BWCA Campsite #868

For Minnesotans seeking an unparalleled wilderness experience, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) stands as a crown jewel, offering pristine lakes, ancient forests, and a profound sense of solitude. Within this vast expanse, specific campsites provide a designated haven for adventurers. Among these, BWCA Campsite #868, located on Alton Lake, offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Minnesota's iconic wilderness. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and informative overview of this unique camping destination, helping local users plan their next unforgettable outdoor escape.

The BWCAW is a federally protected wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota, renowned for its interconnected network of lakes and rivers, ideal for canoe camping and portaging. Unlike traditional campgrounds with amenities like showers or paved roads, BWCA campsites are primitive, designed to offer a truly wild experience while adhering to strict Leave No Trace principles. Campsite #868 embodies this ethos, providing a designated spot for your group to connect with nature, far from the distractions of daily life.

This overview will delve into the specifics of BWCA Campsite #868, from its precise location and how to access it, to the essential services it provides (or rather, the lack thereof, emphasizing self-reliance), its unique features, and critical information for planning your visit. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge needed to confidently plan a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible trip to this remarkable Minnesota wilderness destination.

BWCA Campsite #868 is nestled within the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, specifically situated on Alton Lake. The address provided, Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA, indicates its general vicinity within Cook County, a gateway to the BWCAW. However, it's crucial to understand that "addresses" in the traditional sense don't apply to specific campsites within the wilderness. Accessing Campsite #868, like all BWCA sites, requires a wilderness permit and typically involves a combination of paddling and portaging.

Alton Lake is a popular destination within the BWCA, often accessed via entry points such as Sawbill Lake (Entry Point #38). From a designated entry point, visitors embark on a canoe journey, navigating lakes and portaging their gear over overland trails to reach their chosen campsite. Campsite #868 is described as being on Alton Lake, and specific information from user forums suggests it is located on a peninsula, offering good views and multiple tent pads. This implies a potentially scenic and desirable spot once reached.

Given the remote nature of the BWCAW, there is no direct road access to Campsite #868. All travel within the wilderness is by paddle and portage. This ensures the preservation of the area's pristine condition and offers visitors an authentic wilderness experience. Planning your route to Campsite #868 involves studying detailed maps (such as Fisher or McKenzie maps), understanding portage lengths, and considering your group's paddling and portaging abilities. Outfitting services in nearby towns like Ely or Grand Marais can provide valuable guidance on routes and entry points that lead to Alton Lake and, subsequently, Campsite #868.

As a designated campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCA Campsite #868 offers a truly rustic and self-sufficient camping experience. Unlike developed campgrounds, you won't find amenities such as running water, electricity, or restroom facilities in the conventional sense. The "services" provided are primarily those mandated for wilderness preservation and visitor impact minimization.

• Pristine Natural Environment: The primary "service" is the opportunity to experience an untouched wilderness, with clean air, clear water (though always treatable before consumption), and abundant wildlife.
• Designated Campsite Pad: The site will feature a relatively flat area suitable for pitching tents, minimizing impact on surrounding vegetation.
• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent steel fire grate is provided for campfires, helping to contain fires and reduce wildfire risk. Remember to always check current fire restrictions before your trip.
• Wilderness Latrine (Pit Toilet): Each designated campsite is equipped with a wilderness latrine, typically a pit toilet designed to manage human waste in an environmentally sound manner. Visitors are expected to use these facilities for their intended purpose only and to pack out all other waste.
• Access to Alton Lake: Direct access to Alton Lake allows for paddling, fishing (with a valid Minnesota fishing license), and water collection (which must be treated before consumption).

BWCA Campsite #868 on Alton Lake offers several features and highlights that make it an appealing destination for those seeking a genuine wilderness adventure. While specific details can vary, general characteristics of well-regarded BWCA campsites often include:

• Scenic Location: User discussions suggest that Campsite #868 is located on a peninsula, which typically offers expansive views of Alton Lake and potentially stunning sunrises or sunsets. A peninsula location also often provides good airflow, which can help with insect management.
• Multiple Tent Pads: Reports indicate that this site is suitable for maximum BWCA group sizes and features multiple tent pads. This makes it a good option for larger groups or those desiring more space for their camping setup.
• Good Canoe Landing: A solid canoe landing, potentially with a sandy or rocky beach, is a highly desirable feature, making it easier to load and unload canoes and gear, and providing direct water access for swimming or fishing.
• Opportunities for Fishing: Alton Lake is part of the extensive BWCA waterway system, known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers staying at Campsite #868 can enjoy casting for various species right from their campsite or by paddling to nearby spots.
• Secluded Wilderness Experience: As a BWCA campsite, #868 inherently offers a secluded and peaceful experience, far from motor traffic and crowds. The focus is on self-reliance and appreciating the natural world.
• Access to Portages and Other Lakes: From Alton Lake, paddlers can access various portages leading to other lakes within the BWCA system, allowing for extended trips and exploration of diverse landscapes.

Since BWCA Campsite #868 is a designated wilderness campsite rather than a commercially operated campground, there is no direct phone number or dedicated reservation line for the campsite itself. All reservations and permits for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

To plan your trip and secure a permit for an entry point that grants access to Alton Lake, you will need to utilize the official permit reservation system.

Address for general inquiries regarding the BWCAW and permits:

Superior National Forest8901 Grand Avenue PlaceDuluth, MN 55808USA

While there isn't a direct phone number for Campsite #868, you can reach out to the U.S. Forest Service Ranger Districts managing the BWCAW for general information about permits, regulations, and conditions. The Kawishiwi Ranger District, often associated with entry points leading to Alton Lake, can be a valuable resource.

Kawishiwi Ranger District Phone: 218-365-7600

Remember that reserving a permit is crucial and must be done in advance, especially during peak seasons. You will select an entry point and date, and then once in the wilderness, navigate to your desired campsite (such as #868), which are available on a first-come, first-served basis within the designated wilderness area.

For Minnesotans, BWCA Campsite #868 on Alton Lake represents an ideal opportunity to embrace the state's renowned wilderness heritage. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a unique treasure, offering an escape unlike any other. This specific campsite, with its location on a scenic lake and its capacity for larger groups, provides a fantastic base for exploring the vastness of the BWCAW.

Locals, already familiar with Minnesota's climate and outdoor culture, are particularly well-suited for a BWCA adventure. The self-reliant nature of camping at #868 encourages a deeper connection with the environment and fosters valuable outdoor skills. It’s a chance to truly unplug, listen to the loons, and witness the Northern Lights dance across the night sky, all within a reasonable drive from many parts of the state.

The pristine waters of Alton Lake offer exceptional paddling and fishing, catering to both experienced canoeists and those looking to develop their wilderness acumen. The primitive nature of the campsite ensures minimal human impact, preserving the raw beauty that makes the Boundary Waters so special. Furthermore, the inherent challenges of a canoe-and-portage trip cultivate resilience and teamwork, making for memorable shared experiences with family and friends.

In essence, BWCA Campsite #868 isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to an authentic Minnesota wilderness experience. It's an invitation for locals to reconnect with nature, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories in one of the most remarkable natural areas in the United States. By respecting the wilderness regulations and practicing Leave No Trace principles, Minnesotans can ensure that this incredible destination remains pristine for generations to come.

BWCA Campsite #868

Schroeder Township, MN 55604, USA