BWCA Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake: Island Camping Gem in the Boundary Waters

Introduction / Overview

Deep in the Superior National Forest, where the ancient landscape of Minnesota meets the clear, canoe-friendly waters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), lies BWCA Campsite #2019. This particular campsite is a true local favorite: the sole island campsite on Alton Lake. Island sites are coveted across the BWCA for their enhanced sense of privacy, superior views, and natural defense against land-based wildlife and, often, biting insects—a feature confirmed by local travelers who have praised the spot for its "clean water" and "few bugs."

Alton Lake itself is a long, clear waterway accessible via the popular Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38). It serves as a vital artery for paddlers, connecting the convenience of the North Shore outfitting services to the deeper wilderness routes. Campsite #2019 offers a quintessential Minnesota wilderness experience: the peace of being surrounded by water, the rugged beauty of tall pines, and the adventure of living entirely self-sufficiently, all within a relatively short paddle from a major access point. It is an ideal basecamp for basecampers, anglers, and anyone seeking the unique solitude that only a dedicated island camp can provide in the heart of the BWCA.

The site falls under the jurisdiction of the Tofte Ranger District, but its remote, boat-in-only nature ensures that all visitors are stepping directly into a place carefully preserved for its primitive character. It represents a fantastic destination for local users looking to maximize their wilderness time without an excessively long or strenuous travel day.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #2019 is geographically located on an island in the north half of Alton Lake, within the general area of Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA. As an island site, it is entirely inaccessible by vehicle and requires watercraft travel and portaging.

Access is typically gained via the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38), which is at the terminus of the Sawbill Trail (County Road 2). This trailhead is one of the most well-known and convenient starting points on the eastern side of the BWCAW, easily reachable from Minnesota's scenic Highway 61 and the North Shore.

The route to Campsite #2019 is straightforward:

The journey begins with paddling across Sawbill Lake.
A very short, relatively easy 30-rod portage connects Sawbill Lake to Alton Lake—a path so flat and wide it is a relic of a former logging-era railway.
Once on Alton Lake, the campsite is located just off the western shoreline, slightly southwest of the portage, positioned on the lake’s only island.

Being centrally located and surrounded by water helps to offer exceptional privacy and a panoramic view of the lake's high hills and clear waters. Its position on the north end of Alton Lake is reported to see fewer visitors than the southern sections, enhancing the feeling of remote tranquility while still being convenient to the entry point.

Services Offered

Campsite #2019 is a certified USFS Wilderness Campsite, meaning all facilities are primitive and designed to minimize human impact, adhering strictly to the Leave No Trace principles essential to preserving the BWCAW. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient.

Wilderness Latrine: A standard, designated wilderness latrine (pit toilet) is provided. It is situated away from the main camp area, tent pads, and the water source to maintain sanitation and environmental standards.
Permanent Fire Grate: A steel fire grate is located in a centralized cooking and fire area. All campfires must be kept within this grate. All required firewood must be gathered from dead and downed timber—never cut from live trees.
Designated Tent Pads: The site features multiple areas leveled and cleared for pitching tents. Local reports suggest it has several solid tent pads, allowing for comfortable spacing and accommodating a group size of up to nine people, the legal limit per BWCA permit.
Water Access: Water is sourced directly from Alton Lake. The water is often noted for being "clean," but as with all wilderness water, it is non-potable and must be purified (boiled, filtered, or treated) for drinking and cooking purposes.
Canoe Landing: The site typically provides a manageable landing area for pulling up canoes. Island sites often feature rocky shorelines that may require careful navigation during loading and unloading.
Waste Management: No trash services are available. All garbage, including organic waste and fishing line, must be placed in sealed containers and packed out of the wilderness entirely.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #2019 stands out among the over 2,000 campsites in the BWCAW for several compelling reasons, making it a highly desirable destination for local users:

The Sole Island Site on Alton Lake: Being the only island campsite on this busy lake grants unparalleled 360-degree views, exceptional natural ventilation to help deter insects, and superior privacy.
Reported Low Bug Activity: Customer reviews specifically mention "few bugs," a significant highlight for any summer or early fall trip in Northern Minnesota, making the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Clear, Quality Water: The lake is known for its clarity, and the water access at the site is praised as "clean water," enhancing both the fishing and the aesthetic enjoyment of the camp.
Excellent Basecamp Potential: Its island location and proximity to the Sawbill entry point make it ideal for basecamping—setting up once and taking day trips to explore the surrounding routes to Beth, Kelso, or Wonder Lakes, or simply exploring Alton's fishing spots.
Superb Scenery and Solitude: Surrounded entirely by water, the site offers fantastic opportunities for viewing sunrises and sunsets over the lake, as well as star-gazing, benefiting from the reduced light pollution typical of an island location.
Abundant Mature Trees: The island likely features mature trees necessary for proper food hanging for bear safety and, importantly, for setting up comfortable hammocks and rain/dining tarps.

Contact Information

As a designated BWCAW campsite, official contact and permit information are routed through the managing Forest Service District and the local cooperator responsible for Entry Point #38.

Address (General Ranger District Contact):

Tofte Ranger District Office (Manages the Alton Lake Area)

P.O. Box 2159

Tofte, MN 55615

Phone (Tofte Ranger District Office):

218-663-8060

Permit Information: Overnight quota permits (required May 1 - September 30) for this area must be reserved through Recreation.gov under Entry Point #38 (Sawbill Lake). Campsites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once the group has entered the wilderness.

Local Outfitter/Resource:

Sawbill Canoe Outfitters (Closest Outfitter and Permit Issuer to Entry Point #38)

7611 Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615 (for travel reference)

218-663-7150

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #2019 is perfectly tailored to the desires of local Minnesota wilderness enthusiasts. Its most defining characteristic—being the sole island campsite on Alton Lake—elevates it from a simple stopping point to a premium wilderness basecamp. Minnesotans know that securing an island site offers the pinnacle of the BWCA experience: enhanced solitude, breathtaking panoramic views, and that welcome breeze that helps keep the legendary Northern Minnesota insects at bay, as noted by past visitors.

Its exceptional accessibility via the easily navigable Sawbill Trail and the short portage makes it an ideal choice for both seasoned paddlers and families seeking to initiate their children into the joys of the Boundary Waters without an overly arduous paddle-and-portage marathon. The site’s reputation for having “clean water” and being less prone to bugs transforms a challenging wilderness trip into a uniquely relaxing and rewarding retreat. Campsite #2019 is not just a place to sleep; it is a strategically perfect launchpad for experiencing the pristine, clear waters and towering forests of the Superior National Forest, offering a highly coveted, authentic, yet convenient slice of Minnesota’s celebrated outdoors.