BWCA Campsite #918

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) experience without a multi-day paddle to reach a campsite, BWCA Campsite #918 on Sawbill Lake presents an excellent option. This designated, primitive campsite is one of over 2,000 official sites scattered across the one million-plus acres of the BWCAW, yet its location offers a unique blend of accessibility and true wilderness immersion.

Sawbill Lake, situated along the popular Sawbill Trail north of Tofte, serves as a major entry point (Entry Point #38) into the BWCAW. Campsite #918 is positioned along the lake's extensive shoreline. While not offering the deep solitude of a far-flung island, its placement provides a convenient basecamp for both short-stay adventures and the first night of longer, deeper-wilderness journeys. The site adheres strictly to the U.S. Forest Service's mandate for minimal impact, maintaining the integrity of the wilderness while providing the necessary infrastructure for safe camping.

The appeal of #918 is its ease of access from the outfitting hub at the end of the Sawbill Trail, making it a highly desirable spot for groups with children, first-time BWCA visitors, or paddlers beginning their trip late in the day. Despite its relative proximity to the entry point, the site retains the essential elements of a Northwoods retreat: towering pines, clear water, and the quiet sounds of nature, perfect for launching a true Minnesota vacation.

Remember that all overnight camping in the BWCAW requires a reserved permit for a specific entry point and date. While you are guaranteed a spot inside the wilderness, specific campsites are first-come, first-served. Timely arrival or having a flexible itinerary is essential to securing this popular location.

BWCA Campsite #918 is located on the shores of Sawbill Lake.

General Area Address: Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA

This wilderness gem is deep within the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest in Cook County, Minnesota. Crucially, the site is accessed via the Sawbill Trail, which begins in the charming North Shore community of Tofte, off Highway 61. The entire journey to the access point involves a 24-mile drive north on the gravel Sawbill Trail (Cook County Highway 2), which is well-maintained but requires cautious driving.

The closest physical service location is the Sawbill Lake Campground and Outfitters at the very end of the Sawbill Trail. From the BWCA Entry Point 38 landing, Campsite #918 requires a moderate paddle across a section of Sawbill Lake. The distance is short enough to be completed comfortably by most groups, even those who have spent time picking up permits and organizing gear.

Since Sawbill Lake is a major north-south artery within the BWCA, Campsite #918 is a frequent stop for groups traveling deeper into the wilderness toward lakes like Alton, Smoke, or the Temperance River system. The "carry-down" access at the entry point means no motorized boats are allowed on Sawbill Lake, preserving the quiet paddling environment right from the start. Accessibility is straightforward for a wilderness trip, involving a paddle but no challenging portages to reach this particular site.

As a strictly regulated primitive site within the Boundary Waters, Campsite #918 provides only essential facilities necessary for the safety of campers and the preservation of the area. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient.

• Fire Grate: A permanent, raised steel fire grate is the sole location where a fire may be built. This is mandatory for cooking and campfires, ensuring the fire is contained and protected from the surrounding forest floor, thereby reducing fire risk and ground scarring.
• Wilderness Latrine: Every designated BWCA campsite is equipped with a latrine, colloquially known as a "thunderbox." This is an accessible, above-ground toilet structure situated discretely away from the main camp area and the water's edge, strictly managing human waste.
• Established Tent Pads: The site features multiple hardened or cleared areas specifically for pitching tents. Using these designated areas is non-negotiable and essential to minimizing impact on the fragile native vegetation and preventing erosion.
• Canoe Landing Access: A natural, cleared spot on the lake shore—often a mix of rocks, gravel, or a small sloped area—is maintained for safely landing and launching canoes.

It is important to reiterate that absolutely no modern amenities like running water, electricity, trash disposal, or picnic tables are provided at the site. All trash must be carried out, all water must be filtered or treated, and all gear must be brought in by the paddling group.

Campsite #918 is a favorite among those who appreciate the efficiency of a shorter paddle from the entry point combined with a comfortable, classic northwoods aesthetic.

• Convenient Location on Sawbill Lake: Its position near Entry Point 38 makes it an excellent choice for a first-night site or a quick, weekend-only BWCA trip. This proximity is a major advantage for reducing paddle time and maximizing relaxation time.
• Classic Northwoods Scenery: The site is nestled among the area’s beautiful, mature conifer and birch trees, providing deep shade, shelter from the wind, and the iconic look of a northern Minnesota forest.
• Good Shoreline Access: Depending on the lake level, the site often boasts good, clean shoreline for swimming, safely getting water, and enjoying the view across the wide expanse of Sawbill Lake.
• Ideal for Wildlife Viewing: Sawbill Lake is large and home to a variety of Minnesota wildlife. As with all BWCA sites, opportunities to see moose, bald eagles, and, most famously, listen to the haunting calls of the Common Loon are abundant.
• Excellent Base for Day Trips: Due to its central location on Sawbill Lake, this campsite is an optimal spot for setting up a multi-night stay and taking various day-trip excursions to explore nearby smaller lakes via portage.

As an official U.S. Forest Service site within a designated wilderness, all official contact is routed through the local administering office.

Permit Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

Tofte Ranger District Office (Administering Station for Entry Point 38):

Address: 7355 West Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Phone: (218) 663-8060 (Superior National Forest - Tofte District)

For the most current information, particularly on fire restrictions, water levels, and detailed route advice, local Minnesota outfitters located along the Sawbill Trail are an invaluable resource for first-time and veteran paddlers alike.

Campsite #918 on Sawbill Lake is perfectly suited for Minnesota residents because it offers a highly accessible and authentic taste of the state's treasured wilderness. For locals, the BWCA is a profound part of their identity, but not every trip needs to be a ten-day epic. This site is the ideal solution for Minnesotans looking for a weekend refresh or a comfortable entry into canoe country.

Its relative ease of access from the Tofte/Sawbill Trail gateway minimizes the logistical burden of a typical BWCA trip, making it manageable for families, shorter vacation periods, or those new to the area's demanding environment. However, once settled in at #918, the feeling is undeniably one of true wilderness—a place to listen to the loons, stargaze under dark skies, and escape the noise of modern life. It is an efficient, beautiful, and profoundly rewarding destination that delivers the classic Minnesota canoe camping experience with minimal required travel distance, maximizing the time spent actually relaxing by the fire grate and connecting with the Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #918

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA