You must have a permit to travel within the BWCA. 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 $12 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit. If reserving an overnight permit, a $32 deposit will be collected regardless of the group size. Plus $10 for our service which includes obtaining and issuing your permit, routing your group and answering any questions upon your arrival at our Ely facility. Example: A total of $54 will be collected for an overnight reservation or $20 for a day-use motor.

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)
• 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 unto the USFS for use in supporting the maintenance of the BWCAW.

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

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