BWCA Campsite #868 on Alton Lake: The Premier Wilderness Basecamp

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents seeking the ultimate in wilderness immersion, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the pinnacle of paddle-in, leave-no-trace camping. Among the thousands of designated sites, BWCA Campsite #868, located on the tranquil and expansive waters of Alton Lake, stands out as a premier destination, especially for larger groups. Unlike car-accessible campgrounds, this site is a truly remote, primitive location, accessible only by canoe and portage, embodying the spirit of the protected Wilderness Area.

Campsite #868 has earned a reputation among veteran paddlers for its exceptional size and suitability for maximum BWCA group limits (up to nine people). Situated on the western shoreline of Alton Lake, it provides a crucial and spacious base camp for exploring a network of interconnected lakes via the popular Sawbill Lake entry point. The site is a testament to the preservation efforts of the Superior National Forest—a place where modern amenities are swapped for the quiet solitude of the Northwoods, a large, well-defined fire grate, and the natural beauty of the cedar and pine groves that surround it.

This is not a destination for the casual weekend camper but for the dedicated adventurer ready to embrace the unique challenges and profound rewards of true wilderness travel. From this base, visitors have the chance to experience excellent fishing, observe abundant wildlife, and reconnect with the rugged, stunning landscape that defines Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #868 is located on the western shoreline of Alton Lake, deep within the Superior National Forest and the protected Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The nearest accessible town for initial entry preparation is Schroeder, MN, though most trips begin from the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38) near Tofte.

Accessibility to this site is strictly by paddle and portage, requiring a Wilderness Permit reserved in advance through the federal quota system. The typical route involves launching from the Sawbill Lake Entry Point, paddling across Sawbill Lake, and then completing a relatively short portage (approximately 30 rods) into Alton Lake. From the portage landing on Alton, the site is then reached by paddling a short distance along the western shore. The journey is an integral part of the experience, trading easy road access for true seclusion.

Alton Lake itself is large and known for its clear, spring-fed waters, which support excellent fishing for Northern Pike, Bass, Walleye, and Trout. The site is geographically positioned to allow easy day-tripping options. Notably, it is located only a short paddle south of the portage leading into Kelso Lake, offering an easy opportunity for loop routes and further exploration into the BWCAW interior.

Services Offered

As a designated campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Campsite #868 adheres to the federal policy of maintaining primitive conditions. The services and amenities offered are deliberately minimal to preserve the wilderness character of the area, focusing on essential facilities mandated for low-impact camping.

Vault Latrine (Pit Toilet): Every designated BWCA campsite, including #868, is equipped with a standard wilderness latrine, typically set back from the main campsite area for privacy, promoting proper sanitation and minimizing human impact.

Fire Grate: A centralized, permanent metal fire grate is provided by the Forest Service. This is the only legal location for building a campfire, concentrating fire impact and providing a stable area for cooking.

Level Tent Pads: Campsite #868 is specifically noted in paddler reviews for its large, relatively flat, and abundant tent pads, capable of accommodating multiple tents for maximum BWCA group sizes.

Canoe Landing: The site features a defined, though sometimes rocky, canoe landing area along the shoreline, providing a spot to load and unload gear and secure watercraft.

Visitors are responsible for packing in all their own water, food, and supplies, and—crucially—must pack out all garbage and refuse (including packing out all cans and glass bottles, which are prohibited in the BWCAW).

Features / Highlights

BWCA Campsite #868 is highly sought after by local paddlers due to several distinct characteristics that enhance the wilderness camping experience.

Excellent Group Capacity: This is one of the larger campsites in the area, often cited as having enough flat space and tent pads to comfortably house the maximum group size of nine people, making it perfect for family reunions or friend expeditions.

Spacious Kitchen/Fire Area: The fire grate is set in a large, open area, providing ample room for setting up a group kitchen, gathering logs, and enjoying a campfire without feeling cramped, a significant feature in the dense BWCA forest.

Kelso Lake Day-Trip Potential: Its location allows for convenient day trips to Kelso Lake via a short, easily-accessed portage, offering variety for fishing or sightseeing without having to move the entire camp.

Good Tree Cover: Surrounded by a mix of tall cedar and pine trees, the site offers excellent shade, privacy from passing canoes, and abundant points for hanging food packs and tarps.

Fishing Access: Alton Lake is celebrated for its clarity and quality fishing, providing a rewarding experience right from the campsite or by paddling to nearby points and deeper waters.

Seclusion Despite Proximity: While Alton Lake is popular due to the Sawbill entry point, Campsite #868 is set apart from the portage routes, offering a degree of cherished solitude away from the main paddling traffic.

Contact Information

BWCA Campsite #868 is a remote, primitive site within the Superior National Forest and does not have a direct physical contact point or on-site phone. For any necessary information regarding permits, rules, or emergencies related to this site, please use the general contact information for the Tofte Ranger District, which manages this section of the wilderness.

Address: Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA (General geographic area; no mail service)

Phone: Visitors must contact the Tofte Ranger District or their permit-issuing outfitter for trip preparation. Always carry an emergency satellite communication device for true emergencies in this remote location.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, the BWCA is a source of regional pride and a definitive outdoor experience. Campsite #868 on Alton Lake is an excellent choice for local users because it perfectly delivers on the BWCAW promise: a challenging yet accessible wilderness basecamp. Its suitability lies in its capacity to host a full group, allowing local families and friends to share the cost and effort of a trip while experiencing the highest level of isolation and natural beauty.

The relatively short, straightforward paddle and portage from the Sawbill Entry Point makes it an ideal first or second night stop, minimizing travel time and maximizing the days spent relaxing or fishing. Local users appreciate that while the site is well-used, its inherent privacy and large size make it feel genuinely secluded. It is a genuine, unplugged experience—no cell service, no electricity, just the essentials—that forces a deep connection with the environment. Campsite #868 is a prime piece of Minnesota wilderness, offering the scale and features necessary for an unforgettable, low-impact adventure that embodies the state's deep commitment to preserving its natural heritage.