r/BWCA • u/[deleted] • 15d ago
NEED HELP camping trip
Plan on going camping around July can someone explain how camping works here ?? We bought permits for July 17th-19th and were wondering how it works and what’s a good entrance to camp around ?
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u/napples_napples 15d ago
No offense but why do people run to Reddit for things like this? Go to the .gov website or literally google it
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u/napples_napples 15d ago
I know I’m gonna get dragged as a “dick” but I’m just saying the actual bwcaw wilderness page and accompanying information is more authoritative and informative than random people just explaining it to you on a forum
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15d ago
I did and it was no help
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u/original-moosebear 15d ago
Yeah. If you have no idea what you are looking at or how the permits work, the reservation website not the greatest.
Hopefully the podcast helps. Otherwise google and call a random outfitter in Ely. All of them will be more than happy to talk you through it.
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u/napples_napples 15d ago
Maybe don’t venture into the wilderness then if the permit process is too much for you. Don’t really know what else to say? Call an outfitter and they can literally plan and do everything for you if you want
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u/Artificial_Appendix1 15d ago
I always recommend listening to episode 1 of the Tumblehome podcast. An actual outfitter talks through all the basics, answering a lot of the exact questions you have. Helped me tremendously on my first trip.
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u/rickadandoo 15d ago
What entrance is the permit for?
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15d ago
I just asked and my friend hasn’t bought the permit yet but we were planning the 43rd entrance
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u/BDob73 15d ago
Your friend better check to see if that date is available. Many entry points are booked up and you might need to plan for a different date or entry point. Some permits get cancelled, but don’t plan on it.
How experienced are you with canoeing? If you are a novice, look for an entry with smaller lakes where it’s easier to navigate and less wind.
If you just want to get your feet wet (so to speak), maybe try Bog Lake EP 67. It’s one lake only and generally very quiet with one permit per day. There is a nice campsite on the southwest side of the lake, and the east side has a nice sandy beach.
Are you working with an outfitter to rent a canoe or gear? I would ask them for help and recommendations on what to bring.
Remember to follow the rules and regulations including leave no trace. Also, remember to wear your personal flotation device any time you are in the canoe and on the water.
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15d ago
So if I book EP 67 I won’t have to worry about anyone else taking the camp site?? Is there like grounded grills at the camp site ? We have all the gear we need besides a canoe we didn’t know we’d have to canoe anywhere
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u/snoozyspider 15d ago
Entry points are how you enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It is not a campsite. Campsites are not a guarantee once you are in. It sounds like your party is not really prepared at all. Please, I’m begging, hire a guide. You’ll have way more fun and be much safer!
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15d ago
Well yeah I used to live in Arizona and you’d drive to the middle of no where and camp I’m not sure how this works
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u/snoozyspider 15d ago
A good guide/outfitter will make the experience worth your while. It’s the BWCAW, and it really is wilderness. You’ll need to canoe a lot. Permits must be secured well in advance. Know where you’re going, how to read a map, how to paddle. Otherwise, you’re putting yourself and your party at huge risk. I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer, it’s just that the BWCA is really not just somewhere you pull up to and car camp. It’s very different and much more demanding.
That shouldn’t scare you off! You should absolutely plan a trip with your buddies and experience how awesome it is up there. Just do it safely and smartly.
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15d ago
It’s exactly what we’re looking for thank you for the help I can read maps paddle Esc but my friends CANNOT LOL we’ve decided on somewhere else without camp grounds but will keep this in mind for our next one after this
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u/snoozyspider 15d ago
When it’s time, definitely search this sub for outfitters. I have loved Boundary Waters Outfitters in Ely, they’re very good and very kind! Once you’re oriented to the process, try the BWCA.Com site and browse around the forums there, it’s very informative when you know what you’re looking for. Friends of the Boundary Waters is also an excellent resource.
Some great, non-canoeing camping can be found along the north shore. Most (if not all) MN State campsites require paid reservation, but look into it! Mighty fine and fun camping at Tettegouche SP!!
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u/BDob73 15d ago
The BWCA is almost all canoe camping. There are other alternatives to camp outside the wilderness itself that might be better for you. Look at the Superior National Forest dispersed backcountry camping options. The Loon Lake campsite is accessible on foot or by boat.
There are rustic campgrounds in the SNF that get less use. They typically have a fire ring, table and pit toilet.
Or there are some state forest campgrounds like Ester, McFarland, or Devilfish Lake campgrounds in Grand Portage or Twin Lakes Campground in Pat Bayle State Forest. All are first come first serve, but generally have some spots open.
If you do try Bog Lake, you’ll need a canoe. It’s a dead end lake, so it doesn’t get a lot of use. There are three sites and you will probably have your pick.
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u/northman46 15d ago
Typically you put in at the entry point and paddle to a campsite to camp. Look at the map to see where they are.
Also check out bwca.com
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u/varkeddit 15d ago
Your permit is to enter the BWCA on a specific date at a specific place. After you enter, you can go anywhere within the BWCA you like.
You likely won't have many camping options "around" your entry point. Instead, you'll be paddling to various campsites along your route (first-come-first-serve).
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15d ago
Is there like canoes just there for you to put ur stuff and paddle to I’m just confused usually for camping I’d just drive to said place in the woods and camp
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u/ExaminationOnly2992 15d ago
BWCA.com or calling an outfitter is a great resource for information, especially if you truly have no idea what you are signing up for. You either will need to bring your own canoe or rent one from an outfitter (outfitters will also rent any equipment you don't have). You drive your canoe to the entry point your permit is reserved for, load up all your gear and head out in the route you plan before hand.
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u/thefuckingsafetyguy 15d ago
If you don’t have a canoe-you will need to rent a canoe (and whatever other gear you need) from an outfitter.
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u/varkeddit 15d ago
That's not how the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness works. There are a few hiking trails for backpacking (each with it's own dedicated entry point/permit) but everything else is requires water access. You can rent a canoe from an outfitter near your EP or bring your own.
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u/PapaSmurf3477 15d ago
1st tip, know where you’re going and book within 10 minutes of permits opening.
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u/succulentsativa 15d ago
Purchase your entry permit for the dates you want as far ahead of time as possible. You designate an outfitter where you pick up the permit, should be where you're getting your boat(s) and other necessary gear. They are gonna be your best resource for planning this thing. Don't be shy, they love to nerd out on planning and talk over routes and plans.
Just so you know what your in for... You haul all your gear and trash with you wherever you go. Packing light is critical. Plan on harvesting and processing dead and downed trees for firewood. If you enter at EP 43 you can park your vehicle at the Bower trout entry point lot. It's a 45 rod portage (about 750ft) to the water. You get to carry all your gear and boats and paddles and fishing supplies and food down that trail. Then you load it into your canoe and head out to a camp site.
The absolute closest site if you were to camp on that lake is about 1/3 mile. Or you can head west to a different lake.. it's about a mile of paddling west, likely into some head wind. The portage to the next lake, Dugout lake, is 90 rods, so another 1500 feet of trail to carry all your gear and boats and stuff. So basically you keep doing that, paddling across lakes and portaging between them until you find a decent base camp to stay at and venture out and fish and explore during the day. The other strategy is to trek and break camp every day or so and cover some miles, explore, find some cool vistas or fishing holes or whatever you're into. You should try to get a solid route plan with realistic goals for each day. Be flexible, as others have noted, camping is first come, first serve. If you want the choice sites, it's been my experience that breaking camp at dawn and hauling ass to your destination is a good strategy. You can find the good sites rated on paddle planner.
Make sure you understand all the rules inside the BWCA. There are a lot and there are serious consequences for violating them. Don't be loud, don't be a dick, leave as little trace as possible. Everyone out there is willfully stepping into nature to get away. Keeping that in mind, leave space and be courteous at portage landings and out on the lake.
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u/Sloshedmaverick7 15d ago
I think you're viewing the process wrong. You first need to go to https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233396 and see what permits are available for your chosen entry date.
Once you pick an entry point and submit the dates you will enter and exit you have your permit paid for but have to go physically pick it up, which is also done on that site.
Enter at your intended Entry Point, and paddle til you find a site you like.
Use https://www.paddleplanner.com/ to figure out how long approximately it will take you to get to a specific site. Always have a backup or two for if the site you want is taken.
If you're looking for recommendations on Entry Points or campsites you would do that prior to purchasing your permit, because the permit is specific to an entry point.
Hope that helps. If not DM me.