“I go into nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
— John Burroughs
Visiting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) has been a dream of mine since my college days. So, when the chance arose to go with my best friend and her family this year, I was thrilled! They were experienced visitors of the BWCA, which made me feel safe as a first-timer entering this remote wilderness.
For those unfamiliar with Minnesota or the Midwest, the BWCA is integral to our state’s identity – it’s known as “The land of 10,000 lakes.” This expansive wilderness area spans over 1 million acres within the Superior National Forest and features 1,175 lakes ranging from 10 to 10,000 acres in size. To navigate through this area, visitors use canoe routes and portage trails to travel between lakes to reach designated campsites by their selected lakes.
In essence, it’s hardcore camping — and I loved every moment of it!
When to Visit the Boundary Waters
Tip: Acquire your permits early to secure your desired timeframe. They fill up quickly each year.
The peak season for the BWCA occurs from mid-July to early August. We initially hoped for a fall trip, but by the time we finalized our crew and possible dates, the only permits left were for mid-July. We secured our camping permit in March, so I’d recommend checking availability in mid-January when permits become available. Boundary Waters permits can be obtained between May 1st and September 30th.
With our July permits, I had some concerns. Firstly, the heat could be unbearable. Secondly, the mosquito population could drive us mad (thanks to the warmth). However, both worries were unfounded. The Boundary Waters are much cooler than expected in summer, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the low 50s, so remember to pack layers and a cold-weather sleeping bag (more tips on this to come).
To my surprise, the mosquitoes weren’t as bad as expected. We prepared well by choosing a campsite that allowed for wind flow, wearing long-sleeve clothing and pants, and using bug repellents. Typically, the daytime was manageable, but come dusk, they would swarm if the wind calmed down. The mosquitoes are an anticipated nuisance, but with proper planning, they’re relatively minor.
Packing for Your BWCA Trip
I was fortunate on my first trip, as I joined a crew familiar with the BWCA. Additionally, my friend’s father, a seasoned visitor, served as our guide, providing an excellent packing list for individual needs. He already owned many camping supplies, so I focused on bringing the right personal items. I discovered some great finds, which I will link below.
Here’s a basic starter list of supplies you should consider bringing. For a complete gear list, check this website.
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Camping Gear:
- Tents
- Canoes – One for each member of your group, plus sufficient space for your supplies
- Paddles
- Life jackets
- Ropes
- Water-resistant packs for food/supplies
- Tarps (2-3)
- Garbage bags
- Sleeping bags (Amazon)
- Sleeping bag pads
- Camp pillows
- Camp towels (Amazon)
- Flashlights or lanterns
- Camp stove – We used a Coleman propane camp stove
- Lighters and matches
- Food and snacks – sandwiches, burritos, camping meals, potatoes, trail mix, dried fruit, jerky, etc.
- Cooler bag with ice – For perishable food items
- Water bottles
- Water purifier
- Playing cards
- Fishing supplies (optional) – You can buy a fishing permit at gas stations or ranger stations.
If you lack some of these supplies, don’t worry! Several outfitters offer rentals for your Boundary Waters expedition. Here’s a good list of outfitters near Tofte, Grand Marais, Ely, and along the Gunflint Trail.
Essential Personal Items:
During our three-night camping trip, I packed several personal items:
- Day packs (L.L. Bean)
- Bug spray (Amazon)
- Bug-repelling bracelets (Amazon)
- Hat with mosquito netting or a net hood (Amazon)
- Water-resistant pants (1 pair) (Amazon options 1 and 2)
- T-shirts (2)
- Long-sleeve shirt (1)
- Rain jacket (L.L. Bean)
- Crocs or Teva sandals
- Socks (3 pairs)
- Underwear (3 pairs)
- Water-resistant phone pack (Amazon)
- Toiletries
- Water bottle (Amazon)
Choosing Your Campsite in the BWCA
Afterward, you’ll want to decide how far your group wishes to canoe and portage, mapping out your route and potential camping spots on multiple lakes. It’s wise to note several options on your map since campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We launched from Brule Lake, the largest in the BWCA. After a leisurely 40-minute paddle (in calm conditions), we struck gold and found an excellent campsite at the tip of one of the islands (Camp 967), which we decided to call home. Our campsite provided stunning lake views on three sides, ample sunlit spots, a convenient shoreline for launching canoes, and a pleasant breeze to deter bugs. It also comfortably accommodated three tents.
Since we didn’t have to portage, we planned to explore several smaller connecting lakes, such as Juno Lake or Vernon Lake. However, on our exploration day, the weather turned rainy and intermittently damp. We enjoyed brief moments of sunshine, but not enough to comfortably paddle to farther destinations.
Even though it was disappointing to miss out on further exploration, our down day felt genuinely camp-like as we all gathered under a few tarps. We spent the day playing cards, cooking, and engaging in conversation while enjoying the soothing sound of rain.
A stunning rainbow even graced us with its presence, reminding us of the beauty of nature.
Though I didn’t get to experience the entirety of the BWCA, this adventure has undoubtedly convinced me that I’ll return — with a bit more knowledge for the next trip. I hope that my fellow newcomers find this blog post helpful for planning their first BWCA adventure, knowing what to expect, and what to bring along. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Let’s explore more places,
Sarah
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What questions do you have? While I may not be a BWCA expert, I’m happy to share more about my experiences and the insights I gathered during my trip.
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