Boundary Waters Minnesota

Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Some things you need to know to plan a trip to Minnesota's Boundary Waters:

• Read one of several Boundary Waters guidebooks.
• Be prepared with proper equipment including a 4 season tent
• You will need a detailed Boundary Waters map.
• There is a BWCA quota camping permit system. Only a designated number of permits are given out for each of the 84 entry points. It is important to book your trip as early as possible.
• Designated campsites consist of a fire ring and a pit toilet. They are available on a first come first serve basis.
• Portaging: You will carry your canoe and gear across the land to get it to another river or lake. Portages vary in difficulty. Some are long but fairly easy. Others can be short yet treacherous. Most are moderately easy to accomplish.
• The closest airport to the BWCA is in Duluth, MN.

The Wilderness Ethic: Leave No Trace

Minimize your impact when visiting the Boundry Waters. Minnesota and federal agencies have adopted these core pinciples for BWCA visitors:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors