BWCAW: Best campground for basecamp paddling?

[Idiot Savant]

I might still be able to do an easy route in the Boundary Waters, but assuming my portaging days are over, I was looking for suggestions for some good campgrounds from which to do basecamp paddling. I would be willing to change basecamp a time or two during a multiday trip. I'd like to avoid large, open bodies of water that become treacherous in a stiff breeze.

 

[Alan Gage]

I've never been to the BWCA so I can't comment directly on that. But another thing to consider, around the same area, would be the many state water trails in northern Minnesota. North central Minnesota, while full of lakes and rivers, is not heavily populated and while there are plenty of fishermen in the area I find it pretty easy to find lakes, rivers, and primitive campsites that are off the beaten path and a pleasure to paddle.

The Big Fork River is a beautiful and easy river to paddle. As I recall there are only two (possibly three) portages along the entire length. Only one of the portages is more than 20 meters and it's along easily traversed on roads in a small town (population 200). I've paddled it a few times and have never seen another boat.

There is also the Little Fork River, which I have not paddled. It has more whitewater and possibly more portages. I believe it's more water dependent as well.

There will be plenty of motorboats at times but Cutfoot Sioux lake is a very pretty area with a quiet full service campsite at the end of a short dirt road as well as paddle/walk in campsites as well. From Cutfoot sioux you can paddle into Little Cutfoot Sioux, then to Little Little Cutfoot Sioux, and from there into First River Flowage. These are all small lakes with plenty of shoreline to explore. There are some fishing resorts on a couple of the lakes but the farther you get down the chain of lakes the fewer the boats will be. There are primitive campsites along the way. I believe there is a campground on Little Cutfoot Sioux with shore access as well.

There are innumerable other lakes and rivers that offer similar exploration and might offer more solitude than a base camping lake in the BWCA.

Here is a link to the Minnesota Water Trails website. Many good paddling opportunities are not on it. Open a map and take a look.

Minnesota State Water Trails

Minnesota has 35 state water trails with over 4,500 miles of terrific paddling! Whether you want to kayak, canoe, or stay at a campsite on the river, you can find a place to paddle here.

www.dnr.state.mn.us

 

[GeoBoy]

We used Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely, MN, nice people.

 

[billconner]

I might still be able to do an easy route in the Boundary Waters, but assuming my portaging days are over, I was looking for suggestions for some good campgrounds from which to do basecamp paddling. I would be willing to change basecamp a time or two during a multiday trip. I'd like to avoid large, open bodies of water that become treacherous in a stiff breeze.

I second geoboy's recommendation and would offer staying at their base on Moose Lake would be my choice if I were not able to portage BUT Moose is not small and there is some motor traffic. You can paddle quite a ways up Birch which has no borders.

No experience but Kawishiwi Camp ground is small and the lake is medium size and paddle only. Lots of good reviews.

And Fall Lake Campground puts you in a good spot for Fall Lake as well as a lot of other entry points within a short drive. And more amenities at the camp.

I don't know much about east side but a number of campsites there.

 

[Sedges]

Lets clarify your objective. No portaging at all with outfit or on day trips? By basecamp do you mean a campsite in the wilderness area that you will paddle to or a campground outside the wilderness area from which you could drive to different entry points for day trips?

Not portaging at all leaves you only with entry lakes. The ones that are big enough to offer some day trips are, well BIG. Think Brule, Saganaga or Seagull.

I would not let a lakes reputation for bad conditions keep you away. You are basecamping, if the lake is rough you can wait it out. Most of the big entry lakes have motorboat traffic. Its not really that bad. Most are limited to 25HP.

One interesting option is Lac la Croix. You can get a motorize tow to Snow Bay from outfitters on Crane Lake. A pretty expensive option. Or you could paddle there without portaging as the two portages on the Loon River have marine rail assisted options. LLC has a lot of sheltered bays and island groups.

 

[Idiot Savant]

I've been looking into water/canoe trails in a number of states. Seems like many have them. I'll look at the ones in Minnesota.
To clarify what I want, I'm looking for something close to a traditional Boundary Waters experience, but portaging canoes along with heavy packs might be out of the question.
Portaging, with just a day pack is something I'd consider. Which would leave open entry points that aren't right on a lake.
I might also consider a traditional trip if it only had a few short portages. I was looking at one-way routes with a shuttle but haven't found anything that doesn't have at least one ugly portage somewhere on the route.
My basecamp wouldn't necessarily need to be on a lake, just close to some entry points. I would even consider staying in a motel and heading out each morning. Open to a lot of things at this point.