BWCA Campsite #877

For Minnesotans with a deep yearning for true wilderness, where the call of a loon replaces the ring of a phone and starlit nights are untouched by city glow, BWCA Campsite #877 offers an extraordinary experience. Located within the magnificent Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), this is not your typical campground with paved roads and modern amenities. Instead, it embodies the very essence of primitive, self-reliant camping, inviting adventurers to connect with nature on its own terms. Campsite #877, situated on Sawbill Lake, is renowned among those who venture into this million-acre expanse for its unique features and the unforgettable solitude it provides. If you're ready to embrace the challenge of paddle and portage, adhere to Leave No Trace principles, and discover the unparalleled beauty of Minnesota's most cherished wilderness, BWCA Campsite #877 is a destination that promises profound natural immersion.

The BWCAW is a globally recognized wilderness area, known for its glacier-carved lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife. Campsite #877 is one of over 2,000 designated campsites within this vast network, each offering a unique slice of tranquility. This article will provide essential information for Minnesota residents considering a trip to BWCA Campsite #877, detailing its remote accessibility, the basic services available, and the special highlights that make it a standout choice for an authentic wilderness adventure.

BWCA Campsite #877 is located in Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA. However, unlike traditional campgrounds, this address merely indicates the general area within the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This campsite is specifically situated on Sawbill Lake, a popular entry point lake managed by the Tofte Ranger Station. Accessing Campsite #877 is exclusively by paddle – meaning canoe or kayak. There are no roads leading directly to the site, and motor vehicles are not permitted within the BWCAW's wilderness zones. To reach this particular campsite, visitors typically begin their journey from an authorized BWCA entry point, often Entry Point #38 on Sawbill Lake itself. From there, it's a paddle across the lake, potentially navigating around islands and through channels, to reach the designated campsite. While the paddle to #877 is generally considered manageable, especially from the Sawbill Lake entry, all BWCA trips require careful planning, including understanding portages (overland carries between lakes) and potential wind conditions on open water. For Minnesotans, the nearest support services and outfitters are typically found in towns like Tofte or Grand Marais, which serve as gateways to the BWCA. The remote nature of this campsite ensures a truly wild and secluded experience, far from the conveniences of modern life. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all their gear, food, and water purification methods, and packing out all trash.

• Designated Campsite: BWCA Campsite #877 is an officially designated campsite within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Camping is only permitted at these marked sites.
• Wilderness Latrine: Each designated BWCA campsite, including #877, is equipped with a wilderness latrine (often a simple pit toilet with a wooden box or seat, without walls or a roof) located away from the main camp area and water source.
• Fire Grate: A steel fire grate is provided at the campsite for contained campfires. However, campers must be aware of and adhere to any fire restrictions in place due to dry conditions. It is advisable to bring alternative cooking methods.
• Tent Pads: Campsite #877 has at least three reliable tent pads, with some reports suggesting up to four. These are relatively compact and located near the fire area, suitable for families with young children or small groups.
• Canoe Landing: The campsite features a "good landing" for canoes, though some reports indicate it might involve navigating "a few rocks to dodge" or may depend on water levels. One review notes a "large sloping rock landing."
• No Potable Water: There is no source of potable (drinkable) water at the campsite. Campers must bring their own water or filter/purify water from the lake before consumption.
• No Electricity or Wi-Fi: This is a true wilderness experience. There are no electrical hookups, cell service is typically non-existent, and Wi-Fi is not available.
• No Trash Services: All trash must be packed out by the campers. "Leave No Trace" principles are strictly enforced.
• No Reservations for Specific Sites: While permits are required to enter the BWCA (reserved by entry point and date), individual campsites like #877 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers should have backup campsite options.
• Limited Group Size: BWCA regulations limit groups to a maximum of 9 people and 4 canoes per permit/campsite to preserve the wilderness character.

• Excellent Landing on Sawbill Lake: Campsite #877 is noted for having a "good landing" for canoes, making arrival and departure relatively easy for paddlers. Depending on water levels, it might involve navigating some rocks, but it's generally considered adequate.
• Multiple Tent Pads: With at least three (and potentially up to four) functional tent pads, this site can comfortably accommodate a small family or group, offering options for tent placement. Some pads are described as "large and very flat."
• Protected Fire Pit Area: The fire grate area is noted as being "fairly well protected from the wind," yet still offers "nice views of the lake," providing a comfortable and scenic spot for campfires (when permitted).
• Scenic Views: Despite a small island somewhat blocking panoramic views, the site still offers pleasant "views to the southeast" and along the west shoreline of Sawbill Lake. One review mentions cool sitting rocks by the water with a decent view from a rock shelf.
• Suitable for Families with Younger Kids (Small Group): One review specifically highlights it as a "great site for a family with youngish kids" due to its compact nature and proximity of tent pads to the fire area, though it might be less ideal for more than four adults due to space.
• Good Fishing Nearby: The campsite’s location on Sawbill Lake offers good fishing opportunities right in front of the site, as noted by a past visitor who "loved it" for fishing. The small island in front of the campsite is even mentioned as potentially aiding fishing by cutting down on wind.
• Quiet and Secluded: Being a wilderness campsite, #877 offers a deep sense of solitude and quiet, allowing campers to truly disconnect from urban noise and immerse themselves in nature.
• Authentic Boundary Waters Experience: Provides a true taste of the BWCA's renowned wilderness, encouraging self-reliance, respect for nature, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
• Part of a Renowned Water System: Sawbill Lake is a gateway to further exploration within the BWCA, offering numerous trip options and portages to other lakes.
• Potential for Wildlife Viewing: The BWCA is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, bear, wolves, and a wide array of birds, offering opportunities for observation in their natural habitat.

Address: Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA

Phone: Please note that BWCA Campsite #877 is a primitive wilderness campsite and does not have a direct phone number. All BWCA campsites are unstaffed and do not have on-site personnel.

For permit reservations, regulations, and general information about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), you must contact the U.S. Forest Service or an authorized outfitter. The Tofte Ranger Station, which manages the Sawbill Lake entry point, can be reached at (218) 663-7280. This is the closest official contact point for administrative information related to BWCA permits and rules.

It is crucial to plan your trip to the BWCA well in advance, securing necessary permits through Recreation.gov and consulting the U.S. Forest Service website or experienced outfitters for detailed rules, packing lists, and safety guidelines. Remember, there is no direct contact with the campsite itself.

For Minnesotans with a deep appreciation for raw, untamed nature, BWCA Campsite #877 on Sawbill Lake offers an unparalleled wilderness adventure right in their home state. This isn't a destination for those seeking glamping or extensive amenities; instead, it's perfect for individuals and small groups eager to embrace self-reliance and the profound solitude of the Boundary Waters. Its primitive nature, featuring only a latrine and a fire grate, forces a true disconnection from modern life, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment. The accessibility by canoe from a well-known entry point like Sawbill Lake makes it a feasible, yet rewarding, journey for experienced paddlers. The specific highlights of Campsite #877, such as its good canoe landing, multiple tent pads, protected fire area, and excellent fishing opportunities, enhance its appeal for a focused wilderness experience. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and the lapping of the lake provide the soundtrack to your trip, and the night sky is filled with an unpolluted view of the stars. For local Minnesotans who understand and respect the "Leave No Trace" ethos, BWCA Campsite #877 offers not just a place to camp, but a transformative journey into the heart of one of America's most iconic wilderness areas, fostering a deeper connection to their state's magnificent natural heritage.

BWCA Campsite #877

Tofte Township, MN 55604, USA