BWCA Campsite #848

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

For Minnesotans, the call of the wild often leads directly to the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This vast, million-acre expanse of protected forest and waterways represents the pinnacle of paddle-in wilderness camping. Among the over 2,000 designated campsites scattered across the BWCAW’s intricate map of lakes and portages, each offers a unique sanctuary. Today, we're focusing on one specific, highly sought-after location—BWCA Campsite #848—a gateway to an unforgettable, authentic Northwoods adventure right in our own backyard.

Campsite #848 is not your typical state park camping spot. It is a genuine wilderness experience, demanding preparation, adherence to Leave No Trace principles, and a thirst for solitude. Located deep within the Superior National Forest, this site provides an unmatched opportunity to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with the pristine beauty of Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. It’s an essential destination for locals looking to truly understand and appreciate the state’s wild heritage.

The site is part of the extensive canoe country network, meaning access requires dedication, paddling, and portaging. This ensures a level of quiet and remoteness that simply cannot be found at drive-up locations. The experience of reaching Campsite #848 is just as rewarding as the stay itself, a true Minnesota rite of passage for wilderness enthusiasts.

BWCA Campsite #848 holds a special place in the network, situated on the shores of Alton Lake in the heart of the wilderness. For mapping and administrative purposes, its location is associated with Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA. However, it is crucial for local users to understand that this address is administrative and does not correspond to a point accessible by car. This is a paddle-in, carry-over (portage) campsite.

Alton Lake itself is an intermediate lake in a classic BWCAW canoe route, typically accessed via an entry point such as Baker Lake (Entry Point #39) or perhaps Kelso Lake. The travel to Campsite #848 from an entry point involves several miles of paddling and maneuvering through portages—short land trails used to carry gear and canoes between bodies of water. The journey to the site is the first part of the adventure, offering breathtaking views and the first signs of the deep solitude the BWCAW is famous for.

Specifically, Campsite #848 is noted to be situated on Alton Lake just southeast of the portage leading into Beth Lake. This strategic location means campers here are well-positioned for day trips deeper into the wilderness or for a less challenging exit route. The campsite's exact position on Alton Lake offers a particular vista and exposure—often a key factor for local campers considering wind, sun exposure, and canoe landing conditions. Accessibility is entirely non-motorized, requiring physical effort and a sound understanding of canoe navigation and portaging techniques, reinforcing the wilderness character that Minnesotans value so highly in the BWCAW. Prospective visitors must secure a valid BWCAW permit for the designated entry point and date before beginning their trip.

In keeping with the strict wilderness preservation goals of the BWCAW, Campsite #848 is maintained to provide essential necessities while minimizing environmental impact. It offers a primitive, designated camping experience. The services provided are deliberately minimal to preserve the area's pristine nature, focusing on critical health, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The services available at Campsite #848 include:

• A designated, cleared tent pad area, often accommodating multiple tents up to the maximum group size limit of nine people.
• A wilderness latrine (or "biffy") located a short distance back from the main camp area to promote sanitation and limit impact.
• A durable, permanent, steel fire grate for contained cooking and campfires (when no fire restrictions are in place).
• A cleared canoe landing area, essential for safely loading and unloading canoes and gear from Alton Lake's shoreline.
• First-come, first-served availability for groups that have legally entered the BWCAW via a permitted entry point. No site-specific reservations are accepted.
• Provisions for safe food storage, with multiple trees suitable for hanging a bear bag (required practice) to protect food and scented items from wildlife.

It is important to note what is not offered: there is no potable (drinking) water, no electricity, no running water, no picnic tables, no showers, and no trash disposal. All water must be filtered or boiled, and all trash must be packed out—fundamental tenets of the BWCAW experience.

The true allure of Campsite #848 on Alton Lake lies not in amenities, but in its natural setting and the unique wilderness features it provides. Each site in the BWCAW is a natural masterpiece, and #848 is no exception, providing a secluded basecamp for exploring the surrounding waters.

Highlights of the BWCA Campsite #848 experience typically include:

• Pristine Alton Lake Views: Campsite #848 is likely situated to offer stunning panoramic views of Alton Lake, a beautiful body of water known for its clear depths and surrounding boreal forest.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Alton Lake is part of a healthy ecosystem, offering excellent opportunities for catching popular Minnesota game fish like Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass.
• Proximity to Portages: The site’s location near the portage to Beth Lake offers flexibility for day trips or extending the canoe route, making it an ideal central base for an extended stay.
• Dense Boreal Forest Canopy: The campsite is backed by the Superior National Forest, providing natural windbreaks, shade, and the opportunity for quiet walks to gather downed firewood.
• Unmatched Solitude and Quiet: As a deep-wilderness site, it offers a high degree of privacy, allowing local users to fully immerse themselves in the sounds of nature—from the call of the Common Loon to the rustle of the wind in the pines.
• Superb Stargazing: Far removed from any light pollution, the campsite provides an ideal clearing for viewing the night sky, including the Milky Way and potentially the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Since BWCA Campsite #848 is a point within a massive protected area and not a staffed facility, the contact information is for the managing authority, which handles permits, regulations, and emergency situations.

Administrative Address (Superior National Forest/BWCAW):

Supervisor's Office Address: Superior National Forest 8901 Grand Ave Place Duluth, MN 55808, USA

General Information & Permit Office Phone:

(218) 626-4300

Note on Contact: For trip planning, securing quota permits (required May 1 - September 30 for overnight trips), and checking current fire restrictions or regulations, local users should rely on the official USDA Forest Service website for the Superior National Forest or the online permit system via Recreation.gov. The physical address above is for the managing office, not the campsite itself.

BWCA Campsite #848 on Alton Lake offers Minnesotans one of the most enriching and authentic local wilderness experiences available. It is particularly suitable for us because it embodies the values we place on our natural environment: preservation, challenge, and quiet contemplation.

For local users, the journey to Campsite #848 is an escape without the need for cross-country travel. It’s a chance to truly disconnect—to trade the stress of the city for the rhythm of the paddle, the scent of pine, and the clean, cold water of the Northwoods. The demanding nature of a BWCAW trip—navigating, portaging, and living solely on what you carry—fosters a deeper connection with the natural world and a profound sense of accomplishment. This challenge, combined with the assurance that the site is well-managed and minimally impacted, makes it the ideal venue for Minnesota residents to teach their families about conservation, resilience, and the unparalleled beauty of their home state’s most precious resource, the Boundary Waters. Campsite #848 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a point on the map where a profound and uniquely Minnesotan wilderness tradition continues to thrive.

BWCA Campsite #848

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA