BWCA Campsite #926

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

For Minnesota residents seeking the quintessential Northwoods experience, BWCA Campsite #926 offers a genuine escape into the designated solitude of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This primitive, paddle-in campsite is uniquely situated on the east shoreline of Burnt Lake, deep within the Superior National Forest. It is a highly regarded spot, forming part of a popular canoeing route connecting major entry points, but still providing the rugged isolation for which the BWCA is famous.

The site is cataloged by the United States Forest Service as Campsite #926 and is noted by local paddlers as the "middle of the east shoreline north of the Kelly Lake portage" on Burnt Lake. This location is part of the Tofte Ranger District, accessible via the historic Sawbill Trail. As with all BWCA campsites, #926 is a designated site with minimal facilities, requiring visitors to be completely self-sufficient and committed to the Leave No Trace ethic. The site’s appeal lies in its balance—being positioned on a reasonably trafficked lake ensures manageable access, while its specific location on the shoreline still offers tranquility and a prime base for exploring the surrounding "Fire Lakes" area (Burnt, Smoke, and Flame Lakes). It's an ideal setting for groups up to the BWCA maximum of nine people who are looking for a true, multi-day canoe trip challenge.

Visitors planning a trip to #926 should anticipate a wilderness environment. The lake has a history of logging, which, while decades past, shapes the current forest composition and topography, providing a unique backdrop to the classic granite-and-pine landscape. This campsite is consistently noted on route maps, making advance planning and early-morning arrival essential to secure it during the peak season.

BWCA Campsite #926 is located on the eastern shore of Burnt Lake.

General Area Address: Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA

The campsite falls under the administration of the Tofte Ranger District and is most commonly accessed from Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake) or Entry Point 39 (Baker Lake), both of which are reached via the Sawbill Trail off Minnesota Highway 61 near Tofte. The Tofte area is a well-known gateway to the BWCAW, offering a variety of outfitting and preparation services for visitors.

Accessibility is strictly limited to canoe or kayak travel. Reaching Burnt Lake from the Sawbill Entry Point, for instance, requires a significant paddle across Sawbill Lake and at least one portage (into Smoke Lake), followed by paddling to the desired location on Burnt Lake. Alternatively, accessing from the Baker Lake Entry Point involves paddling across Baker, Kelly, and then portaging into Burnt Lake via the challenging 230-rod portage, which features a notable elevation change.

The Tofte Township address merely anchors the site geographically to the vast region of Northeastern Minnesota. Once on Burnt Lake, the campsite is located roughly in the middle of the eastern shoreline, north of the portage leading to Kelly Lake. Paddlers must navigate using the official BWCA maps, a compass, and established route-finding skills, as the BWCAW is a signless wilderness without any form of vehicular access or modern transportation infrastructure.

As a designated wilderness site within the BWCAW, Campsite #926 maintains a standard level of primitive facilities designed to minimize human impact and promote environmental sustainability. Visitors must plan to bring everything they need, including food, purified water, and waste containment systems.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site features multiple cleared areas, or 'tent pads,' suitable for pitching a tent. These areas are typically leveled and clear of rocks to provide a comfortable base for sleeping, and are located away from the immediate shoreline to protect the fragile riparian environment.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, raised steel fire grate is provided at the core of the campsite. This is the only legal structure for building a fire (outside of emergencies) and is used for cooking and warmth, subject to all local and seasonal fire bans.
• Wilderness Latrine: A dispersed, pit-style latrine (known locally as a 'thunderbox') is located a short, designated walk away from the main camp area to manage human waste hygienically and preserve sanitation.
• Canoe Landing: The site includes an established, though unmanicured, landing area for pulling canoes and kayaks out of the water. While some landings are sandy, the terrain on Burnt Lake is typical of the granite-and-rock shores, so travelers should be prepared for potentially rocky or wet footing during landing and launching.

It is important to emphasize for local users that "services" are intentionally minimal. There is no potable water supply, trash collection, electricity, or Wi-Fi. All water must be filtered or boiled, and all trash must be packed out—a key BWCA regulation.

Campsite #926 is appreciated by local paddlers for its secluded yet accessible location on a moderately sized lake, offering a quiet basecamp for multi-day trips.

• Strategic Basecamp Location: Situated between the major portages to Smoke Lake and Kelly Lake, this site is an excellent central location for groups wanting to basecamp on Burnt Lake while exploring the surrounding waterways and trails.
• Privacy and Solitude: While Burnt Lake is on a popular route, this specific site is often reported to offer a good degree of privacy, with a well-maintained interior that feels removed from the water traffic, providing the desired wilderness solitude.
• Fishing Opportunities: Burnt Lake is known to hold Northern Pike and Walleye, providing excellent fishing opportunities for campers. The site offers views and access that can be ideal for fishing directly from shore or for launching a canoe quickly for a morning fish.
• Proximity to Elevated Views: The lake is flanked by high hills to the east and northeast, offering a dramatic, elevated backdrop to the camp’s view. While no official trails are maintained, the topography hints at beautiful vistas nearby.
• Well-Developed Tent Area: Campsites that receive moderate use, like #926, often feature relatively well-cleared tent pads and a centralized fire grate area, making set-up easier for first-time or less experienced wilderness campers.

Direct contact information for a primitive campsite is unavailable. All planning and administration are handled by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

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

Tofte Ranger District Office (Administering Station):

Address: Tofte, MN 55615 (Contact for the district office; official addresses may vary, but this is the general service area.)

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

Local Minnesota outfitters in the Tofte/Lutsen area, such as those along the Sawbill Trail, are highly recommended resources. They provide essential services, including maps, gear rental, trip consultation, and permit issuance, which is vital for a smooth BWCA trip. The permit required is an overnight quota permit for the specific entry point (e.g., EP 38 or EP 39) that allows entry into the BWCA on a specific date.

Campsite #926 on Burnt Lake represents a deeply ingrained Minnesota tradition: the multi-day wilderness canoe trip. For local users, this site is particularly suitable because it offers a perfect midpoint challenge—it is remote enough to provide true solitude and immersion in the Northwoods (the ultimate goal of a BWCA trip), yet it is still strategically located on a major canoe highway route, ensuring reliable navigation and route options.

It’s a site for the local who has moved beyond the drive-up state park and is ready for a real challenge, with the reward being the undisturbed sound of loons, the opportunity to fish for Walleye in a remote lake, and the profound silence of a star-filled sky. Its location in the Tofte District, accessible via the familiar Sawbill Trail, grounds the experience in a popular and well-supported local outdoor community. Choosing Campsite #926 is not just choosing a place to pitch a tent; it’s choosing a deep connection to the enduring wilderness heritage of Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #926

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA