Contact Information
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Superior National Forest8901 Grand Ave Place
Duluth, MN 55808
About
Established in 1964, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) has changed little since the glaciers melted. With over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, nearly 2,200 designated campsites, and more than 1,000 lakes and streams waiting, the BWCAW draws thousands of visitors each year. The BWCAW is part of the Superior National Forest. Permits are required year-round for day and overnight visitors to the BWCAW. Make reservations or check permit availability 1-877- 444-6777.
Hours & Dates
Quota permits are required to enter the BWCAW for overnight trips during the quota season, May 1 - September 30. Quota permits are available for a fee, on a first-come, first-served basis at any wilderness permitting-office.Rates
Quota permits may be reserved, for an additional reservation fee, through www.recreation.gov.
More Information
Seasonality
- Open in fall
- Open in winter
- Open in summer
On-Site Recreation
- Cross-country ski trail (groomed)
- Hiking trail
Campground Features
- Pets allowed in campsite
Reviews
Based on 79 reviews
What a beautiful trip!!! Weather was wonderful! Water was pristine. Best of all it was extremely quiet. You could hear the flapping of birds flying over.
—
LightPacker811616,
September 12, 2022
A good friend and our two 13 year old boys ventured the Lily Lake Loop off of the Arrowhead Trail. This is a challenging, yet rewarding series of lakes and portages with stunning campsite locations...
—
adrianbM5044UV,
July 10, 2022
Great canoe camping area. No electricity or motorboats. Only canoes. Unspoiled,
Nice camp sites, primitive camping. Chain of lakes connected by portages. Need to be
In decent shape. All gear and...
—
Wbuildjohn,
October 6, 2019
Canoed and hiked the boundary waters area. Challenging and gorgeous hikes. Have never seen such clear, clean water, clean air, quiet and beautiful. Bugs were not near as bad as in June
—
Christel H,
August 12, 2019
Our 3rd trip to the BWCAW from Atlanta over the past 20 years was once again incredible!!! See pictures to tell the tale!
—
632billg,
July 14, 2019
What's Nearby
Mentioned In
Experience Minnesota's winter wonderland on cross-country skis / Paul Vincent
Inside a camper cabin at Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Farmington / Paul Vincent
A friendly game of hockey at WinterSkate in St. Paul / Teresa Boardman
A couple watches the northern lights at Gooseberry Falls State Park / Travis Novitsky
Canoeing in the Boundary Waters is one of Minnesota's most unique outdoor adventures / Peter de Sibour
Dog sledding on the Gunflint Trail / Layne Kennedy
A colorful sunrise over Grace Lake in the Boundary Waters / Gary Hamer
Northern lights over a houseboat in Voyageurs National Park
Two women bike the Sauke Lake stretch of the Lake Wobegon Trail / Waqar Ahmad
At 63 feet high, the High Falls at Tettegouche State Park is the tallest waterfall within Minnesota's state border
Fishing boat on Gull Lake / Explore Minnesota
Split Rock Lighthouse and the Gitchi-Gami State Trail on the North Shore / Waqar Ahmad
Fishing on Annie Battle Lake, Glendalough State Park
Largemouth bass / Brett McComas
Dog jumping off a dock into Ottertail Lake at sunset / Allie Hoeft
Camping in the Superior National Forest / Alyssa Hei
A couple explores the hills and river bluffs around Red Wing by motorcycle / Roy Son
Meritage in St. Paul / Roy Son
Canoe fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness / Gary Hamer
Goldy Gopher statue on campus at the University of Minnesota / Jane Andersen
Hike to the scenic overlook at Honeymoon Bluff, deep in the Superior National Forest / Roy Son
Get up close and personal with grizzly bears at the Minnesota Zoo / Minnesota Zoo
Snowshoeing along the Cascade River on Minnesota's North Shore
Two women enjoy a romantic date together on the expansive patio at Birch's on the Lake / Paul Vincent
A woman poses with the kaleidoscopic "Times They Are A-Changin" mural of Bob Dylan in downtown Minneapolis
Buck at West River Park, Hutchinson
A young dancer in powwow regalia at the Mahkato Wacipi / Karla Caspari
Snowmobiling in Voyageurs National Park / Abdiel Nieves
Minnesota-made jackets, blankets and plush toys at Bemidji Woolen Mills / Lisa Meyers McClintick
There's nothing quite like an invigorating winter camping trip / © mumemories - stock.adobe.com
Victorian Bed & Breakfast decorated for the holidays / Lanesboro Christmas Inn Tour in Lanesboro
Magical forests and incredible hiking trails await just off the beaten path at Itasca State Park
Superior National Forest bikepacking / Tom Thulen
An evening campfire in the Boundary Waters as the northern lights glimmer above / Gary Hamer
Take in the incredible view of Lake Superior from Black Beach near Silver Bay / Paul Vincent
Snowmobilers in Temperance River State Park
When the temperature drops low enough, boiling water will freeze in mid-air and turn into a wave of ice crystals / Jordan Olson
Cross-country skiing at Theodore Wirth Park / Waqar Ahmad
The northern lights over Lake Superior / Alister Olson
Paddling adventures aplenty await in Ely / Paul Vincent
The wild and scenic Kettle River flows—rapidly—through Banning State Park.
Northern Lights / Travis Novitsky
A real-life rainbow over High Falls in Grand Portage State Park
Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis / Paul Vincent
Boat fishing in Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent
A couple canoeing in the BWCA / Paul Vincent
Red Aurora Borealis rays / Bob King
A family kayaking on the Mississippi River / Chelsea and Eric Eul, Courtesy of Clear Waters Outfitting
The Milky Way makes an appearance / Jackie Sherer