BWCA Campsite #919

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For Minnesotans, the call of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) represents the purest form of our outdoor heritage. It is a place of unmatched tranquility, where the sound of the loon replaces the noise of traffic, and the only agenda is determined by the wind and sun. Within this vast, protected landscape, every designated campsite offers a unique haven, but some are celebrated by local users for their superior features and convenience. BWCA Campsite #919 on Smoke Lake is one such spot, widely regarded as a prime location for those seeking a mix of easy access to the entry point and deep wilderness seclusion.

As specialists in local-focused content, we understand that accessibility and quality of experience are paramount. Campsite #919 is conveniently located in the Tofte Ranger District, a popular access area of the Superior National Forest. It provides an ideal launchpad for multi-day trips deeper into the wilderness while simultaneously offering an exceptional base for a shorter, more relaxed stay. The site’s generous size and favorable features, which we will detail below, make it particularly suitable for larger families or groups, accommodating the maximum legal group size with ease—a significant factor for organized Minnesota trips.

This is not a traditional drive-up campground; it is a true wilderness retreat. A trip here requires the planning, portaging, and paddling that defines the quintessential BWCA experience. It requires a permit for Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake), followed by a brief but rewarding paddle and portage into Smoke Lake. The effort is minimal compared to the payoff: a spacious, well-appointed site that offers privacy, excellent swimming, and a genuine escape into the North Woods. Let this guide serve as your professional insight into planning your stay at this coveted Smoke Lake destination.

BWCA Campsite #919 is situated on the **eastern shoreline of Smoke Lake**, an interior lake located a short distance from the Sawbill Lake entry point. The general administrative region is:

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA

Access to Campsite #919 begins at **BWCA Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake)**, which is reached by driving north on the Sawbill Trail (Cook County Road 2) from Tofte on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

From Entry Point 38, the route involves paddling across the main body of Sawbill Lake to the short portage that connects Sawbill to Smoke Lake. Once on Smoke Lake, Campsite #919 is located on the northeastern portion of the lake, often situated slightly back in a bay or cove, providing a natural buffer from the major north-south paddling route. A key geographical feature is the presence of an island located just out in front of the site, which contributes to its secluded feel and offers some protection from open-water wind and waves. The required travel method is strictly by paddlecraft, necessitating a wilderness permit, adherence to Leave No Trace principles, and preparedness for self-sufficiency in a remote environment. Its relative proximity to the entry point, accessible after just one portage, makes it a prime target for groups who want to get set up quickly.

As a designated, primitive wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #919 offers a standard set of minimal, yet essential, services designed to contain impact and ensure the safety of visitors. These services embody the BWCA’s commitment to an authentic backcountry experience.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, heavy-duty steel fire grate is maintained at the core cooking/gathering area. All campfires must be kept within this grate. Firewood must be collected from dead and downed trees in the vicinity.

• Wilderness Latrine: A pit-style, open-air latrine (often referred to as “the throne”) is installed a short distance back from the main camp area and the shoreline. This facility is the required location for human waste disposal.

• Established Tent Pads: The site includes several large, pre-cleared, relatively flat areas. These tent pads are specifically designated to minimize the impact of camping on the surrounding forest floor, and users must pitch tents only on these durable surfaces.

• Canoe Landing: The site is reported to have a highly favorable canoe landing—often a sandy beach area—which makes for easy, safe loading and unloading of canoes and equipment, a key logistical service in the BWCA.

• Non-Potable Water Source: Direct access to Smoke Lake for gathering water is provided. As a fundamental BWCA rule, all water drawn from the lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.

It is important to reiterate that a wilderness campsite means an absolute absence of modern facilities such as electricity, running water, showers, permanent buildings, or garbage bins. The success of the trip relies entirely on the group’s preparedness and ability to pack out everything they pack in.

Campsite #919 is frequently highlighted by local users and reviewers for a number of specific, desirable characteristics, making it one of the top choices on Smoke Lake.

• Excellent Sandy Beach Landing: Unlike many rocky BWCA landings, this site is consistently noted for having a sandy beach. This feature not only makes for safe and easy canoe handling but also provides an excellent spot for swimming and relaxing by the water.

• Exceptional Size and Capacity: Customer reviews indicate this site is "really big," featuring multiple flat areas for tents. This large footprint can comfortably support a maximum-sized BWCA group (nine people/four canoes) while maintaining privacy between tents.

• Secluded and Quiet Location: Situated behind a small island and slightly off the primary paddle route, the campsite enjoys greater seclusion and quiet than many other sites on Smoke Lake, minimizing passing canoe traffic and enhancing the wilderness feeling.

• Open Kitchen Area: The fire pit and kitchen area are described as very open, often with enough clearance to allow a breeze to flow through. This open design is highly advantageous for reducing the annoyance of flying insects like mosquitoes and black flies.

• Good Fishing Potential: Smoke Lake is known for its fishing, particularly for Walleye and Northern Pike. The quiet location and proximity to surrounding features on the lake enhance the fishing opportunities directly accessible from the campsite.

For permit reservations, wilderness regulations, and emergency contact in the Tofte Ranger District, please use the official U.S. Forest Service contact details:

Address: Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA (General BWCA Area)

Controlling Authority: Tofte Ranger Station, Superior National Forest

Phone: (218) 663-7280

(Note: Always call the Tofte Ranger Station or check online for the most current information on BWCA permits, fire restrictions, and any area closures before planning your trip.)

BWCA Campsite #919 on Smoke Lake is a superior choice for Minnesotans because it delivers the quintessential BWCA experience without requiring a multi-day paddle deep into the interior. For local users, who often seek to maximize their wilderness time over a long weekend, the convenience of entering via the Sawbill Trail (Entry Point 38) and reaching a high-quality site after only one short portage is invaluable. It is a strategic base that feels remote but remains logistically efficient.

The features consistently praised by past visitors—the sandy beach for easy landings and swimming, the ample space for large groups, and the natural seclusion provided by its location—perfectly align with the priorities of a seasoned Minnesota paddler. This campsite is built for comfort in a wilderness setting. The ability to pitch multiple tents comfortably and gather around an open, breezy fire grate makes for a more enjoyable stay, which is critical during the peak summer months when bugs and congestion can sometimes challenge a wilderness trip.

Ultimately, the high quality of Campsite #919 on Smoke Lake offers the best of both worlds: a highly accessible BWCA destination from the North Shore, yet a truly secluded and desirable camping spot. It’s an ideal setting for creating those indelible Minnesota memories—whether it’s the quiet dawn paddle, the sight of an occasional moose, or simply gathering around the fire under a canopy of stars. By choosing this site, locals are selecting a known quantity—a proven, spacious, and beautiful location that honors the spirit of Minnesota’s magnificent wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #919

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA