Q&A

Where does a person get a permit to enter the BWCA?

Where does a person get a permit to enter the BWCA?

A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness: Self Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees).

Do I need a permit for BWCA?

A permit is always required to enter the BWCA Wilderness: Visitors taking an overnight trip (paddle, motor, or hiking) or a motorized day trip into the BWCAW from May 1 – September 30 are required to obtain a quota permit. For information about reserving quota permits, please visit recreation.gov.

When can you get BWCA permits?

A permit is needed from May 1st – September 30th. BWCA permits become available in mid-January of each year. Self-issued permits are required year-round for all non-motorized day use visitors and for all overnight visitors entering the BWCAW between October and April.

How much are Boundary Waters permits?

Fees for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – BWCAW Permits: Adult per trip fee: $16. Youth per trip fee: $8. Adult Seasonal Fee Card: $64.

How long is a BWCA permit good for?

BWCA Permits – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permits. Permits for each year for all entry points become available on the last Wednesday of January at 9:00 a.m. CT. Reservation Fees: A minimum of $32.00 (two adult recreation fees) is required when making an advanced reservation.

Are cans allowed in BWCA?

CONTAINERS Cans and glass bottles are not allowed. Fuel, insect repellent, medicines, personal toilet articles, and items other than food and beverages may be kept in their original containers. Food may be packaged into plastic containers which must be packed out at the end of the trip.

How do I reserve a BWCA permit?

Reservations are for dates from May 1 to September 30, 2021. Permit reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Do cell phones work in the Boundary Waters?

Q: Will my cell phone work in the BWCA & Quetico? Do not count on your cell phone working while in the wilderness. Sometimes you can get lucky, but the best way is to have a satellite communication device with you. Call ahead to reserve.

Can you bring a gun into the Boundary Waters?

Guns are allowed in the BWCA, but NOT needed.

Are guns allowed in BWCA?

How long can you stay in Boundary Waters?

You may camp up to fourteen (14) consecutive days on a specific site.

Can you have a campfire in the BWCA?

The U.S. Forest Service is prohibiting the use of campfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Superior National Forest.

Where can I get a permit for BWCAW?

Self Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees). One permit per day per permit holder. The Forest Service reserves the right to cancel multiple same-day reservations and overlapping reservations under the same permit holder name.

Where can I get a permit for Boundary Waters?

Self Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees). A BWCAW permit allows a group of up to 9 people and 4 watercraft to enter the wilderness.

How many people are allowed in the BWCAW?

Nine people and four watercraft are the maximum allowed together in the wilderness. You may not exceed the limit as a group at any time or anywhere (on water, portages and campsites) in the BWCAW. Smaller groups enhance the wilderness experience, chances of seeing wildlife, and decrease resource impacts. Image 1 of 6: BWCAW Canoe on side of lake.

How many watercraft are allowed in Boundary Waters?

The quota for this permit is measured in the number of groups entering the BWCAW at a particular entry point per day. Nine people and four watercraft are the maximum allowed together in the wilderness. You may not exceed the limit as a group at any time or anywhere (on water, portages and campsites) in the BWCAW.