BWCA campsite 754, Grand Marais, MN

For those who call Minnesota home, the phrase "Boundary Waters" immediately conjures images of pristine, silent lakes and rugged portages—an essential part of our local identity. BWCA Campsite #754 is one of the more than 2,000 designated sites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), but it stands out for a distinctive characteristic highly valued by groups: its size. Unlike many small, rocky campsites in the wilderness, #754 is known for being exceptionally accommodating.

This isn't a simple, hastily cleared patch of dirt; it's a campsite that can comfortably handle the maximum group size allowed in the BWCAW (9 people and 4 canoes). One of the most telling pieces of customer feedback highlights this key feature: "HUGE campsite lots of green grass for tents." For a Minnesota family or a large group of paddling friends, finding a site with ample, relatively flat tenting space is a significant victory, transforming a challenging logistics puzzle into a relaxing basecamp experience. The ability to spread out means enhanced privacy and comfort, making it a highly desirable stop on any Pine Lake route.

Located on the vast and beautiful Pine Lake, Campsite #754 provides a gateway to some of the most scenic areas near the Gunflint Trail, including the famous Johnson Falls. While offering the required solitude, its location also places it near the edge of the true wilderness boundary, requiring specific awareness of local regulations and other watercraft traffic, which is a common trade-off for its easy access and capacity.

Introduction / Overview

BWCA Campsite #754 is a well-known, high-capacity wilderness campsite situated on Pine Lake, within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest. It is a designated, single-party site, meaning a single group holding a valid Quota Permit (required for overnight trips between May 1 and September 30) reserves the entire space. The primary distinguishing feature of Campsite #754 is its generous size and open layout, which is particularly beneficial for larger groups, maximizing comfort and minimizing the impact on the land by providing multiple established tenting areas.

The site's popularity stems from its ability to easily handle a group of up to nine people, a feat many smaller BWCA sites cannot achieve comfortably. Its location on Pine Lake makes it a central hub for trips originating from the Gunflint Trail area, such as Entry Point #68 (Pine Lake) or Entry Point #70 (North Fowl Lake). As a primitive wilderness site, it adheres to all Leave No Trace principles, providing only the basic mandated facilities to ensure the preservation of the area's natural state.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #754 is located on Pine Lake, deep within the BWCAW, in the northeastern region of Minnesota, served by the Gunflint Ranger District near Grand Marais, MN 55604. Specifically, the site is situated in a strategic area of Pine Lake, reportedly near the channel or short portage that leads into McFarland Lake.

Access to Campsite #754 is exclusively by paddle and portage, requiring travelers to launch their canoes from a designated entry point (such as Entry Point #68, Pine Lake, which has a permit quota of one per day) and follow a canoe route to the campsite. This involves securing a Quota Permit in advance. While the site itself is within the BWCAW's paddle-only zone on Pine Lake, its proximity to the channel connecting to McFarland Lake is a key locational detail. McFarland Lake is one of the few lakes in the region that permits limited motor use (10 horsepower max), meaning groups staying at #754 should be aware that their route and immediate vicinity may occasionally experience sounds from motorized watercraft on the adjacent lake, a rare but present trade-off in this section of the wilderness. The canoe landing for the site is generally described as serviceable, often involving a rocky approach typical of the BWCA.

Services Offered

As a genuine wilderness campsite in the BWCAW, Campsite #754 offers the standardized minimum services designed to facilitate camping while protecting the ecosystem. There are no modern amenities like electricity, running water, or trash disposal.

Wilderness Latrine: A simple, open-air pit toilet, typically a wooden box or bench, is provided a set distance away from the main camp area to manage human waste and maintain site hygiene.
Metal Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is installed at the designated fire pit area. All fires must be kept within this structure, using only dead and downed wood found in the area.
Expansive Tenting Areas: The primary service of this particular site is the sheer volume of flat, grassy space, reportedly capable of accommodating up to nine maximum-sized tents ("lots of green grass for tents").
Boundary Waters Canoe Access: The site provides a landing area for up to four watercraft, with space to pull canoes safely out of the water overnight.
Leave No Trace Infrastructure: The mandatory use of these designated facilities helps enforce the 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' principle for all trash and personal items.

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #754 on Pine Lake is highly valued by local paddlers for several unique highlights:

Exceptional Capacity for Large Groups: Its size is its most defining feature, making it a top choice for large families, scout troops, or multiple-canoe expeditions who want to camp together comfortably without sacrificing privacy.
Prime Basecamp Potential: The site’s spaciousness and central location on the large Pine Lake make it an excellent basecamp for multi-day trips, allowing groups to establish camp and take day-trips to explore nearby destinations.
Access to Johnson Falls: From Pine Lake, paddlers have relatively easy access to the portage that leads to the spectacular Johnson Falls, one of the region's most famous natural attractions.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Pine Lake is known for its deep, clear water and good fishing, including Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye, providing a fantastic recreational activity right off the point.
Scenic Waterway Location: Situated near the channel to McFarland Lake, the campsite often provides good views and a breeze, which can help mitigate bothersome insects during the summer months. The site's open, grassy layout is a scenic contrast to the dense pine forest.
Motor-Area Proximity: For some groups, the proximity to McFarland Lake (which allows limited motor use) may be seen as a feature, offering slightly different day-trip options or a different type of access, though the main campsite is still on the paddle-only section of Pine Lake.

Contact Information

As a wilderness site, direct contact is not available. All official information, permits, and coordination are handled through the relevant U.S. Forest Service Ranger District.

Campsite Location (General Area): Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Contact for Permits and Route Information (Gunflint Ranger District, supporting Pine Lake access):

Address: 200 Trail Center Rd, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (Approximate for the region)

Phone: (218) 387-1750 (Gunflint Ranger District Office)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #754 on Pine Lake is the perfect blend of true Northwoods wilderness and group-friendly convenience. It is particularly suitable for locals who value the social aspect of a group trip but refuse to compromise on the solitude of the BWCA. The confirmed "HUGE campsite lots of green grass for tents" means no more squeezing multiple tents onto small, rocky ledges, a common frustration in other parts of the wilderness. This capacity allows groups—be it a large family reunion, a scout group, or multiple families traveling together—to fully immerse themselves in the canoe country experience without feeling cramped. Furthermore, its location near the Border Route Trail and Johnson Falls means locals can revisit and explore iconic landmarks right from their comfortable basecamp. Campsite #754 respects the integrity of the wilderness while offering an exceptional, comfortable base for the cherished Minnesota tradition of a Boundary Waters adventure.