The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is over 1 million acres of pristine lakes, rivers, and boreal forest along the Minnesota-Canada border. It's one of the most popular wilderness destinations in America — and a camper is the perfect basecamp.
Why a Camper for the Boundary Waters?
While the Boundary Waters itself is paddle-in wilderness (no motors on most lakes), you need a comfortable place to sleep before and after your canoe trip. Our campers serve as the perfect basecamp. Park at your entry point, get a great night's sleep, and hit the water rested and ready.
Gateway Towns & Entry Points
Ely — The most popular gateway to the BWCAW. Dozens of outfitters, great restaurants, and easy access to popular entry points like Lake One, Moose Lake, and Snowbank Lake.
Grand Marais / Gunflint Trail — The eastern gateway. The Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) runs 57 miles into the wilderness with access to Saganaga Lake, Sea Gull Lake, and more.
Tofte / Sawbill Trail — Access to the interior via Sawbill Lake and surrounding entry points. Less crowded than Ely entries.
What You Need to Know
Permits — A wilderness permit is required for overnight trips from May through September. Permits are limited and go fast. Reserve at recreation.gov starting in January.
Day-use permits — Day trips into the BWCAW are free but require a self-issued permit available at entry points.
Leave No Trace — The BWCAW has strict rules: no cans or bottles, carry out all trash, use fire grates only, camp at designated sites.
Best Basecamp Campgrounds
- Fall Lake Campground (Ely) — USFS campground right on the lake, close to entry points
- Fenske Lake Campground (Ely) — Quiet, smaller campground off the Fernberg Road
- Sawbill Lake Campground (Tofte) — At the end of the Sawbill Trail, right at the entry point
- Flour Lake Campground (Gunflint Trail) — Peaceful lakeside camping along the Gunflint
- Iron Lake Campground (Gunflint Trail) — Small, secluded, perfect for a pre-trip night
Pro Tips
- Arrive the night before — Entry points get busy early. Camp nearby in your camper and be first on the water at dawn.
- Rent a canoe locally — Outfitters in Ely and Grand Marais rent canoes and can shuttle you to entry points.
- Bug spray is non-negotiable — June and July mosquitoes are legendary. Bring DEET and head nets.
- The fishing is world-class — Walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. Bring your license.
