BWCA Campsite #886

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking the pinnacle of wilderness immersion, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) stands as an irreplaceable gem. BWCA Campsite #886, situated in the vast, pristine expanse near Tofte Township, MN, offers a true taste of the Northwoods’ solitude and natural beauty. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, this is a designated backcountry site, meaning a trip here involves paddling, portaging, and adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles to preserve the delicate ecosystem. It is part of a federally protected wilderness area, renowned globally for its million acres of glacial lakes, streams, and boreal forest. A trip to Campsite #886 is not just a vacation; it's a multi-day journey into one of the most magnificent paddle-in wildernesses in the world, promising unparalleled opportunities for introspection, wildlife viewing, and a genuine connection with nature. One user review from a 2014 trip described it simply as an “Excellent site,” a testament to the high quality of camping experiences available in this protected area.

BWCA Campsite #886 is geographically located within the expansive Superior National Forest, near Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA. It is important for local users to understand that this address is purely administrative for the surrounding area, as the campsite itself is a remote, paddle-in location deep within the wilderness. Accessibility is entirely reliant on traditional, non-motorized means of travel—canoeing or kayaking, combined with portaging.

To reach Campsite #886, visitors must first secure a mandatory BWCAW Entry Point permit, which dictates the specific lake or trail where the journey begins. Entry Points in the Tofte Ranger District, such as Kawishiwi Lake (Entry Point #37) or Sawbill Lake (Entry Point #38), are often the starting points for routes in this general area. However, the exact route to Campsite #886 would involve paddling across multiple lakes and traversing rugged portage trails that connect the waterways. These portages can be short and well-worn or long and challenging, measuring in “rods” (a traditional unit of measure for portages, where one rod equals 16.5 feet). Preparation is key, as no vehicles, motorized watercraft (except on designated lakes with specific regulations), or wheeled carts (other than for canoes on specific portages) are generally allowed in the wilderness area. Visitors should expect a multi-hour or even multi-day paddle and portage trip from their chosen entry point to arrive at this secluded campsite. Its remote nature is precisely what ensures the solitude and pristine condition beloved by Minnesota's most dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.

As a designated backcountry site within the BWCAW, Campsite #886 offers essential, standardized wilderness provisions designed to minimize human impact and maintain the area's primitive character. It does not offer modern amenities like running water, electricity, showers, or maintained picnic tables. The focus is on providing the necessary basics for a safe, low-impact stay:

• Designated Campsite: A cleared area marked by an official Forest Service sign where camping is permitted, preventing the creation of new, unauthorized sites. All group members must camp together.
• Wilderness Latrine: A simple, open-air box structure typically placed a short distance away from the main camp, designed for solid human waste disposal to protect water quality.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate provided for containing campfires, which are only permitted here unless a fire ban is in effect (in which case a camp stove is required).
• Water Access: Campsites are located on a lake or river, providing raw, untreated water access for filtration or boiling. All bathing and dishwashing must be done at least 200 feet from the water source.
• Limited Capacity: All BWCA campsites enforce a strict group size limit, typically a maximum of 9 people and 4 watercraft, ensuring solitude and limiting environmental strain.

The experience at BWCA Campsite #886 is defined by its deep wilderness location, offering features and highlights that only the Boundary Waters can provide:

• Authentic Northwoods Solitude: The BWCAW’s permit system strictly regulates the number of visitors, ensuring that the chance of encountering other groups is minimal, particularly at campsites further into the wilderness.
• Pristine Lake Environment: Campsites are situated on one of the thousands of clear, cold lakes, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddle exploration. The surrounding water is perfect for swimming (at your own risk) and viewing native fish species.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: The lakes throughout the BWCAW are famous for high-quality fishing, often yielding Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout, which can be caught right from the shoreline or from a canoe.
• Stunning Night Skies: Far removed from the light pollution of any major metropolitan area, the campsite offers incredible, unobstructed views of the stars, making it a prime location for amateur astronomy.
• Wildlife Viewing: The site is situated in the natural habitat of iconic Minnesota wildlife, including Moose, Black Bear, Loons, Bald Eagles, and various waterfowl. Visitors must be vigilant and practice bear-safe food storage.
• Canoe Route Access: As a point on a larger canoe route system, the campsite offers access to continuous, world-class paddling and portaging to other lakes and points of interest.

Since Campsite #886 is an undesignated backcountry point within the vast wilderness, there is no direct public phone line or mailbox for the campsite itself. All essential administrative contact and planning must be directed through the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for this section of the BWCAW, particularly for permit reservation and issuance.

Address for Administrative Inquiry (Tofte Ranger District):

Tofte Ranger Station (Superior National Forest)
Address: 7355 W. Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615 (This is a general point for the district, not the campsite itself)

Phone for Administrative Inquiry (Superior National Forest/Tofte Ranger District):

Phone: (218) 663-7280

*Note: The official address provided (Tofte Township, MN 55604) defines the geographical area, but a physical visit requires entry via a separate, specific permit-controlled access point. All reservations and essential trip planning information are handled through the U.S. Forest Service or an authorized outfitter.

For residents of Minnesota, Campsite #886 and the entire BWCAW represent the ultimate opportunity to disconnect from the demands of modern life and reconnect with the state's deep wilderness heritage. This area is the geographic and spiritual heart of Minnesota's natural identity, offering a pristine escape that cannot be replicated in urban or developed state parks. The challenge of paddle-and-portage travel fosters resilience and camaraderie, skills deeply valued in a state with such a rich history of exploration and outdoor living. By requiring a wilderness permit and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, the experience ensures that the area remains untouched, preserving a piece of authentic, pre-settlement North America for future generations. For the local user, this campsite provides a tangible link to the Voyageur past, a tranquil sanctuary from the city, and a necessary test of self-reliance, all while staying within the boundaries of a globally recognized natural treasure right here in our own backyard. It’s an adventure that builds lasting memories, strengthens one's appreciation for conservation, and truly defines the Minnesota outdoor spirit.

BWCA Campsite #886

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA