BWCA Campsite 1718 on Bald Eagle

The site has an excellent 180 degree view facing south and east across Bald Eagle Lake, with the ability to walk counter-clockwise along the shoreline and get a view of the Turtle Lake portage. It is a fairly open site on the extensive rocky shore and kitchen area - maybe this site is better than most others on this lake when the bug load is heavy as it was for us on this late-Spring trip. Lots of balsam fir and jack pine trees dead or dying away from the water as is the case throughout this area, so ample firewood opportunities, but the die-off is changing the character of the BWCA.. We set up our kitchen right on the shore to help with the insects - very effective. There are many areas to bring canoe(s) on-shore without rock barriers, but nothing sandy to speak of, so you will have to work a little, but not too much. Very strong winds from the south could present challenges landing a canoe. The site has 1 good tent pad and a couple other areas that have some slope but pass. Now let's talk about the toilet. It is poorly located in a little depression pretty far back and could present problems if you are half-awake and have to navigate the rocks or deal again with the bugs. And it is time for a clean-out!! Other than than, overall a very acceptable site.

We elected not to stay at this site because the direction of the wind pushed all kinds of yucky stuff on the surface of the water to the shoreline, making it not a place we wanted to swim. The view is beautiful, however, and we had lunch here. The site is open, with an expanisve rocky shoreline.

LOTS of rocky shoreline, I didn't measure but my guess is 300 feet. Caught fish off the west side bay. Underwater rocks were slimy and slippery. Would have preferred to rate 3.5 out of 5 but that wasn't an option. The site really has a lot to offer, enough space for a large group. Nature made uneven kitchen table. Great view of the lake and big island, short paddle to good fishing. Toilet is about 700 miles back in the woods, stay left when the path forks.

Wide open site on large bare rock with great views. Plenty of room to spread out and explore the shoreline. Tent pads are challenged; there's 1 really good pad, and two sub-par pads. Nonetheless we had two large tents and two families on this site over Labor Day weekend. Nice cooking area, but few trees over this portion of the site, so it would be hot cooking during the summer months. Easy food pack trees. Long hike to the latrine.

Nice spot, good for a group on the larger side. Good landing and kitchen areas. Good northern and bass fishing nearby

Nice view, uneven tent pads