BWCA Campsite #900

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

BWCA Campsite #900 is a dedicated, wilderness campsite located within the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, specifically on the shores of the immense Brule Lake. For Minnesota residents, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the pinnacle of paddle-in, primitive camping, and Brule Lake is one of its most notable and largest non-motorized bodies of water. Campsite #900 offers a gateway to this pristine, million-acre ecosystem of interconnected lakes and boreal forests.

Unlike conventional drive-up sites, this location is accessible only by canoe and requires a valid, pre-reserved overnight permit (BWCAW Entry Point 41 is the standard access) to enter and camp between May 1st and September 30th. This strict permit quota system is essential to preserving the wilderness character and ensuring a low-impact experience for all visitors. The campsite number—#900—denotes a specific, maintained location, providing a safe and designated base from which to explore the expansive waters and numerous islands of Brule Lake, the second largest lake entirely within the BWCA. This is a destination for those who value solitude, self-reliance, and a deep immersion into the Northwoods environment.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #900 is physically situated on Brule Lake, which lies in the geographical region of Tofte Township, MN 55604, an administrative area covering a significant portion of the Superior National Forest. Its exact location on the lake is documented by the U.S. Forest Service, but its true accessibility is defined by its distance from the nearest access point.

The primary and most direct route to Campsite #900 begins at BWCA Entry Point #41, the Brule Lake Entry Point, which is located off the remote, scenic Sawbill Trail (Cook County Road 2). After driving to the parking lot, visitors launch their canoes directly onto Brule Lake. Due to the lake’s massive size and exposed nature, reaching the campsite can be a challenging paddle, particularly in high winds. The lake's surface can quickly become turbulent, posing a serious challenge to paddlers. As a non-motorized lake (no motors allowed), the journey to Campsite #900 is purely human-powered, ensuring the entire trip is a true wilderness experience. The site’s location on such a large lake means that while access from the entry point is relatively direct, the paddle itself can be a significant part of the journey, often taking several hours depending on the chosen bay or island location of site #900.

Services Offered

Campsite #900 is classified as a primitive wilderness campsite, meaning its "services" are limited to basic, permanent structures designed solely for environmental protection and visitor safety, as per BWCAW regulations. Modern amenities common in state parks or developed campgrounds are intentionally absent to maintain the wilderness status.

• Designated Tent Pads: Cleared and often leveled areas are provided to pitch tents. This encourages groups to use the same spots, preventing vegetation damage and minimizing the overall footprint of camping activity.

• Fire Grate: A heavy-duty, permanent metal fire ring or grate is available. All fires must be contained within this grate, and local fire restrictions must be strictly observed. Wood gathering is permitted only for dead and downed timber.

• Pit Latrine: An essential component of every BWCA campsite, the latrine is a rustic, open-air pit toilet located a recommended distance (usually 150 feet or more) from the tent area and the lake. This ensures human waste is managed away from water sources.

• Water Access: A natural canoe landing area is available, which often doubles as a spot to collect water. However, all water gathered from the lake must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.

• Strict Capacity Limit: The campsite is limited to one party per night, with a maximum size of nine people and four canoes or watercraft, ensuring low density and high solitude.

• Leave No Trace: While not a physical service, the enforced 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' rule is the most important "service" offered, requiring campers to remove all trash and waste to preserve the environment.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #900’s location on Brule Lake makes it particularly appealing, offering unique features that enhance the wilderness experience for local users.

• Brule Lake Scenery: Brule Lake is known for its dramatic cliffs, numerous small islands, and deep, clear waters, offering breathtaking, expansive views that are rare in the BWCA’s smaller lake chains. The size of the lake creates a feeling of profound remoteness.

• Island Proximity (Potentially): Many of Brule Lake’s campsites are on or near islands. If Campsite #900 is an island or peninsula site, it would offer 360-degree views, exceptional privacy, and natural bug relief from breezes.

• Route Flexibility: Brule Lake is a major hub with at least six portages leading to other lakes, including those in the southern and eastern parts of the wilderness. This makes Campsite #900 an ideal base for experienced paddlers who want to plan extended loop trips into the interior.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The large, deep nature of Brule Lake supports a healthy population of Lake Trout. The lake is also known for Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, providing a highly rewarding angling experience for those who know Northwoods fishing.

• Star-Gazing and Wildlife: Due to the incredible distance from light pollution, the area around Brule Lake is renowned for its dark skies, offering spectacular views of the stars and potential sightings of the Northern Lights. The area is also prime habitat for moose, bald eagles, and common loons.

Contact Information

As a designated, primitive site within the BWCAW, Campsite #900 has no direct line of contact. All planning, permits, and administrative needs are managed by the U.S. Forest Service office responsible for the area.

Responsible Administrative Office (Tofte Ranger District):

Tofte Ranger District Office

7355 West Hwy 61

Tofte, MN 55615

Permit Reservations (Required for all overnight stays May 1–September 30):

Online: Recreation.gov (Search for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness)

Phone (National Recreation Reservation Service): (877) 444-6777

Phone (Tofte Ranger District):

General/Trip Planning Inquiries: (218) 663-8060

Emergency Situations:

Dial 911 (Be aware that response times are severely delayed in this remote wilderness area. Satellite communication is strongly advised for emergencies.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #900 on Brule Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals because it represents a challenge and a reward deeply ingrained in the state’s outdoor culture. It’s an accessible opportunity to truly test oneself in a protected, vast wilderness environment without leaving the state. The large, open water of Brule Lake demands respect and solid paddling skills, which many local canoeists possess, offering a sense of accomplishment upon reaching camp.

Furthermore, for those who regularly seek out Minnesota’s natural beauty, the sheer scale of Brule Lake and the associated solitude of Campsite #900 provides an unrivaled escape from modern life. It offers a chance to experience the Northwoods as it has existed for centuries—a silent, pristine, and wild landscape. Whether using it as a basecamp for extended portaging to smaller interior lakes or as a destination for excellent fishing and dark-sky viewing, Campsite #900 allows Minnesotans to reconnect with the core wilderness heritage that defines the spirit of the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes.'

BWCA Campsite #900

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA