5/15/2020 – The USFS has issued a statement affirming that the BWCA Wilderness will be open for both day and overnight use beginning on May 18, 2020. We have also received verbal guidance that the fire ban will also be lifted for the entire Superior National Forest on May 18th. (We have not seen the press release yet, but expect it today)

Wilderness permits will continue to be issued in a virtual manner in most cases. We’ll be in touch with you on these procedures if you have selected us as your permit issuing station.

Sawbill Canoe Outfitters will be open and renting canoes beginning on May 18. We will have new procedures in place to maximize social distancing while still providing what you need for your trip. We will be posting a plan for you to review prior to your visit.

The Forest Service is also encouraging visitors to the Wilderness to be extra vigilant about packing out trash and following CDC sanitation and social distance guidelines.

Additionally, we have received verbal guidance that developed campgrounds are going to remain closed until further notice. Again, we have not seen a written statement on this yet, but we anticipate the closure to last until at least June 1, 2020. Once we see the press release we will advise the cancellation and refund procedures. This closure will affect Sawbill Lake, Crescent Lake and Temperance River Campgrounds, among others.

We’ll update this post once we see the specific release pertaining to the campgrounds.

-Dan