BWCA Campsite #39

For Minnesotans passionate about pristine wilderness and seeking an unparalleled outdoor adventure, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) stands as a crown jewel. BWCA Campsite #39, while perhaps not directly on Crane Lake, serves as an entry point into the vast and awe-inspiring network of lakes and portages that define this iconic wilderness. Located deeper within the BWCAW, accessible through a specific entry point like Baker Lake (Entry Point 39), this site offers a truly immersive and traditional canoe country experience. It's not just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to an expansive, paddle-only wilderness where the rhythm of nature dictates your journey. For local adventurers, it represents the epitome of a Northwoods escape, a chance to unplug, paddle clear waters, and embrace the challenge and beauty of one of America's most cherished wild spaces.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a million-acre mosaic of interconnected lakes, rivers, and forests, entirely protected from motor vehicles and extensive development. Camping here is a quintessential Minnesota experience, demanding self-sufficiency and a profound respect for the natural environment. While the address "Crane Lake, MN" points to a significant gateway community, BWCA Campsite #39 itself is situated deeper within the wilderness, typically on Knife Lake, a well-known and often-desired destination within the BWCAW. This means access is strictly by paddle and portage, ensuring a secluded and impactful visit. The journey to a site like #39 is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself, promising a rare opportunity for quiet contemplation, abundant wildlife viewing, and the timeless thrill of exploring by canoe.

BWCA Campsite #39 is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the Superior National Forest. While the provided address is Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA, it's crucial for users to understand that this campsite is not directly on Crane Lake itself, nor is it accessible by car. Crane Lake is a major gateway community and offers an entry point (Entry Point 12 - Little Vermilion Lake (Crane Lake)) into the BWCAW, but BWCA Campsite #39 is typically associated with Entry Point 39 - Baker Lake.

To reach BWCA Campsite #39 (often identified as a specific campsite on Knife Lake or a similar interior lake accessible from Entry Point 39), visitors must follow a multi-step wilderness travel plan.

1. Accessing the Entry Point: Visitors would first travel to the Baker Lake Entry Point (Entry Point 39), which is located off the Gunflint Trail, a scenic byway in northeastern Minnesota, rather than directly from Crane Lake. This entry point has a boat landing at Baker Lake itself.
2. Paddle and Portage: From the Baker Lake landing, the journey to Campsite #39 involves paddling across lakes and undertaking portages (carrying canoes and gear over land between lakes). For Entry Point 39, access begins with a 10-rod portage into Peterson Lake to reach the first campsite on that route. From there, a network of lakes and portages (e.g., Peterson Lake, Kelly Lake, Jack Lake, then into Knife Lake for Campsite #39) would lead to the specific campsite. The exact route and number of portages depend on the planned itinerary.
3. Permit Required: Access to the BWCAW requires a permit. For overnight paddle trips from May 1st to September 30th, a quota permit must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or an authorized outfitter. These permits specify the entry point and entry date, and are strictly enforced.

The remote nature of BWCA campsites ensures a genuine wilderness experience. It is imperative to have detailed maps of the BWCAW (such as Fisher or McKenzie maps), a compass, and strong navigation skills. Outfitters in gateway communities (like Grand Marais or Tofte for Entry Point 39) can provide shuttles, outfitting services, and critical advice on current conditions and routes.

BWCA Campsite #39, like all designated campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, provides essential services designed to support a primitive, low-impact camping experience while adhering to strict wilderness regulations. These services are deliberately minimal to preserve the wild character of the area.

• Designated Tent Pads: Each campsite offers several cleared and relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents. These are intended to minimize impact on vegetation and provide stable ground for shelters. Campsite #39 is noted for being "very large" with "plenty of tent pads," capable of accommodating groups up to the maximum size permitted (9 people and 4 watercraft).
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided at each designated campsite. This allows for safe and contained campfires, a cherished part of the wilderness experience. Visitors are permitted to gather only dead and downed wood from the forest floor for fuel. Burning trash is strictly prohibited.
• Wilderness Latrine: A designated wilderness latrine (typically a simple pit toilet) is provided a short distance from the main camping area. These facilities are crucial for proper human waste disposal and maintaining sanitation within the wilderness. Campers must bring their own toilet paper and pack out all personal waste items.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage (Natural): While not always a physical "pole" in the same way as some national park backcountry sites, campers are required to secure their food and scented items from bears and other animals. This is typically done by hanging food bags from a tree limb at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the tree trunk, or by using bear-resistant containers. Campsite #39 is noted to have "2 big birch trees near the kitchen for bear bags" and a "bear-hang tree... has bear claw marks all up it," emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
• Access to Natural Water: The campsite is located on the shore of a lake, providing access to water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. However, all water taken from lakes and streams must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption, as there is no potable water source.
• No Modern Amenities: It is crucial to understand that there are no modern amenities such as electricity, running water, showers, flush toilets, picnic tables (beyond logs/rocks for seating), or trash disposal services. All trash must be packed out.

BWCA Campsite #39, often praised by experienced paddlers, offers a range of remarkable features and highlights that contribute to an unforgettable wilderness experience.

• Spectacular Beach Landing: A significant highlight of Campsite #39 is its "massive" and "amazing" pebble or sand beach landing on the north and west sides. This provides easy access for canoes, making for a comfortable arrival and departure. The beach is also noted as "great for swimming" and offers "ample views of Knife Lake," particularly for "amazing sunset" vistas.
• Abundant Tent Pads: Unlike some BWCA sites with limited tenting space, Campsite #39 is described as "very large" with "plenty of tent pads" and ample "ground space for tents," capable of accommodating large groups (up to 9 people and 5 tents with room to spare). This flexibility is a major advantage for group trips.
• Prime Sunset Views: The campsite's orientation, especially from its expansive beach, provides "great views of the sunset" and "incredible vistas" over Knife Lake, making evenings particularly memorable.
• Natural Bear Hang Opportunities: The presence of large birch trees specifically noted for bear bag hanging (and even with bear claw marks) indicates suitable natural infrastructure for securing food, a critical aspect of BWCA camping.
• Protection from Wind: While exposure can be a factor on large lakes, this site is described as "Protected from wind," which can be a significant benefit in less favorable weather conditions, though it might also mean it "can get very buggy."
• Proximity to Rocky Outcrop: A short walk past the latrine leads to a "rocky outcrop" with "views... second only to Thunder Point," offering additional scenic overlooks away from the main camp.
• Fishing Opportunities: Knife Lake and surrounding waters offer good fishing opportunities. Reviews mention "good smallmouth fishing around the peninsula" and the potential to "troll for lake trout" on day trips to nearby lakes like Sema.
• Wildlife Encounters: As a remote wilderness site, encounters with wildlife are common, including the possibility of seeing large bunnies (snowshoe hares) and hearing wolves. However, it's important to be "bear aware" due to reported bear activity in the area (likely drawn by improper food disposal from past campers).

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #39 does not have a typical street address or a direct phone number for reservations in the way a commercial campground would. It is a specific, numbered location within a vast protected wilderness. Reservations and information are handled by the U.S. Forest Service and its authorized permit issuing stations.

Address: Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA (This indicates the general gateway region, but the campsite itself is deep within the BWCAW, typically accessed via Entry Point 39 - Baker Lake, which is located off the Gunflint Trail, significantly east of Crane Lake.)

For all inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and trip planning for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, you should contact the U.S. Forest Service Ranger District responsible for Entry Point 39 (Baker Lake) or utilize the official permit reservation system.

Primary Contact for BWCAW Permits and Information (for Entry Point 39 - Baker Lake):

Tofte Ranger District (Superior National Forest)

Address: 7401 W. Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Phone: (218) 663-8060 (It is highly recommended to call for the most current information, especially regarding conditions and entry point access.)

Permit reservations for overnight paddle trips into the BWCAW (May 1st to September 30th) are mandatory and must be made through Recreation.gov. It is crucial to reserve permits well in advance, as quota permits are limited per entry point per day.

Local outfitters near the Baker Lake entry point (such as Sawbill Canoe Outfitters or Sawtooth Outfitters) can also provide invaluable assistance with trip planning, gear rentals, and permit issuance.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #39 offers an quintessential opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty and challenge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Its location on Knife Lake, accessible via a rewarding paddle and portage from Entry Point 39 (Baker Lake), ensures a truly remote and serene experience that resonates deeply with the state's outdoor heritage. This campsite is ideally suited for local adventurers who seek genuine solitude, are comfortable with primitive camping, and cherish the profound connection with nature that only a roadless wilderness can provide.

The site's impressive features, including its large, swimmable beach, ample tenting areas, and stunning sunset views over Knife Lake, make it a highly desirable destination for groups and individuals alike. While bear activity has been noted, this simply underscores the importance of adhering to the strict BWCA food storage regulations, a responsibility embraced by true wilderness enthusiasts. BWCA Campsite #39 is more than just a place to stay; it's a launchpad for deep exploration, a backdrop for unforgettable memories, and a testament to Minnesota's commitment to preserving wild places. For those living in the state, it offers an accessible, yet deeply adventurous, path to disconnect from daily life and fully embrace the untamed spirit of the Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #39

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA