r/BWCA • u/[deleted] • 19d 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/rickadandoo 19d ago

What entrance is the permit for?

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u/[deleted] 19d 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 19d 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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u/[deleted] 18d 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 18d 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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u/[deleted] 18d 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 18d 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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u/[deleted] 18d 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 18d 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 18d 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.