Hello, This is my first post on here so let me know if it is not ok to post this. I have been doing some research and looking for a way to spend about a summer in the BWCA. I came up with the idea of documenting all of the campsites with pictures of each campsite and views on each lake. From my understanding this has never been done and was wondering if anyone had any ideas about if the forestry service, or state of Minnesota would be willing to compensate an individual willing to complete the task. Does this sound like something people would like to see? I have a vision for it all but do not know how to go about it since I am unable to work and complete this task. Any thoughts?

I’m not sure too many people want to compensate someone to hotspot the bwca. I think there is a reason many campsites on this website don’t have a review or a picture attached to it. Maybe I’m in the minority but I enjoy not knowing about sites before I arrive at a new lake, it’s part of the adventure. Regardless, thats just my opinion so good luck with your project. I would like to spend a summer paddling everyday.

Appreciate the input. It is just a thought. I would love for it to happen but the unknown is always nice. You don't have to look but sometimes when you have a group or kids you look for a larger or more private area.

I agree with YMV. For areas like Voyageurs where you reserve a specific site in advance, this kind of thing is nice. You can see the landing, whether it has a dock, how big the tent pad is, etc. That’s key since you are stuck with that site for your trip. But the BWCA is a wilderness to be explored and learned as you go. My 2c.

I would go for the idea. I bring up 3 groups every fall. Usually 6-8 in a group. We decide on comp sites before we go so everyone knows where to paddle to. If that site is full, we have 2nd and 3rd preference options. The camp leaders take a shuttle so they can get to the camp sites before the groups. They communicate by radios with the other guys where they are setting up.

Isn't this largely done? Between the two map sites - you can already see pictures of nearly every site and every portage.

Speckled: "Isn't this largely done? Between the two map sites - you can already see pictures of nearly every site and every portage."

+1.

And for those sites not documented/reviewed, they are probably not worth the stay unless it’s the only option available.

Also you can easily download most of the info on the sites & portages (available at both map sites) onto an app on your phone (Gaia, Google Earth, Navionics, etc) or to a Garmin device.

Welcome to the conversation. It's always exciting to learn of people making adventurous plans. Consider asking the FS, Friends of the Boundary Waters, etc, and every group you can think of if there's anything they would benefit from. Compensation seems like a stretch but you never know. Maybe it won't be campsites but maybe there is another mutually beneficial unmet need. Second, there are something like 1,500 (commonly used figure) to 2,100 (according to the FS web site today) campsites. I'm thinking it's a 4-summer project to visit them all but, more power to you! Finally, keep on dreaming and planning and doing and may your first BWCA trip lead to many more.

Portage clearing is always need. You just need to go through the necessary training and channels.

You might check out BWCAwild as it sounds pretty similar to what you are envisioning. Although focused more on PMAs, there is a lot of information, pictures, and videos of entry points, lakes, portages, and campsites across the BWCA on there. I've never done a deep dive to see how expansive the coverage is, but have come across it a couple times and seemed like a cool resource.

I usually prefer a little mystery regarding what I will find with campsites when covering new water, but I know many really like to plan ahead as much as possible.

Honestly if this happens where is the mystery? I love the Henry David Thoreau feel of exploring those places with no pictures. I've found the best campsites are the ones with no pictures on the web. Love the virtual experience idea as I am 1200 miles from the BWs, but exploring the unknown is half the adventure!

For us it is more about getting to the site, and getting the camp set up so we can go fishing/exploring without having to worry about a camp. Again, we are base campers. If I was traveling each day it would be different. We also typically have 3-4 canoes per camp.

If we took the time to explore each camp site as we came on them we would never get anywhere

I love the site reviews here, it really helps to plan a trip out. But to make something like that more useful than what is available today would be a huge undertaking, not just initially but to keep it continually updated. You are talking about visiting 1500-2000 sites and making a somewhat subjective evaluation of each one including things like number and size of tent pads, landing and canoe storage, the view, etc. And that won't give information that we already have like if it has bug or animal issues, water pooling or runoff problems, or how good swimming and fishing is. And every year dozens of sites change due to fire, blowdowns, water levels, etc.

Here is a volunteer website for federal government volunteer opportunitys. While it may not be publicly available, I believe the Superior NF has pictures and updates on human impact for nearly every campsite in the BWCA. I did alot of work volunteering for them last summer taking pictures and documenting LAC's on campsites. "LAC, Limits of Acceptable Change"

Volunteer oppertunities for the Federal Government

Volunteer opportunity on the Kawishiwi RD/Ely

I think the OP's original post is admirable and worth exploring. Nothing wrong with wanting some bucks while providing a great service to potential BWCA travelers. Probably not going to get rich on it but if it paid your expenses it would be a win.

Some of you old grizzled veterans don't want the intel but many do, especially newer folks to the experience. I think it would have to be taken on in regions because the BWCA is so large and would agree it would probably be a 3-4 year project. Grand Marais region, Ely region, Tofte region and Crane Lake/western Echo Trail region.

If you don't want the intel prior to your trip then don't look at it. I can see this as a valuable service to current and future BWCA paddlers.

Make your pitch to government organizations for grants, private corporations with social consciousness and non profit organizations like Friends of the BWCA and even the Sierra club and see what they might have for you.

I'll give you 50 bucks if you get this going and establish significant contributors to your cause. Sounds like something I would want to do if I were 40 years younger.

More information is almost always better than less information IMO and especially for folks embarking on something new. I am heading up to John Lake on May 19th an I know that I have read and reread the campsite and portage information several times in the last couple weeks. Just for fun. And I have been there before.

Good luck, don't give up. It's a noble and cool cause.

WildernessJunkie: "Hello, This is my first post on here so let me know if it is not ok to post this. I have been doing some research and looking for a way to spend about a summer in the BWCA. I came up with the idea of documenting all of the campsites with pictures of each campsite and views on each lake. From my understanding this has never been done and was wondering if anyone had any ideas about if the forestry service, or state of Minnesota would be willing to compensate an individual willing to complete the task. Does this sound like something people would like to see? I have a vision for it all but do not know how to go about it since I am unable to work and complete this task. Any thoughts?"

WildernessJunkie,

There are many opportunities for employment around the BWCA. If you can't get commissioned as a campsite photographer and don't have the means to do the work as a freelancer, consider getting as far as Ely or Grand Marais and start knocking on a few businesses doors and ask for work. Better yet, now would be an opportune time to reach out to BWCA outfitters and ask about seasonal work. If you find a gig you like, you might end up spending more than just a summer.

Good Luck

Appreciate that input! It is something I would like to get into the works creating an outline of routes and ways of travel. I will look into the routes to see what they have to offer. I by no means want to get rich doing something like this and would just like enough to cover my monthly expenses. My long term goal would be to live in Ely full time and work year round. I was offered a spot on the varsity coaching staff for the boys hockey team a few years back but was unable to find full time work.

I am not limited to just one summer. I am a single male with zero responsibilities and no family. If it was something I would be able to work out it could be something I would be willing to do yearly. Will do my best to keep planning thank you for the input!

plander: "And for those sites not documented/reviewed, they are probably not worth the stay unless it’s the only option available. "

Totally disagree.
Most people don't get around much.