million acres of protected forest.

BWCA Campsite 731

Pine Lake, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA