BWCA Campsite #887: Your Gateway to Primitive Wilderness in Tofte, MN

Introduction / Overview

For those Minnesotans whose hearts belong to the wild, BWCA Campsite #887 offers an opportunity for a truly immersive and unplugged adventure. Situated in the vast, glacier-carved landscape of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this designated primitive campsite is a beacon for paddlers and wilderness enthusiasts alike. Unlike typical state or national forest campgrounds, Campsite #887 is a secluded haven, accessible only by canoe and portage, requiring travelers to be completely self-sufficient. It is a vital node in the network of over 2,000 campsites spread across this protected region, managed meticulously by the Tofte Ranger District to maintain its primitive character.

A trip to Campsite #887 is not merely a camping trip; it is an expedition into the heart of the Northwoods. It promises days filled with paddling quiet waters, nights under a dazzling, star-filled sky, and the chance to witness the area's rich wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and the iconic loon. This specific campsite provides a designated spot where you can pitch your tent, build a controlled fire, and experience the profound solitude that has made the BWCAW a globally renowned wilderness destination. Preparation and adherence to the Leave No Trace ethic are paramount to protecting the experience for everyone, making this a true test of a dedicated local outdoorsperson.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #887 is geographically located within the Superior National Forest and falls under the management of the Tofte Ranger District. The administrative address is listed broadly as Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA, which places it deep within the famous Minnesota Arrowhead region near the historic Gunflint Trail and Lake Superior’s North Shore.

Access to Campsite #887 is highly controlled and begins with securing an overnight quota permit for a specific Entry Point. Given its location in the Tofte District, the most common entry points serving this area might include those like Baker Lake (Entry #39), Kawishiwi Lake (Entry #37), or Brule Lake (Entry #41), among others. Prospective visitors must first secure a permit for one of these points well in advance via Recreation.gov, as the number of entries per day is strictly limited to preserve the wilderness experience.

Once the permit is secured and picked up, accessibility to the campsite itself is strictly 'paddle-and-portage.' The journey requires paddling a canoe across multiple lakes and physically carrying all gear, food, and the canoe across land trails (portages) that connect the waterways. Campsite #887 is reached on a first-come, first-served basis once your group is inside the wilderness. Its exact position on a BWCA lake is identified on official maps, allowing for detailed route planning to secure this highly sought-after destination.

Services Offered

Campsite #887, like all designated BWCA campsites, offers a minimalist set of infrastructure that conforms to federal wilderness guidelines. These facilities are maintained to allow for responsible use while upholding the area's primitive, non-mechanized nature.

Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary, open-air pit toilet is provided, typically set back from the main camp area to ensure sanitation and privacy. This is the only acceptable place for human waste disposal.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire grate is installed at the main cooking/fire area. All fires must be kept within this grate to minimize impact. Note that fire restrictions are common and camp stoves should always be carried as an alternative.
Designated Tent Pads: Cleared, flattened areas are marked for tent setup. Campers must use these pads exclusively to prevent erosion and trample damage to the surrounding vegetation.
Canoe Landing: A natural access point, often a rock slab or a small, clear bank, is provided for safely launching and landing canoes.
Self-Sufficiency Requirement: Critically, there are NO modern services. This includes NO potable water (all drinking water must be filtered from the lake), NO electricity, NO trash collection (all garbage must be packed out), and NO cell service.

Features / Highlights

Choosing Campsite #887 offers a chance to enjoy the finest characteristics of a deep wilderness trip in the Tofte district:

Untouched Landscape: The Tofte area is celebrated for its rugged beauty, featuring large, deep lakes, towering granite cliffs, and mixed coniferous forests. The site itself is positioned to maximize views and tranquility.
Excellent Paddling Routes: The lake hosting #887 is likely part of a challenging but rewarding canoe circuit, offering opportunities for multi-day loop travel or base-camping from which to launch day trips to explore surrounding lakes and portages.
Starry Night Skies: Given the BWCAW's designation as a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary, nights at Campsite #887 are spectacular, offering unparalleled views of the Milky Way and the Northern Lights when conditions are right, free from urban light pollution.
Wildlife Abundance: The remote location provides an increased chance of observing native wildlife, including moose wading in the shallows, otter playing near the shore, and the haunting, iconic calls of the common loon echoing across the water.
Fishing Solitude: The area is well-known for producing excellent fishing opportunities for species like Walleye, Lake Trout, and Northern Pike, offering a unique opportunity to harvest a fresh meal directly from a pristine water source.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness location, Campsite #887 cannot be contacted directly. All administrative duties, permits, and visitor information are handled by the managing federal agency office.

Administrative Office (Tofte Ranger District):

Address: 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Phone: 218-663-8060

Permit Reservation: All overnight permits for BWCAW entry, which are essential to reach this campsite, must be reserved via the official federal system: Recreation.gov. Planning ahead is mandatory due to the quota system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

BWCA Campsite #887 is uniquely suited for Minnesota locals because it represents the highest form of what the state offers: accessible, yet protected, wilderness. For generations, Minnesotans have embraced the tradition of canoe camping, and a trip to a remote, designated site like #887 is the ultimate expression of this local heritage. It’s an easy-to-understand concept for those familiar with "Up North" culture, yet it delivers a level of challenge and reward that surpasses typical recreational camping.

This site allows locals to genuinely disconnect—to escape the noise of daily life and fully engage with the state’s natural legacy. The process of securing a permit, planning the route, navigating the portages, and living by Leave No Trace principles reinforces a deep, responsible connection to the Minnesota land. By providing an authentic, challenging, and profoundly quiet experience, Campsite #887 offers Minnesotans an unparalleled retreat, reaffirming their sense of place and ownership over this precious, protected wilderness in their backyard. It is the pinnacle of the Minnesota outdoor experience, requiring effort but delivering true, restorative solitude.