Cf Map Info Feedback Search
Login

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Permit

Wilderness Permit

Notify on Availability Reserve

Overview

Entry-point-based quota permit for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Superior National Forest, northeastern Minnesota. Over 1,098,000 acres with 1,200+ miles of canoe routes, 2,000+ designated campsites, and 12 hiking trails along the Canadian border. 103 entry points across 4 permit types: Overnight Paddle (63), Overnight Hike (17), Overnight Motor (11), and Day Use Motor (12). Four ranger districts: Gunflint, Kawishiwi, LaCroix, and Tofte. Canoeing and portaging are the primary activities -- this is the most heavily used canoe wilderness in North America.

Bottom Line

No lottery -- this is a pure FCFS system with all permits releasing on a single day in late January (typically the last Wednesday at 9:00 AM CT). Popular entry points for July/August weekends sell out within minutes of opening. The best strategy is to have 3+ backup entry point/date combos ready. Midweek entries, shoulder season dates (May, late September), and less-trafficked entry points (especially in the LaCroix and western Kawishiwi districts) are significantly easier to get. Cancellations return to availability immediately and can be picked up FCFS -- this is where alerts are most valuable. Walk-in permits are available at issue stations on the entry date or one day prior, but only if quota remains. With 103 entry points and varying quotas, there is real availability throughout the season if you are flexible on location.

Reservations

Quota season: May 1 -- September 30. All permits for the entire season release at once:

  • FCFS opening: late January (historically last Wednesday), 9:00 AM CT on recreation.gov
  • All entry points and all dates for the full season are available at opening
  • Up to 7 permits per cart, 1 cart per transaction
  • Cancellations return to availability immediately -- no set release schedule
  • Walk-in permits available at any permit issuing station on entry date or one day prior (if quota remains)
  • Reserved permits must be picked up at the issue station specified on the permit (photo ID required)

Off-season (Oct 1 -- Apr 30): self-issued permits required for all visitors. Free, no reservation needed. Available at entry point kiosks and Forest Service offices.

Entry Points and Quotas

  • Overnight Paddle: 63 entry points -- by far the most popular type. Daily quotas vary by entry point (typically 1--9 groups/day). High-demand paddle entries include Lake One, Moose Lake, Mudro Lake, Sawbill Lake, and Snowbank Lake.
  • Overnight Hike: 17 entry points for backpacking trips. Generally lower demand than paddle entries.
  • Overnight Motor: 11 entry points on designated motor lakes only. HP limits vary by lake (10 HP, 25 HP, or no limit).
  • Day Use Motor: 12 entry points for motorized day trips (no overnight). Still requires a quota permit May 1 -- Sep 30.
  • Max group size: 9 people and 4 watercraft per permit
  • One permit per group. Permit holder must stay with the group for the entire trip.
  • One permit per day per permit holder. Forest Service will cancel duplicate/overlapping reservations without notice.

Fees

  • $6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit
  • $16/adult per trip recreation fee (flat rate, not per night)
  • $8/youth (0--17) per trip recreation fee
  • $32 minimum deposit required at booking (equal to 2 adult fees). If total recreation fees are less than $32, the difference is refunded at pickup.
  • Senior/Access pass discount applies to pass holder's recreation fee only (must present pass at pickup)
  • Commercial issue stations may charge up to $2 service fee

Cancellation Policy

  • 2+ days before entry: all recreation fees refunded
  • Entry date or 1 day prior: $32 penalty (2 adult fees) charged, remaining recreation fees refunded
  • $6 reservation fee: never refunded
  • Walk-in permits cannot be cancelled once issued
  • Permits are not transferable -- holder, alternates, entry date, and entry point cannot be changed after booking

Rules

  • Permit valid only on the specified entry date and entry point -- all group members must enter together on the permit date
  • Must pick up permit in person at the designated issue station on entry date or one day prior
  • Bear-resistant food storage required (BWCAW Bear Aware Food Storage Order)
  • No cans or glass bottles in the wilderness
  • Motor use restricted to designated motor lakes only -- all other lakes are paddle-only
  • Campfires allowed only in Forest Service fire grates at designated campsites (check for seasonal bans)
  • No permit required for non-motorized day use (self-registration at trailhead year-round)

Availability