I am just curious what is the longest possible permit that can be issued for someone to stay in the BWCA?

I used to think it was 365 days, but as far as I can find, the last time I looked, the permit was valid until the leader left the wilderness.

Permit for a year. However, no more than 14 consecutive days at any one camp site. Don't leave to resupply though...then you'll need additional permit(s) - you must stay within the BWCA on a permit.

Big Tim - can you show me where that's stated? I've looked for it and haven't found it in line.

I think it is printed on the back of every permit.

Was it 29 days at one time? For some reason I've always had that stuck in my head.

What if you go in April with a self issued permit, and don't come out till October, that should be legal as long as you don't come out to resupply.

quote housty9: "What if you go in April with a self issued permit, and don't come out till October, that should be legal as long as you don't come out to resupply."

I would think that would be unethical to say the least. If you are in during the open season, you should pay the fees to use the area.

quote jdogg9745: "I am just curious what is the longest possible permit that can be issued for someone to stay in the BWCA? "

It will depend on what the mission of the trip is, say to protest a mine?
Then a year will be allowed.
If it's just to camp, probably much less. :)

quote A1t2o: "

quote housty9: "What if you go in April with a self issued permit, and don't come out till October, that should be legal as long as you don't come out to resupply."

I would think that would be unethical to say the least. If you are in during the open season, you should pay the fees to use the area."

Didn't say I was going to do that, just saying why couldn't a person do that.

quote The Great Outdoors: "

quote jdogg9745: "I am just curious what is the longest possible permit that can be issued for someone to stay in the BWCA? "

It will depend on what the mission of the trip is, say to protest a mine?
Then a year will be allowed.
If it's just to camp, probably much less. :)"

Pot-stirring never becomes you.

No limit except the 14 consecutive night maximum on a single campsite.

Since when did the truth become pot stirring?? :)

The self issue permit - at least those I could find images of on line - state clearly it is not valid for overnight use between May 1 and September 30. Leaves questions, like does it mean if you enter on April 30 you can't stay but one night?

Still can't find the 1 year limit. Looked for a permit in my files but no luck. If someone has one stating 1 year, a picture would be appreciated.

quote jdogg9745: "I am just curious what is the longest possible permit that can be issued for someone to stay in the BWCA? "

Longest Permit I ever had was 4 pages; double spaced with wide margins.

quote The Great Outdoors: "Since when did the truth become pot stirring?? :)
"

The rules allow me to stay a year (or more) if I care to try. No mining pollution protest requirement.

So at least Schweady and I - leaning at least - say no limit; Bigtim and Savage Voyaguer say 365 day limit. No one has any reference or document to point to.

I agree with Schweady and BillConner. The regulations available online seem to be open ended, only that you cannot camp on the same site for more than 14 consecutive nights.

Seems like the 14 night rule would be especially hard to enforce for winter campers doing a freeze in style trip.

quote mirth: "I agree with Schweady and BillConner. The regulations available online seem to be open ended, only that you cannot camp on the same site for more than 14 consecutive nights.


Seems like the 14 night rule would be especially hard to enforce for winter campers doing a freeze in style trip. "

They did enforce it a couple of times in the winter about 5 years ago or so.

quote Pinetree: "

quote mirth: "I agree with Schweady and BillConner. The regulations available online seem to be open ended, only that you cannot camp on the same site for more than 14 consecutive nights.



Seems like the 14 night rule would be especially hard to enforce for winter campers doing a freeze in style trip. "

They did enforce it a couple of times in the winter about 5 years ago or so."

Good to know there's still rangers out there in the winter!

I went upstairs and found a 2015 permit, the only thing I saw was "This permit is no longer valid when the group leader leaves the wilderness". That was on the front near the top.

There is no limit.