You must have a permit to travel within the BWCAW in the Superior National Forest. USFS/BWCAW rules & regulations apply. We recommend reserving your permit as early as possible, as permits are limited and distributed on a first served basis. Spirit of the Wilderness staff is available to help you determine which entry point meets your wilderness adventure and obtain your permit. Call us today at 800-950-2709 to reserve your permit.

How to reserve a permit:

A $6 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit. If reserving an overnight permit, a $32 usage fee deposit will be collected regardless of the group size. A $10 Service Fee will also be collected, which includes obtaining and issuing your permit, expert routing of your group and answering any questions upon your arrival at our Ely-based facility.

A credit card number is required to reserve a permit.

When we issue your permit, we will collect any remaining usage fees due based on the number and age of people in your group. Usage fees are forwarded to the USFS for maintenance of the BWCAW.

Example for group of 6:

• $48 will be collected for an overnight permit reservation; $6 for permit+$32 usage fee deposit (2 adults x $16) +$10 service fee
• 6 people on trip: an additional $64 (4 people x $16) collect at time of permit issued. $32 credit given for permit and usage fee deposit paid at time of permit reservation.

When making a reservation, you will be asked for following information:

• Entry point
• Arrival date
• Estimate exit date
• Trip leader’s name, address, phone number and email address (if available)
• Alternate leader's name and phone number
• Estimate number of people and watercraft
• Method of payment (credit card number, expiration date and security code)

Usage fees

A per person usage fee will be collected at the time your permit is issued. These funds are forwarded to the USFS for maintenance of the BWCAW.

• $16 – Adult
• $8 – Youth (0-17 years)
• $5 – Golden Age or Golden Access Passport Holders

For groups with usage fees calculated to be more than $32, the difference will be collected at the time the permit is issued. For groups with fees less than $32, a refund will be made by the BWCAW Reservation Center after the trip has been completed.

If permit is cancelled at least 48 hours prior to entry date, Usage Fee deposit will be refunded. Permit and Service fee are non-refundable. Refunds will be credited to original credit card on file when permit reservation was made.