Easy BWCA Entry Points for Junior Paddlers Age 2 & Under

Keep your canoe camping trip simple with these four easy, toddler friendly entry points in the BWCA.

A canoe camping trip into the wilderness with a toddler doesn’t have to be a 30 mile route. In fact, that sounds horrible. Keeping the distance short, the terrain easy and the stress low will keep your trip from becoming a disaster. There are around 80 entry points into the great BWCA. That’s a lot to sift through when planning for a trip accompanied by the most junior of adventures. Here is a list of 4 entry points that I would consider easy when in the company of children under 2 years of age.

1. Kawishiwi Lake

Entry Point #37

Entry Style: Drive up to the lake

Campgrounds Nearby: Kawishiwi Lake Rustic Campground

Daytrips: To Square then to Baskatong/Kawasachong Lake loop or up to Lake Polly

Kawishiwi Lake is my number one recommendation for those with infants wishing for a wilderness experience with the safety net of being near an exit. We loved our home away from home on Kawishiwi with our 10 month old adventurer. Even with the campground right on the lake, there wasn’t much traffic generated from it. We still experienced solitude and wilderness. Our family stayed at the campsite near the entry point, it has a wonderful little beach for the kids to play on. Check out the full experience here.

2. Isabella

Entry Point #35

Entry Style: 35 Rod Portage

Campgrounds Nearby: None

Daytrips: Isabella River, Boga Lake & Perent River

Isabella Lake is a slightly larger lake that can become windy at times, but on a calm day this lake is wonderful. This was the first lake my parents took me to in the Boundary Waters. I was six years old. I have fond memories of playing at the Isabella River, hopping on rocks and catching crayfish. My dad and brother spent a great deal of time fishing. Isabella has walleye, northern, bass, panfish and several other fish species. The campsites are low to the water and relatively flat, making them ideal for camping with smaller children.

*Note: The lake was greatly affected by the Pagami Fires of 2011. A past fire has yet to deter my family from a visit to a lake. It’s a chance to see the impact of wildfires and to witness natures ability to bounce back and regrow.

3. Baker Lake

Entry Point #39

Access Style: Drive to lake, abundant parking

Campgrounds Nearby: Baker Lake Rustic Campground

Daytrips: Jack Lake Mine

Baker Lake does not have any campsites on it’s shores but the portages to the nearby lakes are short and easy. The route is actually along the Temperance River. This a very easy and simple area to bring small children. The campsite at the north end of Kelly Lake is perfect for junior campers. This are has a very cool and not well known day trip waiting to be explored, but watch for bear sign. Get the scoop on Baker Lake here.

4. Sawbill

Entry Point #38

Entry Style: Boat Landing

Campgrounds Nearby: Sawbill Lake Campground (holds 51 sites) & Sawbill Outfitter

Daytrips: Fishing on Alton or tour the fire themed lakes; Smoke, Flame and Burnt

With a campground and outfitter right on the lake, there is a greater amount of traffic on this lake. That being said, campers can still have a great experience on this lake. Most of the paddlers on this lake are headed deeper into the wilderness. This gives those who intend to stay on this lake with junior paddlers a chance at claiming one of the 12 campsites available. If these are all taken, there is a short portage to Alton Lake to the west. Alton has 18 campsites available, surely one of these would be available.

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