BWCA Campsite #838

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

There is a profound difference between camping and embarking on a true wilderness expedition, and for Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) defines the latter. Nestled deep within this million-acre sanctuary lies BWCA Campsite #838 on Beth Lake—a highly strategic location for those committed to exploring the challenging yet rewarding canoe routes of the Northwoods. This isn't a weekend at a state park; it is an immersion into the primitive, rugged beauty of the Superior National Forest.

Campsite #838 is unique not for luxury, but for its unparalleled convenience as a jumping-off point. It sits right on the edge of the highly trafficked (and challenging) portage to Grace Lake, making it an unofficial staging area for serious paddlers who want to set up camp, re-energize, and tackle the next big leg of their journey the following morning. For locals, this site represents the spirit of preparation and deep-woods travel that defines the BWCA experience. Our guide is designed to provide fellow Minnesota adventurers with all the factual details needed to successfully plan a stay at this key location.

BWCA Campsite #838 is one of the more than 2,000 designated, no-reservations-required (upon arrival) camping locations within the vast, protected Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a landscape carved by glaciers and preserved for solitude. The site resides on the shores of Beth Lake, a beautiful, smaller body of water that is part of the interconnected 'Lady Chain' of lakes (including Ella, Grace, and Phoebe).

Its identity is intrinsically linked to the major route it serves. As the last available campsite before the significant 285-rod portage to Grace Lake, Campsite #838 acts as a crucial waypoint. Groups moving westward through the wilderness often use it as a much-needed stop before undertaking the lengthy portage, and it's an equally welcome sight for those successfully completing the carry and looking for a place to rest. The BWCA is managed by the US Forest Service under strict wilderness guidelines, meaning the experience is primitive—offering a fire grate and a latrine, but nothing more—a level of simplicity that draws those who truly seek to escape the modern world and test their self-sufficiency.

The official geographic locator for this wilderness site is listed as Schroeder Township, MN 55604, but this address only places it generally in the vast area of the Superior National Forest. Access is purely by non-motorized travel—canoe or kayak—following entry through a registered BWCA entry point. The most common route to Beth Lake involves starting at the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (EP38), near Tofte, Minnesota, and paddling and portaging across several bodies of water to reach the lake.

Campsite #838 is positioned on the western side of Beth Lake, specifically located right next to the start of the lengthy 285-rod portage trail leading into Grace Lake. This positioning is its most defining characteristic. Travelers should be prepared for the effort required to reach it; a typical trip involves multiple portages and a full day of paddling to arrive at Beth Lake from the entry point. The location on Beth Lake is particularly interesting as the lake itself straddles the Laurentian Divide—a geographical feature where water flows either north towards Hudson Bay or south towards the Great Lakes. The waters of Beth Lake flow north, adding a fascinating dimension to your travels.

As a designated campsite within a federally protected wilderness area, Campsite #838 provides only the most basic, high-impact-concentration amenities required by the US Forest Service. These primitive facilities help ensure the wilderness remains pristine and untrammeled.

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire ring is provided by the Forest Service for cooking and safe campfires. All fires must be kept within this grate, and visitors are required to use only dead and downed wood found on the ground.
• Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (often referred to as a ‘biffy’ or ‘thunderbox’) is situated discreetly away from the main camp and water’s edge. This must be used for human waste to minimize environmental impact.
• Established Tent Pads: The site features designated areas cleared for tents. While the specific number and quality can vary based on the season and year, these spots help prevent vegetation damage from repeated use. Adventurers should always prepare for natural ground conditions (roots, rocks).
• Canoe Landing: A natural, undeveloped shoreline or rock slab provides an area to land and secure watercraft. The suitability of the landing often depends on current water levels.

Note: Crucially, there is no running water, electricity, trash disposal, or cellular service. All water must be filtered or boiled from the lake, and all trash must be packed out to maintain the wilderness's integrity. Groups are limited to nine people and four watercraft.

While the facilities are spartan, the natural features and the site's unique positioning offer significant advantages and attractions for the dedicated canoe camper:

• The Ultimate Staging Area: Its proximity right next to the 285-rod portage to Grace Lake is the main highlight. For groups planning to single- or double-portage this long stretch, camping here saves valuable travel time and ensures an early start the next day.
• Direct Route Access: The site is perfectly situated for exploring the 'Lady Chain' of lakes. It provides easy day-trip access to Grace Lake for fishing or deeper exploration, or a quick exit point for travelers coming from the west.
• Fishing Opportunities: Beth Lake is known to hold good populations of Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. While the lake's primary fish may run smaller, the abundant action is fun for all skill levels. Nearby Grace Lake is reportedly a better bet for Walleye.
• Unspoiled Nature: Like all BWCA campsites, #838 offers spectacular views of the rugged shoreline, chances to see Minnesota wildlife (moose, loons, various birds), and pristine star-gazing away from light pollution.
• Primitive Rock Outcroppings: The shoreline will often feature ancient granite and basalt rock formations—perfect for sunbathing, photography, or enjoying the quiet of the boreal forest.

Since BWCA Campsite #838 is a non-commercial, wilderness destination, direct contact is not applicable. All administrative, regulatory, and permitting functions are handled by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Superior National Forest.

Permit Reservations (Required May 1 – September 30): Website:

Recreation.gov (Search: "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness")

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

Superior National Forest Headquarters: Address:

8901 Grand Ave Place, Duluth, MN 55808, USA

218-626-4300 (General Information)

For all overnight trips during the quota season (May 1 to September 30), a Quota Permit is mandatory and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. It is highly advisable for Minnesotans to secure their permit reservations as soon as the quota season opens, as popular entry points like Sawbill fill up quickly.

BWCA Campsite #838 on Beth Lake offers a classic Minnesota wilderness experience, making it highly suitable for locals who value efficiency, challenge, and connection to the state's natural heritage. This campsite is for the prepared traveler who understands that comfort is earned through effort. Its location right on the Grace Lake portage is a testament to purposeful travel—it’s the place you camp when the next day’s mission is clear: to get an early start and conquer a major portage.

This experience goes far beyond simple recreation. For Minnesotans, spending a night at a site like #838 means connecting with the landscape on the same terms as the explorers and voyageurs who came before. It embodies the 'do-it-yourself' ethic of the North Star State—you are your own cook, guide, porter, and navigator. The quiet of the boreal forest, the purity of the lake water, and the knowledge that you are at a key juncture of a historic canoe route combine to create a deeply memorable and distinctly Minnesotan adventure. It is a necessary stop for anyone looking to fully unlock the beauty and challenge of the central BWCAW lakes.

BWCA Campsite #838

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA