BWCA Campsite #734 on Pine Lake: Your Premier Northwoods Wilderness Destination

For Minnesota locals, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is irresistible—a vast, pristine expanse that represents the heart of our state's outdoor heritage. Among the thousands of designated campsites that dot this incredible landscape, BWCA Campsite #734 on Pine Lake stands out as a highly sought-after destination, frequently praised by visitors for its blend of space, scenery, and seclusion. This site offers an authentic wilderness experience, appealing to both seasoned paddlers and families looking to create lasting memories in the Northwoods.

As professional content specialists, we understand that planning a BWCA trip requires precise, reliable information. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Campsite #734, located deep within the Superior National Forest near Grand Marais, MN. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a premier basecamp from which to explore the rugged beauty and rich history of the Gunflint Trail area. Known for its generous size and stunning views, Campsite #734 offers a quintessential slice of Minnesota wilderness camping that will make the effort of the journey well worth it.

All BWCA campsites, including #734, adhere to strict "Leave No Trace" principles, ensuring that this treasured resource remains pristine for future generations of Minnesotans. The experience here is intentionally primitive—a powerful opportunity to disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the quiet rhythms of nature. Understanding the site's unique characteristics, as detailed below, is the first step toward securing your permit and embarking on your next great Minnesota adventure.

Introduction / Overview

BWCA Campsite #734 is officially located on the north shore of Pine Lake in the eastern section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, near the community of Grand Marais, MN. Pine Lake itself is a long, deep, and large body of water renowned for its high ridgelines, which are part of the ancient Rove Formation, offering dramatic scenery. The campsite is designated as one of eight sites on Pine Lake, and it is specifically the second site to the east of the portage leading to West Pike Lake. Known by many local paddlers as a "beautiful campsite," it has a reputation for being large and accommodating. User feedback frequently highlights its capacity for larger groups, with plenty of room for multiple tents. The site is situated on a prominent rock point that juts into the lake, affording fantastic, sweeping views across the water, particularly of the southern shore. This location is a favorite for those seeking a majestic setting for their wilderness basecamp.

Location and Accessibility

The administrative address for the area encompassing Campsite #734 is Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA. However, visitors must understand that the site is located deep within the BWCAW and is only reachable by canoe and portage. Access is typically gained via Entry Point #68 (Pine Lake) or Entry Point #62 (Clearwater Lake), both situated along the famous Gunflint Trail. The journey requires significant effort, paddling on Pine Lake—a large lake known to sometimes produce high winds and challenging waves—and potentially navigating other lakes and portages depending on the chosen entry point and route.

Once on Pine Lake, Campsite #734 is identified by its number posted near the latrine. Visitors should use official BWCA maps and route-planning tools, often available through local outfitters near Grand Marais, to navigate to the exact coordinates (approximately 48.06696 N, -90.15361 W). The site itself features a canoe landing that is generally described as functional, though some visitors note a rocky, shallow approach to the east of the site's point, requiring careful maneuvering, especially when water levels are high or winds are strong. The remoteness guarantees a profound sense of solitude, a key attraction for Minnesotans seeking a complete break from urban life.

Services Offered

In line with its protected wilderness status within the National Wilderness Preservation System, Campsite #734 provides only essential, primitive facilities to ensure a minimal human footprint. No running water, electricity, or trash disposal services are available.

Wilderness Latrine: A single, open-air pit latrine ("thunderbox") is provided for human waste. Visitors note the latrine is located about 50 to 100 yards straight uphill from the main tent pads, requiring a short, steep walk.
Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is available for cooking and campfires. Firewood must be collected from dead and downed wood that is found lying on the ground, away from the campsite area.
Tent Pads: The site offers a relatively large number of designated, somewhat sheltered tent pads. While the site is spacious, not all pads are perfectly flat; some are slightly sloped, requiring strategic tent placement to maximize comfort.
Water Access: Direct access to the clean waters of Pine Lake. All water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before drinking or cooking.
Waste Policy: Strict "Pack It In, Pack It Out" policy for all trash and refuse.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #734’s popularity is largely due to several desirable features, making it a highly-rated stop for groups traveling through the Pine Lake area:

Exceptional Vistas: The site is situated on a prominent rock point, providing outstanding, unobstructed views of Pine Lake and the southern shore. The open nature of the fire pit area on the point is a prime spot for enjoying sunsets and sunrises.
Spaciousness: It is noted as a "large site" with ample room for groups, easily accommodating multiple tents and allowing for separate kitchen/fire areas and sleeping areas, which is beneficial for adhering to bear safety practices.
Sheltered Tent Areas: Despite the exposed point, the main tent pads are often described as being protected by stands of cedar and other trees, offering seclusion and some shelter from the elements.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Pine Lake is known for good fishing. Visitors report catching smallmouth bass from the campsite's point and suggest that walleye and smallmouth bass can be found on the south side of the lake, directly across from the site.
Wood Availability: The location amidst a cedar stand is noted by visitors to provide a plentiful supply of dead and downed firewood nearby.
Hammock Potential: The mix of mature trees provides great spots for hanging multiple hammocks, a favorite feature for relaxing between paddles and portages.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #734 is a federal wilderness resource and does not have a direct contact line. All administrative and reservation functions are handled by the U.S. Forest Service.

Address: Pine Lake, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (Wilderness Location)

For Official BWCAW Permit Reservations:

Reservation Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Managed through Recreation.gov)

Gunflint Ranger District Office (Local Administration & Permit Issuance):

Address: 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone: (218) 387-1750 (Contact for local conditions, fire restrictions, and information)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #734 on Pine Lake is a perfect fit for Minnesota locals because it delivers the quintessential, high-quality BWCA experience that is a point of regional pride. Its location in the eastern Boundary Waters, easily accessed via the historic Gunflint Trail from Grand Marais, makes it a manageable destination for a committed weekend or a longer basecamp trip. Minnesotans value privacy and natural beauty, and this campsite provides both in abundance. The expansive site can comfortably host a full group of up to nine people, catering to family trips, scout groups, or fishing buddies—a highly practical feature for local trip planning.

Moreover, the spectacular views from the point and the reputation for excellent smallmouth bass fishing directly contribute to the "Up North" ideal. While the journey to get there is a test of skill and endurance, the reward is a beautiful, secluded retreat that feels a world away from home, yet is part of the landscape we call our own. Choosing Campsite #734 is choosing an iconic Minnesota adventure, one that reconnects visitors with the rugged, lake-dotted wilderness that defines the spirit of our state.