Just got back from a trip to Clearwater yesterday - beautiful fall weather! I was actually also on Clearwater back in July. We noticed lights one night in July coming from this point on Clearwater. We assumed somebody was pulling an emergency camping situation because all the sites were full.

On this fall trip a couple days ago, we decided to check it out. It's a beautiful site in a stand of red pines. Great, elevated views looking west onto Clearwater and plenty of flat tent pads. I can't believe it's not an official campsite!

Then a couple nights ago, when I know for a fact there were other unoccupied campsites nearby on Clearwater, I again saw lights coming from this same area well after dark. Anyone know what's going on here? Is it a commonly used unofficial campsite?

Maybe u can walk to the point from the campsite

Certainly looks pretty worn on satellite view. Unofficial campsites exist. I found one last fall when exploring a small lake at the end of an unmaintained portage which has also been used as a campsite.

When you checked the site, did it have a fire grate and latrine? It may be an "official" site that is just not on your map.

Mocha: "Maybe u can walk to the point from the campsite "

Yes, I think that's probably possible. But both times there were lights moving around well after dark. That would be surprising if people from the other campsite were just hanging out so far from their campsite.

sedges: "When you checked the site, did it have a fire grate and latrine? It may be an "official" site that is just not on your map."

Did not see any fire grate or latrine. But again, feels like a travesty that there isn't one there.

Maybe its a real good shore fishing spot, worth the walk over from the nearby campsite.

Was a campsite until 1978 changes in laws. Closed in 1979.

Legally hikers on the Border Route trail can camp there, but no fire allowed.

Hope this helps I was the ranger there back in the day that closed it down.

1lookout: "Legally hikers on the Border Route trail can camp there, but no fire allowed.
"

How is this true? I’m unaware of different rules for hikers or certain trails in the BWCA. The permit to hike or paddle is the same.

1lookout: "How is this true? I’m unaware of different rules for hikers or certain trails in the BWCA. The permit to hike or paddle is the same."

From the Forest Service's Trip Planning Guide:

Trail users are encouraged to minimize impact by limiting use to one night on nondeveloped sites.
• You must camp more than 200 feet from a developed site or another group.
• You must camp at least 200 feet from any trail, portage, lake or other water source.
• Most importantly, be sure to use common sense and follow the safety guidelines recommended on page 8. Wilderness permits are required year round for hiking in the BWCAW

So for hikers, they are allowed to camp away from developed sites as long as they follow the guidelines above. I'm not directly familiar with this location to know if hikers could use this spot and respect the 200' rules. Source

Backpackers on the Border Route Trail are allowed to disperse camp if they wish. This is allowed as they have a limited choice in campsites compared to canoe campers.

I Learn something new every day. I didn’t know backpackers could camp anywhere. I always wondered what they are supposed to do when they finally reach a site and it’s occupied.
Tom

Yup, one of the times that I hiked the BRT, i set up tarp over the actual trail and slept in the groove :)

I think it was near Loon lake where there were not a lot of other options, as I drifted off into dreamland, I remember hoping that a moose didn't come trotting down the trail. I was too tired to move.

Good to know! Does anyone have a link to the forest service guide? Is this true of all overnight hiking permits in the BW or just the Border Route Trail?

You can also exceed the maximum of 9 people in camp if you hike.

Blatz: "You can also exceed the maximum of 9 people in camp if you hike. "

Do you have a source for that? I can't find it and according to the Superior National Forest Border Route website, they claim 9 people only.
Superior National Forest Border Route Website

Minnesotian: "

Blatz: "You can also exceed the maximum of 9 people in camp if you hike. "

Do you have a source for that? I can't find it and according to the Superior National Forest Border Route website, they claim 9 people only.
Superior National Forest Border Route Website "

That does not sound right, I could see a group of 40 hiking the trail and camping together. I would think 9 limit stands.

The party size of any group in the BWCA is 9. Keeping group sizes small is to reduce impact and enhance the wilderness experience. I don't see why it would change for backpacking.

BRT Site