BWCA Campsite #905

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking the profound quiet and challenge of a true wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #905, nestled deep within the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), offers an unparalleled escape. Situated near North Temperance Lake in the beautiful Tofte Township area, this designated campsite is a prime location for those willing to paddle and portage their way into the Superior National Forest's interior. Unlike traditional campgrounds with paved sites and modern amenities, Campsite #905 embraces the primitive ethos of the BWCAW, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient and practice strict Leave No Trace principles.

The Tofte area of the BWCA is known for its rugged terrain, carved by glaciers, featuring clear-water lakes, towering pine forests, and magnificent rock formations often associated with the nearby Sawtooth Mountains. Campsite #905 is part of the nearly 1.1 million acres of protected wilderness, meaning the focus is entirely on preserving the natural environment. Your journey to this spot is an adventure in itself, often beginning at an Entry Point managed by the Tofte Ranger District, such as the nearby Sawbill Lake Entry Point (#38) or Kawishiwi Lake Entry Point (#37), which serve as common access points to the intricate network of lakes leading to North Temperance Lake. This campsite is consistently praised by those who visit, with real-world feedback confirming it is a well-maintained and highly desirable location, noting specifically that it offers "At least 3 tent pads. Nice camp sight," which is a significant practical detail for group planning.

BWCA Campsite #905 is located in the general Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA region, placing it firmly within the central-eastern section of the BWCA, overseen by the Tofte Ranger District. More specifically, the campsite is situated on the shores of North Temperance Lake. This location is deep within the wilderness, and access is strictly by non-motorized means, primarily canoeing or kayaking combined with portaging.

To begin your journey to Campsite #905, you must first secure a quota permit for a designated entry point that provides a route to North Temperance Lake. Common entry points for this area include those along the Sawbill Trail or near the Temperance River. From the chosen entry point, the route to North Temperance Lake involves multiple paddling segments and demanding overland portages, which are the trails connecting the lakes. This rugged, multi-step accessibility is what guarantees the isolation and pristine quality of the site. Minnesotans planning a trip must be prepared for a remote expedition—there are no roads, services, or modern facilities once you leave the entry station. The journey is part of the experience, rewarding paddlers with the immense solitude that defines the BWCA.

As a designated wilderness campsite within a National Wilderness Preservation Area, Campsite #905 offers minimal, primitive infrastructure aimed at environmental protection rather than guest convenience. Visitors are required to carry out everything they pack in and use wilderness ethics (Leave No Trace) at all times.

The essential services and amenities provided at this designated site include:

• Wilderness Latrine: A simple pit toilet, located away from the main camping area and water's edge, designated for human waste disposal.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, elevated metal grate for safely containing campfires, which are permitted only within this grate area.
• Established Tent Pads: Multiple relatively flat, cleared spaces specifically intended for pitching tents. Customer reviews confirm the site offers "At least 3 tent pads," which is valuable information for groups.
• Designated Canoe Landing: A recognized spot along the shoreline for safely landing, loading, and securing watercraft.
• Water Access (Non-Potable): Direct access to North Temperance Lake water, which must be filtered, purified, or boiled before any consumption.
• Designated Camp Area: A specific, minimally impacted zone intended for all group activities to prevent damage to surrounding forest and vegetation.

Note that prohibited items in this area include glass bottles and cans (except for non-food items like bug spray or fuel), and motorized watercraft are generally forbidden on the lakes surrounding Campsite #905, ensuring a quiet, paddle-only environment.

The appeal of Campsite #905 lies in its setting on North Temperance Lake, which is connected to other beautiful lakes in the Tofte network, offering an experience rich in natural splendor and tranquility.

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

• Ample Tent Space for Groups: The confirmed presence of "At least 3 tent pads" makes this a highly functional and accommodating site for larger groups up to the BWCA maximum of nine people.
• Scenic Northwoods Landscape: Situated amongst mature conifer and birch forests, the area is characterized by the clear, deep waters common to the Tofte district lakes, providing stunning views.
• Exceptional Paddling Routes: North Temperance Lake serves as a hub, allowing for day-trip paddling excursions or connecting to longer, multi-lake routes deeper into the wilderness.
• Opportunities for Shoreline Fishing: The deep, cold waters of this lake system are known for supporting desirable sport fish, offering excellent chances for anglers to catch species like Lake Trout or Northern Pike.
• Stellar Stargazing: Its remote location ensures minimal light pollution, allowing for phenomenal night sky viewing, including the Milky Way and potentially the aurora borealis, a signature Northern Minnesota sight.
• True Quiet and Solitude: The deep wilderness location and paddle-only access provide an unmatched level of peace, broken only by the sounds of the wind, the waves, and the legendary calls of the Common Loon.

Campsite #905 is an unstaffed wilderness location. All essential planning, permits, and informational inquiries are handled by the Superior National Forest's Tofte Ranger District, which manages this section of the BWCAW.

Address (General Campsite Area): Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (Remote wilderness location.)

Tofte Ranger District Office (Official Permit Issuer and Contact)

Address: 7355 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615

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

Reservations: Overnight Quota Permits (Required May 1 – September 30) for the necessary entry point must be secured in advance via the federal Recreation.gov system.

For Minnesota residents, BWCA Campsite #905 is an accessible yet challenging cornerstone of their state’s identity. This destination is ideal for those who feel the pull of the Northwoods and seek to connect with the landscape in a deep, meaningful way. The entire BWCA experience—from meticulous preparation to navigating by map and compass—is a time-honored Minnesota tradition.

Choosing a campsite deep in the Tofte region, like #905 on North Temperance Lake, ensures a genuine break from urban life. It promotes the self-reliance and environmental stewardship that Minnesotans are known for. By requiring visitors to overcome the challenges of portaging and remote camping, the site rewards them with an authentic, uncrowded wilderness experience that few places in the world can match. It is the perfect local escape for families and groups looking to test their skills, enjoy unparalleled fishing, and find a restorative peace only the true Boundary Waters can offer.

BWCA Campsite #905

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA