BWCA Campsite #920

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is more than just a place; for Minnesotans, it is a treasured escape, a vast, million-acre cathedral of rock, water, and pine. To truly immerse yourself in this legendary landscape requires finding the perfect base camp—a designated sanctuary that offers both the isolation of the wild and enough comfort to recharge the spirit. BWCA Campsite #920, located on the picturesque Smoke Lake in the Tofte Ranger District, fits this description perfectly.

This is a wilderness campsite, meaning it adheres to the strict, minimal-impact philosophy of the BWCAW, offering designated spots for camping with basic facilities. However, what sets Site #920 apart is its reputation among local users. Reviews consistently highlight its "Nice view" and its surprisingly productive fishing from the shoreline, making it a highly desirable choice, especially for those seeking an immediate payoff for their paddle.

Our focus here is to provide Minnesota residents with the clear, factual insight needed to plan a successful trip. Campsite #920 is an excellent example of a site that is relatively accessible from a popular entry point yet immediately feels remote. It serves as a fantastic launchpad for exploring the interconnected chain of "Fire Lakes" (Smoke, Burnt, and Flame Lakes) or simply as a tranquil destination for a rewarding weekend getaway. Prepare to paddle in, set up camp, and let the quiet beauty of the Superior National Forest restore your peace.

BWCA Campsite #920 is officially located in the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. Specifically, it is one of a handful of designated campsites on **Smoke Lake**, which is part of the popular Sawbill Trail canoe route.

The general administrative area is:

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA

Access to Campsite #920 is facilitated through **BWCA Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake)**. This entry point is reached by following the Sawbill Trail (Cook County Road 2) north from the scenic town of Tofte, located on Minnesota's North Shore (Highway 61).

To reach the campsite, paddlers must travel across Sawbill Lake and utilize a short portage trail into Smoke Lake. Smoke Lake is the first of the 'Fire Lakes' chain. Campsite #920 is one of the sites located on Smoke Lake, often requiring only a relatively short paddle from the portage area. This ease of access—just one portage from the entry point—makes it highly sought after for both shorter trips and as a first-night stop before heading deeper into the wilderness toward Burnt Lake and beyond. Due to its location on a busy travel route, it is advisable for groups to aim to arrive early in the day, especially during peak season, as the campsites on Smoke Lake are first-come, first-served and can fill up quickly.

As a designated location within a federal wilderness area, Campsite #920 adheres to the "leave no trace" principle. The services provided are minimal and designed solely to concentrate human impact and preserve the integrity of the surrounding forest.

• Permanent Fire Grate: A heavy-duty, permanent steel fire grate is the single designated spot for building campfires and cooking. Users must collect dead and downed wood for fuel within the vicinity.

• Wilderness Latrine: An open-air, pit-style latrine (a box and seat over a dug pit) is provided a short, private walk away from the main camp area and the lake shore. This is the only approved disposal location for human waste.

• Established Tent Pads: The site includes multiple areas of flattened, durable ground that have been historically cleared for tent pitching. Utilizing these areas is mandatory to prevent the degradation of new soil and vegetation.

• Lake Access for Water: Direct, unimproved access to Smoke Lake's water is available for cooking and cleaning. All water for drinking or cooking must be drawn from the lake and subsequently filtered, purified, or boiled before use.

Visitors should know that there is no running water, electricity, trash disposal, or any other modern amenities. All refuse must be carefully packed out by the visitor's group.

Campsite #920 on Smoke Lake has garnered positive attention for its balance of scenic beauty and practical advantages, making it a favorite among repeat BWCA visitors, including:

• Scenic Vistas: Customer feedback specifically mentions the "Nice view." Wilderness campsites with open views of the lake are highly valued, as they offer spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the water, which is essential to the BWCA experience.

• Excellent Shoreline Fishing: A key highlight is the reported success in being able to "Catch fish from shore." This is a significant advantage, allowing anglers to enjoy productive fishing without having to paddle out. The site’s location may offer a favorable drop-off or weed line proximity for species like Northern Pike and Walleye, which are common in Smoke Lake.

• Strategic Location: The site is well-positioned for fishing near the "big island" on Smoke Lake. Islands and points often create optimal fish habitat due to underwater structures and currents, offering diverse fishing opportunities right from your campsite.

• Good Paddling Hub: Being on Smoke Lake, the campsite serves as a functional hub for loop trips. Paddlers can easily access the portages to Burnt Lake (and deeper into the wilderness) or Sawbill Lake (for quick access to the entry point and outfitter services).

• Solid Tent Pad Quality: While information suggests it may be a smaller site than some others, the existing tent pads are functional. Reviews indicate that while it may be a "tight squeeze with a large group," it "did the job" and the tent pads are "decently shielded" from the elements.

For all official inquiries regarding permitting, reservations, and wilderness regulations for this area, please contact the governing body for the Tofte Ranger District:

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

Controlling Authority: Tofte Ranger Station, Superior National Forest

Phone: (218) 663-7280

(It is highly recommended to contact the Ranger Station or an authorized outfitter for up-to-the-minute information on water levels, fire bans, and any changes to the BWCA permit reservation system.)

For Minnesotans planning their annual pilgrimage to the North Woods, BWCA Campsite #920 on Smoke Lake represents a smart and reliable choice, particularly for groups seeking a high-quality experience with efficient travel. Local users value the ability to transition quickly from the main access road (Sawbill Trail) into a true wilderness setting, making this an ideal location for maximizing time on a three- or four-day trip.

The core selling point for this site is its proven recreational value. The combination of a scenic vantage point and the opportunity to "Catch fish from shore" means that the moment you drop your pack, your vacation truly begins. You don't have to spend hours paddling to a fishing hole; you can cast a line from your camp while dinner cooks over the fire. This accessibility to immediate enjoyment is a major draw for families, new BWCA paddlers, or those simply looking for a relaxing, low-mileage base camp adventure.

While the site may see traffic from groups portaging toward Burnt Lake, its reported positive features—namely the view and the fishing—firmly establish it as one of the preferred havens on Smoke Lake. By selecting Campsite #920, Minnesota adventurers are choosing a well-regarded location that promises to deliver on the timeless promise of the Boundary Waters: incredible beauty, pristine waters, and the deep, restorative quiet of the Arrowhead Region wilderness.

BWCA Campsite #920

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA