BWCA Campsite #839

For Minnesotans who truly seek to immerse themselves in the wild heart of the Northwoods, far from the sounds and demands of everyday life, BWCA Campsite #839 offers an authentic and secluded Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) experience. This is not a conventional drive-up campground; instead, it is a designated, primitive campsite nestled on Beth Lake, deep within one of America's most revered and protected wilderness areas. Located in the vicinity of Schroeder Township, which often serves as a gateway to the eastern sections of the BWCAW, Campsite #839 provides an extraordinary opportunity to completely disconnect and fully immerse yourself in a vast network of pristine lakes, ancient forests, and rugged terrain.

A trip to BWCA Campsite #839 is an adventure that requires careful planning, adherence to strict regulations, and a firm commitment to Leave No Trace principles. Visitors have noted this site to be a "small wooded site" with a nice landing, and while the tent pads can be "a little rooty and rocky," it offers a "nice view" from the fire area. For those prepared to embrace the challenges of wilderness travel, the rewards are immense: profound solitude, breathtaking natural vistas, and the deep satisfaction of navigating and thriving in a truly pristine environment. This article will provide local Minnesotans with comprehensive insights into what makes BWCA Campsite #839 a special destination, detailing its remote access, the essential services it provides, its unique wilderness features, and why it stands as an ultimate test and a deeply rewarding experience for the true outdoor enthusiast in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

BWCA Campsite #839 is situated within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), located on Beth Lake, near Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA. The BWCAW is a federally protected wilderness area where motorized access is strictly limited, and direct road access to individual campsites is nonexistent. This means that reaching Campsite #839 is an integral part of the wilderness adventure itself.

Given its location near Schroeder Township, Campsite #839 is likely accessed from entry points along the scenic Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), which extends north from Grand Marais, or potentially from entry points further west in the Tofte Ranger District area. Access to Beth Lake typically involves paddling across several lakes and undertaking one or more portages. Portaging involves physically carrying canoes and all gear overland between lakes, often across uneven, rugged terrain. The specific route to Campsite #839 would be detailed on official BWCAW maps and permit information, as each campsite number corresponds to a unique, geographically marked location. Users on Paddle Planner describe the canoe landing as "nice - parallel park next to a sloping rock." This challenging, paddle-in access ensures deep wilderness solitude, far removed from the sounds and interruptions of modern civilization. The journey to the campsite is a key component of the adventure, offering stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife even before you reach your destination. The surrounding terrain is characteristic of northern Minnesota's boreal forest, featuring dense tree cover, exposed granite bedrock, and numerous waterways.

BWCA Campsite #839, like all designated campsites within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, adheres to a strict "primitive" camping philosophy. The services provided are minimal and intentionally designed to preserve the wilderness character of the area while ensuring basic safety and promoting responsible outdoor ethics.

• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: Each BWCA campsite features a defined area cleared for pitching tents. For Campsite #839, user reviews indicate there are "two small tent pads" which can be "a little rooty and rocky," and that the "best tent pad is up the hill." These are natural clearings designed to concentrate visitor impact and protect the surrounding fragile ecosystem.
• Fire Grate: A single, durable metal fire grate is provided at each campsite. This allows campers to have contained campfires, reducing the risk of wildfires. Users note the "fire area is small" but that "wood was abundant." Visitors are expected to collect only dead and downed wood from the surrounding forest for fuel; cutting live trees or branches is strictly prohibited. It's also vital to follow local regulations regarding transporting firewood, as invasive species can be a concern.
• Latrine (Thunderbox): To manage human waste effectively and maintain sanitation in the wilderness, every BWCA campsite is equipped with a basic, open-air pit latrine, commonly known as a "thunderbox." For Campsite #839, it's noted the "pit toilet is up a small hill." These are typically located a short distance from the main campsite to ensure privacy and minimize impact.
• Water Access: Being situated on Beth Lake, the campsite provides direct access to a natural water source. However, it is absolutely imperative that all water collected from the lake be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption. There is no source of potable tap water at the campsite.
• Permit System: While not a physical amenity on site, obtaining a BWCAW entry permit is a fundamental "service" and a mandatory requirement for accessing Campsite #839. This permit system regulates visitor numbers and ensures the preservation of the wilderness character.
• No Amenities: It is crucial for prospective campers to understand the true nature of BWCA camping. There are no modern amenities whatsoever at Campsite #839. This means no electricity, no running water (other than the natural lake water), no trash receptacles (all waste must be packed out), no showers, and no picnic tables beyond possibly natural logs or rock formations. Cell phone service is also typically nonexistent or extremely unreliable in this remote area.

Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all necessary gear, food, and water purification equipment for the entirety of their trip.

The true highlights of BWCA Campsite #839, and indeed any campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, stem from its pristine natural environment and the unparalleled wilderness experience it offers. These features are precisely what draw countless Minnesotans and visitors from across the globe to this iconic region:

• Profound Solitude and Seclusion: As a "small wooded site" that can be reached after challenging travel, Campsite #839 often provides a deep sense of privacy and tranquility. Being a designated campsite accessible only by paddle and portage, you are virtually guaranteed a secluded experience, fostering an intense connection with nature, far removed from any human-generated noise or light pollution.
• Pristine Lake Environment: The surrounding Beth Lake provides exceptionally clear, clean water, perfect for swimming on warm Minnesota days. It also serves as the essential, albeit treated, source for drinking and cooking water. The strict regulations on motorboats in much of the BWCA further enhance the peaceful paddling experience.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: The lakes in the BWCAW are renowned for their abundant fish populations. Anglers at Campsite #839 can expect excellent opportunities to catch popular species such as walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and various panfish, often in less-pressured waters due to the remote access.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The BWCAW is a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife. Campers have high chances of spotting iconic Minnesota animals such as moose, black bears (requiring strict adherence to bear-aware food storage practices), bald eagles, ospreys, and the quintessential loon, whose haunting calls are a defining sound of the wilderness.
• Spectacular Stargazing: With virtually no artificial light pollution, the night skies over BWCA Campsite #839 can be truly breathtaking. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, offering an unforgettable astronomical display.
• Iconic Paddling and Portaging Experience: The unique adventure of navigating a vast network of interconnected lakes by canoe, combined with the physical challenge and reward of portaging, is a defining highlight of any BWCA trip. The "nice landing" at #839 is an advantage for canoeists.
• Ancient Forest Immersion: The area is characterized by expansive tracts of untouched, old-growth or mature forests, providing a sense of timeless wilderness and a rich, biodiverse ecosystem for exploration.
• Unrivaled Photography Opportunities: The serene sunrises and sunsets over the water, the stunning reflections of the sky and trees, and the constant presence of wildlife offer endless inspiration and chances for capturing truly magnificent nature photographs. The "nice view" from the fire area is a bonus for enjoying the scenery.

These features collectively create an immersive, challenging, and incredibly rewarding outdoor adventure, making BWCA Campsite #839 a bucket-list destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

BWCA Campsite #839, as a specific designated campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, does not have its own direct phone number or on-site staff. All information, management, and permit issuance for BWCAW campsites are handled by the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Superior National Forest.

Address: Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA (General location within Superior National Forest)

For all inquiries regarding BWCA Campsite #839, including details on required permits, reservation procedures, specific regulations, entry points, and current wilderness conditions, local Minnesotans (and all visitors) must contact the U.S. Forest Service. Given its location in Schroeder Township, this campsite is likely managed by a ranger district along the North Shore. The Tofte Ranger District or Gunflint Ranger District would be the most relevant contacts for this eastern part of the BWCAW.

• Tofte Ranger District (U.S. Forest Service):
• Physical Address: 7355 West Hwy 61, Tofte, MN 55615
• Phone Number: (218) 663-8060
• Gunflint Ranger District (U.S. Forest Service):
• Address: 2020 W. Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
• Phone Number: (218) 387-1750
• Website: The official website for the Superior National Forest (fs.usda.gov/superior) is the most comprehensive online resource. It provides detailed information, rules, and directs users to recreation.gov for permit reservations.

It is absolutely essential to obtain an entry permit in advance for any overnight trip into the BWCAW, as the system operates on a quota basis to manage visitor impact and preserve the wilderness character. Local outfitters in communities like Grand Marais or Tofte are also excellent resources for up-to-date information, gear rentals, and expert advice for planning a successful BWCA trip.

For Minnesotans seeking a truly immersive and traditional wilderness experience, BWCA Campsite #839 offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with the state's most cherished natural treasure. Its location on Beth Lake, within the vast expanse of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Schroeder Township, provides the kind of remote solitude that many locals dream of. This campsite is ideally suited for those who embrace the challenge and reward of backcountry travel, understanding that the journey to and from the site is an integral part of the adventure.

While some might find the "rooty and rocky" tent pads or the "small wooded site" less luxurious than car-accessible campgrounds, for the seasoned Minnesotan outdoors enthusiast, these are simply part of the authentic wilderness experience. The ample firewood and the "nice view" from the fire area enhance the classic camping ambiance. The commitment to Leave No Trace principles is ingrained in the BWCA ethos, aligning perfectly with the values of many environmentally conscious locals.

The rewards of camping at BWCA Campsite #839 are manifold: unparalleled quiet, incredible stargazing under dark skies, and the profound satisfaction of being entirely self-reliant in a stunning natural setting. The world-class fishing, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the simple beauty of paddling across pristine lakes offer a deep connection to the land that defines Minnesota. For many who call the Land of 10,000 Lakes home, a trip into the BWCAW isn't just a vacation; it's a pilgrimage to a place that embodies their outdoor spirit. Campsite #839 provides an unvarnished, deeply authentic slice of that wilderness, inviting Minnesotans to truly unplug, recharge, and create lasting memories in one of the nation's most precious wild places.

BWCA Campsite #839

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA