BWCA Campsite #901: Remote Solitude in the Tofte Ranger District

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents seeking the ultimate in wilderness solitude and natural beauty, BWCA Campsite #901 represents a prime destination deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It is a highly-valued, designated campsite—one of approximately 2,000 such sites scattered across the million-plus acres of the BWCAW, the largest area of protected wilderness east of the Rockies. Unlike developed campgrounds, Campsite #901 is intentionally primitive, designed for the experienced canoe camper who practices strict Leave No Trace principles.

A trip to this site offers a complete disconnection from urban life. It is an opportunity to paddle across glacier-carved lakes, traverse ancient portage trails, and fully immerse oneself in the boreal forest ecosystem that defines the North Shore region. The core of the experience lies in its self-sufficiency: campers must carry everything they need, filter their own water, and leave absolutely no sign of their stay. Campsite #901's location within the Tofte Ranger District ensures access to some of the most scenic and challenging paddling routes in the entire wilderness area.

Location and Accessibility

BWCA Campsite #901 is located in a remote part of the wilderness administered by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. The administrative address—Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA—places it broadly in the North Shore area, a region beloved by Minnesotans.

Specific access to Campsite #901 requires securing an overnight quota permit for a designated BWCAW Entry Point within the Tofte District. While the exact lake and entry for #901 require checking a specific BWCA map (as campsite locations are fluid and designated by number), the Tofte Ranger District manages popular entry points such as Kawishiwi Lake (Entry #37), Sawbill Lake (Entry #38), or Baker Lake (Entry #39). Your journey will begin at one of these controlled access points, typically a canoe landing.

From the chosen entry point, the campsite is reached exclusively by canoe. This involves a paddle-and-portage journey, meaning travelers will paddle across lakes and then physically carry all their gear and canoe overland across trails (portages) to reach the next body of water. The time and difficulty of the trip to Campsite #901 will depend entirely on the chosen entry point and the length of the portages required to reach its specific lake. Since the BWCAW operates on a first-come, first-served basis once inside the wilderness boundary, the final leg involves navigating to and claiming the site upon arrival.

Services Offered

The services at Campsite #901 adhere strictly to Federal Wilderness standards, meaning minimal development to preserve the pristine nature of the site. Comfort and convenience are sacrificed for preservation and solitude.

Wilderness Latrine: A pit toilet with a rudimentary wooden enclosure or box is provided for the sanitary disposal of human waste, located a short distance (usually 100 feet or more) from the main campsite area.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is installed at the main cooking and gathering area. All fires must be contained within this grate. The use of camp stoves for cooking is highly recommended and often mandatory during periods of high fire danger.
Designated Tent Pads: Cleared, hardened areas are available for pitching tents. Campers are strictly required to set up their tents only in these areas to prevent damage to the surrounding fragile forest floor.
Canoe Landing: A dedicated landing area—which may be a sloping rock, a small patch of sand, or a muddy bank—is present for safely bringing canoes ashore.
Zero Amenities: There is NO potable water, electricity, trash disposal, running water, showers, or vehicular access. All drinking water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated from the lake, and all garbage must be carried out of the wilderness (Pack It In, Pack It Out).

Features / Highlights

Choosing Campsite #901 means choosing a unique set of wilderness characteristics common to the Tofte Ranger District area:

Deep Interior Solitude: Campsites located deeper within the BWCAW, away from the easily accessible peripheral lakes, typically offer higher levels of solitude. The journey to #901 promises a quiet experience with minimal encounters with other groups.
Stunning Boreal Forest Scenery: The Tofte area is characterized by majestic stands of white and red pine, rocky outcrops, and sweeping views across interconnected lakes, making for spectacular photography and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Paddling Challenges and Rewards: Located on what is likely a larger, more remote lake in the network, the site provides a base for multi-day loop trips, exploring various ecosystems, and engaging in challenging paddling that builds genuine wilderness confidence.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Like many BWCA lakes, the water body hosting Campsite #901 is likely home to Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass, offering a chance to catch a fresh meal directly from the wilderness.
Dark Skies Preservation: Far removed from any significant light pollution, the site offers astronomical views that are unavailable almost anywhere else in the state, making it a perfect spot for stargazers.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness campsite, #901 does not have a dedicated phone line or direct mailing address. All official inquiries, reservations, and permit pickups are handled by the administering Forest Service office.

Administrative Office (Tofte Ranger District):

Address: 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Phone: 218-663-8060

Permit Reservation: Overnight permits for entry into the BWCAW must be secured in advance through the federal government’s official Recreation.gov website. Visitors must specify their entry point, date, and group size (maximum 9 people and 4 watercraft).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #901 is an indispensable part of the state's cultural and natural landscape. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects of the Minnesota identity. First, the canoeing and portaging skills required are a revered tradition in the North Star State; mastering the journey to #901 is a point of local pride and an essential summer rite of passage. Second, the location is part of the largest protected wilderness in Minnesota, guaranteeing a level of peace and quiet that is often promised but rarely delivered in other recreational areas.

This site is a accessible, yet challenging, opportunity to connect with the deep, untamed character of the Northwoods without leaving the state. It allows families and friends to build lasting memories through shared effort—from securing the challenging permit to paddling through the last mile of clear, cool water. Campsite #901 offers Minnesotans a truly authentic and profound wilderness experience, one that is managed to remain pristine for generations to come. It’s a local treasure, preserved for those willing to paddle for the reward of silence and starlight.