How to Reserve a Boundary Waters Permit, Rules & Regs

2019 PERMIT UPDATE:
***Due to technical difficulties, Boundary Waters permits are not yet available for 2019. They will open soon.  Follow our Facebook Page for the most up-to-date information.  Call us (800-223-6565) with questions or to get on the books for a permit reservation when the system re-opens.  We are still booking trips!  So call today.*
 

To take a Boundary Waters canoe trip, you must reserve an Entry Permit for a specific location on a specific date. There are many entry points to choose from. We are here to help you sift through all the routes and choose the permit/route that will best suit your crew. Once we have the permit taken care of, we can talk about any Canoe Rental/Partial Outfitting or Full Outfitting needs your crew may have.

*Permits are limited, so make sure to contact us as soon as you can.

Call to reserve your permit:
(800) 223-6565

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BWCAW Rules and Regulations

Travel Permits

• You must enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) at the entry point and on the date shown on your permit.
• You may not enter/re-enter at a different point or date using this permit.
• Permit and stubs become invalid when the trip leader exits the wilderness.

Group Size

• Nine (9) people and four (4) watercraft are the maximum amount allowed gathered together in the wilderness.
• You may not exceed this limit at any time or anywhere (on water, portages, or campsites) in the BWCAW.
• Smaller groups increase the wilderness experience of you, those traveling around you, and decrease the impacts made on nature.

Toilet Facilities and Water Quality

• Use latrines at designated campsites.
• Latrines are not garbage cans and should be used for the intended purpose only. Everything else you pack in should be packed out and never put down the latrines.
• If you are not near a latrine, dig a small hole 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 150 feet or more back from the water’s edge. Fill the hole and cover with needles and leaves when finished.
• Bathe and wash dishes at least 150 feet away from water sources (rivers, lakes, streams, marshes).
• All soaps pollute water, including soap marked as “biodegradable”.

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.

Fish Remains and Food

• Dispose of fish remains by traveling well away from shorelines, campsites, trails, and portages.
• Pack out live bait and other food leftovers at the end of the trip.

Campfires

• Fires are allowed within the steel fire grates at designated campsites unless campfire restrictions are in place.
• If there are restrictions you may be required to use a camp stove.
• A Small camp stove may be a better idea as it heats food quickly, has less impact than a fire, and comes in handy during rainy weather.
• When making a fire only use dead wood found lying on the ground; collect it away from campsites, portages, and shorelines to prevent enlarging and defacing these areas.
• Don’t bring wood from home or out of state.
• It is illegal to cut live vegetation for any reason.
• Drown your fire with water anytime you are going to be away from camp or at bedtime. Stir the ashes until they are cold to touch with a bare hand.
• It is also illegal to burn trash, make sure it is packed out with you.

Campsites

• Camp only at Forest Service designated campsites that have steel fire grates and wilderness latrines.
• You may camp up to fourteen (14) consecutive days on a specific site.
• All members of a permit group must camp together at one site.
• After you break camp check to make sure everything is packed up and your campsite is clear of litter.

Storing Watercraft

• Only watercraft and equipment used in connection with your current visit may be stored and left unattended, until you leave the BWCAW.
• All equipment and personal property must be carried out with you at the end of you trip.

Cultural Heritage

• Leave archaeological, historical, and rock painting sites undisturbed.
• The use of metal detectors in prohibited in the Wilderness.

Dogs In The BWCAW

• Dogs impact wildlife and barking intrudes on the experience of others. So dogs must be in control at all times.
• Dispose of fecal matter 150 feet away from water sources, campsites, portages, or deposit in a latrine.

Firearms and Fireworks

• Discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a campsite, occupied area, and in a manner or location that places people and their property at risk or danger.
• State game laws apply in the BWCAW.
• Fireworks of any kind are illegal.

Motor-Powered Watercraft

• Motorized watercraft meeting specific horsepower limitations are allowed on designated routes and lakes only. NO other motorized or mechanical equipment (including pontoon boats, sailboats, ATV’S, sailboards, etc) is allowed.
• Motors may not be used or in possession on any paddle-only lake.
• Portage wheels or mechanical assistance are only permitted over the following areas: International Boundary, Four-Mile Portage, Fall-Newton-Pipestone and Back Bay Portages into Basswood Lake, Prairie Portage, and Vermilion-Trout Lake Portage.

-All of the above are enforceable United States Forest Service regulations.-

Remember to Leave No Trace while traveling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in order to protect this special place for future generations.