Click "Show Notification" in upper right corner to review Reservation Reminders for BWCAW on-sale Jan 31st!
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A Place Worth Preserving
The BWCA Wilderness is a unique area located in the northern third of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. Over 1,098,000 acres in size, it extends nearly 150 miles along the International Boundary adjacent to Canada’s Quetico and La Verendrye Provincial Parks, bordered on the west by Voyageurs National Park with Grand Portage Monument to the east. The BWCAW contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
This area was set aside in 1926 to preserve its primitive character and made a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964 with subsequent legislation in 1978. Wilderness offers freedom to those who wish to pursue an experience of expansive solitude, challenge and personal connection with nature. The BWCAW allows visitors to canoe, portage and camp in the spirit of those travelers that came before them centuries ago.
The BWCAW Act of 1978
In 2018, we observed the 40th anniversary of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act (PL 95-495). The 1964 Wilderness Act created the National Wilderness Preservation System that included the BWCA. The BWCAW Act of 1978 added more acreage and specific management direction with the purpose to protect, manage, enhance and restore the area. Learn more about the BWCAW Act of 1978
Plan Ahead and Prepare
For the most current, comprehensive information on planning a trip to the BWCAW, please review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide from the U.S. Forest Service to help you plan a safe and successful trip, and learn more about the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area.
Reminders about BWCAW rules and best practices:
One permit per day, per permit holder: When a permit holder makes multiple reservations on the same entry date or has overlapping reservations, all but one permit will be cancelled by the Forest Service without notification. This is because a group leader can only lead one trip at a time and must remain with their group for the duration of the trip.
Alternate Permit Holders: Alternates cannot be added once a reservation has been made. Check the box under a group member’s name to select an alternate who can pick up the permit if the group leader can’t go.
Issue Stations: Pick an issue station near your entry point prior to making a reservation. Check the “Issue Stations” tab for hours and locations.
Non-profits: Click for information about reserving BWCAW permits for a non-profit organization
Plan Ahead and Prepare: All permit holders are required to watch three Leave No Trace education videos and review the BWCAW Regulations and Rules prior to receiving their permit:
Near Wilderness Experience: Discover a gem of a campsite just outside the Wilderness. The Superior National Forest has 254 backcountry campsites with fire grates and latrines that provide a unique backcountry experience with no reservations or fees required. The Superior National Forest has 254 backcountry campsites with fire grates and latrines that provide a unique backcountry experience with no reservations or fees required.
Bear Alert/Food Storage: The Forest has issued an update to a forest order requiring all food, food containers and scented items be safely stored to help prevent bear-human interactions. Read press release. For more information, read Forest Order 09-09-24-02.
Road Closures and Delays in Tofte/Gunflint Area: Road improvement projects will delay and close several roads in the Tofte and Gunflint Areas May - October. Allow extra time to reach your entry point. Read press release.
A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness:
A BWCAW permit allows a group of up to 9 people and 4 watercraft to enter the Wilderness.
A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness:
BWCAW Quota Permit Requirements
BWCA Wilderness Regulations and Rules
Permit holders and group members are responsible for understanding and following all BWCAW Regulations and Rules.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Wilderness trips don't just happen, they are the result of careful planning. Thoroughly review the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide and always remember to leave a trip itinerary with family or friends prior to departure (see page 24 for an example).
BWCAW Leave No Trace Video Series
Permit holders are responsible for sharing the BWCAW Leave No Trace Video Series with their group prior to departure:
Part 2: Plan Ahead and Prepare
Part 3: Know Before You Go Part 3 will be shown to all groups at permit issuance.
Learn about reserving permits for a non-profit organization.
Day Use Motor Permits and Overnight Motor Permits
Recreation Fee
Required for all overnight visitors May 1 – September 30. Per person, per trip recreation fee:
Adult $16.00 Child/Youth 0-17 $8.00
Minimum Deposit
A minimum deposit of $32.00 (equal to two adult recreation fees) is required when making an advanced reservation for a quota permit. When recreation fees are less than $32.00, the difference will be refunded when the permit is issued.
Pass Discounts
The Senior/Access pass discount applies to the recreation fee of the pass holder only. All Interagency Senior and Access Passes must be presented for validation when picking up permit or discount will not be honored.
Reservation Fee
The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable.
You may cancel online anytime up to two days before the entry date for overnight permits. If you cancel reservation two or more days prior to entry date, all recreation fees paid will be refunded. If you cancel reservation on the entry date or one day prior, you will be charged a penalty of $32.00 (two adult user fees), any additional recreation fees paid will be refunded. Cancellations made through the call center must be made 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM CT.
No refunds are granted for weather events including but not limited to storms, rain, wind, hail, ice, snow, flood, lightening, tornados, excessive heat, cold, bugs, locusts or drought. No refunds for personal, work, or medical emergencies; accidents or casualty. No refunds for operator error, technical issues or network outages. No refunds for force majeure, unforeseen circumstances, or acts of God.
8901 Grand Ave Place Duluth MN 55808
Permit Reservations: 1-877-444-6777
218-626-4300