I took my last solo trip to the BWCA in 2010. Today, I tried to reserve an entry permit for June 30th thru Recreation.gov and was rejected. They told me that the minimum group size was 2 Adults. Have the rules changed? If not where should I be going to reserve my trip?

Thanks for any help.

Go ahead and reserve for two. When you check in they will make adjustments including the refund.

quote bhouse46: "Go ahead and reserve for two. When you check in they will make adjustments including the refund."

+1 That is just the way the system is set up. You will be charged for 2, but you will be issued a refund when you pick up your permit.

I never understood why that is. You wouldnt think they would make the issuers deal with refunds.

Thanks, that's what I'll do. I guess I never reserved a solo trip before. I just showed up and took whatever was available.

quote wvevans: "I never understood why that is. You wouldnt think they would make the issuers deal with refunds."

Must be too much sun and water. Expecting a government program to demonstrate rational behavior is irrational. I still like being able to see what is available and book my own permits so I put up with a bit of irrational.

quote wvevans: "I never understood why that is. You wouldnt think they would make the issuers deal with refunds."

I always figured it was because if you don't cancel and don't pick up your permit they are assured at least a 38$ charge.

It does the same thing when I do my daddy/daughter trips. I have to select 2 adults instead of 1 adult and 1 kid and then I get a refund when I pick up the permit.

Last year on my solo the outfitter forgot to do the refund and in my excitement to get the canoe and off to the entry point I didn't notice. On my last night I got checked by a ranger at my campsite and he laughed saying.... I don't think you have room in that little solo canoe for another person especially with that big dog riding in the bow. He wrote a note on my permit stating I could get a refund and told me to stop at the Ranger Station after my trip, but I didn't bother.

As we are discussing reservations those of us with one of the various interagency passes also pay the full fee when making the reservation but get refunds when you pick up your permit. park passes

I book with my America the Beautiful Interagency Senior Pass: 1 @ $8.00. My senior park pass discounted fee is applied immediate, bhouse46. There's a box that opens up to enter senior card #.
And then..... add 2 adults @ $16.00 each because system only recognizes minimum set at 2 adult fees.
$46 initial charges for a senior soloist.
$32 refunded to credit card within couple of days.
I agree with bennojr-- they set that booking parameter to collect on no-shows, late cancellations or changes to booking. Reservation fees and slaps-on-the-hand up front.

Seems like just always book two adults no matter who is going and sort it when you pick up permit.