Visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) of northeastern Minnesota can enjoy more than one million acres of pristine wilderness that is protected by the federal government. Located within Superior National Forest, BWCAW's vast terrain gives campers plenty of options for fishing, hiking, rock climbing and other recreational activities. Overnight stay options include areas for tents and RVs.
Tent Campgrounds
Overall, there are approximately 2,000 campsites in BWCAW, including commercial sites. Vacationers can step up tents within wooded areas or lakeside. The only tent campground next to Gunflint Lake is the Gunflint Pines Resort, a privately owned site. Amenities include hot showers, toilet facilities and a children's playground. There are many other lakeside tent campsites, free and commercial, with varying amenities.
Backcountry Campgrounds
If you want to take a bare-bones approach to your time at BWCAW, hike into a backcountry campsite. Amenities are limited to fire grates, tent pads and a box latrine. There are maps near these hike-in sites. More adventurous visitors can make their way to remote sites that have absolutely no amenities or markers. They are small, cleared-out areas with very little room.
RV and Cabin Campgrounds
While motorized vehicles are prohibited in the interior of BWCAW, there are RV campsites available in other areas. Privately owned RV campgrounds offer everything from electricity and water hookups to small grocery stores. For an all-in-one experience, Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely offers RV hookups, cabins and even sites for tents. You can buy gear at the on-site outfitter and sign up for guided trips.
Precautions
In addition to bringing traditional camping supplies, you will need to be prepared for camping with no facilities at many campsites. A water purification kit is essential, as water in the BWCAW lakes contain the parasite Giardia lambia. Carefully follow the directions in your kit to avoid giardiasis, the intestinal illness caused by the parasite. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather by dressing in layers to protect yourself from hypothermia. Follow primitive camping practices for disposing and hanging food, as there are black bears, timber wolves and other large wildlife in BWCAW.
BWCAW Regulations
Permits are required to visit BWCAW and are disseminated for specific entry points. Reservations are required from May to September and can be made online at Recreation.gov. There are no roads to the inner lakes. Fishing and hunting licenses are required, and canoes and boats must be registered with the state. If you are from a state that does not require this, you must register your watercraft with Minnesota. The rapids in BWCAW can be dangerous, so always wear your lifejacket when you are in river water and use the portages to avoid obstacles. Cans and glass bottles are prohibited at BWCAW.
References
- Recreation.gov: Permit Area Facility Details: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, MN
- USDA Forest Service: Superior National Forest: Special Places: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- USDA Forest Service: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: What to Know Before You Go
- USDA Forest Service: BWCAW Rules
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