Boundry Waters Canoe Area?

[CajunCamper]

A trip that I have wanted to make for years is to the BWCA in north Minn. From what I understand Ely, Minn. is the gateway to the BWCA and this is where we would like to tow our pop up to and set up basecamp. We would also like to find a good outfitter that can supply us with a few necessities for the trip as well as rent canoes to us and motor us by boat to the start of the BWCA. I also understand that they can reserve a designated campsite for you with maps of how to paddle to it.
I understand that if you love the outdoors, world class paddling and unbelievable fishing that this is the place to go. Obviously with fall here, we won't be making a trip like this until perhaps next summer.

Any info would be helpful and appreciated.

CajunCamper

[AustinBoston]

A trip that I have wanted to make for years is to the BWCA in north Minn. From what I understand Ely, Minn. is the gateway to the BWCA and this is where we would like to tow our pop up to and set up basecamp. We would also like to find a good outfitter that can supply us with a few necessities for the trip as well as rent canoes to us and motor us by boat to the start of the BWCA. I also understand that they can reserve a designated campsite for you with maps of how to paddle to it.
I understand that if you love the outdoors, world class paddling and unbelievable fishing that this is the place to go. Obviously with fall here, we won't be making a trip like this until perhaps next summer.

Any info would be helpful and appreciated.

CajunCamper

Last summer, we stayed for three nights at Moose Tracks campground.  There should be a review in the Great Lakes forum from me or PJay.  They are a small family-run resort and outfitter.  They have a four-site campground on a BWCA lake (I think it's Farm Lake, but I'm not sure), and also have cabins on-site.  We did not do any canoeing because we had specific destinations that took all our time.  Maybe next year.

We heard wolves howl across the lake from our site one night.

I would give this campground 4 stars except that the restroom facilites were a bit old.

Avoid Silver Rapids Lodge unless you like camping 30 feet from the highway and 10 feet from your neighbor.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

If you like canoeing you will love it there.  Our BSA troop went there last year and had a great time.  I can't give you any campground/outfitter information, because they were set up by a boy Scout Camp.

[ClarkPeters]

There are a number of outfitters that can provide you with everything you need. I have gone through Williams and Hall on Moose Lake. There are many others that have good reputations.

Campsites in the BDub are first come first served. You have to have an entry permit. The outfitter can help you with that if you don't want to do it yourself.

I recommend the guides written by Robert Beymer. There are two volumes, one for the eastern half and one for the western half. These can help you decide what route you would like to take. Again, that is something an outfitter can help you with.

The area is getting very busy, especially in July and August. If you want to get away from the (relative) crowds, you'll need to get 2 or 3 significant portages away from an entry point. That's doable if you don't try to carry as much as you do with a camper.

There are a few internet forums that can give you an idea of what to expect. My favorites are //www.BWCA.com and //www.QuietJourney.com.

Welcome to the wonderful world of canoe camping.

Pete

[ScouterMom]

CAjun -

our scout troop goes up almost every year - however, they don't need an outfitter or guide as we are lucky enough to have some really experienced adults and our own canoes & trailers.  In fact, the troop bought all of our canoes from an outfitter up there - I think it went out of business, or they were upgrading.  Not sure, as we've had them for more than 20 yrs.

However, a good planning idea for you, if you live close enough to make the trip in March is:

Canoecopia 2008 - The World's Largest Paddlesport Expo

Canoecopia 2008 will run the weekend of March 7-9th, 2008, inside the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI.

http://www.rutabaga.com/canoecopia/page.asp?pgid=1001

It's a camping show - but for hikers, bikers, backpacking and canoeing.  they have some great speakers, and all kinds of vendors, and all the major outfitters, parks and campgrounds are there.  You can get more information than you would ever know what to do with and can plan your trip by talking to the outfitters in person.

you can also get loads of info for PUP camping, too!

The first weekend in MArch is usually not a great camping weekend, anyway - so it's a great way to kick off your camping year!

And if you see any boy scouts in uniform, Troop 159- it's probably us! be sure to say hello! We go up to canoecopia every year!

Laura