If I am on a Quetico trip and I want to pop across the border and have lunch at or maybe stay at a BWCA campsite near the border, what paperwork or permits, etc., do I need to get before the trip?

1. RABC to legally cross back into CA.
2. At least a Day Use for BWCA.
3. US Passport??
Practically speaking, all you really need is a quite boat. ;)

Thanks, can I get a BWCA day use permit from LaTourell's? Or, online?

A day paddle permit or an EP71 permit, and an I 68 and a SAT PHONE if you want yo be 100% legal in US. Just an RABC to return to Canada, and a valid Q permit if in the Q. BTW Q permits remain valid for as long as you paid for - so free to leave and re-enter.

Day use permits are available at any EP or ranger station. You are supposed to leave one part at the EP you leave from. Not sure what you would do when entering in the back country. Just having it with you and filled out and signed might work as it shows you know the rules and have agreed to them.

However, they don't allow you to camp in the BW. Just pointed that out because you said "stay at a BWCA campsite" as one of your possibilities. You could eat lunch at one but not stay overnight.

Thanks everyone, and thanks andym for pointing out that the day use permit doesn't allow overnight camping. I totally spaced that out. If we wanted to camp overnight, we would probably need to go through the whole procedure of getting a regular permit, etc. We will not stay overnight in the BWCA.