BWCA Permits Overview
Permits are required for groups to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) during all seasons.
Between May 1st and September 30th, permits need to be reserved and are limited by day and by entry point to reduce impact on the wilderness.
It is essential to plan your trip early.
After September 30th through April 30th, reservations for a permit are not required.
Day use permits do not require reservation and are free.
Lottery
There is no longer a lottery for permits. All overnight canoe/motor or day use motor permits will be available on a first come first serve booking basis.
General Permit Reservations
Reservations for all entry points can be made on a first-come,
first-served basis beginning Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CST.
You can contact an outfitter now who can not only help you plan and outfit a trip but also to book your permit for you.
Permits are also available starting on the last Wed of January directly at
Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.
Planning Ideas
Visit the trip planning forum in the messageboard for trip planning ideas:
BWCA Trip Planning Messageboard
BWCA Permit Videos
View the new permit videos which are being distributed by the Forest Service. Your group will be required to watch these important videos.
BWCA Permit Videos
Permit Details
- The reservation fee is $6.00 for every quota permit along with $16 per adult ($8 for youth and seniors).
- Permit holder, alternates, entry date and entry point cannot be changed once the permit reservation is made.
- All group members must enter on the entry date specified on the permit (no exceptions).
- Permits can only be picked up on the entry date or one day prior.
- One permit per day, per permit holder. You permit may be canceled if you have multiple permits for the same day, have overlapping permits, or consective permits.
- Permit holder can only lead one trip at a time.
- All participant names must be entered for the permit to print at issuance. Participant names may be added to a reservation any time prior to the permit pick-up. The leader or an alternate leader booked with the permit must be part of the group that enters.
- Reserved permits must be picked up at the issue station specified on the permit. Although in some cases the issue station can be changed, it can be problematic.
- Commercial permit issue stations (cooperators) may charge a service fee of $2 per permit for issuing overnight permits.
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