I've been on quite a few BWCA trips, but I haven't been through the Sawbill entry for many years. I have a short 2-3 night trip for mid-June that I'll be organizing for myself, my son (an experienced tripper), my daughter, my son-in-law and my 5-year old granddaughter, who all have absolutely no tripping (and essentially no camping) experience. My kids are all in their 30s so they're not young other in my eyes. I was thinking of getting a Sawbill permit and trying the north end of the lake, with the possibility of moving over to Alton if conditions require.

My question is if, given the time frame I'm looking at, it is advisable to try entering through Sawbill. Permit availability around my entry date window is all over the board, ranging from none to 11 of 14 permits available. My biggest fear is that we find no open campsites and have to move to the adjacent lady lakes or the fire lakes which might result in some unhappy newbies. My hope is to provide an experience that will draw them back, not turn them off to the BWCA.

An alternative is to go in the Homer Lake entry, where crowding is not expected to be a problem (fingers crossed), or maybe even to Crocodile. All will provide an introduction to the BWCA.

Can anyone who has tripped with young kids and newbies (at the same time) give some advice to me?

Thanks!

I went in through Sawbill a few years ago and I would not say that it was deserted, but neither was it overwhelmed with people. I said something to Bill Hanson, the proprietor of Sawbill Outfitters at the time, and he said that their business did not really get going until after July 4. I don't know if that helps. I would call Sawbill Outfitters and see what they say. And it would be an ideal place for the trip you describe.

WHendrix: "I went in through Sawbill a few years ago and I would not say that it was deserted, but neither was it overwhelmed with people. I said something to Bill Hanson, the proprietor of Sawbill Outfitters at the time, and he said that their business did not really get going until after July 4. I don't know if that helps. I would call Sawbill Outfitters and see what they say. And it would be an ideal place for the trip you describe."

Actually, that helps quite a bit. I was hoping to rent some gear from sawbill Outfitters, so the Sawbill entry would be most convenient. I'll call them see what they have to say.

Thanks again for your input!

I can attest to their business getting going after the 4th of july, as I was there twice last year after the 4th. It was not like other BWCA entries I've been too. Many more people, more car camping version of the BWCA than I've seen elsewhere, though Lake One has had its moments for me. Good spot for newbies, I suppose. Just be mentally prepared for a campsite search. Not related to the need for a search for a BWCA campsite, but I think the actual campground on Sawbill really adds to the daytripping numbers.

Some thoughts:

How mid-June? - If the black flies are still out, make sure you have head nets. Especially for the 5 year old. In any case, be prepared for biting insects.

Why are the "Fire Lakes" a disappointment? There are some beautiful campsites there and Burnt Lake offers good fishing opportunities.

If the weather is cooperative for an Alton crossing, you might consider Beth Lake. Beautiful scenery, very clear water, lots of smaller small mouth bass to fish and 3 of the 4 campsites are great.

Personally, I'd be happy to get to the Fire lakes; it's the newbies who might think it's too much portaging and/or paddling. I'm hoping to make a trek to Wine Lake later this season, so I'm not bothered by a long portage. I suppose I just want to make sure the newbies are left wanting to come back and the easier their first trip the more likely that might be. Also,my daughter is several months pregnant and she might not be up to any sort of a physical challenge.

Then again, I could be wrong about that; maybe they'll appreciate the challenge.

You've got good options in mind. Sawbill would be super easy, see what they think as far as timing and campsite availability. I tend to read that most people are headed to points beyond Sawbill lake so the N end can actually be pretty quiet.

We did a Lake One trip two years ago with two small kids. It was mid-July and a screen house (we rented on of the Nemo Equipment Bugouts ) was key for the little kids enjoying the evening. We didn’t mind it either. I’d buy one but we usually go in September.

Your choice of Sawbill as EP is excellent. From my personal observances over the last few years, campsites situated on Sawbill Lake can fill up, especially on weekends. I've seen 100% occupancy in the latter weekends of June, which is the timeframe I usually go to BWCA.

Alton lake is an option and so very close. Watch it. Water gets choppy fast when the wind kicks up. Usually, the early part of the afternoons unless some storm is moving in.

Just north of Alton Lake is Kelso with a couple of campsites available.

Those fire lakes aren't difficult to reach. It's an effort, but not enough to discourage newbies or kids. I am a soloist, but have done these routes out of Sawbill entry several times. Sawbill Campground is a favorite of mine. It's a clean and relatively quiet campground. Managed well. Quiet hours enforced.

Between all three route options, your probabilities are high to find open campsites in mid-late June without having to go to Lady Lakes route/portages. That route might overly challenge or discourage some newbies.

Note: a noticeable influx of campers on the weekend of July 4th holiday. Sawbill Campground is usually is full and utilizes overflow spaces on that holiday. As though somebody opened the gates of summer. (Pandemic concerns may alter this pattern either way.)

If you would go to the fire lakes, it would give the newbies a better feel of the whole BWCA experience. If they like it, next time try a longer route with more portages. Just a suggestion.

FISHONFISHOFF

Your plan sounds perfect. North end of Sawbill isn't enough for most people so some of those sites should be open in my opinion. Alton is just adding a short walk. Alton isn't a bad idea either. Best thing about your Sawbill idea is no portages and that means you can bring some luxuries like a screen house that might be much needed in June. So I would do Sawbill for sure with a kid and first timers.

I’ve got a nice CCS screen shelter that can easily hold 5 of us, so we can handle the bugs. Maybe we can set up camp on the north end of Sawbill and check out the fire lakes for a day trip. I’ve had experience paddling across Alton with a good wind blowing - that was not a fun paddle!

From the comments from the board (and thanks for everyone’s input who took the time to comment), it looks like a Sawbill entry will probably work well for my group.

mjmkjun: "...Note: a noticeable influx of campers on the weekend of July 4th holiday. Sawbill Campground is usually is full and utilizes overflow spaces on that holiday. As though somebody opened the gates of summer."

The two weeks after the 4th of July are more open according to the owners of Sawbill. Then it starts to pick up again building to Labor Day. I usually plan a trip for either of those weeks and the population is noticeably down.

Pilgrim, should you tackle the portage from Sawbill Lake to Smoke Lake you'll find a wooden dock at the smoke lake landing. It's actually 2 wide planks more than a proper dock. Don't step too far off of those planks. It's muck, not firm ground. ;)

Well, the daughter, son in law and granddaughter have bailed so it’s now just my son and I, and possibly two of his newbie friends, but in any case portaging is much more of an option now. I sure wish I was going this upcoming week. The weather looks like could be spectacular and little or no bugs. Darn!