BWCA Campsite #1917: Your Solitude-Filled Retreat on Tuscarora Lake, Minnesota

For local Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the gold standard for authentic, deep-woods camping. Among the nearly 2,200 designated campsites in this vast, million-acre protected area, BWCA Campsite #1917 stands out as a pristine and sought-after destination. Located in the picturesque Stony River Township area, this site offers a truly secluded experience, far removed from the noise and distractions of everyday life. This is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to reconnecting with the solitude and raw beauty of the North Woods.

Campsite #1917 is officially situated on the north shore of Tuscarora Lake, a beautiful and somewhat remote lake within the eastern part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The general area is administered near the Stony River Township, which borders the Superior National Forest in Lake County, Minnesota. This placement positions the campsite firmly in the "paddle-in" category, meaning there is absolutely no vehicle access. The address, Stony River Township, MN, USA, serves to place it geographically within the general region of the wilderness, but access requires careful planning via specific BWCAW Entry Points (EPs).

The closest or most common access points for trips into the Tuscarora Lake area often involve EPs located along the Gunflint Trail (such as EP 47 - Lizz and Swamp Lakes, or EP 48 - Meeds Lake, which leads into the adjacent Gaskin Lake). To reach Campsite #1917 on Tuscarora Lake, visitors must secure an overnight paddle permit for a chosen entry point and then navigate a series of lakes and portages—the rugged, overland trails connecting the waterways. The travel is moderate to challenging, typically requiring several hours of dedicated paddling and hiking, depending on the starting EP and your group's pace. This intentional remoteness is precisely what preserves the campsite’s pristine condition and quiet atmosphere. As with all BWCA campsites, once the permitted group reaches Tuscarora Lake, the individual sites, including #1917, are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. The effort required to reach this secluded location ensures a high likelihood of finding the peace and quiet that define a true BWCA adventure.

BWCA Campsite #1917, like all official sites in the wilderness area, provides the minimal, essential infrastructure required to facilitate a responsible, low-impact camping experience. Visitors must understand that "services" here refer to designated facilities designed to help adhere to 'Leave No Trace' principles, not modern conveniences. Preparation for your trip must include bringing all necessary gear for self-sufficiency, including shelter, food, and water purification methods.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire grate is provided by the U.S. Forest Service. Campfires are only permitted within this grate to prevent the spread of fire and minimize ground impact, subject to any temporary fire bans.
Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet is established at a distance from the main camp area and water source for the sanitary disposal of human waste. These latrines must not be used for trash disposal.
Established Tent Pad Areas: Specific, hardened areas are maintained for tent placement to protect the sensitive surrounding vegetation and to provide a relatively flat, dry surface for sleeping.
Access to Lake Water: The site offers shoreline access to Tuscarora Lake for drawing water for cooking and cleaning. *Crucially, water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption as no potable water is available.
Natural Landing/Canoe Storage: A natural rock or gravel landing area is typically present, providing a place to load, unload, and store canoes and kayaks above the water line.

What sets Campsite #1917 apart are the natural attributes of its location, particularly its positioning on the north shore of Tuscarora Lake. These features contribute to its high desirability among seasoned BWCA visitors.

Superior Northern Exposure: As a north shore site, it likely offers a beautiful southerly view across the lake, ideal for watching sunrises and sunsets over the water.
Excellent Paddling Base: Tuscarora Lake is part of a stunning network of canoe routes, making this site an excellent basecamp for day trips into adjacent, smaller lakes or for continuing on a longer wilderness route.
Quality Tent Pads: Based on general BWCA site quality, this being a designated site means the pads are designed for comfort and low impact, typically nestled among native pines and firs.
Proximity to Fishing: Tuscarora Lake is known to hold a variety of game fish, offering prime opportunities for anglers right from the shore or via a short paddle.
Deep Woods Solitude: Due to the required long-distance paddle and multiple portages, Campsite #1917 guarantees a high level of isolation, providing a true escape from civilization and an increased chance of wildlife viewing.
Abundant Firewood Access: In deep wilderness areas away from highly trafficked entry points, finding naturally fallen, dead and down firewood (as is required by rule) is typically easier.

Since Campsite #1917 is a designated spot within the federal Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, all official contact, permits, and regulatory information must be sought through the managing agency, the U.S. Forest Service, via the local Ranger District.

The Stony River Township is generally serviced by the Tofte or Kawishiwi Ranger Districts, depending on the specific Entry Point used. A reliably central and administrative contact point for general BWCA inquiries is the Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office or the BWCA Reservation Center.

Address (Superior National Forest Supervisor's Office):

8901 Grand Avenue Place

Duluth, MN 55808

Phone (BWCAW Permit Reservation Center):

1-877-444-6777

Phone (Superior National Forest):

(218) 626-4300

*Reminder: Permits are required for all overnight trips (May 1 to September 30) and must be reserved for a specific Entry Point and date, not the campsite itself. All travelers should confirm their planned Entry Point's dedicated Ranger Station for permit pick-up and localized trip advice.

For residents of Minnesota, Campsite #1917 and the Tuscarora Lake area represent an accessible, yet deeply authentic, wilderness challenge that perfectly aligns with our state’s outdoor heritage. The necessary paddle-and-portage journey serves as a natural filter, ensuring that the serenity and pristine nature of the site are preserved primarily for those who commit to the effort—a commitment many Minnesotans are ready and willing to make. This site provides a multi-day immersion into the heart of the BWCAW, ideal for:

The Experienced Paddler: It offers a rewarding route that balances effort with spectacular views and a high-quality camp spot.
The Solitude Seeker: The distance from the entry points guarantees peace and quiet, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.
The Avid Angler: Tuscarora Lake provides fantastic opportunities to pursue the region’s native fish species.

Choosing Campsite #1917 is choosing a Minnesota tradition—a chance to disconnect fully, live simply by the water, and return home with a profound sense of accomplishment and renewed appreciation for the untouched beauty of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.