BWCA Campsite #916

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

The vast, million-acre expanse of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) stands as a crown jewel in Minnesota’s outdoor heritage. For local residents, a trip "up North" to this pristine wilderness is an essential part of the Minnesota experience, and finding the perfect base camp is key to a successful journey. Among the more than 2,000 designated campsites scattered throughout this magnificent area, BWCA Campsite #916 has earned a reputation among paddlers as a truly exceptional location, offering a premium and unforgettable backcountry experience on the popular Sawbill Lake.

This destination is not a typical roadside campground; it is a true wilderness campsite accessible only by watercraft, requiring a mandatory permit and adherence to strict "Leave No Trace" principles. It represents the quintessential BWCA trip: a chance to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Northwoods. Campsite #916, in particular, is celebrated for its highly desirable position, making it a favorite for those embarking on a multi-day canoeing and camping adventure in the Superior National Forest.

It is important for all prospective visitors, especially our fellow Minnesotans, to recognize that all campsites within the BWCAW are assigned on a "first-come, first-served" basis once your permitted entry is secured. While you reserve a date and entry point, you do not reserve a specific campsite. Therefore, securing a sought-after site like #916 requires an early start and a bit of luck, but the reward is worth the effort.

BWCA Campsite #916 is situated in the northern third of the Superior National Forest, within the administrative area of Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA. Specifically, this site is found on a prominent island in the northern portion of Sawbill Lake. Sawbill Lake serves as a major entry point (BWCA Entry Point 38) to the wilderness and is located at the end of the well-maintained Sawbill Trail, which branches off Minnesota’s scenic Highway 61, the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Accessibility to the general area is relatively straightforward for North Shore travelers. The journey into the wilderness, however, requires self-propelled travel. Access to Campsite #916 begins at the Sawbill Lake Entry Point. From there, visitors must paddle a canoe or kayak across a significant portion of Sawbill Lake to reach the island site. There is no vehicle access to this campsite, reinforcing its protected, wilderness status. The nearest established facilities, including an outfitter and a developed campground, are located back at the entry point landing.

The site is known to be elevated, positioned on a rock ledge or bluff, which provides its stunning views but requires careful maneuvering for landing. Canoe landings are generally described as having a small, rocky, or sandy area, suitable for pulling up watercraft. Its island location offers a natural buffer, enhancing the sense of solitude often desired by BWCA visitors.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #916 offers only the most essential, primitive amenities to ensure the preservation of the area’s natural state. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, packing in all supplies and packing out all trash. The "services" provided are strictly limited to the basic infrastructure legally required and maintained by the Forest Service at all designated sites:

• A cleared, maintained area for the fire grate (for cooking and warmth).
• Designated, relatively flat tent pad areas (often 3 to 4 are available) to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation.
• A small, established trail leading to a secluded Wilderness Latrine (a box-style toilet often built over a pit, without walls).
• Clear, legal access to the lake for water collection (all lake water must be filtered or treated before consumption).

There is no electricity, running water, Wi-Fi, modern restrooms, trash collection, or any form of motorized access directly at the campsite, ensuring a truly isolated wilderness experience.

Campsite #916 is consistently reviewed highly by local paddlers and experienced BWCA enthusiasts for its standout features. Its particular location on Sawbill Lake offers several advantages that contribute to its high desirability:

• Outstanding, Elevated Views: The site is positioned high on a rock ledge, offering expansive, panoramic views of Sawbill Lake, which are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
• Island Solitude: Being on an island provides a greater sense of privacy and separation from other groups, which is highly valued in the BWCA. Island sites often benefit from cooling breezes, helping to mitigate summer insect activity.
• Ample Group Space: Reviewers frequently note that the site is large and flat enough to comfortably accommodate the maximum group size of nine, with up to four solid, large tent pads available.
• Proximity to Interior Routes: Its northern Sawbill Lake location provides a fantastic starting point for day trips or further exploration into the wilderness, with routes to lakes like Alton, Smoke, and Burnt within easy paddling and portaging distance.
• Great Kitchen Area: The elevated rock formations often create a natural "kitchen" area near the fire grate, offering a convenient, level spot for meal preparation with an incredible vista.
• Excellent Breeze and Rock Lounging: The exposed nature of the island location often provides a good breeze, and there are typically large, smooth rock areas perfect for relaxing, sunning, drying gear, or swimming access (with caution due to the steep drop-offs noted by some visitors).

Since this is an unstaffed wilderness campsite, direct contact information is not applicable. For all permits, regulations, and official inquiries regarding BWCA Campsite #916 (which is managed by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest), you must contact the managing governmental authority.

General Location / Outfitting Area Address:

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (Referencing the nearest administrative area)

Official Information & Permit Reservation:

The BWCAW is administered by the Superior National Forest. Permits are required year-round. Quota season permits (May 1 - September 30) are reserved through the national reservation system.

Reservation and Information Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Managed by Recreation.gov)

For local knowledge, emergency contacts, or equipment outfitting, the nearby Sawbill Canoe Outfitters is the closest non-government resource at the entry point of Sawbill Lake.

For Minnesotans, the BWCA is more than just a destination; it is an institution, a vital piece of our state's identity. BWCA Campsite #916 on Sawbill Lake is ideally suited for local adventurers seeking the authentic, unparalleled Northwoods experience.

Its location, easily reached by a day's drive from the Twin Cities and a few hours from Duluth up the magnificent North Shore, makes it a highly accessible wilderness entry point. Once on the water, the short to moderate paddle into Campsite #916 is a manageable task, even for those with intermediate paddling experience, allowing for a swift transition from the drive to the deep wilderness.

This particular campsite’s reputation as a premium, high-quality site means it embodies the best of BWCA camping: stunning lake views, privacy from neighbors, and a sturdy, well-maintained base for tents and fire. It’s the perfect place for a Minnesota family or a group of friends to base camp for a few days, take day trips to nearby portages and fishing spots, and enjoy activities like walleye or northern pike fishing (remember your Minnesota DNR license!), wildlife viewing (loons and bald eagles are common), and simply sitting by the fire under a sky free of light pollution. Campsite #916 offers Minnesotans a chance to truly immerse themselves in the quiet solitude and raw, geological beauty that defines our state's most cherished wilderness area, creating memories that last a lifetime.

BWCA Campsite #916

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA