BWCA Campsite #846 on Alton Lake: Premier Sand Beach Camping in Minnesota's Wilderness

Introduction / Overview

For local Minnesotans seeking the perfect blend of wilderness challenge and high-quality camp comfort, BWCA Campsite #846 on Alton Lake stands out as a true gem within the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This campsite is not merely a designated spot; it is consistently praised in trip reports and local forums as one of the finest available sites on Alton Lake and, indeed, within the wider Tofte Ranger District. It is renowned for a feature that is exceedingly rare and highly desirable in the rugged BWCA landscape: a large, easy-access sand beach landing.

Located in the boreal forest area managed by the Superior National Forest, near Schroeder Township, MN, Campsite #846 offers a superb basecamp experience. It is situated on a peninsula along the western shore of Alton Lake, providing expansive views, excellent breezes, and ample space that comfortably accommodates larger groups. Local paddlers consistently rank it highly for its aesthetics, functionality, and ability to minimize the effort associated with canoe landings and tent setup, making it an excellent choice for both experienced trippers and families introducing children to the Boundary Waters.

While the trip to Campsite #846 requires a mandatory permit and the physical effort of paddling and portaging, the reward is a 'five-star' camp setting that elevates the entire wilderness adventure. Its reputation for having a "perfect" or "best landing in the Boundary Waters" is a compelling draw for local residents planning their annual northern Minnesota escape.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #846 is located on the western shore of Alton Lake, a major body of water in the central-eastern section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The general administrative address for this vast area falls under Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA, but access is strictly via the wilderness entry system.

The primary and most common access route is through the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (Entry Point #38). From the entry point near the end of the Sawbill Trail, the journey involves paddling south across Sawbill Lake and completing a short portage into Alton Lake. Campsite #846 is positioned along the western side of the lake, about midway down the main north-south axis of Alton. This placement is advantageous because, while the site is relatively accessible from a high-traffic entry point, its location on a point or peninsula offers a degree of isolation from the main travel channel and provides commanding views, particularly to the south.

As a designated wilderness campsite, accessibility is limited to non-motorized means: canoe, kayak, and portage. Visitors must be prepared for the typical BWCA travel requirements, including carrying all gear and canoes over rugged, unimproved trails (portages) between lakes. The exceptional quality of the campsite's landing, however, makes the final approach and departure significantly easier than most rock or mud landings found elsewhere in the wilderness.

Services Offered

In line with the Leave No Trace ethic and federal wilderness regulations governing the BWCAW, Campsite #846 offers fundamental, low-impact facilities designed to preserve the primitive character of the area. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient regarding food, water treatment, and shelter.

Wilderness Latrine ('The Box'): A single, open-air, pit-style toilet facility is provided and located a short distance away from the main camp, water sources, and tent pads.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire grate is installed at the designated fire pit, which often sits close to the beachfront and offers a beautiful lake view for cooking and social fires.
Non-Potable Water Source: Clear water from Alton Lake is available for all needs, but must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. No treated drinking water is provided.
Designated Tent Pads: The site is known for having multiple, sizable, and relatively flat tent pads (reviews suggest 3 to 6 available areas), allowing large groups to pitch tents comfortably without damaging vegetation.
Food Storage Requirement: There are no bear-proof containers or facilities; food and scented items must be properly secured, typically by hanging them in a bear bag system 100 feet from the campsite and 10 feet off the ground, or by using an approved bear-resistant container.
Waste Management: Visitors must practice strict 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' principles, meaning all trash, including food scraps and wrappers, must be carried out of the wilderness.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #846 is consistently highly rated by local users due to its specific, advantageous features:

Exceptional Sand Beach Landing: This is the premier highlight. The "easy sandy beach landing" makes canoe loading, unloading, and overnight storage remarkably simple, minimizing strain and preventing damage to canoes. This feature is rare in the Boundary Waters.
Fantastic Swimming Area: The sandy bottom often extends out into the lake, creating an excellent, gradual entry swimming area, a major bonus for families and for cooling off on warm summer days.
Outstanding Lake Views: Located on a point, the site offers a "Great view of the lake," particularly across the southern half of Alton Lake, providing beautiful sunset and sunrise opportunities.
Comfortable Breeze and Bug Control: Due to the site's open, lakeside position on a point, it often benefits from a "breeze" that helps to keep flying insects and "bugs weren't bad at all" in check, enhancing the outdoor enjoyment.
Spacious and Versatile Layout: The site is described as "very nice" and "one of the best on the lake," featuring "Lots of big tent pads" and ample space for setting up a rainfly/tarp and a comfortable camp kitchen, even for larger parties.
Hammock Potential: With abundant trees surrounding the clearing, the site offers great opportunities for setting up hammocks overlooking the lake, a favorite amenity among wilderness campers.

Contact Information

Access to BWCA Campsite #846 requires a permit reserved through the federal system. The site itself is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Tofte Ranger District.

Address (General Ranger District Contact):

Tofte Ranger District Office (Administers the Alton Lake Area)

P.O. Box 2159

Tofte, MN 55615

Phone (Tofte Ranger District Office):

218-663-8060

Permits: Overnight permits (mandatory May 1 - September 30) for this route are reserved via Recreation.gov under Entry Point #38 (Sawbill Lake), as required by the USFS.

Local Outfitter/Resource:

Sawbill Canoe Outfitters (Closest and primary resource for this entry point)

7611 Sawbill Trail, Tofte, MN 55615 (for GPS reference to the Entry Point)

218-663-7150

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, who value the tradition of the northern canoe trip, Campsite #846 is particularly suitable. It delivers on the promise of an authentic, pristine BWCA experience without sacrificing comfort for a basecamp. The unique and highly praised sandy beach landing makes it a perfect entry point for those with young children, new wilderness travelers, or simply any local looking for an easier transition from canoe to camp, a major logistical benefit after a long paddle and portage.

The site’s reputation for being "one of the better BWCA sites we've stayed at" is directly tied to its capacity for large groups and its desirable natural features: the great views, the comfortable breeze, and the spacious layout. It serves as an excellent, high-reward basecamp for extended stays, allowing locals to fully settle in, explore Alton Lake for its Smallmouth Bass and Walleye fishing, and take side trips deeper into the wilderness. Campsite #846 on Alton Lake truly represents a top-tier opportunity for Minnesotans to enjoy the remote, world-class canoeing and camping heritage of the Boundary Waters.