BWCA Campsite #869 on Alton Lake: Your Wilderness Retreat in Schroeder Township, MN

Introduction / Overview

For dedicated Minnesota wilderness enthusiasts, the number 869 designates more than just a spot on a map—it represents a specific, highly-regarded campsite deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). BWCA Campsite #869 is a federally designated primitive camping location situated on the shores of Alton Lake, a popular destination accessible from the highly trafficked Sawbill Lake Entry Point (Entry Point #38), near the community of Tofte and the Schroeder Township area of the Superior National Forest.

The BWCAW is a million-acre wilderness where all travel is limited to non-motorized means, offering an unparalleled solitude and connection to the boreal forest landscape. Campsite #869, specifically known as 'Alton Lake Campsite 8' by some local guides, is a desirable destination for groups seeking a quality basecamp on a beautiful, clear-water lake. Unlike car camping, this site requires a concerted effort to reach—a true canoe and portage journey—but rewards the effort with outstanding natural amenities.

Local trip reports frequently praise Campsite #869 for its size and comfort. Visitors note that it is a "sizeable campsite" with multiple tent pads, making it well-suited for the maximum allowed BWCA group size of nine people. Located on the northern, quieter section of Alton Lake, it offers a blend of accessibility from a major entry point and a peaceful, remote atmosphere once set up, embodying the ideal Minnesota canoe-camping experience.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #869 is located on Alton Lake, which falls within the administrative boundaries of the Superior National Forest and the wider Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA, area. However, it is vital for local users to understand that its specific location is within the federally protected Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Access is entirely non-motorized and begins at the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38). From the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters area near Tofte, the route to Campsite #869 typically involves paddling south across Sawbill Lake, followed by a portage into Alton Lake. The site itself is positioned along the western shoreline of Alton Lake, generally in the lake's northern section. This route, while popular, requires physical effort: paddling and the 'portaging' (carrying) of canoes and gear across land trails between bodies of water. The distance from the entry point necessitates a planned journey of several hours to half a day, depending on weather and group experience.

The campsite is specifically described as the second campsite south of the Kelso Lake portage on Alton Lake's west shoreline. This positioning suggests it is slightly removed from the main flow of traffic that paddles down the eastern shore, contributing to its noted privacy. For Minnesotans accustomed to backcountry travel, the accessibility is moderate, making it a great target for trips lasting anywhere from four to seven days.

Services Offered

All designated campsites within the BWCAW, including Campsite #869, adhere to strict federal wilderness guidelines, offering essential, low-impact facilities to preserve the natural environment. These services require a high degree of user self-sufficiency:

Wilderness Latrine ('Thunderbox'): A single, primitive, pit-style toilet structure is located away from the main camp area and water sources to safely manage human waste.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent fire ring with a grate is provided at the primary cooking/socializing area for contained campfires and cooking.
Canoe Landing Area: The landing is reported to be "OK," a mix of sand and small rocks that allows for wading into the water. The landing often involves a "lift up onto the ledge" to access the main site.
Non-Potable Water Source: The lake provides water for cleaning and consumption, but all water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before drinking. No potable water taps are available.
Multiple Tent Pads: The site is known to feature multiple flat tent pads (reported as four total, with two being "pretty good"), easily accommodating the tents required for a nine-person group.
Leave No Trace Policy: There is absolutely no garbage disposal. All trash, food waste, and refuse must be packed out by the visitors.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #869 on Alton Lake is valued by local paddlers for several specific attributes:

Exceptional Group Accommodation: As a sizeable site with multiple good tent pads, it is one of the better choices for accommodating the maximum legal group size of nine campers comfortably.
Wind and View Balance: The fire pit is described as "well positioned," offering a "reasonably good view of the lake" while simultaneously providing "good protection from the wind" via surrounding trees—a crucial feature in unpredictable northern weather.
Good Lake Access: The combination of sand and small rocks near the landing makes wading into the clear water easy, which is excellent for unloading gear, swimming, and filtering drinking water.
Prime Fishing Location: Alton Lake is known to hold Northern Pike and Walleye, and as an interior BWCA site, it offers excellent wilderness fishing opportunities a short paddle from camp.
Privacy in a Popular Area: Located on the northern, quieter stretch of Alton Lake, the site is less exposed to the main travel lanes than some other sites, providing a greater sense of solitude than its proximity to the Sawbill Entry Point might suggest.
Elevated Dining Area: The presence of a "grand staircase leading up to the dining area" suggests the site is elevated, offering potential scenic views and better drainage during rain.

Contact Information

As a designated wilderness campsite, BWCA Campsite #869 does not have an individual contact number or physical building. All access, reservation, and operational details are handled by the U.S. Forest Service and its cooperating outfitters.

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 are mandatory for all BWCAW travel between May 1st and September 30th and must be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov under Entry Point #38 (Sawbill Lake).

Local Outfitter/Resource:

Sawbill Canoe Outfitters (Closest and primary access point for this route)

218-663-7150

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #869 is an ideal destination for experienced Minnesota locals, particularly those who frequent the North Shore and the Superior National Forest. It represents the quintessential BWCA basecamp—challenging enough to be a true wilderness adventure, yet logistically manageable for a multi-day trip. Local users appreciate that Alton Lake is a proven, high-quality canoeing and fishing lake that provides the classic BWCA experience, including portaging, bear-bag hanging, and full immersion in the boreal ecosystem.

The site's ability to comfortably host larger groups is a significant advantage for Minnesotans, who often travel with family or friends up to the maximum nine-person limit. Furthermore, its quality features, such as the numerous tent pads, the sheltered fire grate area, and the sand-rock landing, reduce the common stresses of wilderness camping. For local residents with the necessary canoeing and portaging skills, Campsite #869 offers a remote, private, and rewarding wilderness escape that is accessible via one of the most reliable and popular outfitters on the edge of the Boundary Waters.