BWCA Campsite #837

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

As proud Minnesotans, we often talk about the 'Up North' experience, but there is one destination that stands above the rest in offering a true, unspoiled wilderness adventure: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). For those ready to trade city sounds for the whisper of the pines and the lapping of water against a canoe hull, a designated spot like BWCA Campsite #837 on beautiful Beth Lake provides the perfect base for an unforgettable local escape.

This is not a traditional recreational vehicle park or a drive-up campground. Campsite #837 represents a portal to an authentic, protected wilderness experience governed by the US Forest Service’s strict 'Leave No Trace' principles. It’s a chance to disconnect completely and immerse yourself in the natural majesty that defines our state's northern reaches. This article will guide you through what makes this specific campsite, and the surrounding BWCAW area, a must-visit destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.

BWCA Campsite #837 is one of over 2,000 designated campsites meticulously maintained within the over one million acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a gem located within the vast Superior National Forest. This area is renowned worldwide as a premier canoe-camping destination, offering over 1,200 miles of interconnected water routes, ancient portage trails, and the deepest kind of solitude. Campsite #837 specifically offers a classic BWCA experience: a secluded spot on a scenic lake, accessible only by paddle and portage, where the amenities are basic, but the views are priceless.

The unique number, #837, ensures you are using a legally designated site, which helps preserve the wilderness for all. It’s a place to pitch your tent, cook over a real wood fire (subject to fire restrictions, of course), and feel a profound connection to the boreal landscape that defines our identity here in Minnesota. The overall atmosphere is one of expansive solitude, challenge, and an intimate connection with nature, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of the Voyageurs.

BWCA Campsite #837 is situated on a prominent point extending from the northern shore of Beth Lake, a clear, beautiful body of water in the eastern section of the BWCAW. While the official address is listed under the broader region of Schroeder Township, MN 55604, it is vital for any prospective visitor to understand that this site is deep within the wilderness boundary. It is not accessible by car.

Access to Beth Lake, and subsequently to Campsite #837, typically requires entering the BWCAW through a designated Entry Point (EP). A common route to Beth Lake involves Entry Point 38 (EP38) or similar adjacent entry points, which are usually accessed after driving a considerable distance north on the state's iconic routes like the North Shore Scenic Drive or the Gunflint Trail network. From the entry point, a combination of paddling and portaging (carrying your canoe and gear overland between lakes) is necessary. For example, some trip reports suggest an easy 2.5-hour paddle/portage to reach the site from a nearby entry, but total travel time depends entirely on your chosen route and starting EP.

The location on a point offers excellent exposure, often benefiting from breezes that help keep biting insects at bay during the summer months. It also provides panoramic views across the lake, making the effort of the journey well worth the reward. It is crucial for local users to secure the necessary Quota Permit (for trips between May 1 and September 30) or a Self-Issued Permit (rest of the year) for the chosen entry point before making the trip.

As a designated BWCA campsite, #837 adheres to strict wilderness guidelines, meaning modern conveniences are non-existent. The services provided are those necessary to maintain a minimal human impact on the environment:

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires (check for current fire restrictions before your trip).
• Wilderness Latrine: An essential component of every BWCA site, these are simple, open-air toilet facilities located a short walk from the main camping area to ensure sanitation.
• Tent Pads/Areas: Clear, flat spots, sometimes sloping, designed to accommodate multiple tents (site #837 has been reported to comfortably fit 4 to 6 tent pads) to minimize soil erosion.
• Canoe/Watercraft Landing: A natural shore area suitable for landing canoes and kayaks.
• Food Hanging Trees: Natural features, like sturdy trees, are often utilized for hanging food packs to protect against bears and other wildlife.

Note: There is no potable (drinking) water. All water must be sourced from the lake and must be boiled, filtered, or chemically treated to be safe for consumption. There is no Wi-Fi, cell service, trash disposal (you must pack out *all* trash), or electricity.

Campsite #837 has received positive reviews from previous visitors, highlighting several appealing features that make it a desirable stop on a multi-day paddle route:

• Panoramic Lake Views: Situated on a large point, the site offers expansive, beautiful views across Beth Lake, including spectacular vistas of the surrounding hills and often incredible sunsets.
• Spacious Layout: Visitors report it is a large, sometimes sloping, campsite with multiple spaced-out flat areas for tents, offering a comfortable layout for groups up to the maximum nine-person limit.
• Excellent Swimming: The shoreline is noted for its clear, weed-free water, making it perfect for a refreshing swim after a long day of paddling and portaging.
• Fishing Opportunities: Beth Lake and nearby connected waterways are part of Minnesota's prime fishing habitat, providing excellent chances to catch species like Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass (a valid Minnesota DNR fishing license is required).
• Proximity to Portages: The site is conveniently located near the long, narrow channel that leads to the portage for Ella Lake, making it an excellent base camp or overnight stop for those navigating deeper into the region's network of waterways.
• Natural Seclusion: Being a remote BWCA site, it ensures a high degree of solitude, minimizing encounters with other groups for an optimal wilderness immersion experience.

Since BWCA Campsite #837 is a non-commercial, public wilderness site, there is no direct contact phone number or address for the campsite itself. All management, permits, and regulatory inquiries are handled by the U.S. Forest Service, Superior National Forest.

Address: Superior National Forest Headquarters (Closest main administrative office) 8901 Grand Ave Place Duluth, MN 55808 USA

Phone: (218) 626-4300 (General Superior National Forest Information)

Note: Reservations for Quota Permits (required for overnight trips from May 1 - Sept 30) must be made through Recreation.gov, not the Forest Service phone number. Walk-in permits can be obtained at designated Issue Stations like local outfitting partners or Forest Service offices, which are the only way to officially reserve or secure your entry to the wilderness area containing Campsite #837.

For Minnesota locals, BWCA Campsite #837 on Beth Lake is more than just a place to sleep—it’s an accessible opportunity to reclaim our heritage and experience the very best of our state’s unspoiled nature. This designated site offers a blend of remote beauty and reliable function, providing the ideal launchpad for an authentic wilderness trip.

Unlike crowded state parks or commercial campgrounds, a trip to #837 requires planning, resilience, and a respect for nature that truly embodies the spirit of the North Star State's outdoor culture. It is an opportunity to teach kids about "Leave No Trace," test your navigation skills, and be rewarded with a nightly display of the Northern Lights unparalleled anywhere else. The seclusion, the excellent fishing, and the spectacular views from the peninsula site make the long paddle and portage well worth the effort. It is the perfect place to fully unplug from the digital world and tune into the rhythms of the BWCA, making it an essential experience for every Minnesotan who loves the outdoors.

BWCA Campsite #837

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA