BWCA campsite
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Superior National Forest
Contact Information
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Superior National Forest8901 Grand Ave Place
Duluth, MN 55808
About
Established in 1964, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has changed little since the glaciers melted. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, nearly 2,200 designated campsites, and more than 1,000 lakes and streams waiting, the BWCAW draws thousands of visitors each year. The BWCAW is part of the Superior National Forest. Permits are required year-round for day and overnight visitors to the BWCAW. Make reservations or check permit availability 1-877- 444-6777.
Dates
Quota permits are required to enter the BWCAW for overnight trips during the quota season, May 1 - September 30. Quota permits are available for a fee, on a first-come, first-served basis at any wilderness permitting-office.Rates
Quota permits may be reserved, for an additional reservation fee, through www.recreation.gov.
More Information
Seasonality
- Open in fall
- Open in winter
- Open in summer
On-Site Recreation
- Cross-country ski trail (groomed)
- Hiking trail
Campground Features
- Pets allowed in campsite
What's Nearby
Mentioned In
Ski jumper at Hyland Hills in Bloomington
A couple friends walk along the Luminary Loppet in Minneapolis / Paul Vincent
A couple watches the northern lights at Gooseberry Falls State Park / Travis Novitsky
Canoeing in the Boundary Waters is one of Minnesota's most unique outdoor adventures / Peter de Sibour
Dogsledding on Poplar Lake / Ryan Taylor
Swimming in Voyageurs National Park / Paul Vincent
Northern lights over a houseboat in Voyageurs National Park
Two women bike the Sauke Lake stretch of the Lake Wobegon Trail / Waqar Ahmad
Get an up-close view of the middle falls at Gooseberry Falls State Park / Justin Pruden
Fly Fishing in Root River, Spring Valley / Ryan Taylor
The Gitchi-Gami State Trail on the North Shore / Credit: Waqar Ahmad
Two men fish in the Brainerd Lakes area / Paul Vincent
Largemouth bass / Brett McComas
Camping in the Superior National Forest / Alyssa Hei
A couple explores the hills and river bluffs around Red Wing by motorcycle / Roy Son
Canoe fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness / Gary Hamer
Hike to the scenic overlook at Honeymoon Bluff, deep in the Superior National Forest / Roy Son
Get up close and personal with grizzly bears at the Minnesota Zoo / Minnesota Zoo
Credit: Ely Area Tourism Bureau
Minnehaha Falls from below / Lane Pelovsky, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Deer hunting in West River Park
An aerial view of Faribault Mill's flagship store and factory / Faribault Mill
There's nothing quite like an invigorating winter camping trip / © mumemories - stock.adobe.com
Victorian Bed & Breakfast decorated for the holidays / Lanesboro Christmas Inn Tour in Lanesboro
Magical forests and incredible hiking trails await just off the beaten path at Itasca State Park
Superior National Forest bikepacking / Tom Thulen
An evening campfire in the Boundary Waters as the northern lights glimmer above / Gary Hamer
Take in the incredible view of Lake Superior from Black Beach near Silver Bay / Paul Vincent
Theodore Wirth Park trailhead / Waqar Ahmad
The northern lights over Lake Superior / Alister Olson
The wild and scenic Kettle River flows—rapidly—through Banning State Park.
Canoeing the Boundary Waters at dusk / Paul Vincent
Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis / Paul Vincent
Boat fishing in Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent
A couple canoeing in the BWCA / Paul Vincent
Red Aurora Borealis rays / Bob King
A family kayaking on the Mississippi River / Chelsea and Eric Eul, Courtesy of Clear Waters Outfitting
The Milky Way makes an appearance / Jackie Sherer
A packed Bar Lurcat patio in the summer / Krivit Photography, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Runners in downtown Minneapolis / Credit: Twin Cities in Motion
A family having a picnic on the beach at Bde Maka Ska / Credit: Paul Vincent