BWCA Campsite #867 on Alton Lake: Accessible Wilderness Camping near Tofte, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness retreat without an arduous journey deep into the interior, BWCA Campsite #867 on Alton Lake offers a practical and accessible option. Nestled within the vast and stunning Superior National Forest in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this campsite provides the essential primitive experience for which the region is world-famous. It is a designated campsite, meaning it is one of the limited, established spots where overnight camping is permitted in the wilderness.

Alton Lake is a beautiful, clear body of water, known as a popular crossroads for canoe routes, connecting to the accessible Sawbill Lake to the east and the peaceful Kelso Lake to the north. Campsite #867 is situated on the eastern shoreline of Alton Lake, making it one of the first campsites encountered when traveling from the main entry point. While it may not feature the sweeping panoramic overlooks of some more exposed sites, it provides a functional, often shady, and available base camp, which can be a valuable commodity in a highly-trafficked wilderness area like the BWCA, especially during peak season.

Visitors choosing Campsite #867 will experience the core tenets of BWCA camping: paddling pristine waters, relying on self-sufficiency, and disconnecting from modern life. It serves as a great launchpad for day trips exploring the surrounding lakes and forests, fulfilling the desire of local Minnesotans for a true Northwoods getaway.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #867 is officially located on Alton Lake, within the geographic region of Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA. This places it firmly in the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, the gateway to many of the most scenic parts of the Boundary Waters.

The primary access route for this campsite is through the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38). From the Sawbill Lake outfitting area, paddlers take a short, generally flat portage trail—an old logging railway bed—directly into Alton Lake. Campsite #867 is conveniently located on the lake's eastern shoreline. Specifically, it is positioned roughly in the middle of a cluster of three campsites located north of the short portage from Sawbill Lake.

The site's relative closeness to the Entry Point makes it an excellent choice for groups arriving later in the day, or those paddling with inexperienced campers who want a shorter first-day travel time. While its landing is described by some as "rocky" and requiring a lift up to shore, the water remains clear and shallow, offering good footing. This position is also advantageous because it allows for easy paddling into the northern section of Alton Lake or towards the peaceful Kelso River for exploration on layover days.

Services Offered

As a designated, primitive campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #867 adheres to the strict 'Leave No Trace' wilderness guidelines established by the U.S. Forest Service. Services are minimal and intended to reduce environmental impact while providing basic necessities.

Established Fire Grate: A heavy-duty, permanent metal fire grate is installed at the designated fire area. All fires must be contained within this grate for cooking and warmth, supporting the BWCA’s fire management policy.

Vault Latrine (Thunderbox): A primitive, box-style toilet is provided for solid human waste disposal. It is placed away from the main camp and water’s edge to ensure sanitation, as is standard practice for all BWCA campsites.

Designated Tent Pads: The site offers cleared, relatively level areas for pitching tents. Sources indicate at least two clear tent pad areas, allowing a small to medium-sized group to set up camp effectively.

Canoe Landing Area: A specific area along the shoreline is designated for landing canoes. While described as rocky, the area offers shallow, clear water access and good footing for getting in and out of the canoe.

Source for Water: Alton Lake provides a vast supply of untreated water. Visitors must carry the necessary equipment to filter, boil, or chemically treat this water before consumption.

Wood Collection Area: Campers are permitted to collect dead and downed firewood in the immediate vicinity of the campsite for use in the fire grate.

Features / Highlights

While often described as a more "basic" or "functional" site, Campsite #867 has specific features that make it a suitable stop for the prepared canoeist.

Shady and Secluded Setting: Unlike more exposed points, this site is generally well-forested and described as "very shady," which is a significant advantage during the heat of a Minnesota summer. The mature trees provide natural protection from the sun and offer multiple places for hammock hanging.

Wind Protection: Situated within the treeline on the eastern shore, the site is somewhat shielded, offering more protection from the wind and waves that can sometimes make the large surface of Alton Lake challenging.

Access to Major Waterways: The campsite's location on Alton Lake is a prime spot for route flexibility. It allows for quick re-entry to Sawbill Lake for early morning exits and serves as a gateway to exploring the upper sections of Alton and the portage leading to Kelso Lake.

Proximity to Entry Point: Being one of the closer campsites to the entry point, it saves valuable paddling time on the first day, reducing the chance of having to scramble for an available site late in the afternoon.

Ease of Bear Bag Hanging: The density of trees at this shaded location ensures that finding a suitable, elevated branch for safely hanging food packs is straightforward, an important wilderness safety requirement.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #867 is a remote location within a federal wilderness preserve. All permits and official business are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Address: Alton Lake, Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (Remote Wilderness Location)

Primary Administrative Contact: Superior National Forest, Tofte Ranger District

Phone: For general regional inquiries, please contact the Superior National Forest’s main line, typically (218) 626-4300, or the federal reservation hotline (1-877-444-6777) for permit-specific information.

Note: An overnight permit for the BWCAW, obtained via Recreation.gov and picked up at an authorized issuing station (like Sawbill Outfitters or the Tofte Ranger Station), is strictly required for entry from May 1 to September 30. No mail delivery or on-site staff are available at the campsite itself.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #867 on Alton Lake is a highly suitable choice for Minnesota locals—especially those planning their first canoe trip or looking for a reliable, short-route base camp. For local users, efficiency is often paramount, and this site delivers on that promise. Its location near the popular Sawbill Lake entry point means less time paddling against the wind and more time enjoying the true wilderness experience. The site’s functionality as a comfortable, shaded base makes it a low-stress option. When the more popular, high-view campsites are taken, #867 stands as a dependable alternative that fulfills the mandatory requirement of finding an official, unoccupied site.

Locals understand the sometimes-fickle nature of the BWCA, where finding an open campsite can be a challenge. Campsite #867 provides a reliable and practical landing spot. It offers genuine solitude in a dense forest setting, excellent wind protection, and easy access to both the beginning and end of a rewarding canoe loop. By choosing this site, Minnesota residents are selecting a no-frills, practical, and reliably available wilderness location that ensures their focus remains on the paddling, fishing, and quiet contemplation that defines a true Boundary Waters adventure.