Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Minnesota (MN) RV Rentals
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Introduction
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is not a suitable spot for RV camping as it is a designated wilderness area with strict regulations to protect its natural beauty. However, the park’s rich history and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Established in 1978, the BWCAW is the most visited wilderness area in the United States, with over 250,000 visitors each year. It is a vast expanse of pristine lakes, forests, and rivers, covering more than 1 million acres in northern Minnesota. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bald eagles. RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
RV Rentals in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Transportation
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Driving/Transportation
Visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can access the park by private vehicle but there are restrictions on rig sizes. RVs and trailers are not allowed on the park’s narrow and winding roads and vehicles over 8 feet in width or 25 feet in length are prohibited. It is recommended to use smaller vehicles such as cars or SUVs to access the park. There are several entrances to the park with the most popular being the one at the town of Ely. Visitors can also access the park by boat canoe or seaplane.
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Parking area
RV parking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is limited as the park is primarily designed for canoeing and camping. There are no designated RV parking areas within the park and overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not allowed. While RVs can be used to access the park it’s recommended to camp in a tent and explore the area using canoes or other non-motorized transportation methods.
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Public Transportation
– Limited RV parking options There are no shuttle buses in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as the park is primarily accessed by canoe and foot. However there are several entry points and hiking trails throughout the park that can be accessed by car. Walking paths are also available for those who prefer to explore on foot.
– No designated RV parking areas within the park
– Overnight RV parking outside of campsites is not allowed
– Recommended to camp in a tent and explore using alternative transportation methods
Top Campsites in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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Reservations camping
– No shuttle buses available The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a popular destination for camping and canoeing and many of the campsites within or near it require reservations. Here are the top 4 most popular campsites/KOA in the area 1. Fall Lake Campground is the most popular campsite in the BWCAW with 64 sites available for reservation. Located on the eastern edge of the wilderness it offers easy access to the lakes and streams of the BWCAW. The campground is open from May to September and is pet-friendly. It offers amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.
– Accessible by car canoe and foot
– Several entry points and hiking trails
– Walking paths available for exploring on foot.
2. Seagull Lake Campground is the second most popular campsite in the BWCAW with 22 sites available for reservation. Located on the western edge of the wilderness it offers stunning views of Seagull Lake. The campground is open from May to September and is pet-friendly. It offers amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.
3. Gunflint Lake Campground is the third most popular campsite in the BWCAW with 60 sites available for reservation. Located on the Gunflint Trail it offers easy access to the BWCAW and the surrounding forests. The campground is open from May to September and is pet-friendly. It offers amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and flush toilets. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.
4. Tofte Park Campground is the fourth most popular campsite in the BWCAW with 30 sites available for reservation. Located on Lake Superior it offers easy access to the lake and the surrounding forests. The campground is open from May to September and is pet-friendly. It offers amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and flush toilets. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.
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First-come first-served
If you’re looking for a more spontaneous camping experience in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness there are several first-come-first-served campsites available. Here are 3 of the most popular ones 1. South Kawishiwi River Campground has 17 sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. Located on the southern edge of the BWCAW it offers easy access to the South Kawishiwi River and the surrounding lakes. The campground is open from May to September and is pet-friendly. It offers amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 20 feet are permitted.
2. Little Isabella River Campground has 11 sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. Located on the eastern edge of the BWCAW it offers easy access to the Little Isabella River and the surrounding forests. The campground is open from May to September and is pet-friendly. It offers amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 20 feet are permitted.
3. Trails End Campground has 16 sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. Located on the western edge of the BWCAW it offers easy access to the Brule Lake and the surrounding forests. The campground is open from May to September and is pet-friendly. It offers amenities such as picnic tables fire rings and vault toilets. RVs and trailers up to 20 feet are permitted.
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Alternate camping
If the campsites inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are full there are alternative camping options nearby that RV renters can consider. Here are 2 popular options 1. Private Campgrounds are a great alternative to the campsites inside the BWCAW. There are several private campgrounds in the area that offer amenities such as full hookups showers and laundry facilities. Some popular private campgrounds in the area include Voyageur Park Lodge & Campground Tofte Park Campground and Bearskin Lodge & Wilderness Outfitters.
2. Backcountry Camping is another option for RV renters who want to experience the BWCAW. The BWCAW allows backcountry camping in designated sites which can be reserved in advance. Backcountry camping requires a permit and offers a more rustic camping experience. RVs and trailers are not permitted in the backcountry but canoe and kayak rentals are available from several outfitters in the area.
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General activities
Canoeing and Kayaking The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a haven for paddlers with over 1 200 miles of canoe routes and pristine lakes. This activity is the most popular among RV campers who love the outdoors. Canoeing and kayaking offer a chance to explore the wilderness enjoy the serenity of the lakes and spot wildlife such as moose bears and eagles. The best locations for canoeing and kayaking include Seagull Lake Saganaga Lake and Gunflint Lake. Hiking Hiking is another favorite activity among RV campers in the BWCAW. With over 2 000 miles of hiking trails there’s something for everyone from easy day hikes to challenging backpacking trips. The Border Route Trail Kekekabic Trail and Eagle Mountain are popular hiking destinations. Hikers can enjoy scenic vistas dense forests and the chance to see wildlife. Fishing Anglers love the BWCAW for its abundant fish species including walleye northern pike and smallmouth bass. Fishing is a popular activity in the summer months and RV campers can fish from the shore or rent a boat. Some of the best fishing spots include Basswood Lake Knife Lake and Saganaga Lake. Biking The BWCAW offers several scenic bike trails including the Gunflint Trail and the Centennial Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the wilderness and a chance to see wildlife. Biking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of the area. Camping RV camping is a popular activity in the BWCAW with over 2 000 campsites available. Campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness cook meals over a campfire and enjoy the stars at night. Some of the most popular campgrounds include Fall Lake Campground Seagull Lake Campground and Gunflint Lake Campground.
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Alternative activities
Alternative Activities For RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities the BWCAW offers several options. Sightseeing is a popular activity with landmarks such as the Border Route Trail the Gunflint Trail and the historic Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. Nature watching is another favorite pastime with the chance to see moose bears eagles and other wildlife. Instagram-worthy photo opportunities abound with stunning vistas pristine lakes and dense forests providing the perfect backdrop. Birdwatching The BWCAW is home to over 200 bird species making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some of the most commonly spotted birds include the bald eagle common loon and the ruffed grouse. Birdwatchers can explore the area on foot or by canoe with popular birdwatching spots including Seagull Lake Saganaga Lake and the Tuscarora Lodge. Photography The BWCAW offers stunning vistas pristine lakes and dense forests making it a photographer’s dream. Photographers can capture the beauty of the area on foot or by canoe with popular photography spots including the Border Route Trail the Gunflint Trail and the historic Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. Stargazing The BWCAW is a designated Dark Sky Sanctuary making it the perfect place for stargazing. RV campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness while taking in the stunning night sky. Popular stargazing spots include the Gunflint Lake Campground and the Fall Lake Campground. Picnicking RV campers can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic picnic areas throughout the BWCAW. Some of the most popular picnic areas include the Trail’s End Campground the Seagull Lake Campground and the Saganaga Lake Picnic Area.
Season-specific experiences in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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Spring activities
Spring is a great time to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) for RV campers. One popular activity is birdwatching as the BWCAW is home to over 200 species of birds. You can spot birds such as loons eagles and ospreys near popular camping spots such as Sawbill Lake and Gunflint Lake. Another popular spring activity is hiking to the Eagle Mountain trailhead which is the highest point in Minnesota. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and is accessible from the nearby Lake Isabella Campground. Fishing is also a popular spring activity in the BWCAW with walleye northern pike and smallmouth bass being the most common catches. The Seagull River which flows into Saganaga Lake is a popular spot for fishing. For history buffs a visit to the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center is a must. Located on the eastern shore of Saganaga Lake the museum offers exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area. Finally canoeing is a popular spring activity in the BWCAW with many visitors taking advantage of the melting ice to explore the area’s numerous lakes and streams. The Gunflint Trail which runs through the heart of the BWCAW offers many access points for canoeing and camping.
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Summer activities
Summer is the peak season for RV campers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). One popular summer activity is swimming with many of the BWCAW’s lakes and streams offering crystal clear waters for a refreshing dip. Popular swimming spots include Clearwater Lake and the Basswood River. Another popular summer activity is canoeing and kayaking with the BWCAW offering over 1 200 miles of canoe routes. Popular canoeing spots include the Kawishiwi River and the Knife Lake chain. Fishing is also popular in the summer with anglers targeting species such as walleye northern pike and smallmouth bass. The South Kawishiwi River and Saganaga Lake are popular fishing spots. For those interested in history a visit to the Grand Portage National Monument is a must. Located just outside the BWCAW the monument offers exhibits on the history of the Ojibwe people and the fur trade. Finally hiking is a popular summer activity in the BWCAW with many trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Popular hiking spots include the Border Route Trail and the Sioux-Hustler Trail.
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Fall activities
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and there are many recreational activities that attract RV campers during this season. The BWCAW is known for its pristine lakes and waterways which offer excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. In the fall the colors of the leaves reflecting off the water create a breathtaking scene. Popular areas for canoeing and kayaking include the Gunflint Trail and the Seagull Lake area. The BWCAW has over 1 200 miles of hiking trails many of which offer stunning views of the fall foliage. Popular hikes include the Eagle Mountain Trail which leads to the highest point in Minnesota and the Border Route Trail which follows the border between the United States and Canada. The fall is a great time to fish in the BWCAW as the fish are preparing for the winter months. Popular species include walleye northern pike and smallmouth bass. The BWCAW is home to many species of wildlife including moose black bears and wolves. Fall is an excellent time to see these animals as they prepare for winter. The BWCAW has a rich history and there are many historical sites to visit. These include the Grand Portage National Monument which commemorates the history of the Ojibwe people and the fur trade and the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center which offers exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area.Canoeing and kayaking
Hiking
Fishing
Wildlife watching
Visiting historical sites
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Winter activities
Winter is also a great time to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and there are many recreational activities that attract RV campers during this season.
Snowshoeing
The BWCAW has many trails that are perfect for snowshoeing and the winter scenery is breathtaking. Popular areas for snowshoeing include the Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters Trail.
Cross-country skiing
The BWCAW has over 150 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails which offer a unique way to experience the winter wilderness. Popular areas for skiing include the Gunflint Trail and the Banadad Trail.
Ice fishing
The BWCAW has many lakes that are perfect for ice fishing and the ice is typically thick enough for safe fishing by late December. Popular species include walleye northern pike and crappie.
Dog sledding
Dog sledding is a unique and exciting way to experience the winter wilderness. There are several companies that offer dog sledding tours in the BWCAW.
Visiting the Northern Lights
The BWCAW is located in the northern part of Minnesota which makes it an excellent place to see the Northern Lights. The winter months offer the best opportunities to see this natural phenomenon.