BWCA Campsite #845

For Minnesotans yearning for an authentic and deeply immersive wilderness experience, **BWCA Campsite #845** offers an exceptional destination. Situated on the beautiful **Alton Lake** within the revered **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)**, this particular campsite stands out as a highly favored choice among those who venture into Minnesota's iconic Northwoods. Unlike traditional campgrounds with their array of amenities and easy vehicle access, the BWCAW is a federally protected wilderness where motorized use is strictly limited, and the primary means of travel is by paddle and portage. This design creates an unparalleled sense of solitude and connection with nature, allowing visitors to truly disconnect from the incessant demands of modern life and fully embrace the tranquil rhythms of the wild. For those prepared to embrace the physical and mental challenge of paddling, portaging, and adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles, Campsite #845 on Alton Lake promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of North America's most pristine and cherished wilderness areas. It's a place where the sounds of waves lapping the shore replace the urban hum, and starry nights outshine city lights.

BWCA Campsite #845 is strategically located on **Alton Lake**, a significant body of water deep within the expansive **Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness**. Its administrative address is listed as being in the general vicinity of **Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA**. It is crucial for Minnesota locals planning a trip to understand that this is not a conventional street address for direct vehicle access. Instead, "Schroeder Township" indicates the broad region and the primary entry points used to access this section of the BWCAW, particularly those situated along Minnesota's scenic North Shore of Lake Superior, leading into the central and eastern portions of the wilderness.

Access to BWCA Campsite #845 on Alton Lake requires meticulous planning and strict adherence to the U.S. Forest Service's permit system. Permits are mandatory for all overnight trips into the BWCAW from May 1 to September 30 and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. The most common and direct entry point for accessing Alton Lake is **Sawbill Lake (Entry Point #38)**, which is typically accessed via the Sawbill Trail from Tofte. The nearest major gateway communities for beginning your journey would be **Tofte** or **Grand Marais**, both charming towns nestled along Minnesota's picturesque North Shore. From the Sawbill Lake entry point, the journey to Alton Lake involves only two short portages, making it a relatively accessible destination within the BWCA for a true wilderness experience, as noted by visitors. The journey to Campsite #845 itself will invariably involve navigating by canoe or kayak across Sawbill Lake and then a short portage into Alton Lake. This self-propelled mode of travel is fundamental to the BWCAW experience, ensuring the preservation of its natural integrity and offering a profound sense of self-reliance and immersive adventure. For Minnesota residents, the picturesque drive along the North Shore leading to these entry points serves as a beautiful prelude to the wilderness experience, setting the tone for an authentic escape into nature that feels both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Camping at BWCA Campsite #845, like all designated sites within this federal wilderness, comes with a specific understanding of "services" that are distinctly different from those found in typical developed campgrounds. These services are deliberately minimal, focused on preserving the wilderness character while providing essential provisions for a primitive camping experience.

• Designated Campsite with Basic Facilities: Every designated BWCAW campsite, including #845, is equipped with a **steel fire grate** for cooking and campfires (subject to current fire restrictions, which can be implemented during dry periods) and a **wilderness latrine**, typically a simple pit toilet. These minimal provisions are strategically placed to concentrate human impact in specific areas, thereby helping to preserve the surrounding fragile natural environment.

• Natural Water Source: While no potable water is provided, the adjacent Alton Lake serves as a natural water source. Campers are solely responsible for **treating this water** by filtering, boiling, or chemical purification to ensure it is safe for drinking and cooking. This necessity fosters a strong sense of self-sufficiency, a core tenet of wilderness travel.

• Mandatory Permit System: The U.S. Forest Service manages visitor flow through a strict **permit system**, especially during the quota season (May 1 - September 30). Obtaining a permit for a specific entry point and date is a critical "service" that grants legal access to the wilderness, ensuring controlled visitor numbers, minimizing environmental impact, and preserving the highly sought-after sense of solitude.

• "Leave No Trace" Principles: A cornerstone of the BWCAW experience, strict adherence to **"Leave No Trace" outdoor ethics** is not just encouraged, but an absolute requirement. This fundamental practice includes packing out all trash (absolutely everything you pack in, including food scraps and soiled toilet paper), minimizing campfire impacts, proper human waste disposal, respecting wildlife, and leaving natural objects undisturbed. This collective effort by all visitors is essential for maintaining the wilderness's pristine condition for future generations.

• Fishing Opportunities: Alton Lake is a well-regarded fishing lake within the BWCA, known to support populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike. Campsite #845, with its direct access to the lake, would provide opportunities for anglers to pursue these species, provided they have a valid Minnesota DNR fishing license.

• Undeveloped Natural Environment: The most significant "service" provided by the BWCAW is the preservation of a vast, undeveloped natural landscape. This offers an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to experience a truly wild setting, rely on their outdoor skills, and disconnect entirely from modern distractions and artificial comforts, fostering a profound connection with nature.

BWCA Campsite #845 on Alton Lake, while maintaining the primitive nature of a true wilderness site, offers distinct features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Minnesota's outdoor enthusiasts. Based on customer reviews and public data, this campsite has several notable attributes.

• Excellent Location on Alton Lake: Described as a favorite campsite, its location on Alton Lake is a significant highlight. Alton Lake itself is praised for its beauty and relatively easy accessibility via short portages from Sawbill Lake.

• Spacious and Group-Friendly: A key feature highlighted by a past visitor is its suitability for groups, mentioning it accommodated a "group of 8" comfortably. Official data suggests it has at least three good tent pads, making it one of the more spacious options in the area.

• Hammock Camping Potential with Lake Views: One reviewer specifically loved "falling asleep and waking up to the waves lapping against the shore as my hammock overlooked Alton Lake." This indicates ideal spots for hammock setups with picturesque views.

• Proximity to Another Campsite (for Larger Groups): The fact that it is "within walking distance" of Campsite #846 is a unique advantage for very large groups (exceeding the 9-person BWCA limit) that need to split into two permits but wish to camp relatively close to each other.

• Well-Protected Fire Grate Area: The fire grate/kitchen area is described as "well protected from the strong breezes emanating from big Alton Lake," enhancing comfort and safety during campfires.

• Easy Water Access and Swimming: The campsite boasts "easy water access and canoe landing," with shallow water and a hard bottom for good swimming, making it family-friendly and convenient for water activities.

• Reliable Cell Signal (Unique Wilderness Feature): A surprising and highly valued feature for some, particularly given its wilderness setting, is the ability to "get signal" from a specific rock on the campsite. While not a necessity for all, this can be a comfort for those who need occasional connectivity for safety or brief communication.

• Stunning Lake Views: The campsite offers "great views of the lake," allowing campers to fully appreciate Alton Lake's natural beauty directly from their site.

As BWCA Campsite #845 is a specific, numbered site within a vast wilderness area, it does not have a conventional street address for direct visitation or a dedicated phone number like a commercial business. All access and information are managed through the U.S. Forest Service and its authorized partners.

General Address for the surrounding area and permit issuance:

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA (This indicates the general vicinity of the entry points for this section of the BWCAW, notably the Sawbill Lake entry point, which is managed by the Tofte Ranger District.)

For all essential inquiries regarding BWCA permits, rules, and trip planning, Minnesota residents should primarily consult the official **U.S. Forest Service website for the Superior National Forest** or **Recreation.gov**. These platforms are the authoritative sources for booking permits and understanding wilderness regulations, which are crucial for a safe and legal trip.

Tofte Ranger District Office (closest U.S. Forest Service office for entry points in this region, including Sawbill Lake, which provides access to Alton Lake):

Address: 7401 Highway 61, Tofte, MN 55615

Phone: (218) 663-7280 (It's advisable to call during published business hours, typically Monday-Friday, for permit pickup and general information. Note that outfitting services at Sawbill Lake also serve as issuing stations.)

Additionally, **Sawbill Canoe Outfitters**, located directly at the Sawbill Lake entry point, serves as an authorized permit issuing station and an invaluable local resource. They provide detailed route planning advice, rent essential equipment (canoes, camping gear), and offer insights into current lake conditions. They are an excellent local point of contact for practical assistance with your BWCA trip, providing expert local knowledge for routes to lakes like Alton Lake.

BWCA Campsite #845 on Alton Lake is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals, embodying the very essence of the state's revered outdoor identity, especially for those who appreciate the unique blend of accessibility, beauty, and authentic wilderness found in the Northwoods. For residents, it offers a profoundly rewarding escape into a landscape that is both geographically within reach and spiritually distinct from the routines of daily life. The relatively short portages from the Sawbill Lake entry point make it more accessible for groups, including those with students or less experienced paddlers, allowing for a quicker transition into the wilderness. The ample space, beautiful lake views, and potential for hammock camping create a highly comfortable and scenic base camp. Furthermore, the ability to get a cell signal from a specific spot, while certainly not the primary reason to visit, can offer an added sense of security for some. This isn't just about primitive camping; it's about connecting with Minnesota's rich natural heritage, honing essential outdoor skills, and finding deep peace in an environment where human impact is carefully minimized. The opportunity to paddle silent waters, fish in unblemished lakes like Alton, and gaze at unpolluted night skies aligns perfectly with the values of many Minnesotans. For those who cherish genuine wilderness experiences and are wholeheartedly willing to embrace the principles of Leave No Trace, BWCA Campsite #845 stands as an iconic, unforgettable, and highly recommended adventure within their own cherished Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #845

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA