BWCA Campsite #847

For Minnesotans with an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for untouched wilderness, BWCA Campsite #847 offers an unparalleled escape. Situated within the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this specific campsite on Alton Lake isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to an experience that defines the very essence of Minnesota's natural heritage. If you dream of paddling pristine waters, listening to the call of a loon, and truly disconnecting from the modern world, then this remote gem is waiting for you.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a million-acre mosaic of lakes, rivers, and forests, is a national treasure. Campsite #847 on Alton Lake embodies the BWCAW's commitment to preserving a primitive, non-motorized outdoor experience. It's a place where you navigate by paddle and portage, where the only sounds are those of nature, and where every sunrise over the lake feels like a private masterpiece. This site is ideal for seasoned paddlers and campers who are prepared for self-sufficiency and embrace the challenge and immense rewards of wilderness travel. It promises an adventure that will create lasting memories and foster a profound connection with Minnesota’s breathtaking wild spaces.

BWCA Campsite #847 is located within the vast expanse of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, near Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA. More specifically, this particular campsite is located on Alton Lake, a beautiful body of water within the extensive network of lakes and rivers that define the BWCAW.

Accessibility to any campsite within the BWCAW is unique and requires careful planning. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, the BWCAW is a roadless wilderness area. This means you will need to access Campsite #847 by canoe (or kayak) and often involves portaging. You’ll begin your journey at a designated BWCAW entry point, which will lead you through a series of lakes and portage trails until you reach Alton Lake. The specific entry point you choose will determine your route and the distance you'll paddle and portage to reach Campsite #847.

It's crucial to understand that entry into the BWCAW requires a permit, especially for overnight trips between May 1 and September 30. These quota permits are issued for specific entry points and dates, and reservations are highly recommended due to high demand. Walk-in permits are sometimes available, but not guaranteed. Once you have your permit, outfitters in nearby towns like Ely or Grand Marais can assist with route planning, canoe rentals, and equipment necessary for your journey into this remote wilderness. The journey to Campsite #847 is part of the adventure, offering an authentic taste of early Northwoods travel.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the BWCAW, Campsite #847 offers a minimalist set of services, emphasizing preservation and a "leave no trace" ethic. Visitors are expected to be fully self-sufficient. Here's what you can expect:

• Designated Campsite: The site is clearly designated, preventing random camping and concentrating impact.
• Multiple Tent Pads: Campsite #847 is noted to have three good tent pads, providing level and cleared areas suitable for pitching tents, which helps minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation and offers a comfortable sleeping surface.
• Fire Grate/Kitchen Area: A sturdy, steel fire grate is provided for cooking and campfires. This grate is well-protected from breezes, particularly on a large lake like Alton, making fire management easier and safer.
• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): Each designated campsite in the BWCAW includes a wilderness latrine, typically a primitive pit toilet without any structure. This helps manage human waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Easy Water Access and Canoe Landing: A significant advantage of this campsite is its "easy water access and canoe landing." This makes it convenient for launching and landing canoes, and for accessing the lake for water collection.
• Shallow, Hard-Bottomed Swimming Area: The water directly in front of the campsite is described as "shallow with a hard bottom," making for an excellent and safe swimming spot.
• Log Furniture: Some campsites, including this one, may feature rustic log furniture around the fire pit, adding a touch of convenience and comfort to the wilderness setting.
• No Potable Water: It is critical to remember that there is no treated, potable water available. All drinking water must be filtered or treated from the lake or other natural sources.
• No Garbage Service: All trash, food scraps, and waste must be packed out by the camper. "Leave No Trace" principles are strictly enforced.
• Permit Required: As mentioned, an entry permit is always required to enter the BWCAW for overnight stays, ensuring controlled access and preservation.
• Group Size Limits: Strict group size limits (typically 9 people and 4 watercraft or less) are in place to minimize environmental impact and preserve solitude.

BWCA Campsite #847 on Alton Lake boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience in Minnesota:

• Great Lake Views: A standout feature of this campsite is the "great views of the lake" it offers. Alton Lake provides a beautiful backdrop for your wilderness stay, perfect for enjoying sunrises, sunsets, and the overall tranquility of the water.
• Protected Fire Grate/Kitchen Area: The fire grate is "well protected from the strong breezes emanating from big Alton Lake," a practical and much-appreciated feature that makes cooking and enjoying a campfire much more comfortable, especially on windy days.
• Excellent Canoe Landing: The campsite features a "better than most" canoe landing, with a "relatively smooth and firm lake bed with shin deep clear water." This makes arrival and departure considerably easier, a significant benefit for paddlers.
• Good Swimming Spot: The shallow, hard-bottomed area directly in front of the campsite provides an ideal and inviting place for swimming, a welcome relief on warm summer days.
• Privacy and Seclusion: As a designated BWCAW campsite, it is designed for single-group occupancy, ensuring exceptional privacy and a true sense of solitude away from other campers.
• Proximity to Wilderness Exploration: The location on Alton Lake means direct access to a network of canoe routes and portages, allowing for extensive exploration of the surrounding wilderness, including potential connections to other lakes like Wonder Lake via nearby portages.
• Authentic Northwoods Charm: The presence of natural features like white pines and the rustic amenities like log furniture around the fire pit contribute to an authentic Northwoods camping atmosphere.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote nature of the BWCAW means a higher chance of encountering various wildlife, including moose, deer, bears (proper food storage is essential), and a wide array of bird species, including the iconic loon.

As a designated wilderness campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #847 does not have a direct mailing address or phone number like a commercial campground. Access is strictly by paddle and portage, and the site itself is unstaffed.

Address: Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA (This general address refers to the township where one might find entry points leading into this part of the BWCAW, not a direct location for the campsite.)

For all inquiries, permits, and detailed information regarding BWCA Campsite #847 and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in general, you should contact the relevant Ranger District of the Superior National Forest or the official BWCAW permit issuing authority.

Primary point of contact for BWCAW permits and information:

Superior National Forest Headquarters: (218) 626-4300

Or, more specifically, the Tofte Ranger District (which covers the Schroeder Township area): (218) 663-8060

It is highly recommended to visit the official US Forest Service website for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (www.fs.usda.gov/bwcaw) and Recreation.gov (for permits) well in advance of your trip. These resources provide crucial information on permit requirements, entry points, regulations, safety guidelines, and current conditions. Outfitters in nearby gateway communities can also provide invaluable assistance with planning and gear.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #847 on Alton Lake represents the pinnacle of an authentic wilderness experience, making it incredibly suitable for locals. It embodies the adventurous spirit and deep connection to nature that defines so many in our state. This isn't just a vacation spot; it's a rite of passage for those seeking true solitude and a challenge in one of the world's most unique wild places.

The very nature of the BWCAW—its roadless, motor-free environment—means that accessing Campsite #847 requires effort, which in turn ensures a level of peace and quiet rarely found elsewhere. For local outdoor enthusiasts, the commitment to paddle and portage to this site is part of its allure, promising an uncrowded and personal encounter with nature. The "great views of the lake," "easy water access," and "protected fire grate" are not just features; they are essential elements that enhance the wilderness experience, allowing Minnesotans to fully appreciate the raw beauty of Alton Lake.

This campsite is perfect for Minnesotans who have always dreamed of exploring the Boundary Waters, offering a tangible goal within this vast wilderness. It's an opportunity to test one's outdoor skills, rely on self-sufficiency, and create unforgettable memories in a setting that remains largely untouched by modern development. BWCA Campsite #847 is more than just a place to stay; it's an invitation for Minnesotans to reconnect with the wild heart of their own state, to paddle where voyageurs once journeyed, and to find profound peace in the silence of the Northwoods.

BWCA Campsite #847

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA