BWCA Campsite #929

- Tofte Township, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview: Discovering BWCA Campsite #929 on Gordon Lake

For Minnesota residents looking to trade the noise of the city for the silence of the forest, BWCA Campsite #929 offers an authentic and challenging immersion into the state's iconic wilderness. This designated primitive campsite is located on Gordon Lake, an elongated and winding body of water that forms part of the interior lake chain managed by the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. The address—Tofte Township, MN 55604—designates the general area, but make no mistake: this is a remote backcountry destination accessible only by canoe and portage, requiring physical effort and a commitment to self-sufficiency.

Gordon Lake itself is a historical landscape, having been affected by major forest fires centuries ago, which today contributes to the unique, regenerating ecosystem that paddlers experience. Campsite #929 is one of only two established sites on Gordon Lake, giving it a high degree of seclusion, which is prized by many returning BWCA visitors. Its location serves as a strategic base for deeper exploration into the interconnected waterways, including Long Island River, Cherokee Lake, and Unload Lake, making it an excellent hub for a multi-day route.

The core of the experience at Campsite #929 is its primitive nature. There are no modern amenities, and the philosophy of "Leave No Trace" is strictly mandatory. This site is for the prepared Minnesotan adventurer who values solitude, natural beauty, and the ability to disconnect from the digital world entirely.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Tofte Interior

BWCA Campsite #929 is situated on Gordon Lake within the vast, roadless Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This places it firmly within the Tofte Ranger District in the eastern-central part of the wilderness area. Its remote location necessitates careful trip planning and navigation.

The most common vehicular access point to this area is the Sawbill Trail (County Road 2) heading north from Tofte off Highway 61. The likely starting point for a trip to Gordon Lake is via Entry Point 39 (Baker Lake) or other nearby entry points in the Tofte District, such as Kawishiwi Lake (EP 37) or Sawbill Lake (EP 38).

From the entry point, a group must paddle and complete a series of portages—some of which can be long and challenging, such as the portage to Unload Lake—to reach Gordon Lake. Campsite #929 is understood to be the northernmost of the two sites on Gordon Lake, often described as being located in the north bay. Its shore access is typically a natural landing, such as a rocky apron, where groups must carefully load and unload their gear. Because the site is deep in the wilderness, the surrounding area is known for wildlife sightings, including signs of moose, and offers a quiet, highly removed paddling environment.

Services Offered

All designated campsites within the BWCAW, including Campsite #929, adhere to the principle of minimal development to preserve the wilderness character. The services offered are functional and essential for minimizing environmental impact:

• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): A permanent, designated pit toilet, often referred to as a "biffy," is provided for the safe and hygienic disposal of human waste. This structure is strategically located away from the camp area and water source.

• Steel Fire Grate: A single, non-portable steel fire grate marks the only legal location for building a fire. Fires must be small and utilize only dead wood found on the ground. Visitors must ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site features established, relatively cleared and level areas for pitching tents. This containment prevents damage to the surrounding vegetation, and all overnight structures must be confined to these spots.

• Raw Water Source: Water is drawn from Gordon Lake. It is important to remember that this water is untreated. All water for drinking, brushing teeth, or cooking must be purified either by boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment.

• Non-Reservable Status (First-Come): While the required entry permit is reserved, the campsite itself is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups must have backup campsites in their itinerary, as site occupancy is not guaranteed.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #929 is noted for features that enhance the primitive camping experience and contribute to its secluded appeal on Gordon Lake:

• Small, Intimate Setting: The site is described as being "fairly small" and "closed-in by small and medium-sized balsam firs." This intimate setting provides a sheltered, private feeling, a welcome feature for small groups seeking solitude.

• Sunrise-Facing Shoreline: A key highlight is the presence of a "nice sunrise-facing rock slab shore." This feature offers a beautiful spot for morning coffee, photography, and provides a clean, solid landing area for canoes.

• Natural Seating Logs: The cooking and fire area has been noted to include "nice big logs" which provide natural, convenient seating around the fire grate, illustrating the use of natural materials to improve the camp's functionality.

• Proximity to Wildlife Habitat: The general Gordon Lake area, particularly the nearby shorelines, has been reported to have "extensive signs of Moose," offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, which is a major draw for Minnesotans.

• Strategic Location: Positioned in the north bay of Gordon Lake, the site is well-placed for day-tripping to other lakes in the chain, such as Long Island River and Cherokee Lake, without requiring the breaking down of the main camp.

• Solitude and Quiet: Due to the lake's elongated and slightly more challenging access, Campsite #929 often provides a quieter experience compared to sites on the immediate chain of entry point lakes, appealing to those seeking true Northwoods tranquility.

Contact Information

As a remote, designated wilderness campsite, BWCA Campsite #929 does not have a direct mailing address or phone line. All administration, maintenance, and permit issuance are handled by the managing U.S. Forest Service office:

Managing Ranger District (Responsible for Gordon Lake and surrounding entry points):

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

Phone (Tofte Ranger Station):

(218) 663-7280

Permit Reservations:

Overnight wilderness permits for the BWCAW must be secured in advance via the official federal online system, Recreation.gov. Visitors must select the appropriate entry point, such as Entry Point 39 (Baker Lake) or a nearby alternative, to gain access to the Gordon Lake area.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Campsite #929 on Gordon Lake represents the pinnacle of Minnesota's outdoor heritage. For local residents, this area is suitable because it provides a genuine, accessible challenge in a world-class wilderness setting just hours away from the state's major population centers. Unlike car camping, a trip to this site demands a level of preparation and skill, rewarding Minnesotans with the kind of deep, reflective solitude that can only be found in a federally protected wilderness.

The small, intimate nature of the campsite, combined with the low traffic and high potential for wildlife encounters, creates the perfect environment for a complete mental reset. Its location within the Tofte District makes it a convenient gateway via the Sawbill Trail corridor, yet the effort required to reach Gordon Lake ensures a high level of seclusion. It allows Minnesotans to proudly engage with and explore the untamed landscape that defines their identity as Northwoods adventurers, fostering a deeper connection to the wild heart of their home state.

BWCA Campsite #929

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA