Self Issued permits are required for non-motorized day use visitors year-round and for all overnight visitors entering the BWCAW from October 1 – April 30. Self Issued permits are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices (no reservation required and no recreation fees).

Walk-up permits may be obtained at any permit issuing station on the entry date or one day prior when available. Reservations are recommended.

Learn more about reserving permits for a non-profit organization.

The person that picks up the permit must stay with the group for the duration of the trip and ensure that they follow all rules and regulations.

Permits can only be picked up on the entry date or one day prior.

All reserved permits must be picked up at the permit issuing station or resort, outfitter or guide specified on your reservation.

Allow extra time to discuss wilderness principles and current conditions when picking up permit.

Rules & Regs
Forest Service regulations are enforceable with a maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

Is it necessary to enter the BWCAW at the entry point and date shown on your permit? Why?

Yes. Entry points and dates regulate visitor distribution and support solitude. Your permit must be in your possession while in the BWCAW.

Where must you camp in the BWCAW?

At one of the campsites designated by a U.S. Forest Service fire grate and latrine, or within designated Primitive Management Areas as specifically approved on your visitor’s permit. All members of a permit group must camp together.

Is it okay to cut, peel or deface a tree or shrub or pick flowers?

No! It is unlawful to damage any living plant. Even minor damage adds up. You are only one of 150,000 annual visitors.

Firewood: What should you gather and from where?

Paddle well away from camp. Walk out of sight of the shoreline. Collect only dead wood that is no longer standing. Transporting wood from out of state is prohibited.

Where can you have a fire?

Only within a U.S. Forest Service fire grate or as specifically approved on your visitor’s permit. Put fires out cold to the touch at night and each time you leave your campsite.

Explain the 9 person and 4 watercraft rule.

No more than 9 people may be together at any place in the Wilderness—on the water, on portages, or in camp. Smaller groups have less impact on the land and other visitors, and are more likely to see wildlife. Four watercraft are the maximum allowed with a group.

What rules apply to cans and bottles in the BWCAW?

Carry your food and drinks in reusable plastic containers. Cans and glass bottles not designed or intended for repeat use are illegal, except for fuel, insect repellent, medicines and toilet articles.

What should be done with food leftovers, live bait and fish remains?

Try to plan your meals so you don’t have leftovers. If you do, pack them out. Dispose of fish remains at least 200 feet from campsites, trails, portages, and shorelines. MN state law prohibits dumping unused bait into waters of the state. Unwanted live bait should be packed out with you and placed in the trash or compost bins. Dumping bait on the ground is littering.

Can I burn my trash or throw it in a latrine?

No. Latrines are not meant for trash. Trash in a latrine can cause wildlife problems. It is illegal to burn trash of any kind, including paper, in Minnesota. Burning trash in a fire grate can release dangerous chemicals into the air and soil, and leaves behind a mess of partially burned items. If you pack it in, pack it out.

Is it okay to wash yourself and your dishes in the lake or stream?

No. To preserve water quality, wash at least 200 feet from water sources even with biodegradable soap. Filtering your waste water through soil allows breakdown of bacteria.

A quiet camper is a no trace camper. Why?

Noise impacts the solitude of other campers and scares off wildlife.

Is motorized equipment allowed in the BWCAW?

Motorized watercraft meeting specific horsepower limitations are allowed only on designated routes. No other motorized or mechanized equipment (including pontoon boats, sailboats, ATVs and sailboards) is allowed, except for the use of portage wheels on specific routes. Drones are prohibited.

What responsibilities do you have if you bring your dog?

Dogs impact wildlife and barking intrudes on the experiences of others. Dogs must be under human control at all times. Dog waste should be disposed of 200 feet from water sources, campsites, and portages, or deposited in a latrine.

What rules apply to Firearms? Fireworks?

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

Day Use Motor Permits and Overnight Motor Permits

Motor-Powered Watercraft Regulations: Motor-powered watercraft are permitted only on the following designated lakes. All other lakes or portions of lakes within the BWCAW are paddle only. Motors may not be used or be in possession on any paddle-only lake.

Lakes with 10 Horsepower (HP) Limit: On these lakes, the possession of one additional motor no greater than 6 HP is permitted, as long as motors in use do not exceed 10 HP: Clearwater, North Fowl, South Fowl, Seagull (no motors generally west of Three Mile Island), sections of Island River within the BWCAW.

Lakes with 25 HP Limit: On these lakes or portions of these lakes, the possession of one additional motor no greater than 10 HP is permitted, as long as motors in use do not exceed 25 HP: Basswood (except that portion north of Jackfish Bay and Washington Island), Saganaga (except that portion west of American Point), Fall, Newton, Moose, Newfound, Sucker, Snowbank, East Bearskin, South Farm, Trout.

Lakes with No HP Limit: Little Vermilion, Loon, Lac La Croix (not beyond the south end of Snow Bay in the U.S.), Loon River.

Portage Wheels: Mechanical assistance is only permitted over the following portages: International Boundary, Four-Mile Portage, Fall-Newton-Pipestone and Back Bay Portages into Basswood Lake, Prairie Portage, Vermilion-Trout Lake Portage.

Fee & Reservation Policy
Currently, any group member and alternate listed on BWCAW permits at time of reservation must be paid for at check-out.

Reservation Fee
The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable.

Recreation Fee
Required for all overnight visitors May 1 – September 30.

Per person, per trip recreation fee:

All Interagency Senior and Access Passes must be presented for validation when picking up permit or discount will not be honored.

Cancellation & Change Policies
You may cancel online anytime up to two days before the entry date for overnight permits. Cancellations made through the call center must be made 9:00 a.m. CT - 11:00 p.m. CT, March 1 - October 31, or 9:00 a.m. CT - 9:00 p.m. CT, November 1 - February 28.

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.

Day Use Motor Permits may be cancelled anytime during the motor week. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it.

The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable.

Permits are not transferable (group leader, alternate leaders, entry date and entry point cannot be changed once the permit reservation is made).

Walk-up permits cannot be cancelled once they are issued.

No Show Policies
The Forest Service retains the entire payment if the group is a no show.

Discount Pass Policies
BWCAW User Fee Discounts

All Interagency Senior and Access Passes must be presented for validation when picking up permit or discount will not be honored.

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