BWCA Campsite #876

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

There is a distinct, deep-seated pride Minnesotans feel for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It represents the state’s wild heart—a massive, million-acre expanse of lakes, rivers, and forests where the only means of travel is human-powered. For those seeking an accessible yet authentic wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #876 on Sawbill Lake stands out as a premier destination. This site is not merely a place to pitch a tent; it is a perfectly situated base camp for exploring the legendary Kelso Loop and the wider Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

Campsite #876 offers a classic Boundary Waters experience: the rustic amenities, the quiet solitude, and the challenging but rewarding journey to reach it. It’s an immersion into the Minnesota Northwoods, where the sounds of the city are replaced by the call of the loon and the rustle of pine needles. Unlike drive-in campgrounds, this site requires a paddle from the Entry Point 38 landing, ensuring that every visitor earns their stay and is committed to the “Leave No Trace” principles that preserve this unique ecosystem.

What truly sets this site apart for the local user is its superb location. Situated in the west bay of Sawbill Lake, it’s strategically positioned near the portage leading to the Kelso River, a key feature of one of the area’s most popular day-trip routes. This means less packing and unpacking, and more time dedicated to fishing and wildlife viewing. Customer reviews frequently praise this site not only for its natural beauty and excellent canoe landing but also for its proximity to prime fishing grounds, particularly the small creek flow leading from the Kelso portage, a known hotspot for catching dinner.

In a world of constant connectivity, a trip into the BWCAW is the ultimate retreat. However, for those who require an occasional touchpoint, the factual reality that this site sometimes allows for cell service—as reported by previous visitors—can be a minor, comforting advantage for groups with families at home, without compromising the true wilderness feel. This balance of genuine solitude and practical accessibility makes Campsite #876 a highly desirable choice for a quintessential Minnesota wilderness vacation.

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BWCA Campsite #876 is definitively located on Sawbill Lake, which is part of the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, within the Superior National Forest. The administrative location is Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA, a region renowned for its rugged North Shore beauty and direct access to the wilderness.

The campsite is accessed via BWCA Entry Point 38 – Sawbill Lake. The journey begins by driving the Sawbill Trail (Cook County Highway 2) north from Tofte, off Highway 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The trailhead provides a large public parking area and is the launch site for all trips beginning here.

Campsite #876 is specifically situated in the northern end of the west bay of Sawbill Lake, a key logistical advantage for paddlers. It is geographically located close to the portage that leads into the Kelso River and Kelso Lake. Reports from local visitors indicate a moderate paddle of approximately 45 minutes from the Sawbill Canoe Outfitters landing to reach this site, making it an ideal first-night stop or a perfect hub for multi-day trips. Despite its relative proximity to the entry point, the site is tucked away in a bay, offering a strong sense of privacy and seclusion. Its location makes it particularly convenient for groups planning to explore the popular Kelso Loop route, which includes Sawbill, Alton, and Kelso Lakes.

The approach to the campsite is often described as having a pleasant, sandy landing, which is a major benefit for loading, unloading, and swimming, a welcome feature after a long paddle. Its placement just before the first major portage to the interior lakes saves significant travel time on the first day and allows campers to settle in quickly and begin enjoying the wilderness environment.

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In keeping with its location inside a federally designated Wilderness Area, BWCA Campsite #876 provides only minimal, non-mechanized facilities designed to protect the environment. All camping is primitive, and users must pack in all food and supplies, and plan to filter all drinking water.

The standardized amenities provided at this designated campsite include:

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, steel fire ring is provided to contain all fires. Visitors must only use dead and down wood for fuel, and fires must be extinguished completely when unattended.

• Vault/Pit Latrine: A dispersed outdoor toilet facility is maintained a short distance from the main camp area to ensure proper sanitation and minimize environmental impact.

• Established Tent Pads: Designated areas have been cleared and leveled to focus camping activities, preventing damage to the surrounding flora and supporting multiple tents (user reports suggest accommodation for three to five tents).

• Natural Canoe Landing: The site features a celebrated sandy canoe landing, which provides an easy, safe area for launching and securing watercraft and is noted as a great spot for swimming.

For more extensive services, the nearby Sawbill Canoe Outfitters at the entry point provides a store, showers, and gear rental, but these services are outside the wilderness boundary and must be accessed before or after the wilderness stay.

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Campsite #876 is highly regarded among experienced Boundary Waters paddlers for several distinctive features that enhance the camping experience:

• Proximity to Kelso River Portage: The site’s location near the portage to Kelso Lake makes it a perfect jumping-off point for exploring the scenic Kelso Loop—a popular day trip or short route—without having to move camp.

• Superior Canoe Landing and Swimming: Visitor accounts frequently highlight the “manicured,” sandy shore and gentle entry into the lake, making it ideal for swimming and easy canoe launching, particularly valued by families.

• Prime Wildlife Viewing: The unique location, especially the nearby flow from the Kelso River, attracts a variety of Northwoods fauna. Customer reviews boast of numerous encounters with Minnesota's signature wildlife, including Moose, Spruce Grouse, and Pine Martens.

• Excellent Fishing Potential: The creek mouth from the Kelso River portage is described as a "hot spot" for fishing, offering a great chance to catch Walleye and Northern Pike right near the campsite.

• Potential for Cell Service: While certainly not guaranteed and dependent on conditions, reports of finding limited cell phone service at this campsite offer a minor, practical benefit for those needing occasional outside communication, without detracting from the overall wilderness immersion.

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As a remote wilderness site, BWCA Campsite #876 has no direct contact line. All administrative and operational matters are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Managing Ranger District: Tofte Ranger District (Superior National Forest)

Address (for Tofte Ranger District): 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615, USA

Phone (for Tofte Ranger District): (218) 663-8060

Permit Reservations: All overnight permits (May 1st - September 30th) for Entry Point 38 must be obtained through the federal reservation system at Recreation.gov.

For immediate, local outfitting assistance or current conditions, the private concessionaire at the Entry Point is the best resource.

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BWCA Campsite #876 represents an unparalleled opportunity for Minnesotans to engage with their state's most treasured natural resource. For the local paddler, this campsite strikes a perfect balance between a deep-woods experience and logistical ease. The relatively short paddle time from the Sawbill landing (approximately 45 minutes) means less struggle and more immediate relaxation, making it highly suitable for weekend trips or for families introducing children to the Boundary Waters for the first time.

The unique geographical features—the sandy landing for swimming, the secluded bay, and the critical location near the Kelso River portage—transform this site from a simple stopping point into an ideal home base. You can establish camp and then spend your days exploring the surrounding lakes, casting a line in a proven fishing hot spot, or just quietly observing the abundant Minnesota wildlife like moose and grouse, all of which have been reported by previous visitors to this specific location.

This accessibility and array of recreational options, combined with the proven track record of excellent scenery and wildlife viewing, make Campsite #876 one of the most desirable locations in the Sawbill corridor. It allows Minnesotans to quickly and effectively disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Northwoods, fulfilling that fundamental need to connect with the state’s wild heritage, all while knowing they have secured a superior piece of the wilderness for their stay. It is an accessible adventure waiting in the heart of the Tofte backcountry.

BWCA Campsite #876

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA