BWCA Campsite #909: Your Wilderness Gateway on South Temperance Lake, MN

Introduction / Overview: Your Solitude Awaits at BWCA Campsite #909

Minnesota locals know that the heart of true Northwoods adventure lies within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a place dedicated to preserving the raw, pristine beauty of a million-acre canoe country. BWCA Campsite #909 is not a traditional drive-up campsite but a highly sought-after, designated wilderness sanctuary, nestled deep within the Superior National Forest. Specifically, public records confirm this site is located on the shores of South Temperance Lake, a vital and beautiful waterway in the Tofte Ranger District.

As a designated single-party campsite, #909 ensures that once you have paddled and portaged your way in, the entire space—and the surrounding quiet—is exclusively yours. This site is known among BWCA enthusiasts for being relatively easy to locate after a rewarding paddle from the entry point, a quality highlighted by customer reviews that describe it as a "Great campsite and easy to find." This makes it an excellent choice for local groups, including those with intermediate paddling experience or those looking for a slightly shorter travel day before settling into a pristine base camp.

The spirit of Campsite #909 is pure, self-supported wilderness camping. It is your launching pad for fishing South Temperance Lake, day-tripping to nearby connecting lakes, or simply spending quiet hours by the water, fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the Boundary Waters. For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape from the hustle of city life, this site offers the perfect blend of accessibility (by wilderness standards) and deep seclusion.

Location and Accessibility: South Temperance Lake via the Sawbill Trail

BWCA Campsite #909's general location is given as Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA, which pinpoints it within the vast Superior National Forest region managed by the Tofte Ranger District. Its specific waterbody is South Temperance Lake. This lake is not directly accessible by vehicle; the journey begins at a designated Entry Point and requires a paddle-and-portage effort.

The most common route to South Temperance Lake starts from the Sawbill Trail, a well-maintained county road (County Road 2) that extends north from Highway 61 in Tofte, Minnesota. While the campsite is not on the highly-trafficked Sawbill Lake itself, it is accessed through a chain of lakes that usually begins at Entry Point 37 (Kawishiwi Lake) or Entry Point 40 (Homer Lake), with a paddle and subsequent portages leading into the Temperance Lake chain. The presence of the Sawbill Trail and the Tofte Ranger District nearby simplifies logistics for local travelers, including gear rental and permit pickup.

Accessibility to Campsite #909 requires securing a highly competitive BWCA quota permit in advance through the federal reservation system, specifying the chosen Entry Point and date. Once in the water, visitors should expect to use detailed navigational maps. Traveler notes suggest the site is on a point or an island, offering good visibility from the water, which aligns with its reputation for being "easy to find." This reduces navigational stress and allows more time for enjoying the scenery.

Services Offered

Consistent with all designated campsites in the federally protected BWCAW, Campsite #909 provides only the essential infrastructure needed to minimize human impact on the wilderness environment. There are no modern comforts; the experience is fully self-supported:

A cleared, level area designated for tent setup, capable of accommodating one group (up to nine people and four canoes/kayaks).
A sturdy, permanent fire grate provided for cooking and controlled campfires (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
A primitive wilderness latrine (commonly referred to as a "thunderbox") set back from the lake and main camp area for sanitary disposal of human waste.
Unfettered access to water from South Temperance Lake, which must be treated or filtered to be safe for drinking and cooking.
The opportunity to collect dead and downed firewood from the surrounding forest floor (no cutting of live trees is allowed).

Guests must carry in all their own supplies, including food, fuel, shelter, and safety gear. The key service provided is the pristine, untouched environment itself, protected by the rules requiring all garbage and waste (other than what goes into the latrine) to be packed out.

Features / Highlights: Open Views and Prime Base Camp Potential

BWCA Campsite #909's features make it a strong contender for a memorable wilderness trip, especially for those who prioritize open sightlines and a breeze:

Great Views of the Lake: User reviews consistently highlight the excellent, open views from the campsite, making it ideal for watching sunsets, weather patterns, and wildlife across South Temperance Lake.
Good Canoe Landing: The site is noted for having a user-friendly or "nice driveway" canoe landing, making the daily process of loading and unloading gear safer and easier—a significant factor in the BWCA.
Breezy, Open Kitchen Area: The central cooking and fire grate area is described as being "open and exposed." While this means less shade, it is a significant advantage for natural bug control, offering a welcome breeze that often keeps insects at bay during summer months.
Shoreline Fishing: Located on South Temperance Lake, the site provides a chance to fish directly from the shore or nearby canoe-accessible points for various species, including the elusive Walleye that many anglers seek.
Small Tent Pad Footprint: Notes indicate the tent pads may be smaller, favoring two or three small tents over a single large one, which encourages a more compact and concentrated camp arrangement.
Proximity to Tofte Outfitting: Being in the Tofte Ranger District area means local outfitters are readily available to assist with gear rentals, route planning, and permit logistics before and after your trip.

Contact Information

As a remote wilderness location, Campsite #909 does not have a unique phone number or mail service. All official communication runs through the managing federal agency.

Address (General Area and Ranger District): Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (The site is an interior, paddle-in location).

Official Authority for Permits and Information:

The BWCAW is administered by the US Forest Service, Superior National Forest (Tofte Ranger District manages Entry Points in this area, including the Sawbill Trail access).

Phone: For general inquiries about the BWCA or permit details, contact the Tofte Ranger District Office (A search for the most current Forest Service contact number is recommended).

Trip planning and mandatory overnight quota permit reservations must be made well in advance via the official federal recreation website, specifying the chosen Entry Point (e.g., Kawishiwi Lake #37 or Homer Lake #40) and the entry date.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #909 on South Temperance Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota residents who seek a genuine, yet streamlined, wilderness experience. For local adventurers, the entire process—from driving up the familiar North Shore on Highway 61 and turning onto the iconic Sawbill Trail—feels like a homecoming.

Its reputation as a "Great campsite and easy to find" is a major draw, reducing the stress of a long first-day paddle and making it an attractive base camp for multi-day trips. The site’s excellent views and open exposure are a known benefit in a region where bug management is always a priority. It serves as a perfect location for experienced paddlers looking for a scenic retreat or for Minnesotans introducing younger family members to the state’s most profound and cherished tradition: the canoe trip. By securing a permit for Campsite #909, locals secure their own private piece of the Boundary Waters, ready for a lifetime of memories.