I'm a new member of this forum. I've been going up to Ely and the BWCA on and off for over 50 years. My entry point has always been Moose Lake and I've always gotten entry permits through an outfitter.

This coming July, I hope to do a camping trip on the Moose Lake chain with one other person and I'll be outfitting it myself. There are two different entry dates that would work for us. A motorboat permit would be our 1st choice, canoe permit 2nd choice. I understand the date and time that the permits become available online, but I haven't been able to find any discussion about using the website to get permits.

As a first timer, I'm apprehensive about it not going well. Any info, tips or tricks would be much appreciated. If there's a good source of information about using this system, please let me know how to find it. Thanks very much.

https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233396

Explore this website prior to the date that the permits go on sale. I would also create an account beforehand as well.

Thanks very much for the reply and suggestions. I have an account on recreation.gov, and have downloaded some good info on the permit process. I'm probably overthinking the permit concerns because I haven't used the system before. I'll just try using the system when it goes live on January 31st and hope it goes well.

I always get nervous that I am going to miss out on the permit that I want every year but I have never had any problem. Just be ready to go at 9:00am and know the entry point name and number and you shouldn't have any issues.

Yes, already having your account set up is the main thing. Also having all the information you'll need to input gathered together - where you want to pick up, alternate leaders, payment info.

I always type out a sheet with name of the entry point, entry date, exit date (they ask but don't hold you to it), name and email for my alternate leader, names of other people in my party. This is especially important on years that I'm reserving permits for multiple trips (in which case I always rank them in most likely to be taken quickly and reserve them in that order).

And research which permit issuer you will select for picking up the permit. Find one that is convenient to you entry point, and is open the hours that you will need. Once you select the issuer, the only way to change it is to call the USFS and request a change so worth getting it right the first time.

And have your form of payment ready. I always use a computer to make the reservation because I've heard the site doesn't always work the greatest on a phone.