BWCA Campsite #839

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

For generations of Minnesotans, the call of the Northwoods has been irresistible, and nowhere is that call clearer than in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This federally protected area offers a truly unmatched opportunity for pure, primitive camping. Today, we're focusing on one specific corner of that vast, magnificent expanse: BWCA Campsite #839 on the pristine waters of Beth Lake.

Unlike conventional, accessible campgrounds with picnic tables and power hookups, Campsite #839 is a designated wilderness spot, meaning your experience here is as rugged and rewarding as our state's history. It’s a place to leave the crowds and noise behind, trading them for the quiet solitude that can only be found deep within the Superior National Forest. This article provides a comprehensive, factual guide for fellow Minnesotans looking to venture into this secluded wilderness haven, highlighting its unique location, primitive services, and the exceptional features that make the effort worthwhile.

BWCA Campsite #839 is one of several thousand designated, numbered campsites across the million-plus acres of the BWCAW, recognized globally as a world-class wilderness canoeing destination. Located on Beth Lake, a beautiful, clear lake often traveled by groups entering through the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (EP38), Campsite #839 is distinct for its eastern-facing location and its reputation for being one of the quieter, least-used sites on the lake.

Camping here means embracing the core values of the BWCAW: challenge, risk, solitude, and conservation under the 'Leave No Trace' ethic. The site is maintained by the US Forest Service to provide minimal impact facilities—a simple fire grate and a latrine—while leaving the raw, natural beauty untouched. It offers a true respite from modern life and a chance to fully immerse oneself in the stunning boreal forest ecosystem that defines the Minnesota-Canadian Shield. It’s the perfect staging point for a multi-day journey into the heart of the wilderness or a quiet retreat on a smaller, navigable lake.

While the technical address for the area falls under Schroeder Township, MN 55604, accessibility to BWCA Campsite #839 is exclusively by canoe and portage. This location is situated deep within the wilderness boundary, far removed from any roads. Campsite #839 is located on the southern end of Beth Lake, positioned just south of the challenging 285-rod portage connecting Beth Lake to Grace Lake.

To reach this spot, most Minnesotans will start their journey from the nearest major access point, often the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (EP38) near Tofte, Minnesota, or a similar point along the scenic Gunflint Trail corridor. From the entry point, it requires paddling across multiple lakes and traversing a number of portages—the ancient paths where voyageurs once carried their goods. Being closer to the perimeter of the BWCAW relative to some other sites, Beth Lake is a rewarding first or second night stop for groups venturing deeper, or an ideal destination for those seeking a shorter, more manageable trip. Its location near the Grace Lake portage gives paddlers a chance to easily access two different watersheds—one flowing toward Lake Superior, the other toward Hudson Bay—a unique geographical feature of this region.

As a strictly designated wilderness campsite, BWCA Campsite #839 adheres to the regulations set forth by the Superior National Forest. Services are minimal and intended solely to concentrate human impact, preserving the surrounding environment:

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire ring is available for cooking and warmth, positioned close to the water at this particular site, which offers protection from the prevailing westerly winds. Always check current fire restrictions before lighting a flame.
• Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet (known affectionately as a 'biffy' or 'donniker') is located a short distance uphill from the main camp area. Visitors are required to use this facility exclusively and never for disposing of trash.
• Tent Pads/Areas: The site features two primary, small tent pads. Visitors should note that these areas have been described in reviews as somewhat rooty and rocky, demanding a careful setup of tents and gear to maintain comfort.
• Canoe Landing Area: A natural landing, described as a sloping rock area and sometimes brushy, provides a spot to haul your canoe out of the water. Parallel parking your canoe along the sloping rock is a common technique here.
• Group Capacity: Following BWCAW rules, the site accommodates a maximum of nine people and four watercraft traveling and camping together.

Critical Note: There is absolutely no potable drinking water, trash disposal, showers, electricity, or Wi-Fi. All water must be filtered or boiled from the lake, and all trash must be packed out.

Despite its primitive nature, Campsite #839 offers distinct advantages and features that make it a favorite for those seeking peace and quiet:

• True Seclusion: Frequently noted as the least-used site on Beth Lake, this campsite provides a higher degree of solitude, perfect for quiet observation of wildlife and pure relaxation.
• Eastern Exposure: The fire grate area, set right on the water’s edge, offers a beautiful eastern view across Beth Lake, providing a stunning spot for morning coffee as the sun rises.
• Ideal Kitchen Area: The main fire grate area, close to the water, offers excellent seating and a great view, making it a natural gathering and cooking center for the group.
• Fishing Access: Beth Lake is known for Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. Its proximity to the tough but rewarding portage to Grace Lake offers a day-trip option to fish for Walleye, a prized species in the region.
• Route Flexibility: Campsite #839 is strategically positioned for groups looking to travel the "Lady Chain" of lakes (Beth, Ella, Grace, Phoebe) or those traveling from the Sawbill area into the deeper wilderness routes.

As a non-commercial, wilderness location, there is no direct contact for BWCA Campsite #839. All necessary planning, permitting, and safety information is handled by the overseeing body, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Superior National Forest.

Permit Reservations: 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 local Minnesotans planning a trip, connecting with one of the numerous authorized outfitters near entry points (such as those along the Gunflint Trail or near Ely/Tofte) is highly recommended. They can often issue your Quota Permit (required for overnight trips May 1 - Sept 30) and provide critical, up-to-date information on conditions.

BWCA Campsite #839, and the Beth Lake area in general, is perfectly suited for Minnesota residents seeking an authentic, challenging, and profoundly rewarding outdoor experience. This isn't just camping; it's a rite of passage for those who call the North Star State home. The very fact that this campsite is less-used speaks to its value for locals: it guarantees a higher chance of the complete solitude we often crave.

The trip requires self-reliance—a skill deeply valued in our culture. From navigating the portages to filtering water and managing your waste, a stay at #839 builds competence and confidence. Moreover, it offers a tangible connection to the state's most iconic natural treasure. For fishing enthusiasts, the Smallmouth Bass action on Beth Lake, combined with the quick, albeit challenging, access to the Walleye fishery on Grace Lake, is a major draw. Ultimately, choosing a designated wilderness spot like Campsite #839 is choosing an unspoiled, pure adventure that only the Minnesota Northwoods can deliver.

BWCA Campsite #839

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA