BWCA Campsite #2019

For those of us in Minnesota who truly crave the quiet majesty of the Northwoods, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an unparalleled gem. It's a vast, protected expanse of interconnected lakes and ancient forests that offers a profound opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse ourselves in the pure tranquility of nature. Among the myriad designated campsites scattered throughout this million-acre wilderness, BWCA Campsite #2019, nestled on the shores of Alton Lake, stands out as a highly regarded option, particularly noted by past visitors for its clean water and often mercifully few bugs.

BWCA Campsite #2019 is not your typical developed campground with amenities like paved roads or electricity. Instead, it embodies the primitive camping experience that the BWCA is meticulously managed to preserve. This site, like all others within this protected wilderness, is designed to offer deep solitude and an immersive connection with the natural world, far from the constant hum and demands of civilization. Here, the journey to reach your destination, involving paddling across lakes and navigating challenging portages, is an integral part of the adventure, culminating in a profound sense of accomplishment and a genuine break from the ordinary.

Alton Lake, where Campsite #2019 is located, is well-regarded in the BWCA for its beautiful waters and classic wilderness scenery. It's a destination that appeals to seasoned paddlers seeking new horizons, avid anglers, and anyone eager to embrace the minimalist yet deeply rewarding nature of a true backcountry trip. For Minnesotans yearning to explore the quieter corners of our state's most iconic wilderness, to fish in pristine waters, or simply to bask under star-filled skies untouched by light pollution, BWCA Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake presents an ideal opportunity to forge lasting memories in the heart of the Northwoods, with the added comfort of potentially fewer insects and invitingly clean water.

Understanding the unique aspects of a wilderness campsite is crucial for a successful and enjoyable trip. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of BWCA Campsite #2019, detailing its remote location and challenging accessibility, the essential services it provides in a wilderness context, its distinctive features including the positive feedback on water quality and insect levels, and how to prepare for an unforgettable adventure in this cherished part of Minnesota.

BWCA Campsite #2019 is located on Alton Lake, within Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA. While Schroeder Township provides a general geographic reference for the surrounding wilderness, it is crucial to understand that this is not a physical address to which you can drive a vehicle. Alton Lake is situated deep within the Superior National Forest, forming an integral part of the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Accessibility to BWCA Campsite #2019 is exclusively by paddle and portage. Direct vehicular access to this campsite is simply not available under any circumstances. Visitors planning a trip to this site must commence their journey from a designated BWCA entry point, for which a pre-reserved permit from the U.S. Forest Service is absolutely mandatory. Entry points commonly used to access Alton Lake might include Sawbill Lake (Entry Point #38), which is one of the more popular access points for this area, typically supported by the Tofte Ranger District.

From your chosen entry point, reaching Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake will involve navigating a series of interconnected lakes and rivers by canoe or kayak. This journey will invariably necessitate portaging, where you must physically carry your canoe, all your gear, and supplies over designated land trails that connect waterways. Paddle Planner indicates that Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake is located on an island, which often means an additional short paddle after reaching the main body of the lake.

The remote nature and paddle-in accessibility are core components of the BWCA experience. This deliberate lack of easy access ensures a remarkably quiet, pristine, and isolated environment, which is precisely what many Minnesotans seek when venturing into the Boundary Waters. It demands meticulous planning, proficient navigation skills, and physical preparedness, but the reward is an unspoiled natural setting and a profound sense of being truly "away from it all." Always consult detailed BWCA maps (such as Fisher or McKenzie maps) and comprehensive route guides, and strongly consider engaging with local outfitters for expert advice, equipment rentals, and crucial logistical support.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #2019 adheres to a strict "Leave No Trace" philosophy, meaning that its "services" are intentionally minimal. These provisions are designed to support primitive camping while profoundly limiting human impact on the delicate ecosystem, rather than offering the extensive amenities found at developed campgrounds.

Services Offered:

• Designated Tent Pads: The campsite will typically feature at least one, and potentially a few, relatively flat and cleared areas specifically designated for pitching tents. These pads serve to concentrate camping activity, thereby preventing widespread trampling of vegetation and preserving the surrounding environment. Paddle Planner notes that this site has room for a good size group with up to 4 maximum tent pads, though another review suggests 3 maximum tent pads, indicating variability or different interpretations of space.
• Steel Fire Grate: Every designated BWCA campsite, including #2019, is equipped with a steel fire grate. This essential provision offers a safe and contained area for building campfires, crucial for reducing the risk of wildfires and minimizing ground disturbance. Campers are permitted to gather dead and downed wood from the forest floor for fuel, but the cutting or damaging of live trees or any other vegetation is strictly prohibited.
• Wilderness Latrine: A key provision at all BWCA campsites is a wilderness latrine. This is typically a rustic, open-air pit toilet, usually located a short distance away from the main camping area. These facilities are designed for environmentally responsible human waste disposal. It is imperative that all other waste, including hygiene products and food scraps, be meticulously packed out by the campers.
• Canoe Landing: The campsite on Alton Lake will possess a suitable area along the shoreline for landing canoes. For Campsite #2019, reviews suggest the landing is "OK, just like the rest of Alton (rocky parallel parking)," and not very good. This indicates campers should be prepared for a less ideal landing situation, requiring careful handling of canoes and gear.
• Access to Untreated Water: The campsite's location on Alton Lake provides direct access to the lake for water collection. Critically, as noted by a real customer review, this site is praised for its "Clean water." However, for any drinking or cooking purposes, all water drawn from the lake must still be diligently treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) to ensure it is safe for human consumption. Potable water is not otherwise supplied.

It is crucial for visitors to fully comprehend that these "services" demand a high degree of self-sufficiency and strict adherence to wilderness ethics. There are no trash receptacles, electricity, running water, or Wi-Fi. Everything packed into the wilderness, including all waste, must be scrupulously packed out. This unwavering commitment to minimalist camping and rigorous environmental stewardship is central to the BWCA experience and ensures the preservation of its pristine nature for generations to come.

BWCA Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake offers several distinctive features and highlights that significantly contribute to its allure as a wilderness destination for Minnesota locals, particularly those seeking specific environmental conditions.

Features / Highlights:

• Reported Low Bug Activity: A notable highlight, as shared by a real customer, is the presence of "few bugs." While bug conditions can vary greatly depending on the season, weather, and specific location, this feedback suggests that Campsite #2019 may offer a more comfortable experience during times when insects might otherwise be prevalent in the BWCA. This is a significant advantage for many campers.
• Clean Water: Another highly valued attribute noted by a visitor is "Clean water." While all BWCA lake water needs to be treated for consumption, the perceived cleanliness of the water body itself contributes to a more pleasant experience for swimming, washing, and overall enjoyment of the lake.
• Island Location: The campsite is located on an island on Alton Lake. Island campsites often provide a heightened sense of seclusion and privacy compared to mainland sites. They can also offer natural protection from some land-based wildlife and may benefit from better breezes, which can help keep bugs at bay.
• Room for Groups: With a reported capacity for a "good size group" and up to 4 tent pads, this campsite appears suitable for larger parties (within the BWCA's 9-person maximum group size) who wish to camp together.
• Wilderness Solitude: As part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the primary highlight of Campsite #2019 is the profound sense of solitude it offers. Being accessible only by paddle and portage means significantly fewer people, enhancing the feeling of isolation and allowing for a deeper, undisturbed connection with the natural world.
• Fishing Opportunities: Alton Lake is part of a vast network of BWCA lakes, typically offering good fishing opportunities for various species common to the Northwoods, such as Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The deep wilderness setting of the campsite increases the likelihood of encountering Minnesota's diverse wildlife. Campers might spot common Northwoods animals like deer, various bird species (including the iconic loon whose calls resonate across the lakes), and other native fauna, providing memorable natural encounters.
• Spectacular Stargazing: Far removed from urban light pollution, the night skies over Alton Lake are often breathtakingly dark and clear. This creates exceptional opportunities for stargazing, offering unparalleled views of constellations and the Milky Way, a truly humbling experience.
• Pristine Environment: The strict "Leave No Trace" principles governing the BWCA ensure that campsites like #2019 remain largely untouched and primitive. This translates to pristine shorelines, clean waters, and a truly wild experience, allowing campers to fully appreciate nature on its own terms.

These features collectively define the rugged yet profoundly rewarding experience of camping at BWCA Campsite #2019. It’s a place where the simplicity of outdoor living takes center stage, and the natural world, along with its unique and highly praised attributes, provides all the necessary entertainment and inspiration for an unforgettable wilderness trip.

For BWCA Campsite #2019, as with all remote wilderness campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, there is no direct phone number for the campsite itself, nor is there a physical mailing address that receives mail. All management and access are orchestrated by the U.S. Forest Service through its essential permit system.

Address: Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA (This is a general geographic area for the wilderness, not a direct mailing or physical address for navigation.)

To plan and execute a trip to BWCA Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake, you will need to utilize the following key resources and points of contact:

• BWCAW Permit System: A permit is absolutely mandatory for all overnight trips into the BWCAW, particularly during the quota season which runs from May 1 to September 30. These permits are highly competitive and must be reserved well in advance through Recreation.gov. Reservations for the upcoming season typically become available on the last Wednesday in January. For trips outside of the quota season (October 1 to April 30), self-issued permits are available at entry points or Forest Service offices.
• U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest: This is the primary managing authority for the BWCAW. For general information, current regulations, details on permit pick-up locations, or specific questions about wilderness travel conditions (e.g., fire restrictions, portage conditions), you should contact or visit one of their district offices.
  • Superior National Forest Headquarters (located in Duluth, MN): 218-626-4300
  • Tofte Ranger District Office (often the closest for entry points like Sawbill Lake, which accesses Alton Lake): 218-663-8060
  • Gunflint Ranger District Office (also serving eastern BWCA entry points, particularly those along the Gunflint Trail): 218-387-1750
• Local Outfitters: Many Minnesota locals and out-of-state visitors extensively rely on the expertise and services of Boundary Waters outfitters. These businesses, typically located in gateway towns like Grand Marais, Ely, or Tofte (depending on your chosen entry point and route), can assist with a comprehensive range of services, including permit reservations, providing essential gear rental (canoes, camping equipment), offering invaluable expert route planning advice, and arranging crucial shuttle services to and from your designated entry point. An online search for "BWCA outfitters Sawbill Lake" or "BWCA outfitters Tofte" will yield numerous reputable options.
• Online Mapping Resources: Websites like Paddle Planner (paddleplanner.com) or BWCA.com are indispensable tools. They provide highly detailed maps, specific campsite information (often including user reviews and photos for sites like #2019), and invaluable trip planning functionalities. These resources are absolutely essential for meticulous route selection and understanding the precise characteristics of individual campsites.

It is crucial to reiterate that the provided address for Schroeder Township merely denotes a general geographic area for this vast wilderness region. Planning a trip to a BWCA campsite such as #2019 demands diligent research, strict adherence to all specific permit requirements and wilderness regulations, and thorough preparation for what will be a truly self-reliant and immersive outdoor adventure.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the very essence of our state's wilderness heritage. This campsite is exceptionally well-suited for locals who seek a profound, authentic, and comfortable outdoor experience, for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, it provides an ultimate escape from the relentless pace of modern life. Unlike more easily accessible recreational areas, reaching Alton Lake and Campsite #2019 necessitates considerable effort and a deliberate commitment to primitive travel. This journey by paddle and portage inherently fosters an intense sense of disconnection from daily stresses and a powerful, almost primal, reconnection with the raw natural world. For residents of Minnesota's bustling urban and suburban areas, this kind of profound solitude and digital detox is an increasingly rare and invaluable commodity.

Secondly, the positive feedback regarding "clean water" and "few bugs" is a significant draw for Minnesota campers. While no wilderness is entirely bug-free, the prospect of a more comfortable experience with fewer biting insects can dramatically enhance the enjoyment of a trip. Similarly, knowing the water is perceived as clean, even before treatment, adds to the sense of a pristine and healthy environment, appealing to our inherent appreciation for clean lakes.

Furthermore, embarking on a trip to a BWCA campsite like #2019 embodies and cultivates the spirit of self-reliance, teamwork, and adventure that is deeply ingrained in Minnesota's outdoor culture. The necessity to navigate complex waterways, execute demanding portages, and establish a comfortable and safe camp in a wild environment builds character, problem-solving skills, and creates indelible memories. These trips often transform into cherished traditions for families and groups of friends, strengthening bonds and instilling a lifelong passion for the outdoors and conservation.

While meticulous planning is indeed essential, including securing competitive permits and rigorously adhering to Leave No Trace principles, the relative accessibility from Minnesota's major population centers (though still requiring a drive to a remote gateway town) makes this world-class wilderness experience genuinely attainable. BWCA Campsite #2019 on Alton Lake is far more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a profound invitation for Minnesotans to immerse themselves in the wild, rugged, and profoundly beautiful heart of their home state, forging unforgettable adventures and a deeper, more meaningful connection to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

BWCA Campsite #2019

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA