BWCA Campsite #894

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For those who call Minnesota home, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the call of true, raw nature. BWCA Campsite #894 offers an entry point into this cherished local experience, representing a designated overnight location deep within the Superior National Forest. It is important for all prospective visitors to understand that this is not a traditional drive-up campground with paved roads and full hookups. Campsite #894 is a pristine, remote wilderness site, requiring self-sufficient travel and strict adherence to the area's primitive, non-mechanized travel regulations.

The BWCAW is nationally recognized for its millions of acres of interconnected lakes and rivers, accessible only by canoe, portage, or foot. Campsite #894 is one of the many sites carefully positioned throughout this vast network to allow paddlers and hikers a place to rest while minimizing environmental impact. Planning a trip here means committing to an unforgettable adventure, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the rustle of the wind through the pines and the haunting call of the loon. Securing a quota permit for a specific entry point in the Tofte area is the first step in unlocking this secluded spot.

BWCA Campsite #894 is geographically located within the expansive region covered by Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA. This address places it firmly in the heart of Minnesota's North Shore region, overseen by the U.S. Forest Service's Tofte Ranger District. While the Tofte area is your starting point, the specific site is situated far from any road or motorized access, ensuring maximum tranquility and isolation.

Access to Campsite #894 begins by navigating to one of the BWCAW Entry Points managed by the Tofte Ranger District, such as the popular Baker Lake, Sawbill Lake, or Kawishiwi Lake entry points, among others along the Sawbill Trail. The journey is defined by the wilderness mode of travel: paddling a canoe and then physically carrying the canoe and all gear (a portage) over land trails connecting the lakes. The campsite itself is not directly reachable by vehicle. Minnesotans planning this journey typically drive to the Tofte area, pick up their required permit at the Ranger Station or a cooperating outfitter, and then drive to the assigned Entry Point to launch their canoes. The distance to Campsite #894 will be measured in paddling hours and number of portages from the entry point, providing an immediate sense of immersion into the wilderness.

The BWCA is designated as a protected wilderness, and as such, the 'services' at Campsite #894 are maintained to a strictly primitive standard to conserve the environment and the visitor experience. Self-reliance is key. All visitors must adhere to Leave No Trace principles, meaning they must pack out all trash and waste, excluding human waste deposited in the provided facilities.

The essential, provided amenities found at all official BWCA designated campsites, including Campsite #894, are:

• Wilderness Latrine: A simple, open-air box structure designed to manage human waste in a secluded manner, promoting sanitation away from water sources.
• Steel Fire Grate: A sturdy, metal cooking grate intended to safely contain campfires, preventing uncontrolled burns and ground scarring.
• Designated Tent Area(s): Cleared, leveled spaces intended for pitching tents to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation and soil.
• Established Watercraft Landing: A naturally cleared area along the shore for safely beaching and storing canoes and other approved watercraft.
• Naturally-Sourced Water: While water is readily available from the lake, it is non-potable and requires all visitors to bring their own filtration system, purification tablets, or boiling equipment.

There is no electricity, Wi-Fi, cell service (in most areas), running water, dump stations, or shower houses.

What Campsite #894 lacks in modern amenities, it more than makes up for in natural features and wilderness highlights—the true treasures of the BWCA.

Key features and highlights of a stay at this location include:

• Unrivaled Privacy: As part of a vast wilderness system with a strict daily quota for entry, the site guarantees a level of solitude rarely found in modern life, allowing for deep personal reflection and connection with nature.
• Pristine Water Quality: The surrounding lakes and waterways, free from motorized disturbance (unless in a designated motor zone), offer crystal-clear waters perfect for fishing, swimming, and photography.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: BWCA lakes are renowned for Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and various Trout species, providing a fresh and rewarding camp meal.
• Boreal Forest Immersion: The campsite is nestled within the characteristic coniferous and mixed forests of the Superior National Forest, offering stunning evergreen scents and cool, dense shade.
• Star Gazing: Far removed from city lights, the night skies are intensely dark, offering spectacular views of the Milky Way and excellent chances of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) at certain times of the year.
• Canoe-Route Connectivity: Campsite #894 is integrated into the larger canoe route network, making it a great base camp or a key stopover point on a multi-day loop trip through the wilderness.

Since BWCA Campsite #894 is a remote, unstaffed wilderness location, direct contact is not applicable. All permit reservations, planning questions, and current condition inquiries must be directed to the managing authority: the U.S. Forest Service Tofte Ranger District.

Address (General Area/Ranger District): Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (The physical campsite is remote; all official contact is via the Ranger Station or the permit system.)

Tofte Ranger District Office

Address: 7355 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615 (For in-person services, maps, and permit issuance)

Phone: (218) 663-7280 or (218) 663-8060 (Primary contact lines for the managing Ranger District)

Reservations: All overnight permits (May 1 – September 30) must be reserved in advance through the federal permit system, which can be accessed via Recreation.gov.

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #894 offers more than just a camping spot—it provides a vital connection to the state's storied reputation as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. This is the place to test your gear, challenge your navigational skills, and recharge your spirit in an environment that is pure, unadulterated North Woods. The demanding nature of the travel ensures that those who reach this destination are rewarded with profound peace and unparalleled natural beauty, far exceeding what any roadside park can offer.

Choosing a BWCA site managed by the Tofte Ranger District means experiencing the stunning landscape near Lake Superior and its rugged shoreline while contributing to a protected national wilderness. This adventure embodies the Minnesotan spirit of outdoor resilience and appreciation for conservation. It is an ideal getaway for families, friends, or solo adventurers looking to truly unplug and immerse themselves in a primitive, yet deeply rewarding, local travel tradition. Plan ahead, secure your permit, and prepare for an authentic adventure that is truly Minnesota's own.

BWCA Campsite #894

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA