BWCA Campsite #845 on Alton Lake: Your Lakeside Basecamp in the Wilderness

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is more than just a place; it's a rite of passage. Tucked away on the western shore of Alton Lake, BWCA Campsite #845 offers a quintessential wilderness experience that is both accessible for new paddlers and beloved by seasoned veterans. Designated by the U.S. Forest Service, this particular site is known for its stunning lakeside views and its convenience as a basecamp near one of the BWCAW's most popular entry points.

Campsite #845 is part of the vast, protected million-acre wilderness, meaning it adheres to the strictest principles of primitive camping—no motors, no electricity, and a philosophy of packing out everything you pack in. What it offers instead is the priceless reward of solitude: the lapping sound of waves on the shore, the scent of pine and cedar, and panoramic views across one of the region’s beautiful, large lakes. Its popularity stems from its comfortable, welcoming layout and its prime location, serving as an ideal spot for an initial overnight stay or an extended base for day-tripping deeper into the canoe country.

The site is a favored choice for groups, including those on outdoor education trips, who appreciate its multiple tent pads and proximity to neighboring sites (like Campsite #846), which is helpful when larger parties must split to comply with the BWCAW's maximum group size regulations (a maximum of nine people and four watercraft per permit).

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #845 is situated on a point on the western shoreline of Alton Lake, a sizeable body of water within the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. The general geographic area falls under Schroeder Township, MN, though visitors access the wilderness via a regulated entry point.

The most common access route is through the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38). From the entry point, the trip involves paddling across Sawbill Lake and completing a short, manageable portage of approximately 30 rods into Alton Lake. This brief paddle and portage makes Alton Lake, and consequently Campsite #845, one of the most readily accessible destinations within the BWCAW, requiring minimal travel time to secure a secluded basecamp.

Once on Alton Lake, Campsite #845 is conveniently located straight west of the Sawbill Lake portage, situated on the northern side of a prominent point. This positioning on a point can often provide a desirable breeze, helping to mitigate summer insects and offer sweeping views of the water. For Minnesota locals accustomed to the state's geography, the route offers a perfect balance of immersion—it is remote and primitive—but without the multi-day paddling commitment required to reach the deeper BWCAW interior.

Services Offered

In keeping with the strict, preserved nature of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Campsite #845 is classified as a primitive campsite. The 'services' provided are functional and designed to meet the essential needs of campers while minimizing environmental impact.

Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, elevated metal fire grate is installed at the main gathering area. This is the only legal spot to build a fire, ensuring safety and protecting the fragile forest floor from excessive burn damage.

Pit Latrine: A standard, designated vault latrine (pit toilet) is provided, located a short, discreet distance from the main tenting and cooking areas to ensure proper sanitation and water quality protection.

Defined Tent Pads: The campsite is known to have several relatively flat, usable areas for pitching tents, making it suitable for multiple small tents within a single permitted group.

Canoe Landing Access: The site provides a natural, defined shoreline access for landing canoes, though as is typical in the BWCAW, the landing may involve a mix of rock, ledge, and natural earth.

It is vital to note that there are no modern services—no running water, no trash receptacles, no electricity. All drinking water must be filtered or treated from the lake, and all refuse must be packed out to maintain the pristine state of the area.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #845 is often highlighted by those who have visited for specific, highly desirable features that enhance the rugged camping trip.

The Hammock View: Multiple reviews praise the campsite for its ideal trees and location that allow hammocks to be strung up overlooking Alton Lake, offering a truly relaxing experience where one can drift off to the sound of the water.

Group Coordination Potential: Its close proximity to Campsite #846 allows two permitted groups, often traveling together, to camp within easy walking distance, which is a rare and valued feature for large family or educational outings that require splitting into two nine-person groups.

Lakeside Proximity: The main campsite area sits quite close to the water's edge, offering immediate, stunning lake views from the fire grate and sitting areas, highly desirable for enjoying sunrises and sunsets.

Potential Cell Signal: Uniquely, some visitors report that standing up on the high ledge rock near the shoreline can provide a brief connection to a cellular signal, a rare and occasionally useful link to the outside world for brief check-ins.

Great Fishing Lake: Alton Lake is celebrated for its excellent fishing, including Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass, giving locals a fantastic opportunity to catch their dinner right from their basecamp.

Easy Initial Access: The very short portage and paddle from the Sawbill Entry Point makes this site ideal for groups with younger children, less experienced paddlers, or those simply looking to minimize travel time before setting up camp.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #845 is a wilderness location without a direct, physical contact presence. All logistical, permit, and emergency needs are routed through the managing Forest Service office. Visitors must secure their permits in advance via the federal reservation system.

Address: Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA (General geographic area; physical mail is not delivered here)

Phone: For all non-emergency inquiries regarding the Tofte Ranger District, wilderness rules, or trip conditions, please contact the Superior National Forest, Tofte Ranger District. Always carry a satellite communication device for life-threatening emergencies in the remote BWCAW.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #845 is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals as it offers an authentic, yet relatively easy-to-reach, entry point into the incomparable Boundary Waters experience. For many residents, the ability to escape city life and truly disconnect is the primary goal, and this site delivers it immediately upon reaching Alton Lake. Its combination of a simple approach (just two short portages from the entry point) and its capacity to host groups efficiently makes it an excellent choice for a 'first trip' into the BWCAW or for established local groups looking for a reliable, comfortable base.

The site's prime lakeside location, with the relaxing sound of the water and the opportunity for excellent fishing, resonates deeply with the state's culture of outdoor recreation. It is a place that allows Minnesotans to proudly engage with their natural heritage, offering a high-quality wilderness experience without the multi-day paddle commitment required for deeper interior lakes. Campsite #845 is, simply put, a highly-rated piece of the Northwoods, ready to serve as the backdrop for cherished memories.