BWCA Campsite #828

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Minnesota residents, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has represented the pinnacle of local, pristine wilderness adventure. Within this vast, protected expanse of over one million acres, BWCA Campsite #828 stands as a highly sought-after destination for those committed to a true paddle-and-portage experience. Located deep within the Superior National Forest, this specific campsite is part of the state's most cherished and heavily protected natural areas, offering an unparalleled escape from modern life.

Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, Campsite #828 is a designated, dispersed site accessible only by canoe and portage, reinforcing the BWCAW's commitment to preserving a primitive environment. It provides a foundational base for groups up to nine people and four watercraft, following the strict regulations set forth by the U.S. Forest Service to maintain the area’s solitude and natural integrity. Visitors, often seasoned Minnesota explorers, seek out sites like #828 for the quiet solitude, the dramatic rugged scenery of the Canadian Shield, and the total immersion in the North Woods environment.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #828 is formally situated in Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA. However, the true location is an isolated point or island on one of the interconnected lakes within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, making its accessibility a key part of the adventure. The specific lake and entry point will determine the difficulty and length of the journey.

Reaching the general area typically involves driving to an official BWCAW entry point, often near communities like Ely, Grand Marais, or Tofte. From the entry point, all travel is non-motorized, requiring a combination of paddling across lakes and portaging (carrying canoes and gear) over trails between bodies of water. This is an inherently remote location; there is no car access, paved paths, or direct road sign to the site itself. Accessibility is entirely dependent on the physical ability and preparedness of the paddling group, making the successful arrival a rewarding achievement for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Due to its location within a designated wilderness area, all visitors must obtain an entry permit in advance through Recreation.gov for overnight stays between May 1st and September 30th. This permit is valid for a specific entry point and entry date only, ensuring that the number of people entering the wilderness remains strictly controlled to protect the resource and the quality of the visitor experience.

Services Offered

In keeping with the ethos of a protected wilderness, BWCA Campsite #828 offers minimal, yet essential, structures to facilitate low-impact camping. The provided facilities are standard across all designated BWCAW campsites:

• Designated Tent Pads: Specific, cleared areas for setting up tents to minimize impact on surrounding vegetation.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, elevated steel grate designed for containing campfires and reducing fire scars on the landscape. Fires are only permitted within this grate.

• Wilderness Latrine: A simple, open-air pit toilet, typically situated a short walk from the main camp area to promote sanitation and limit the spread of waste.

• Canoe Landing Area: A location—often a smooth, gently sloped rock face or small gravel area—chosen for ease of landing and launching canoes and watercraft.

It is crucial for visitors to note what is not provided. There is no running water (all drinking water must be filtered or boiled from the lake), no electricity, no trash disposal (all waste must be packed out), and no Wi-Fi or cellular service. The self-sufficiency required is central to the BWCAW experience.

Features / Highlights

While the exact features can vary slightly based on the lake and specific topography, BWCA Campsite #828 is frequently praised by past visitors for several notable characteristics:

• Stunning Vistas: Depending on the specific configuration, the site often features elevated or open areas providing panoramic views of the surrounding lake and forest, making it ideal for photography.

• Excellent Water Access: Reports often mention a favorable canoe landing, such as an easy rock take-out or a small, sandy beach area that is perfect for swimming, water collection, and sunbathing.

• Potential for Hammocks: The presence of mature pine, spruce, or cedar trees provides ample, sturdy locations for hanging hammocks, a beloved comfort for paddlers after a long day of travel.

• Sunset Views: Campsites situated on a point or with a western orientation are highly valued for offering spectacular, uninterrupted views of the sunset over the wilderness lake.

• Quality Tent Pads: The site is often noted for having several flat, well-maintained tent pads, which can comfortably accommodate a medium to large group, ensuring a good night’s rest.

• Fishing Opportunities: Situated in a remote, thriving ecosystem, the location is generally excellent for shore fishing or launching a canoe to target species like Northern Pike, Walleye, or Lake Trout.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness campsite, Campsite #828 does not have its own staffed contact office. All permits, planning, and current conditions are managed by the U.S. Forest Service's Superior National Forest. The official address associated with the general area is a jurisdictional one, not a physical location for visitors to check in.

Address (Jurisdictional):

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA (Indicates the general region, not the exact location.)

Primary Contact Point for BWCAW Information (Gunflint Ranger District):

P 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604

P (218) 387-1750 (Contact the District Ranger Station for permit questions, current fire bans, and wilderness conditions.)

Note: All reservations and the non-refundable $6.00 reservation fee, plus the applicable user fees, must be secured online through the official Recreation.gov website for the BWCAW.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #828, and the entire Boundary Waters experience, is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals—it represents the state’s deepest connection to its natural heritage. For Minnesotans, the BWCAW is not just a destination; it's a rite of passage. This particular campsite offers a deeply authentic North Woods challenge and reward.

The necessary multi-day canoe and portage trip provides a powerful reset, stripping away the noise of urban life and replacing it with the sound of wind in the pines, the call of the loon, and the crackle of a campfire. It's a place to hone traditional outdoor skills—navigation, wilderness cooking, and low-impact camping—skills often passed down through Minnesota families.

This campsite’s remote nature means that the likelihood of encountering other groups is low, providing the profound solitude that locals treasure. It offers a tangible connection to the state's vast, untamed landscape, accessible just a day's drive and a few challenging portages from the metro areas. For the resident seeking to truly disconnect, immerse in nature, and create indelible memories against a backdrop of ancient forests and glacial lakes, securing a permit for BWCA Campsite #828 is securing a piece of the Minnesota wilderness soul.

BWCA Campsite #828

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA