BWCA Campsite #891

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking the ultimate escape into the state’s world-renowned backcountry, BWCA Campsite #891 offers an unparalleled opportunity for solitude and spectacular natural beauty. This designated wilderness campsite is situated within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), an area spanning over a million acres of interconnected lakes, streams, and boreal forest. The specific location of Campsite #891 is on the shores of Cherokee Lake, a highly regarded destination within the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

A trip to Campsite #891 is a traditional Northwoods experience—a journey that requires preparation, skill, and a commitment to the "Leave No Trace" principles that protect this fragile environment. It is a primitive camping experience, meaning visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all necessities and carrying out all waste. The appeal of this particular site stems from its celebrated natural advantages, including an elevated position that provides fantastic views and a rocky shoreline perfect for reflection. Campsite #891 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to reconnecting with the raw, untamed nature that defines Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region. All visitors must first secure a mandatory quota permit for an overnight stay in the BWCAW, ensuring a controlled number of visitors and preserving the sense of deep wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #891 is physically located in the remote area represented by the administrative address of Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA. However, its true location is on Cherokee Lake, a non-motorized lake deep inside the Boundary Waters, accessible only by watercraft. There are no roads leading directly to the campsite.

Access to Cherokee Lake typically begins at a nearby designated Entry Point managed by the Tofte Ranger Station. A common route involves entering through Entry Point #41 on Brule Lake or potentially another portage-heavy route from a different entry point. From the official entry point, the trip to Campsite #891 requires paddling across various lakes and physically carrying canoes and gear over numerous portage trails—overland routes connecting the waterways. The total distance and difficulty vary significantly depending on the chosen route, but all require a multi-day effort and dedication to traditional wilderness travel methods. The distance from the nearest administrative office, the Tofte Ranger Station on Highway 61, is substantial, highlighting the campsite's deep wilderness setting and offering the solitude that many local users seek. Travelers must first secure a reserved overnight permit for the designated entry point they plan to use.

As a designated site within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Campsite #891 adheres strictly to wilderness preservation standards. The 'services' provided are simple, permanent structures intended to contain human impact, not offer modern conveniences. Campers are responsible for all other needs, including purified water and food storage.

• Forest Service Designated Campsite: A marked and maintained area ensuring all camping occurs in one location to prevent the creation of new clearings and protect native flora.
• Wilderness Latrine: A rudimentary, vault-style outdoor toilet facility. It is placed a considerable distance from the main camp area and water sources for sanitation purposes and is strictly for human waste—no trash or other materials are to be placed inside.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent metal fire ring provided for contained campfires. Fires are only permitted within this grate using dead and downed wood, and only when fire restrictions are not in place. Camp stoves are recommended as a backup or primary cooking method.
• Established Tent Pads: While primitive, the site often features several cleared areas where tents can be pitched, designed to prevent vegetation damage and accommodate various group sizes up to the nine-person maximum allowed in the BWCA.
• Natural Water Source Access: The campsite is located on the shoreline of Cherokee Lake, offering direct access to the water for filtering or boiling drinking water. All washing, cleaning, and human use must be performed at least 200 feet from the shoreline to prevent contamination.

BWCA Campsite #891 on Cherokee Lake is a popular choice among veteran paddlers, often noted in trip reports for its superior natural characteristics and amenities relative to other wilderness sites:

• Exceptional Sunset Views: The site is famously situated on an elevated point or rock slab facing west, providing unobstructed, panoramic views of the lake's spectacular evening sunsets—a highlight frequently mentioned by repeat visitors.
• Spacious and Accommodating: Reports indicate the site is large and open, capable of accommodating a maximum of four to five tent pads, making it ideal for the maximum group size of nine people and four watercraft permitted in the BWCA.
• Elevated Rock Slab: A prominent feature is a high, large rock area adjacent to the campsite, offering a natural "front porch" for lounging, taking in the scenery, or fishing from shore.
• Excellent Canoe Landing: While some BWCA landings can be challenging, the site is noted to have a good canoe landing area, often on the northeast side, simplifying the process of unloading gear and securing watercraft.
• Prime for Bear Safety: As a popular, well-used site, it generally features plenty of large trees ideal for hanging bear bags, a crucial safety and regulation requirement for food storage in the BWCAW.
• Deep Wilderness Solitude: The remoteness of Cherokee Lake ensures a truly tranquil experience, far from any mechanized noise, providing an immersive natural environment ideal for wildlife viewing, fishing, and personal reflection.

Direct contact with a specific campsite number is not possible. All logistics, including permits and official information, must be coordinated through the relevant U.S. Forest Service administrative district. The BWCAW operates under a strict permit system, and reservations are mandatory for overnight trips from May 1 through September 30.

Administrative Office for Permit Issuance (Tofte Ranger District):

Tofte Ranger Station (Superior National Forest)
Address: 7355 W. Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615 (This is the required permit-issuing station, not the campsite location)

Phone for Administrative Inquiry (Tofte Ranger District):

Phone: (218) 663-7280

*Note: The official reservation system for BWCAW quota permits is managed through the federal government's Recreation.gov website or phone reservation center. It is essential to reserve your permit well in advance, as popular entry points like those leading to Cherokee Lake have daily quotas that fill quickly.

BWCA Campsite #891 on Cherokee Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals because it represents the highest tier of the state's outdoor heritage—a truly wild, protected experience accessible to those willing to make the effort. For Minnesotans, the BWCA is a source of regional pride and a rite of passage, offering a multi-day journey that contrasts sharply with urban or suburban life. The challenge of paddling and portaging to an elevated, scenic site like #891 is rewarding, reinforcing a connection to the state's rugged, water-centric landscape. The primitive nature of the site, with its lack of modern facilities, serves as a powerful reminder of self-reliance and the necessity of environmental stewardship—values deeply ingrained in the Northwoods community. Furthermore, the mandatory permit system ensures that this remote paradise remains uncrowded, guaranteeing the solitude that locals cherish. Choosing Campsite #891 means choosing a classic Minnesota wilderness trip, culminating in world-class views from a spacious camp, far removed from the hustle of everyday life.

BWCA Campsite #891

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA