BWCA Campsite #739

- East Cook, MN 55604

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) holds a special, almost sacred place in the heart of every Minnesota outdoors enthusiast. It represents the pinnacle of paddle-powered wilderness travel and an escape into over a million acres of protected boreal forest and pristine waterways. Located strategically within this natural masterpiece is BWCA Campsite #739, a designated site known to be situated on the renowned Moose Lake. Unlike many deep-wilderness sites, Moose Lake is a key entry point, offering a blend of relative accessibility and the authentic BWCA experience, making Campsite #739 particularly appealing for local Minnesotans planning their annual adventure.

Campsite #739 is one of the roughly 2,000 designated campsites managed by the U.S. Forest Service throughout the BWCAW. It is designed to accommodate a single permitted group, ensuring a private, low-impact camping experience. Like all sites in the wilderness area, it adheres to strict Leave No Trace principles, providing only essential amenities to preserve the primitive character of the surroundings. Its location on Moose Lake, a popular and historically significant body of water, means that while solitude is maintained at the campsite itself, it is part of a larger, well-established network of canoe routes that can lead to deeper, less-traveled lakes for multi-day excursions.

This site is highly sought after because of its position on a lake that allows for a small degree of motorboat use (restricted to certain routes and motor sizes) in its southern sections, offering a slightly easier start or exit for those who prefer to save their paddling for the core wilderness. However, the site's true value lies in its direct access to the paddle-only zones and the stunning, unspoiled nature that Minnesotans are fiercely proud of.

BWCA Campsite #739 is geographically located in the central part of the wilderness complex, typically accessed from the western side of the BWCAW near the town of Ely. The administrative address for the area is:

East Cook, MN 55604, USA

Specifically, Campsite #739 is on Moose Lake. Moose Lake is a prominent BWCA Entry Point (often Entry Point #25 or similar number in that vicinity) and is generally considered one of the more accessible starting points for a wilderness trip, as it is reached via a well-maintained road from the Ely area. Accessing the campsite itself requires an overnight paddle permit, which must be reserved in advance through the U.S. Forest Service via Recreation.gov.

The journey to Campsite #739 involves paddling from the entry point, navigating the lake to the designated site location. While portions of Moose Lake are accessible to approved small motors (limited to 25 horsepower or less for a continuous, narrow route), the area surrounding Campsite #739 typically transitions quickly into the paddle-only zones that define the deeper BWCA experience. Local outfitters in Ely and along the access roads play an integral role, providing everything from permit issuance and gear rentals to tow services across the motorized sections of the lake, reducing the travel time for those eager to begin their true wilderness immersion.

In keeping with the BWCAW’s federal wilderness designation, Campsite #739 provides the basic, durable infrastructure necessary to concentrate human impact and adhere to strict conservation rules. Visitors must arrive prepared for a wholly self-reliant camping experience. The official services and facilities provided at the site are:

• One steel fire grate for contained, low-impact cooking and campfires (only dead and downed wood may be used, and fires are subject to current fire restrictions).
• A wilderness latrine (pit toilet) located away from the main camp area and water’s edge, marked with the campsite number (#739) for visitor use.
• A clear, relatively level primary camping zone featuring one or more dirt or gravel tent pads designated for tent setup.
• An unimproved, natural shoreline landing spot for securing canoes and watercraft.
• Access to raw lake water from Moose Lake for cooking and drinking (all water must be treated by boiling, filtering, or chemical purification).
• A mandatory sense of solitude, as only one permitted group is allowed to occupy the site at any given time.

BWCA Campsite #739 on Moose Lake is valued by paddlers for several characteristic features that define the Northern Minnesota wilderness camping experience:

• Prime Starting Location: Positioned on a major gateway lake, it is ideal for first-time BWCA visitors or as a first-night site before moving deeper into the wilderness, like the adjacent numbered lakes chain.
• Excellent Fishing Potential: Moose Lake is known for its diverse fishery, offering opportunities to catch Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass directly from the campsite shoreline or via a short paddle.
• Shelter and Scenery: The site typically offers good natural wind protection from the surrounding boreal forest and picturesque views across the expanse of Moose Lake, framed by towering pines.
• Wildlife Viewing: Being an established wilderness site, it provides excellent opportunities for observing native Minnesota wildlife, especially the iconic Common Loon, which frequents the area.
• Connecting Point: The site serves as a perfect hub for base-campers who wish to explore Moose Lake and the surrounding wilderness areas via day trips, without the daily need to portage all their gear.
• A True Wilderness Test: The required self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace ethics make camping at #739 a genuine challenge and a rewarding achievement for any dedicated outdoor lover.

As a remote wilderness campsite, BWCA Campsite #739 does not have an on-site office or telephone. All management, regulations, and reservation inquiries are handled by the managing authority:

Managing Authority: Superior National Forest / USDA Forest Service

Administrative Address (Approximate Area): East Cook, MN 55604, USA (For service inquiries, it is best to contact the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office in Ely, MN.)

Permits & Reservations: A mandatory permit is required for all overnight stays at Campsite #739. These must be reserved in advance through the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov).

Phone: For current conditions, regulations, and detailed information regarding the Moose Lake Entry Point (#25), please contact the Superior National Forest, Kawishiwi Ranger District. (A public search for 'Kawishiwi Ranger District Ely MN' will provide the most current contact number.)

For residents of Minnesota, Campsite #739 on Moose Lake represents a vital connection to the state’s heritage and its reputation as a leader in outdoor recreation. Located in the beloved BWCAW, this site offers a significant, accessible challenge—the chance to prove self-reliance while immersed in one of the most beautiful and well-preserved wilderness areas in the nation. It is a place where the pressures of modern life dissolve into the quiet rhythm of the paddle stroke and the crackle of a campfire by the lake.

Because of its strategic location near a main entry point, it allows local users to maximize their wilderness time, whether planning a short, rejuvenating trip or launching a multi-week expedition. By choosing to camp at a designated site like #739, Minnesotans are not only enjoying their state's natural bounty but are actively supporting the conservation efforts that keep this irreplaceable resource pristine for future generations. It is an annual pilgrimage for many, offering a unique opportunity for adventure, tranquility, and a profound appreciation for the unparalleled North Woods.

BWCA Campsite #739

East Cook, MN 55604, USA