I'm finding good tips and stories of exploring PMAs, but no official rules or maps. Can anyone point me in the right direction to finding rules for those areas? I have an F-32 map which includes what I think is called Pitfall PMA, but nothing on the map labels it as such. Main questions I have: Is camping allowed? Are fires allowed? Are the portages unmarked and overrun with brush?

There is a PMA sub forum that will have a lot of the information you are seeking. I would encourage you to join that. There are great posts about different routes as well as lessons learned, additional equipment to take, and skills required to be safe and successful.

In terms of maps, I used to use the crude Forest Service maps to mark the PMA boundaries onto my Fisher maps. But now I order the Voyageur maps that have the PMA boundaries marked as well as historically significant fires. Fires or blowdowns can have a major effect on your ability to travel into a PMA.

I have never been to Pitfall PMA but have traveled through the Hairy Lake PMA. Near the boundaries of a PMA, you will often find traces of old portages because people enter for day trips. The deeper you go, you typically will have a true bushwhack. Some popular PMAs are an exception. Campfires are discouraged in PMAs because most people don't know how to do a safe campfire that leaves no trace. We only used a stove when in the PMA.

Here are a couple links from that sub forum:

Pitfall lake
Pitfall PMA
Photos of Forest Service PMA maps (planning only)

It seems like this will answer most all of your questions.

PMA PDF Link


Fires are generally not recommended since there are no fire grates. You can only camp if you have the one PMA permit for that one, that night. You have to call or stop into an office to reserve. This is in addition to your regular BWCA entry permit. So you'd have say a June 1 entry permit for somewhere, you could have a June 2 or 3 or whatever night PMA camping permit. You'd be the only one allowed to camp there that night. There are no established camp sites but some areas get used more than others. Portages might be decent if you're near commonly used lakes or it could be a complete bushwhack.

You can day trip into and fish and sightsee or whatnot, but you have to head back out and camp at a regular BWCA campsite. (if you don't have the PMA permit for that one, that night)

CalTopo maps online (CalTopo.com) have PMA boundaries including the sub section boundary numbers needed if seeking a camping permit. Voyageur Maps (online and can purchase hard copy maps here on BWCA.com) also show the main PMA boundaries.

On the Gaia app, if you use the USFS 2016 map overlay, you can get GPS of the PMA’s while you travel. SUPER helpful on a PMA trip!

scottiebaldwin: "On the Gaia app, if you use the USFS 2016 map overlay, you can get GPS of the PMA’s while you travel. SUPER helpful on a PMA trip!


"

This is cool. Thanks for sharing.

On Pitfall specifically, I was there last year and we did not have any problems with the portages, even deep into the PMA. Camping was another story. We had an overnight PMA permit but we ended up bailing because we could not find any decent tent pads anywhere other than bare rock. We could have normally made that work but a storm was rolling in that night and we didn’t have a way to stake down the tent other than paracording the corners to rocks. It was still cool just to see another part of the wilderness that not as many people get a chance to visit.

StLouisPaddler: "

scottiebaldwin: "On the Gaia app, if you use the USFS 2016 map overlay, you can get GPS of the PMA’s while you travel. SUPER helpful on a PMA trip!



"

This is cool. Thanks for sharing.


On Pitfall specifically, I was there last year and we did not have any problems with the portages, even deep into the PMA. Camping was another story. We had an overnight PMA permit but we ended up bailing because we could not find any decent tent pads anywhere other than bare rock. We could have normally made that work but a storm was rolling in that night and we didn’t have a way to stake down the tent other than paracording the corners to rocks. It was still cool just to see another part of the wilderness that not as many people get a chance to visit.
"

Thanks StLouisPaddler!

You may consider buying a hammock as finding a tent pad is nearly impossible in a PMA. I've tried out multiple hammocks and I'm happiest with the Kammok Mantis. The weight difference between the Mantis and the Mantis Ultralight is negligible and is rated to 500lb instead of the Ultralight's 300lb . Add a 30 degree Kammok Firebelly under quilt and a Joey gear sling (mini hammock) for underneath the Mantis and you're ready for anything a PMA can throw at you! Today is May 4, 2022 and I just received yet another Mantis from REI today as they are on sale for $187 at REI on their website. They are usually $249. I just couldn't pass it up. The Firebelly is rarely on sale and is $299 but worth it. It clips underneath the Mantis and can also be used as a poncho in camp. Watch the Kammok videos on YouTube. I have no regrets having purchased multiple of these for my family. Good luck and email me with any questions you may have. Join me in becoming a sky sleeper! You'll never go back to tents!

Thanks Scottie, It’s funny that you mention hammocks. After our PMA disappointment everyone in my group switched to hammocks for this year. I went with a WBRR based on a lot of the great advice from folks here. I’ve yet to sleep in it so I hope I like hammock camping as you do. Next PMA trip I’ll be better prepared!

StLouisPaddler: "Thanks Scottie, It’s funny that you mention hammocks. After our PMA disappointment everyone in my group switched to hammocks for this year. I went with a WBRR based on a lot of the great advice from folks here. I’ve yet to sleep in it so I hope I like hammock camping as you do. Next PMA trip I’ll be better prepared!"

You made a great choice as well. War Bonnet are quality. You'll be amazed at how good you feel in the morning. Listen to "Tumblehome: A Boundary Waters Podcast" episodes 107 and 108 entitled "Sweet Dreams I and II" where they have the age-old debate on hammock vs tent. Spoiler alert: hammocks for the win!

Those guys are hilarious. If they are for it, I can’t go wrong. Happy hanging!