BWCA Campsite #736 on Pine Lake: Your Premier East Cook Wilderness Basecamp

Introduction / Overview: Discovering the Spacious Beauty of BWCA Campsite #736

For seasoned Minnesota canoeists and those dreaming of an authentic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) experience, Campsite #736 on Pine Lake stands out as a highly sought-after destination. Unlike a traditional drive-up campground, this is a designated, primitive campsite that requires a dedicated paddle and portage journey to reach, offering the deep solitude and raw beauty the BWCA is famous for. Located within the scenic confines of the Superior National Forest, Campsite #736 is frequently praised by visitors for its size, excellent layout, and strategic location on one of the area's most beautiful and productive lakes.

Pine Lake itself is one of the larger bodies of water in this section of the wilderness, and Campsite #736 is one of the best sites along its shores. It is known to accommodate larger groups comfortably, a rare and highly valuable trait within the BWCA’s standard nine-person group limit. This site offers an immersive escape into the coniferous forests and rocky shorelines that define the Minnesota-Canadian border region, providing an ideal base for multi-day trips and layover days dedicated to fishing, exploring, or simply relaxing by the fire. A stay here requires respect for the wilderness ethic, leaving no trace, and careful planning to secure the mandatory overnight permit.

Location and Accessibility: The Pine Lake Perimeter

BWCA Campsite #736 is geographically situated in the remote area serviced by the East Cook, MN 55604, USA postal region. The actual physical location is on Pine Lake in Cook County, a long, stunning lake that forms part of the border water chain in the eastern BWCAW.

Access to Pine Lake, and subsequently to Campsite #736, is typically gained via BWCA Entry Point #68 (Pine Lake) or through neighboring lakes such as John Lake (#69) or Clearwater Lake (#62) via a series of interconnected portages and paddles. Entry Point #68, located near the end of the Arrowhead Trail, is the most direct route. Visitors must paddle across Pine Lake to reach the campsite, which is reportedly located on the north side of the lake. Pine Lake is one of the more traveled routes in the eastern BWCA due to its beauty and access to the Border Route Trail and scenic spots like Johnson Falls. As a large lake, Pine Lake can be prone to strong winds, requiring careful planning and early morning paddling to navigate safely, especially to reach the specific campsite. The canoe landing at Campsite #736 has been described as being located just east of a rock feature, and while some landings in this area can be challenging, the overall site quality makes the paddle worthwhile. Its distance from the entry point ensures a genuine sense of deep wilderness camping.

Services Offered: Concentrated Wilderness Facilities

In adherence to the Superior National Forest's strict wilderness management guidelines, Campsite #736 provides minimal, durable infrastructure to ensure a low-impact camping experience. All visitors must be prepared to be fully self-sufficient, carrying in all necessities and carrying out all waste.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is installed to consolidate fire impact and is the only legal location for building a campfire.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (or 'thunderbox') is situated away from the main camp area and water’s edge to manage sanitation and minimize environmental pollution.
Multiple Tent Pads: This site is noted for its size and its capacity to accommodate larger groups, featuring several flat, cleared areas for pitching multiple tents, which are often protected by surrounding trees.
Ample Group Space: The overall layout is described as large, with enough room for several canoes, multiple tents, and separate areas for cooking, lounging, and general camp activity, which is a key service for groups up to the nine-person limit.
Food Hanging Opportunity: The mature tree cover, often featuring White and Red Pines, provides sufficient options for safely hanging food packs away from the reach of wildlife, a standard and necessary practice in the BWCA.

There are no amenities such as electricity, running water, showers, or trash disposal. Lake water must be boiled, filtered, or treated before consumption.

Features / Highlights: Size, Views, and Area Attractions

Campsite #736 on Pine Lake is highly regarded in the BWCA community for several notable features that enhance the wilderness trip experience.

Outstanding Size and Capacity: Its reputation as one of the largest sites in the area makes it an ideal choice for groups traveling near the nine-person maximum, offering privacy and space for tents and gear.
Exceptional Views: The site provides an excellent view of Pine Lake and the southern shore, often including a nice opening down toward the water. The elevated position of the fire grate area is noted for offering a picturesque lake vista.
Excellent Fishing Access: Pine Lake is known for abundant fishing, particularly for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. The site's proximity to good fishing spots, including the south side of the lake and near a small island, makes it a prime base camp for anglers.
Proximity to Johnson Falls: For those on a layover day, the campsite is strategically located to allow easy access for a day trip to the spectacular Johnson Falls, a must-see landmark accessible from the Canoe-Pine portage.
Protected Tenting: Reviewers often mention that the tent pads are well-protected by trees, offering shade, shelter from wind and rain, and secluded areas for hammocks.

Contact Information: Permit and Area Administration

As a designated, primitive wilderness campsite, direct contact is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Overnight stays require a quota permit reserved in advance, especially during the peak season (May 1 to September 30).

Address: East Cook, MN 55604, USA (General BWCA Geographic Area)

The region containing Pine Lake is primarily managed by the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. For all official inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and area conditions:

Gunflint Ranger Station
Address: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: Contact the Superior National Forest or an authorized BWCA Outfitter for the current number for permit services, usually starting with (218).

Conclusion: Why Campsite #736 is Suitable for Locals

Campsite #736 on Pine Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals as it offers a superior-quality, quintessential Boundary Waters experience. For residents, the ability to pack up the canoe and drive to the Gunflint Trail for a trip into this specific area represents a return to the state's most cherished natural heritage. This site, in particular, caters well to the common local experience of group trips—whether it's a family adventure, a gathering of friends, or a youth group outing. Its size is a significant advantage, providing the necessary space for a comfortable and organized camp life that is often critical for a successful trip with a large party.

Furthermore, its location on Pine Lake combines relative accessibility from the Gunflint Trail with a deep wilderness feel, making it a powerful yet manageable challenge. Locals appreciate the quality fishing, the breathtaking views, and the opportunity to use the site as a base to explore regional highlights like Johnson Falls. Campsite #736 isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to create lasting North Woods memories, confirming the dedication to conservation that Minnesotans hold for this world-class wilderness.