BWCA Campsite #831

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

For generations of Minnesota residents, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has served as the gold standard for an authentic wilderness experience. It is a vast, protected mosaic of over a million acres of lakes, rivers, and forests, entirely preserved for non-motorized, self-reliant travel. BWCA Campsite #831 is one of the thousands of designated stopping points that allow intrepid travelers to immerse themselves fully in this unique ecosystem.

Unlike conventional campgrounds, Campsite #831 is a primitive, low-impact site. Its location is a deliberate distance from roads and entry points, ensuring profound solitude and adherence to the "Leave No Trace" principles that govern the entire BWCAW. This site is specifically designed for multi-day canoeing, kayaking, or hiking trips, providing a foundational space for setting up camp while minimizing the ecological footprint on the rugged Northwoods landscape. The experience here is about embracing the challenge of the wilderness, relying on your own skills, and disconnecting from the digital world.

Situated in the general area managed by the Tofte Ranger District, Campsite #831 is part of a series of sites that cater to local adventurers looking for the deep, restorative quiet only the Boundary Waters can offer. This article provides a factual overview to help Minnesotans prepare for a visit to this truly wild and essential piece of state heritage.

BWCA Campsite #831 is a designated, single-group camping area maintained by the U.S. Forest Service within the Superior National Forest. The site number, #831, is used by the Forest Service for inventory, mapping, and regulation enforcement, particularly concerning the mandatory permit system required for overnight stays between May 1st and September 30th.

These designated campsites are crucial to preserving the wilderness character of the BWCAW. By concentrating use in specific, established areas, the Forest Service prevents random camping which would otherwise lead to widespread environmental damage. The site typically consists of a cleared area for a kitchen and fire, one or more flattened tent pads, and a nearby wilderness latrine. The environment surrounding the site is the classic glaciated terrain of northeastern Minnesota—a beautiful but demanding mix of granite rock formations, ancient pines, and clear, cool lake water. The exact lake on which Campsite #831 resides is not publicly advertised to encourage resource protection, but its location near the Schroeder Township suggests it is accessible via one of the popular entry points off the Sawbill Trail or the Gunflint Trail systems in the Tofte Ranger District's oversight area. Successful enjoyment of this site requires thorough preparation, accurate navigation skills, and a commitment to preserving the pristine condition of the area for future visitors.

The address of Schroeder Township, MN 55604, is merely a geographical reference for the area containing the trailheads and water entry points that lead to Campsite #831. The site is located deep inside the Boundary Waters and is not reachable by car. Access is exclusively by canoe or kayak via a series of interconnected lakes and streams, separated by portages (overland trails where gear and canoes must be carried).

The vast distance from any road ensures the site’s secluded nature. Travelers must secure an overnight permit, typically reserved months in advance through the U.S. Forest Service, for a specific entry point in the Tofte or surrounding districts. From the entry point, the journey to Campsite #831 could take a few hours or an entire day, depending on the number and length of the portages, and environmental factors like wind and weather. Due to the lack of signage inside the wilderness, visitors must navigate using only a compass and map, reinforcing the true wilderness nature of the trip. This dedication to low-impact accessibility is what maintains the unique quiet and preserved state of the BWCA, making the moment of arrival at Campsite #831 a truly earned reward.

In the context of the BWCAW, services are minimal and focused on conservation rather than comfort. Campsite #831 provides the essential, U.S. Forest Service mandated features to centralize impact and follow strict Leave No Trace guidelines.

• Permanent Fire Grate: A fixed metal fire ring is provided to contain campfires and protect the surrounding forest floor. Fires must only utilize dead and downed wood found nearby, and should be small enough to stay within the confines of the grate.
• Designated Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (often a wooden box seat, known locally as a "thunderbox") is placed a respectful distance from the camp kitchen and shoreline to manage human waste hygienically and protect water quality.
• Established Tent Pads: The site features one or more cleared and relatively flat areas for pitching tents. This prevents vegetation from being damaged by repeated tent placement and protects the ground from erosion.
• Undeveloped Canoe Landing: The shoreline area is preserved in its natural state, providing a landing spot for watercraft that minimizes shoreline alteration. There are no docks or artificial improvements.

Crucially, visitors must understand that there is no running water, electricity, potable water source, or trash disposal at this site. All water must be filtered or boiled, and all refuse must be packed out to the nearest ranger station.

The highlights of Campsite #831 are the natural, pristine features of the Minnesota wilderness. These intangible amenities are the reasons many Minnesotans feel so deeply connected to this location.

• Deep Wilderness Solitude: The site’s remote location guarantees a deep sense of quiet and seclusion, a complete respite from the noise and distraction of urban life.
• Stellar Stargazing: Located far from light pollution, the night sky over Campsite #831 is incredibly dark, offering unparalleled views of constellations, meteors, and a high probability of viewing the Aurora Borealis in season.
• Pristine Water and Swimming: The lakes in this region are known for their exceptional clarity, offering excellent opportunities for cooling off during summer days or simply enjoying the reflected beauty of the surrounding forest.
• Superior Fishing Opportunities: The remote nature of a site like #831 often translates to excellent angling for native species like Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Walleye, providing a fresh meal cooked over the open fire grate.
• Iconic Minnesota Wildlife Encounters: Visitors should be prepared to observe the region’s incredible biodiversity, including loons, bald eagles, osprey, beavers, and potentially larger mammals such as moose or black bear (requiring proper bear-proof food storage).

All information and reservations for BWCA Campsite #831 are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and associated governmental reservation systems. The physical address provided is for the general township and not the site itself.

Permit Reservations (Required for Overnight Trips): Website:

Recreation.gov (Mandatory for all reservation system permits)

1-877-444-6777 (Toll Free, for USFS Permit Reservations)

Superior National Forest — Tofte Ranger District (Area Management): Address:

7355 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

218-663-8060 (For local conditions, fire restrictions, and trip planning assistance)

The decision to embark on a BWCA trip to Campsite #831 is a natural one for local Minnesotans. The BWCAW is the spiritual home of the state’s outdoor culture, and accessing a remote site like this represents the ultimate connection to the land. Minnesotans are typically familiar with the ethos of wilderness travel, understanding the necessity of conservation, bear safety, and paddling/portaging techniques.

Campsite #831 offers the unique opportunity to test one's resilience and navigational skills in a genuinely preserved environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for Minnesota’s conservation efforts. The isolation is its core value—it’s a place where modern pressures dissolve and the rhythms of the natural world take over. For local users, this experience is less of a vacation and more of a pilgrimage, reinforcing the commitment to protect this irreplaceable wilderness for generations to come and providing a profound, restorative sense of place in the North Star State.

BWCA Campsite #831

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA