BWCA Campsite #927 on Kelly Lake: A Secluded Northwoods Retreat near Tofte, MN

Introduction / Overview: BWCA Campsite #927 on Kelly Lake

For Minnesota residents seeking the authentic, deep-wilderness solitude that the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is famous for, Campsite #927 offers an excellent, primitive retreat. Located on the northern shore of Kelly Lake, this designated campsite is situated far from modern amenities, requiring a determined paddle and portage effort to reach. The official address, Tofte Township, MN 55604, places it squarely within the Superior National Forest and under the jurisdiction of the Tofte Ranger District, a region renowned for its rugged beauty and challenging canoe routes.

Campsite #927 is known among those who frequent the area for its generally secluded nature, often described as offering a private feel despite its relative proximity to a key portage—the trail leading into Jack Lake. Unlike some of the high-traffic campsites on the major thoroughfare lakes, this location provides a more intimate Northwoods experience. While its canoe landing is often noted as typically rocky, which is standard for the region, the site itself provides adequate coverage and a true sense of having earned your spot in the wilderness. It represents the quintessential BWCA experience: a simple, designated area with just the bare necessities, surrounded by the stunning, unspoiled forests and waters of Minnesota's Canoe Country.

Location and Accessibility: Deep Wilderness on the Jack Lake Route

Campsite #927 is located on Kelly Lake, a smaller body of water nestled within the vast network of the BWCAW, southwest of the popular Brule Lake area. The site’s positioning is strategically important, as it sits close to the portage connecting Kelly Lake to Jack Lake, making it a convenient overnight stop or base camp for those traveling this segment of the wilderness.

Accessing Kelly Lake, and thus Campsite #927, requires obtaining a permit for one of the nearby entry points supported by the Tofte Ranger District. A common way to reach this area is via:

Entry Point 41 (Brule Lake): Brule Lake is a large entry point that is paddle-only and often utilized to access the more interior lakes. A group entering here would face a significant paddle across Brule Lake, potentially challenging in windy conditions, before portaging into the smaller, quieter chain of lakes leading toward Kelly Lake.
Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake) or other nearby entries may also be part of a longer loop that eventually reaches Kelly Lake, demonstrating that this site is typically reached a few days into a trip, enhancing its feeling of seclusion.

Once on Kelly Lake, the campsite is located just east of a small set of rapids (which is a memorable feature in its own right). The approach is an essential part of the adventure; paddlers must be prepared for the multiple portages and the inherent challenge of navigating the wilderness water trails, a process that truly separates this camping experience from car camping.

Services Offered

As a designated, primitive site within the federally protected BWCAW, Campsite #927 adheres to strict wilderness camping standards. The site is intended to concentrate human impact and minimize disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem. Services provided are minimal but essential for a safe and responsible stay:

Earthen Latrine (Pit Toilet): An established, designated latrine area is available, located far from the main camp area and the shoreline. Visitors are required to use this facility to manage human waste, though maintenance levels are entirely natural and self-regulated by the wilderness environment.
Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, metal fire grate is provided by the Forest Service. This is the only legal location for building a campfire. Due to the area's history, including a reported blowdown event, finding abundant dead and downed wood nearby may be feasible, but visitors should always be prepared to gather wood from a distance.
Designated Tent Pads: The site typically offers a defined, level area suitable for tent placement. While one excellent pad has been noted, the site may require creativity due to past forest events; one report suggests three tents could be "squeezed" into the level area near the fire pit, indicating that maximum comfort depends on group size and tent design.
Natural Water Source: Kelly Lake provides the source for all water needs. All water taken from the lake must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. A rocky landing, while challenging for boat maneuvering, is often excellent for water retrieval.
Wilderness Safety Provisions: All visitors must adhere to strict regulations, including mandatory bear-proof food storage (using approved canisters or proper hanging techniques) and the Leave No Trace ethic, ensuring they pack out all trash and debris.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #927 provides several unique highlights that make the challenging journey worthwhile for the dedicated Minnesota paddler:

Proximity to Rapids: The site is located just east of a small set of rapids, offering a unique and scenic natural soundscape—a calming background white noise often missing from deeper lake sites. This feature also allows for a novel return route from Jack Lake, possibly via the rapids during appropriate water levels.
High Level of Privacy: Due to its position off the main routes and the effort required to reach Kelly Lake, the campsite is often described as private with “adequate coverage,” providing the sought-after feeling of deep wilderness isolation.
Functional Camp Structure: The site offers a good kitchen area and adequate seating around the fire pit, demonstrating that despite the minimal upkeep, past campers have utilized the natural environment to create a functional and comfortable gathering space.
Hammocking Opportunity: At least one good spot for hanging a hammock has been specifically noted in reviews, allowing for the ultimate in relaxation and appreciation of the surrounding forest canopy.
Enduring Post-Blowdown Forest: The area has been noted to have experienced a blowdown event in the past, meaning visitors can observe the powerful recovery and regeneration of the Northwoods forest—an important, dynamic aspect of the BWCA ecosystem.

Contact Information

As a remote, backcountry campsite, BWCA Campsite #927 does not have a direct telephone number or mailing address for service. All inquiries and mandatory reservations are handled through the relevant United States Forest Service (USFS) Ranger District:

Managing Ranger District:

Tofte Ranger District - U.S. Forest Service
7355 West Minnesota Highway 61
Tofte, MN 55615

General Phone (Tofte Ranger Station):

(218) 663-7280

Permit Information:

All overnight visitors to Campsite #927 must have a valid BWCAW permit for the appropriate entry point (e.g., EP 41 - Brule Lake) and date. Permits must be secured through the federal reservation system well in advance, especially for summer travel. Visitors are strongly advised to contact the Tofte Ranger Station for the most current information on forest conditions, fire restrictions, and any specific route closures.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

BWCA Campsite #927 on Kelly Lake is an exceptional choice for Minnesota locals because it demands and rewards a high degree of outdoor skill and a deep appreciation for wilderness integrity. This site is not for the casual visitor; it requires multiple portages and a challenging paddle to reach, embodying the true spirit of a remote canoe trip. For Minnesotans, this is an opportunity to truly disconnect and experience the solitude that their state’s most precious wilderness promises.

The seclusion, coupled with the unique feature of the nearby rapids and the simple, functional setup, makes it an ideal spot for base camping or as a key stop on a longer route. It teaches patience with its rocky landing and rewards the perseverance of those who push beyond the easily accessible areas. Choosing Campsite #927 means embracing the challenge, observing the forest’s resilience after past natural events, and enjoying an authentic, quiet corner of the Northwoods, reinforcing the local tradition of respect and connection to the vast, wild waters of Minnesota.