BWCA Campsite #904

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview: Your Gateway to Untamed Minnesota Wilderness

For Minnesota residents seeking the ultimate escape from modern life, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) offers a peerless opportunity for solitude, challenge, and connection with nature. Within this million-acre sanctuary of interconnected lakes, rivers, and dense forests lies BWCA Campsite #904. Located deep within the Superior National Forest near the historic North Shore community of Tofte, this designated campsite represents a true immersion into one of the state's most cherished and protected landscapes.

Unlike traditional, drive-up campgrounds, BWCA Campsite #904 is a pristine, primitive backcountry site, accessible only by the classic mode of Boundary Waters travel: canoe and portage. This is the authentic Minnesota wilderness experience, inviting you to paddle through glassy waters, carry your gear across ancient portage trails, and sleep under a canopy of stars untouched by light pollution. As part of the Tofte Ranger District, this area is regulated to maintain its wild character, ensuring that every visitor can find the expansive solitude they seek. The experience at Campsite #904 is one of self-reliance, guided by the "Leave No Trace" principles that preserve the area for generations of Minnesota adventurers.

Preparation is key for any BWCA trip, as the campsite offers only minimal amenities to preserve its primitive state. Visitors must secure a Quota Permit in advance for overnight stays during the primary season (May 1 - September 30), or a Self-Issued Permit during the off-season. This essential step manages the number of visitors, ensuring that the wilderness remains just that—wild. Campsite #904 is one of the more than 2,000 designated sites across the BWCAW, each offering a unique perspective on the region's stunning geography of glacially carved lakes, rugged cliffs, and towering pines.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Tofte Township Northwoods

BWCA Campsite #904 is officially located in Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA, placing it within the central eastern section of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This region is managed by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest, an area renowned for its access to some of the North Shore's most spectacular paddle routes.

Accessibility to Campsite #904 is purely by wilderness travel. There are no roads leading directly to the campsite. Visitors must first travel to an authorized BWCAW Entry Point, typically reached via the Sawbill Trail or similar forest roads originating near the town of Tofte on Lake Superior's North Shore. From the entry point, the journey involves paddling a canoe or kayak across a series of lakes and rivers, interspersed with "portages"—carrying all gear and watercraft overland between waterways. The specific entry point and the length and difficulty of the paddle/portage route to Campsite #904 will determine the total travel time, which can range from a few hours to multiple days. This necessary effort ensures the site's remoteness and preservation of the pristine wilderness atmosphere. Minnesota locals understand that this paddle-in, portage-out style of travel is the defining feature of a BWCA experience, a true test of preparedness and endurance that is richly rewarded by isolation and natural beauty.

Services Offered

BWCA Campsite #904 is a designated, primitive backcountry site, offering services focused on safety, environmental protection, and basic necessity, while adhering to wilderness standards. These services are uniform across designated BWCA campsites to maintain consistency and minimal impact:

• Designated Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires, helping to concentrate fire impact and minimize damage to the surrounding forest. Visitors must follow all current fire restrictions and burn only dead and downed wood.

• Established Tent Pads/Areas: The site typically features at least one cleared and relatively flat area intended for setting up tents, reducing the need for campers to clear new ground and minimizing soil compaction.

• Pit Latrine: A rudimentary, open-air pit toilet is provided some distance from the main camp and water’s edge. This essential service is maintained to ensure human waste is properly contained and to protect water quality, a core principle of BWCA environmental stewardship.

• Canoe Landing Area: The site is situated on a shoreline with a space suitable for landing and securing canoes, though the quality and ease of landing can vary significantly based on water levels and natural features.

• Permit System Management: Though not a physical service at the site, the essential BWCA quota permit system governs the use of the site, ensuring its capacity is not exceeded, which directly contributes to the quality of the wilderness experience.

Features / Highlights

While specific topographical features of Campsite #904 are best discovered in person, its location within the Tofte area of the BWCAW guarantees several general highlights that define the quintessential Minnesota wilderness trip:

• Unparalleled Solitude and Quiet: Due to the permit system and paddle-in access, Campsite #904 offers profound isolation, far removed from the noise of civilization, making it a perfect spot for reflection and de-stressing.

• World-Class Canoeing and Portaging: The campsite serves as a base for exploring surrounding lakes and rivers, providing access to miles of interconnected waterways perfect for multi-day loop trips or day paddles.

• Prime Fishing Opportunities: The cold, clean waters of the BWCA are renowned for Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Lake Trout. The secluded nature of a backcountry site like #904 often means less-pressured fishing spots nearby.

• Wildlife Viewing: The BWCAW is home to iconic Minnesota wildlife, including moose, black bears, timber wolves, deer, and numerous bird species, such as the Common Loon, whose distinct calls are a nightly highlight.

• Stargazing and Northern Lights Potential: Far from any city light pollution, the campsite provides an exceptional location for viewing the Milky Way and potentially catching a display of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

• Rugged, Scenic Landscape: The site is surrounded by the Superior National Forest’s unique boreal ecosystem—a landscape forged by glaciers, featuring clear lakes, rocky cliffs, and stands of pine, spruce, and birch.

Contact Information

Direct contact for a specific, primitive campsite like #904 is not possible. For all essential information regarding permits, regulations, and area conditions related to BWCA Campsite #904, contact the managing authority and local ranger station:

Address: Tofte Ranger District (Superior National Forest)
Address: 7300 W. Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615 (This is the Ranger Station near the Tofte Township location)

Phone: Visitors must call the Tofte Ranger Station for current information.
Phone: (218) 663-7280

Note: Permit reservations are primarily handled through the official government recreation website, but the Tofte Ranger Station is the local resource for trip planning, entry point information, and up-to-date conditions.

Conclusion: Why BWCA Campsite #904 is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #904 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a vital part of Minnesota’s natural heritage and a perfect destination for local adventurers. For those who call the North Star State home, the Boundary Waters represents the ultimate expression of the state's outdoor ethos. This site offers an accessible yet challenging wilderness experience that requires minimal travel time for those already in Minnesota, maximizing their vacation time in the woods.

The primitive nature of Campsite #904 aligns perfectly with the deep respect Minnesota locals have for environmental preservation and the tradition of self-sufficient camping. It demands that visitors hone their navigation, paddling, and minimal-impact camping skills—skills often instilled from a young age in the region. The relative proximity to the North Shore communities and easy access to local outfitters in Tofte, Ely, or Grand Marais means that local knowledge and equipment are readily available to ensure a successful and safe trip. Choosing Campsite #904 means choosing a true wilderness experience, a chance to disconnect from the digital noise, and an opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the world's most unique and protected canoe areas, reinforcing a local connection to the land that is both profound and personal.

BWCA Campsite #904

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA