BWCA Campsite #823

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For many Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the pinnacle of the state's outdoor heritage, and Campsite #823 on Lake Three is a prime example of its accessible beauty. Though officially listed under the broad geographical area of Tofte Township, this popular site is most commonly accessed from the Ely side of the wilderness, deep within the Superior National Forest and managed by the Kawishiwi Ranger District. Lake Three is part of the central chain of interconnected lakes that provides an excellent environment for both seasoned paddlers and those newer to the BWCA experience.

Campsite #823 is highly regarded by the local paddling community. It is a designated, first-come, first-served site, meaning it adheres to the strict 'Leave No Trace' principles essential for preserving the million-acre wilderness. The site is situated far enough from the heavily traveled entry points to offer genuine solitude, yet close enough to be an ideal destination for a comfortable multi-day trip. Visitors planning an overnight stay between May 1st and September 30th must secure an overnight quota permit, which controls the flow of visitors and ensures a high-quality, uncrowded experience.

Lake Three itself is a beautiful, expansive body of water within the wilderness, offering excellent fishing opportunities and scenic vistas marked by dense pine and spruce forests. Campsite #823 stands out for its specific features, which cater exceptionally well to groups looking for a comfortable and memorable basecamp from which to explore the heart of the BWCAW. It offers the quintessential Minnesota wilderness experience—the quiet lapping of water, the call of the loon, and the deep, restorative peace of the Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #823's remote location is defined by the wilderness travel required to reach it. While administratively linked to the Tofte Ranger District's oversight for the greater Superior National Forest, the practical access is via the highly popular and convenient entry points near Ely, MN, specifically Entry Point #30 (Lake One).

The address provided (Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA) serves as a broad geographical marker for the region but does not signify drive-up accessibility. To reach this particular site, visitors generally follow this route:

• Entry Point #30 (Lake One): This entry point, located off the Fernberg Road near Ely, is the gateway. A short paddle on Lake One, followed by two relatively short, easy portages, leads directly into Lake Two and subsequently to Lake Three.
• Distance from Access: Campsite #823 is located on Lake Three, a few hours of paddling and portaging past the Lake One access point. This distance is easily covered in a single morning or afternoon, making it highly achievable for families or groups with diverse experience levels.
• Navigation: The campsite is marked on official BWCA maps. Its placement within the lake chain is strategic, offering excellent opportunities for day trips further into the wilderness without having to break down the main camp.

The straightforward portages and clear route from the Lake One entry make this area one of the more accessible deep-wilderness experiences, perfect for Minnesotans looking for a less arduous entry into the Boundary Waters.

In keeping with the BWCAW's designation as a federally protected wilderness area, Campsite #823 provides only the necessary, low-impact infrastructure required to manage human use and protect the environment. Visitors are entirely responsible for their own supplies, safety, and waste management (pack in, pack out).

The functional, mandatory services found at this designated site include:

• Fire Grate: A sturdy, metal fire ring and grate designed for safe cooking and campfires. All fires must be kept within the grate, and only dead and downed wood may be used for fuel.
• Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary, open-air pit toilet, or 'throne,' strategically located away from the main camp and water sources to maintain sanitation standards.
• Established Tent Pads: Clearly defined, relatively level areas where tents must be pitched. This minimizes the crushing of vegetation and prevents soil erosion across the site.
• Designated Canoe Landing: A specific, well-used section of the shoreline where paddlers can safely pull up and launch canoes. The shoreline here is reportedly very user-friendly, with good access for gear handling.
• Water Access: Direct access to Lake Three, which is the source of all water. All lake water must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, in adherence to strict wilderness health guidelines.

Campsite #823 is frequently praised in trip reports and local reviews for its outstanding natural features and suitability for groups, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination on the Lake One/Three chain.

Key highlights and features of BWCA Campsite #823 include:

• Excellent Sandy Swimming Area: A unique and highly-rated feature. The campsite is known to have a shallow, sandy or gravelly entry into the water near the landing, offering a superb and safe area for swimming—a rare luxury in the BWCA’s typically rocky shores.
• Spacious and Multi-Purpose Site: The area is reported to be several acres in size, covered in tall pines, with abundant space for multiple tents (accommodating the BWCA maximum of nine people) and separate areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing.
• Abundant Shade and Hammock Opportunities: The mature pine and spruce trees provide excellent cover from the sun and offer numerous sturdy points for hanging food packs and hammocks, enhancing camp comfort.
• Fantastic Fishing from Shore: The camp’s rock outcroppings and proximity to drop-offs on Lake Three provide great access for anglers to fish for smallmouth bass and northern pike without needing to paddle out.
• Central Location for Day Trips: Situated perfectly on Lake Three, the campsite is an ideal 'hub' for exploring other nearby lakes like Lake Two or even venturing deeper toward Hudson Lake, making it perfect for basecamping trips.

As Campsite #823 is an unstaffed wilderness location, all administrative and regulatory inquiries, including permit processing for the region, are handled by the U.S. Forest Service. While the site is closer to the Ely area, it falls under the administrative zone overseen by the Tofte Ranger District.

Address (Campsite Proximity): Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (Remote, wilderness location.)

Tofte Ranger District Office (Official Permit Issuer and Contact)

Address: 7355 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Phone: (218) 663-7280 (Primary contact line for the managing Ranger District of the Superior National Forest)

Permit Reservations: An Overnight Quota Permit is essential for trips between May 1 and September 30. Reservations must be secured in advance through the federal Recreation.gov website, specifically for the chosen Entry Point (e.g., EP #30 - Lake One).

BWCA Campsite #823 on Lake Three offers Minnesotans an outstanding combination of deep-wilderness access and relative ease of entry, making it exceptionally suitable for local users. For families, youth groups, or friends seeking an authentic but manageable Boundary Waters experience, this campsite provides a superb introduction to the region’s legendary canoe routes.

Its highly-praised features—the sandy swimming area, the spacious layout, and the central location—contribute to a comfortable basecamp that minimizes the logistics and maximizes the enjoyment of fishing, swimming, and relaxing. Its accessibility from the Ely-area entry points means less time spent portaging and more time enjoying the environment, a perfect trade-off for locals seeking a true escape without an exhaustive expedition. Campsite #823 embodies the best of Minnesota's natural landscape: a preserved, high-quality wilderness experience that is within reach for dedicated local adventurers.

BWCA Campsite #823

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA