BWCA Campsite #910

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For many Minnesotans, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the quintessential escape—a place defined by crystal-clear waters, ancient boreal forests, and true silence. BWCA Campsite #910, situated on the shores of South Temperance Lake, offers an ideal location for experiencing this untouched wilderness. Part of the expansive Superior National Forest, this designated campsite is managed by the Tofte Ranger District and provides a prime basecamp for multi-day canoe trips in the central BWCA.

As a designated wilderness campsite, #910 is part of a federally protected area where the emphasis is on preserving the primitive character of the landscape. This means minimal development and maximum reliance on self-sufficiency. Visitors must secure an overnight quota permit to enter the BWCA between May 1st and September 30th, a process that helps manage the flow of visitors and maintain the sought-after solitude. The remote nature of this site, accessible only by paddle and portage, ensures a truly unique and deeply private experience, making it a highly valued destination for local adventurers looking to disconnect entirely.

South Temperance Lake is known for its serene setting, often serving as a key link in popular canoe routes that traverse the Temperance Lakes chain and beyond. Campsite #910 itself has been noted by past visitors for its privacy and protected position, often nestled among the mature pines that define the North Shore backcountry. It's a place where the Minnesota state fish, the Walleye, is often found, adding another dimension to the wilderness experience.

BWCA Campsite #910 is located on South Temperance Lake, geographically linked to the Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA. It is critically important for any visitor to understand that the address is administrative; there are no roads leading directly to this remote location. The site is only reachable via a traditional canoe and portage journey from an official BWCA Entry Point (EP).

The most common point of access for this region is BWCA Entry Point #39, located on Baker Lake, which is managed by the Tofte Ranger District. From the parking area at Baker Lake, visitors begin their trip with a short portage into Peterson Lake, and then into the Temperance Lake chain. Campsite #910 is located on South Temperance Lake, often described as a quieter, more secluded destination compared to some of the larger, more trafficked lakes. The journey requires travelers to paddle across several lakes and execute a number of portages (carrying canoes and gear over land), which can be physically demanding but ensures the area remains pristine.

Being situated in the Tofte Ranger District means the campsite is on the southeastern edge of the BWCAW, relatively close to the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. While the drive to the Entry Point is accessible via well-maintained Forest Roads off Minnesota Highway 61, the trip to the actual campsite demands careful navigation using appropriate maps (such as Fisher F-5 or McKenzie #21) and a commitment to wilderness travel. This area is characterized by its exposure to the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire, though South Temperance Lake experienced limited impact, maintaining mature forest cover, particularly around the secluded campsite locations.

As a designated BWCA campsite, #910 adheres to the "leave no trace" mandate, offering essential amenities designed solely to minimize environmental impact, not to provide comfort. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient for the duration of their stay.

The standard, non-developed services provided at BWCA Campsite #910 include:

• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A simple, open-air structure or box seat located discreetly away from the main camp area and water source for sanitary human waste disposal.
• Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire ring or grate designed for safely containing campfires in the designated cooking/gathering area. Campfires are strictly limited to dead and downed wood only.
• Designated Tent Pads: Established, relatively flat spots—often accommodating 3 to 4 tents—that are cleared to prevent ground disturbance and concentrated use of the forest floor.
• Canoe Landing Area: A specific, slightly modified section of the rocky shoreline for safely pulling in and launching canoes, though the landing at #910 may be rocky and require caution.
• Non-Potable Water Access: Direct access to South Temperance Lake, which is a raw water source that must be treated, filtered, or boiled before being safe for drinking or cooking.
• Seclusion and Privacy: The site is intentionally spaced from other campsites, and the topography (often perched above the lake) enhances privacy and limits noise pollution.

Campsite #910 is particularly well-regarded for several key attributes that enhance the true wilderness camping experience for the knowledgeable Minnesota outdoors person.

Key features and highlights of this location include:

• High Privacy Rating: The site is often cited as the most secluded spot on South Temperance Lake, well-protected from prevailing north and west winds, offering a peaceful, isolated setting.
• Scenic Lake Views: Situated on a rise or point, the site typically offers excellent elevated views of South Temperance Lake, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
• Walleye and Pike Fishing: South Temperance Lake is a known destination for Minnesota anglers, with good fishing opportunities for Walleye and Northern Pike, often accessible by casting from the shore at dusk.
• Dark Sky Sanctuary: As with the entire BWCAW, the area boasts a Dark Sky Sanctuary designation, providing incredible stargazing and potential views of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) due to the total absence of light pollution.
• Hammock-Friendly Trees: The surrounding boreal forest, which consists of mature pines and mixed tree species, is frequently noted for providing ideal locations to hang hammocks for relaxation.
• Gateway to Deeper Wilderness: The location of South Temperance is on the route to larger, more remote lakes like Cherokee, providing excellent multi-day route options for more ambitious paddlers.

Since BWCA Campsite #910 is an unstaffed wilderness location, all permits, rules, and general information are handled by the managing U.S. Forest Service office for the area.

Address (Campsite Proximity): 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) 663-7280 (Primary contact line for the managing Ranger District of the Superior National Forest)

Permit Reservations: An Overnight Quota Permit is mandatory for entry between May 1 and September 30, and must be reserved in advance through the federal Recreation.gov website for the chosen Entry Point (e.g., EP #39, Baker Lake).

BWCA Campsite #910 on South Temperance Lake represents the finest example of Minnesota’s celebrated Northwoods heritage. For local users, this particular campsite is an ideal choice due to its high degree of privacy and its inclusion on a manageable, yet rewarding, chain of lakes in the Tofte area. It provides a challenging yet accessible adventure that requires genuine outdoor skill—a point of pride for any Minnesotan.

The journey to Campsite #910 strips away the distractions of daily life, leaving only the essentials: navigation, fire, shelter, and camaraderie. This is not simply a camping trip; it is an immersive wilderness experience that fosters self-reliance and deepens one’s connection to the unparalleled natural resources of Minnesota. Whether you are fishing for Walleye at dusk, watching the stars from a secluded rock outcrop, or simply enjoying the profound quiet of a site protected by wind and waves, Campsite #910 offers a genuine slice of the vast, unspoiled BWCA, making it an essential destination for locals seeking an authentic and memorable wilderness retreat.

BWCA Campsite #910

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA