BWCA Campsite #877

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

Welcome, fellow Minnesotans, to an exploration of one of the North Star State’s truly remote gems. When the call of the wild becomes too loud to ignore, there is no better answer than a trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Today, we focus on a specific destination within this million-acre sanctuary: BWCA Campsite #877, a designated backcountry site on the peaceful waters of Sawbill Lake. This location is a quintessential taste of Minnesota's rugged, unspoiled north country, offering an unparalleled experience in solitude, nature, and traditional canoeing and camping.

The BWCAW, spanning the northern third of the Superior National Forest, is renowned nationally as a pristine, non-motorized lake-land wilderness. It presents a unique challenge and reward for those seeking to unplug and reconnect with nature. Campsite #877 is one of over 2,000 designated campsites spread across the wilderness area's extensive network of lakes and canoe routes, each providing a fire grate and a latrine for minimal impact camping. Finding and securing a designated campsite like #877 is the final, rewarding step of an overnight BWCAW adventure.

Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, this site is a true wilderness destination, accessible only via paddle and portage, making the journey an integral part of the experience. It embodies the core values of the BWCAW: preservation of primitive character, self-reliance, and expansive solitude. For those of us living in Minnesota, this campsite offers a close-to-home escape that feels a world away, providing a crucial opportunity to experience a Federally Designated Wilderness area. The planning, preparation, and self-guided navigation required for a trip to #877 transform a simple camping trip into an unforgettable wilderness expedition.

The surrounding wilderness ecosystem is a magnificent boreal forest, home to a variety of iconic Minnesota wildlife, including moose, black bear, timber wolves, bald eagles, and the ever-present loon. The area's terrain, shaped by ancient glaciers, features rocky shorelines, forested hills, and clear, cool lakes. Campsite #877 provides a comfortable base to explore this environment, but visitors are reminded that they are guests in a wild, untamed place, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles is mandatory to protect the delicate ecosystem for future generations of Minnesotans. The sense of responsibility and stewardship adds a meaningful layer to the camping experience here.

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BWCA Campsite #877 is nestled on the western shoreline of Sawbill Lake, an accessible and popular entry point lake located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The campsite's official address, Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA, places it deep in the Arrowhead Region of northeastern Minnesota, a famed destination for North Shore tourism.

To reach the start of your journey, you must first travel to the Sawbill Lake Entry Point (Entry Point 38). This is found at the end of the Sawbill Trail (Cook County Highway 2), which runs north from the scenic lakeside community of Tofte, off Highway 61. The drive up the gravel Sawbill Trail is approximately 24 miles and marks a transition from the busy North Shore to the quiet solitude of the forest. The nearest full-service community is Tofte, providing access to essential supplies and accommodations before or after your wilderness trip. The nearest official Forest Service office is the Tofte Ranger District.

Accessibility to Campsite #877 itself is strictly by watercraft (canoe or kayak), as it lies within the non-motorized BWCAW. Visitors must launch their watercraft from the Sawbill Lake Entry Point landing. Campsite #877 is specifically located just north of the mouth of Java Creek on the west shore of Sawbill Lake. The distance from the entry point requires a paddle and can be completed as part of a longer itinerary deeper into the wilderness, or as the initial destination for a base camp trip on the large, beautiful lake. Because of its location in a wilderness area, the campsite is not accessible by any motorized vehicles. The unique nature of the entry makes this location a truly quiet, secluded retreat far removed from road noise and development, offering the deep quiet sought by local nature lovers.

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As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, the services provided at Campsite #877 are intentionally minimal and rustic to preserve the primitive character of the area. Visitors must be fully self-reliant, carrying in all food, water, and gear, and packing out all trash.

The basic, essential services provided at the site include:

• Designated Fire Grate: A metal fire ring with an attached cooking grate for containing campfires and cooking food. Fires are only permitted within this grate.

• Latrine: A designated wilderness latrine (often a wooden box seat over a shallow pit) set a short distance back from the main camp area to handle human waste responsibly.

• Tent Pads: The site is known to have multiple, relatively flat, established tent pads (at least three or four are often noted), ensuring areas are available for pitching tents without damaging the surrounding vegetation.

It is important to note what is not provided: running water (water must be filtered or treated from the lake), electricity, showers, flush toilets, garbage disposal (all refuse must be packed out), or on-site staff. Modern conveniences are left behind, ensuring the experience remains a deep wilderness immersion.

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Campsite #877 is noted by experienced paddlers for several features that enhance the wilderness camping experience:

• Excellent Landing Area: The site often features a good landing in a small inlet or relatively protected spot, making it easier to pull watercraft ashore and unload gear, which is a significant advantage on a larger lake like Sawbill.

• Proximity to Java Creek: Located just north of the mouth of Java Creek, the site offers access to a potential fishing spot and a feature for route navigation.

• Multiple Tent Pads: With reports of three to four established tent pads, the site can comfortably accommodate the maximum allowed group size (9 people, 4 watercraft) and provides flexibility in camp setup.

• Views and Wind Protection: The location offers pleasant views of the lake, with a small island visible in the foreground that helps to break the wind and waves, providing a more sheltered setting for the fire grate area than some other exposed sites on Sawbill Lake.

• Base for Day Trips: The central location on Sawbill Lake makes it an ideal base camp, allowing for day-long canoe trips to explore other areas of Sawbill or to access nearby portages, such as the one leading to Alton Lake.

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For all administrative and regulatory inquiries regarding BWCA Campsite #877 and entry permits, contact the managing authority for the area. Note that the campsite itself has no phone service or public-facing on-site office.

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

BWCA Permit Reservations (Required May 1 - September 30): Reservations must be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov).

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For residents of Minnesota, BWCA Campsite #877 on Sawbill Lake represents the pinnacle of accessible, yet truly wild, outdoor recreation. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it is a vital part of our shared natural heritage, offering a distinct and enriching experience that cannot be replicated in a state park or developed campground.

The necessity of planning and securing a BWCA Quota Permit (required for overnight trips from May 1 to September 30) for Entry Point 38 instills a sense of accomplishment and anticipation that begins long before the paddle touches the water. The self-guided journey to Campsite #877—paddling and navigating through the beautiful, ancient forest—hones essential outdoor skills and fosters a deep connection to the Northwoods.

This campsite is perfectly situated for Minnesotans looking to introduce family and friends to the wilderness experience. Sawbill Lake offers an excellent balance: it is large enough to feel fully immersed in nature, yet its proximity to the outfitter and entry point provides a modest comfort level for first-time BWCA visitors. The site’s amenities (fire grate and latrine) meet the minimum standard for comfort while ensuring the maximum commitment to wilderness values.

In a time of increasing screen-time and urban noise, a stay at Campsite #877 provides a powerful, multi-day retreat that is geographically and culturally our own. It’s an opportunity to embrace the state motto, 'L'Étoile du Nord' (The Star of the North), by seeking the solitude and starlit skies of our northern frontier. From fishing the clear waters of Sawbill for Northern Pike and Bass, to watching the iconic Minnesota loons, the experience at Campsite #877 is not just a vacation, but a renewal of our connection to the land that defines the "Up North" spirit. It is, quite simply, Minnesota's wilderness at its most authentic.

BWCA Campsite #877

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA