BWCA Campsite #865

- Schroeder Township, MN 55604

For generations of Minnesotans, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the purest form of escape. It is where you trade the traffic and noise of the city for the silence of the boreal forest and the rhythmic sound of a paddle dipping into a pristine lake. Deep within this vast, protected area lies BWCA Campsite #865, a numbered location signifying a designated piece of heaven for the dedicated Northwoods traveler.

Unlike conventional state park campgrounds, Campsite #865 offers no paved roads, no flush toilets, and no reservations beyond the initial entry permit. It is a genuine wilderness destination, designed for self-reliant local users who seek solitude and a challenging, yet deeply rewarding, outdoor experience. Our guide is tailored to help Minnesota adventurers understand the unique nature of this primitive camping location, providing factual, professional insight into what makes a stay at one of the 800-series Tofte District campsites a benchmark for true wilderness tripping.

BWCA Campsite #865 is an integral part of the sprawling Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a federally protected area spanning over a million acres in the Superior National Forest of northeastern Minnesota. The numbering system, including #865, is used by the U.S. Forest Service to designate official, low-impact camping locations established to concentrate the environmental effects of human presence and preserve the surrounding ecosystem.

As a site located in the Tofte Ranger District’s zone of operations, Campsite #865 likely sits on one of the deeper, more remote lakes accessible via the popular Sawbill Trail or Meeds Lake entry points. These routes often lead through interconnected chains of lakes, meaning a stay at #865 requires a commitment to both paddling and portaging—the traditional mode of travel pioneered by the French-Canadian voyageurs centuries ago. This campsite is not just a place to sleep; it is a vital part of a complete, multi-day, true wilderness journey. It promises total immersion, with the only neighbors being the local wildlife: moose, bald eagles, and loons whose calls define the Minnesota summer nights.

The address provided, Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA, broadly places Campsite #865 in the northern portion of the state, firmly in the Northwoods region, generally managed by the Tofte Ranger District. This remote location dictates that accessibility is strictly non-motorized and requires a permit.

Access to the general area typically begins by driving the scenic Highway 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior to the town of Tofte. From there, a gravel forest road, such as the Sawbill Trail (County Highway 2), leads north for approximately 25 miles to one of the major BWCA entry points, such as Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake) or Entry Point 48 (Meeds Lake). Once at the entry point, all travel to Campsite #865 is undertaken by canoe or kayak. Depending on the exact lake where the site is located, reaching #865 could involve a significant paddle and portage route—often spanning a full day or more of challenging travel. This remoteness is by design, ensuring the pristine solitude that wilderness campers seek. Visitors must be fully prepared to navigate with a map and compass, as digital aids are unreliable in this environment.

In keeping with the Federal Wilderness Act, Campsite #865 is maintained as a primitive location. The "services" provided are strictly limited to those necessary to concentrate human impact and protect the natural environment. You should bring everything you need and be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

• Designated Fire Grate: A heavy-duty, permanent steel fire ring is provided by the U.S. Forest Service. Campfires are only permitted within this grate, and users must follow all active fire restrictions and utilize only small-diameter dead and downed wood.
• Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet, often referred to as a "thunderbox" or "biffy," is located a short, discreet distance from the main camping and water areas. This facility must be used for human waste to adhere to strict health and sanitation guidelines.
• Established Tent Pad Areas: The site has one or more cleared, leveled areas for pitching tents. The ground composition can range from soft needles to rocky soil, requiring campers to bring appropriate ground cover and robust tents.
• Undeveloped Canoe Landing: A natural, often rocky or sometimes sandy, shoreline area for landing and securing watercraft. No docks or moorings are provided, so paddlers must be skilled in wilderness landings.

The absence of amenities such as potable water, electricity, trash cans, or cell service is a deliberate part of the wilderness experience. All drinking water must be filtered, and adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles is mandatory.

A site like Campsite #865 may not boast commercial features, but its natural highlights are its true selling points, especially for those native to Minnesota who appreciate genuine rugged beauty.

• Ultimate Solitude and Tranquility: Because of its remote location, Campsite #865 offers an exceptional degree of peace and quiet. It is far less likely to see high turnover or constant traffic compared to sites closer to entry points, allowing groups to truly unplug and find stillness.
• Prime Fishing Location: Sites deep in the Tofte District often sit on lakes known for species like Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and potentially Lake Trout, depending on the lake's depth. The campsite's shoreline often provides a natural fishing spot right from camp.
• Unparalleled Stargazing: With zero light pollution in the wilderness, the night sky visible from #865 is a breathtaking spectacle, a highlight that urban or even small-town residents rarely get to experience.
• Old-Growth Forest Setting: Located deep within the wilderness, the site is typically framed by mature stands of Red Pine, White Pine, and Spruce, offering excellent shade, natural windbreaks, and the unmistakable scent of the northern forest.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remoteness significantly increases the chance of viewing iconic Minnesota wildlife, including moose wading in the shallows, the graceful flight of a Bald Eagle, and the unforgettable calls of the Common Loon.

As a US Forest Service wilderness campsite, #865 does not have a direct contact number. All trip planning, including the mandatory permit, is handled through the federal system.

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 — Tofte Ranger District (Local Office for Information): Address:

7355 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

218-663-8060 (For Tofte District-specific conditions and information)

It is crucial to reserve an entry point quota permit well in advance, as the number of permits issued daily is strictly limited to maintain the wilderness experience.

BWCA Campsite #865 is perfectly suited for Minnesotans because it represents the pinnacle of the state's outdoor heritage. For those who grew up understanding the importance of the Northwoods, this site offers the challenge of a true wilderness expedition combined with the unparalleled reward of profound solitude.

Traveling to a deep wilderness site like #865 requires the grit and planning that locals appreciate. It’s an adventure that tests one's skills in navigation, camping, and Leave No Trace ethics, fostering a deeper connection to the land than any car-camping experience can provide. The effort required to paddle and portage to this secluded location is repaid tenfold by the silence of the forest and the clear views of the stars. In a world of increasing connectivity, Campsite #865 offers the rare opportunity to truly disconnect and experience the raw, untamed landscape that defines the spirit of Minnesota. It is the ultimate local adventure, waiting for those ready to paddle into the wild.

BWCA Campsite #865

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA