Discover BWCA Campsite 735: Your Premier Wilderness Retreat on Pine Lake, Minnesota

Introduction / Overview

As a Minnesotan, you are likely already familiar with the legendary reputation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Within this vast, million-acre pristine landscape lies a myriad of designated campsites, each offering a unique window into the Northwoods. Among the most sought-after spots is BWCA Campsite 735, a well-regarded location on the scenic and expansive Pine Lake.

Campsite 735 provides an authentic, high-quality wilderness experience consistent with the BWCAW's strict preservation standards. Unlike developed campgrounds, this site is a designated, minimally developed area, ensuring a true escape from modern life. It serves as an ideal basecamp for groups looking to explore the interconnected waterways and enjoy the area’s celebrated fishing, hiking, and stunning solitude. The site's location on Pine Lake—a large, picturesque body of water—means guests have direct access to a key route in the eastern Boundary Waters. Its strong community ratings and desirable features make it a premier choice for those venturing into this protected area near the historic Gunflint Trail.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite 735 is situated on the pristine Pine Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, within the Superior National Forest. The official entry point most commonly associated with accessing this area is near the town of Grand Marais, Minnesota. The site itself is identified by the address Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA, which provides the nearest community reference for this deeply secluded wilderness area.

Access to Campsite 735 is exclusively by watercraft, as is the case with all BWCAW campsites. The nearest major access road is the Arrowhead Trail (County Road 16) or the famed Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), both leading north from Grand Marais. Visitors typically utilize Entry Point 68 (Pine Lake), which involves a paddle across McFarland Lake and a subsequent portage, or Entry Point 62 (Clearwater Lake), requiring a longer paddle and a series of portages across lakes like West Pike and East Pike to reach Pine Lake.

Potential visitors should be aware that the journey to Campsite 735 is an integral part of the experience. It requires self-sufficiency, paddling, and portaging skills. Pine Lake is known to be a "big" lake that can produce significant waves and wind, requiring caution and experience from all paddlers. Being on the east end of the BWCA, the area offers access to a beautiful chain of lakes and nearby wilderness features, though it is one of the more committed canoe trips from the entry points.

Services Offered

As a designated, primitive wilderness campsite within the protected BWCAW, the "services" offered are intentionally minimal and designed to preserve the wilderness character. The experience is one of self-reliance, with core amenities provided for safety and environmental protection. All visitors must obtain a quota permit for overnight stay (May 1 - September 30) or a self-issued permit (October 1 - April 30).

Services available at BWCA Campsite 735 include:

A designated, official US Forest Service Campsite location, ensuring legality and minimizing environmental impact.
A steel fire grate for contained, legal campfires and cooking.
A primitive pit latrine (often referred to as a "thunderbox") set back from the main camp area to manage human waste hygienically.
Multiple established tent pads (public data suggests approximately 3-4 suitable pads) designed to provide relatively flat ground for sleeping and to limit vegetation destruction.
Designated canoe landing areas, which on Pine Lake may consist of natural rock slabs or a small beach area.
Access to fresh lake water (Pine Lake) for filtering and purification for drinking and cooking.

Visitors are responsible for bringing all other necessities, including food, gear, and a means to purify water. There are no modern conveniences such as electricity, running water, trash collection, or cellular service, ensuring a complete immersion in the wilderness.

Features / Highlights

Campsite 735 is highly regarded within the paddling community due to a blend of practical features and scenic appeal, making it a desirable destination for a multi-day basecamp or a stop on a longer route. Its key highlights include:

Prime Location on Pine Lake: Pine Lake is one of the larger, more dramatic lakes in the area, offering long-distance views and an open, expansive feel. The lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities, including Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass.
Access to Nearby Attractions: The campsite is positioned well for day trips to other points of interest. It provides relatively convenient access to the impressive Johnson Falls via a portage-side trail. It is also close to the historic Border Route Trail, which is a significant regional hiking feature.
Group Capacity: The campsite is noted to accommodate multiple tents comfortably (with approximately 3-4 good tent pads and a maximum capacity often cited around 9 people), making it suitable for larger family or group adventures while adhering to BWCAW size limits.
Aesthetically Pleasing Setting: Like many highly rated BWCA sites, Campsite 735 often features a favorable combination of shoreline access, open views from the fire grate, and forested areas slightly set back, providing natural protection for tents and plenty of options for hanging hammocks or food packs.
Seclusion and Solitude: Despite being on a major lake, the site’s location and the vastness of the surrounding wilderness contribute to a feeling of deep solitude, which is a hallmark of the BWCA experience.

Contact Information

Since BWCA Campsite 735 is a remote wilderness location, there is no direct phone line or visitor center on-site. All logistics, permits, and planning are managed by the overseeing authority and local outfitters.

Campsite Name: BWCA Campsite 735 (Located on Pine Lake)

Nearest Town/Reference Address:

Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA (The primary supply and outfitting hub for the eastern BWCA region)

Permit Information and Management:

Permits for this entry point (typically EP 68 - Pine Lake or a neighboring entry point) must be reserved and managed through the U.S. Forest Service via Recreation.gov.

Nearest Ranger District (Gunflint Trail District):

The managing office for the area is the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.
Contact information for the specific Ranger District office is essential for up-to-date information on fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit pickup details.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite 735 on Pine Lake is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it's an essential Minnesota experience, perfectly suited for local residents. For Minnesotans, the BWCAW is a state treasure, representing the ultimate in accessible, yet profound, wilderness adventure. This particular campsite is suitable for locals for several key reasons:

Firstly, it offers a genuine escape. Despite the relatively accessible entry points from the North Shore hubs like Grand Marais, the journey into Pine Lake immediately immerses you in the raw, unadulterated beauty of the Superior National Forest. It serves as a necessary reset, far from the noise and distractions of the city.

Secondly, it is a proven and highly-rated destination. Locals, who often have a high bar for their wilderness experiences, frequently seek out sites known for their quality, and Campsite 735 consistently receives positive remarks for its overall appeal, ample space, and scenic views, making the commitment of the paddle trip worthwhile.

Finally, the location in the eastern BWCA provides a unique recreational hub. Being close to the Border Route Trail and Johnson Falls means locals can string together a classic multi-sport itinerary—paddling, fishing, and hiking—all from a central, comfortable basecamp. Whether you are an experienced BWCA veteran looking for a new, memorable basecamp, or a seasoned Minnesotan looking to finally check off a bucket-list wilderness trip, Campsite 735 on Pine Lake provides the ideal balance of challenge, beauty, and authentic Northwoods solitude that defines a true Minnesota adventure.