Happy Holidays from all of us at Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters.
Planning a BWCAW canoe trip takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. You can have a safe and unforgettable wilderness experience by being prepared and informed.
Quota permits
The BWCAW has a quota system that limits the number of visitors to minimize natural resource damage, help protect the wilderness for future generations, and ensure you can find a campsite. You’ll need a quota permit to enter if you plan to camp overnight between May 1 and September 30.
Permit reservations for the 2025 quota season are available beginning at 9 a.m. CST on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The quota system limits the number of groups entering the BWCAW daily by limiting the number of permits available for each entry point.
You may book your permit reservations online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters is a “cooperator “with the United States Forest Service (USFS), which means we have an agreement with it to issue quota permits at our location on Poplar Lake. Our owners will be online with cell phones in hand at 0900 on the 29th of next month to secure quota permits for some adventurers we are outfitting for this upcoming season. We want to help you. Let us know what your plans are. As a cooperator, we get no special consideration from the reservation system. Still, we will strive to bring you the entry point and day you’d prefer.
If you need help planning a route or getting your permit(s), email or snail mail us at 50 Rockwood Road, Grand Marais, 55604, or call 218-388-2242.
Planning Guide
The USFS recommends you read the Boundary Waters Planning Guide before you reserve a permit. It is an indispensable tool to review before January 29, the day of GoLive. The more preparation you do before reserving your permits, the more likely you will get the dates and routes you want. Popular entry points book up quickly, so planning your route and reserving your permit in advance is crucial.
Routes routes and more routes
If you are an experienced visitor, this may seem like a repetition. But if this is your first adventure, newcomers are coming along, or it’s been a long time, think about these factors before reserving your permit.
- When choosing a route, consider your group’s canoeing and wilderness experience. Some routes involve more challenging portages or larger lakes that wind can affect.
- Determine how many days you want to spend in the wilderness. This will influence the route you choose.
- Think about what you want to experience on your trip. Some routes offer better fishing, wildlife viewing, or access to hiking trails.
- A BWCAW trip can be physically demanding, especially with portaging. Ensure you and your group are in good physical condition.
USFS recommends that before applying for a permit, you have at least three travel options (dates and entry points) in mind. Reserve only the permit(s) you can use. Choose an entry point that fits your skill level and a trip date that suits your schedule.
If you’re handling a reservation on your own, know that if a permit holder makes multiple reservations in their name on the same entry date or has overlapping reservations, the USFS will cancel all but one permit without notification. A group leader can only lead one trip at a time.
Rockwood cabins and canoes
In addition to helping you secure a permit and planning the route of your BWCAW adventure, we have our rental stable filled with the best wilderness canoes available. From solo canoes to our four-person Northstar Canoes Northwind 20, we will get you and your wilderness traveling partners safely on the water.
Located on a tranquil bay of Poplar Lake, Rockwood offers nine unique cabins. We are nestled in the heart of the beautiful BWCAW at the mid-point of the Gunflint Trail. The property provides stunning views and easy access to the wilderness. Paddle out right from our waterfront.
Call us at (218) 388-2242
The Rockwood bunkhouse opens in mid-May and is an excellent place to spend the night before or after your BWCAW canoe or hiking adventure. You can start your adventure early the next day, get on the water or trail before the wind picks up, and find that campsite you want for the first night. Before you go home, it offers a good night’s rest and a hot shower.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a stunning destination for a canoe trip, and we’re here to make it memorable.
Photos courtesy of NRS please visit their website nrs.com
