BWCA Campsite #915

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans drawn to the deep, silent woods and pristine waters of the North Shore region, BWCA Campsite #915 offers the quintessential Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) experience. Campsite #915 is a designated, primitive site located on the expansive and popular Sawbill Lake, serving as a gateway to some of the most sought-after canoe routes in the Superior National Forest. It is not a roadside campground but a secluded wilderness haven, accessible only by watercraft and requiring a commitment to self-sufficiency and the strict principles of Leave No Trace.

The appeal of Campsite #915 lies in its unique balance of accessibility and remoteness. Situated on Sawbill Lake, which is the location of BWCA Entry Point 38, the site is relatively close to a major outfitting post, making initial logistical support easier than deeper wilderness locations. However, as an official BWCAW campsite, it adheres to all wilderness standards: no motorized travel (with minor exceptions far from the site), no permanent structures, and a mandated quota system to preserve solitude. This particular site is known to be located near the Ada Creek portage on the east side of Sawbill Lake, offering excellent access to further exploration north into the vast wilderness chain. A trip here is a chance to fully embrace the state's iconic heritage of paddling, portaging, and connecting with a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers and towering boreal forest.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #915 is officially administered by the Tofte Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service, placing it geographically within the scenic North Shore region of Minnesota, a few miles inland from Lake Superior.

Administrative Address:

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA

The practical location is Sawbill Lake. This large lake is reached via the Sawbill Trail (Cook County Road 2), a well-maintained road that runs approximately 25 miles north from Highway 61 in Tofte. The immediate area around the Entry Point (EP) 38 landing on Sawbill Lake features outfitting services and a developed Forest Service campground.

Accessibility to Campsite #915 itself is strictly by water:

• Primary Access: The primary entry point is BWCA Entry Point 38 – Sawbill Lake. After checking in and obtaining a permit, visitors paddle north from the landing area into the wilderness proper.
• Paddle-In Requirement: As a BWCAW site, there is no road or trail access. The distance to Campsite #915 from the entry point is typically covered by canoe or kayak, and while Sawbill Lake is large, the paddle can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, depending on wind and weather conditions.
• Permit Mandatory: Overnight camping at #915 requires a BWCAW quota permit reserved in advance for Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake). This permit must specify the date of entry. Campsites within the BWCAW are first-come, first-served, so while #915 is a specific site, you must be prepared to accept any open campsite on Sawbill Lake or a connecting lake.
• Navigational Need: While Sawbill Lake is relatively easy to navigate, proper BWCAW maps (McKenzie, Fisher, or Voyageur maps) are essential for locating Campsite #915, especially as designated sites are sometimes difficult to spot from the water.

Services Offered

As a wilderness campsite, #915 offers only essential, low-impact facilities, focusing on visitor safety and environmental preservation:

• Designated Tent Pads: A few hardened, level areas are cleared for pitching tents. This minimizes impact on surrounding root systems and natural ground cover, protecting the fragile forest ecosystem.
• Wilderness Latrine: A primitive outdoor toilet, often referred to as a "thunderbox," is provided a safe distance from the sleeping area and shoreline to ensure sanitation standards are met. Visitors are required to pack out all toilet paper.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is installed at the center of the site. All fires must be contained within this grate. Visitors are responsible for checking the current fire danger level and securing any necessary firewood (dead and down only).
• Water Access: The shoreline provides a natural landing for canoes and access to the lake water. However, water from Sawbill Lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption; it is not safe to drink untreated.
• Minimalist Philosophy: No garbage service is provided. All refuse, including food scraps and wrappers, must be packed out. There are no tables, electric hookups, or potable water spigots.

Features / Highlights

The true value of Campsite #915 lies in the natural features and the quality of the wilderness surrounding it:

• Proximity to Ada Creek: The site’s location near the Ada Creek portage makes it an ideal launch point for loop trips into the larger BWCAW area, including routes to Cherokee and Long Island Lakes, allowing for extended explorations.
• Boreal Forest Scenery: The campsite is nestled within the beautiful Northwoods biome, characterized by stands of white pine, red pine, and birch. Depending on the specific site features, it may offer striking lake views or a sheltered, wooded atmosphere.
• Excellent Paddling Base: Sawbill Lake itself is a prime spot for both fishing and paddling. Its size provides opportunities for multi-day exploration without excessive portaging for those who prefer day trips from a base camp.
• Prime Fishing Location: Sawbill Lake and its connecting waterways are known for holding Walleye, Northern Pike, and smallmouth bass, offering fantastic opportunities for anglers right from the campsite.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The deep forest and water ecosystem support a variety of local fauna. Visitors frequently report sightings of moose, beavers, otters, and raptors like the Bald Eagle, and of course, the ever-present loons.

Contact Information

For booking permits, obtaining local maps, and getting up-to-date wilderness condition reports, contact the managing U.S. Forest Service office for the area:

Tofte Ranger District Address:

7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Tofte Ranger District Phone:

(218) 663-7280 (It is advisable to check the Superior National Forest official website for the most current phone numbers and seasonal hours of operation.)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

BWCA Campsite #915 is a destination perfectly suited for local Minnesota residents who value the state’s commitment to preserving its natural wonders. Locals often possess the necessary expertise—from navigating canoes on potentially wind-whipped water to understanding the necessary gear for a self-sustained wilderness trip—that makes a BWCAW excursion safe and enjoyable. The relatively straightforward accessibility via the Sawbill Trail, combined with the presence of established local outfitters near Entry Point 38, makes the initial logistics manageable for those who live within driving distance. Camping at #915 is an immersive experience in the wild heart of Minnesota, offering a truly unplugged vacation that reinforces the state's deep, shared appreciation for the Northwoods. It is a true testament to the beauty and challenge of the Minnesota wilderness, offering a deeply rewarding escape from the everyday and a chance to experience the solitude that is increasingly rare in the modern world.

BWCA Campsite #915

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA