Taking Our Kids on Their First BWCA Trip

Bringing kids on their first Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) trip is a rite of passage for many outdoor families. After years of exploring the BWCAW with just my wife, Vickie, and me, we finally introduced our kids, ages 6 and 8, to one of our favorite wilderness destinations. This blog shares our experience, planning process, and tips for making a first BWCA canoe trip with kids a success.

a family looking out on to a lake standing on a boulder

Building Excitement for the boundary waters

For weeks leading up to the trip, our kids were buzzing with excitement. While they’ve always known that Mom and Dad “go into the woods,” this was their first time joining us. To prepare, we eased them into paddling with day trips on the Mississippi River, which flows just behind our backyard in Winona, MN.

Behind the scenes, though, there was plenty of prep:

Choosing an entry point
Booking BWCA permits
Planning gear and meals
Building a realistic itinerary with kids in mind

Feeding picky eaters in the wilderness added some complexity, but we tackled it like any parent would—by overpacking snacks and bringing backup mac & cheese.

Why We Chose Entry Point 38 – Sawbill Lake

We picked Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake) for its flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for first-time BWCA trips with kids because:

It has a nearby outfitter (Sawbill Outfitters) for showers, gear, and last-minute supplies
There’s a U.S. Forest Service campground right at the entry
Alton Lake is just a short, easy portage away (20 rods)
Multiple campsites on both Sawbill and Alton offer backup options

We planned to base camp on Alton Lake, known for its crystal-clear water, wide-open campsites, and good sunset views from the west-facing sites.

a family in a canoe paddling on a lake

Gearing Up for the Wilderness – With Kids in Tow

One of the most exciting parts for the kids was getting their own sleep setups. We outfitted both with Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX quilts, lightweight, synthetic, and perfect for squirmy little campers. Other gear highlights included:

Big Agnes Flying Diamond 6 tent (our go-to for family camping)
Custom dry bags for organizing gear and clothing
A mix of lightweight cooking gear and kid-friendly meals
A detailed checklist, because parents forget things when they don’t sleep

I took Thursday off work (shoutout to Enlightened Equipment for giving us our birthdays off!) and packed the final camp essentials before we headed north.

Day 1: Our First Portage Together

We met our friends Dave and Emily at Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, MN. After watching the required BWCA permit video and grabbing souvenirs, we drove up the Sawbill Trail and launched from the Sawbill Lake landing.

After a short paddle and a successful first portage, we made it to Alton Lake campsite 870, recommended by another family on their way out. We scored a beautiful site with:

Great tent pads
Beachy shoreline
Easy canoe landing
Plenty of hammock trees
Room to explore safely

Rain was in the forecast, so we hustled to get our tent and tarps up. The kids were underdressed in the canoe and got chilly, but we wrapped them up in quilts and quickly turned camp into a cozy haven.

Camp Life: Pocket Knives, S’mores & Bratwurst

Campsite 870 gets a solid 4.5/5 rating in my book, and BWCA.com agrees. The only downside? A long walk to the latrine. But the highlights far outweighed the drawbacks:

Sunset paddle across glassy water
Pocket knives for both kids (a major milestone!)
Dinner of bratwurst, hot dogs, and mac & cheese
Real buns protected in Tupperware, a rare luxury in the BWCA

Mosquitoes weren’t bad the first night, but night two was a different story.

Wildlife Encounters and Lessons Learned

a picture of a loon in a lake

Day 2 started slow, with birdwatching, breakfast, and coffee by the lake. We saw loons, mergansers with babies, ducks, and even a bold Meadow Jumping Mouse. The kids explored camp while we reorganized.

After sunset, the bugs came out in full force. Despite three Thermacells, treated clothing, bug spray, and a smoky fire, we had to retreat to the tent early. Tip for parents: Even well-prepped kids will melt down when mosquito pressure spikes. Have a plan B.

Heading Out – With a Few Detours

We packed out on Day 3. While leaving Alton Lake, I made my first-ever navigation error in the BWCA, missing the turn toward Sawbill. Thankfully, we caught it early, and our son helped navigate back with the Zoleo GPS and a few landmarks.

A quick portage and paddle brought us back to Sawbill Outfitters, where we showered and split a celebratory Coke. From there, we had pizza at Cove Point Crossing, then made the long drive home.

a picture of a man in a hammock overlooking the boundary waters

Final Thoughts: What We’d Do Differently (and Again)

Would we bring the kids back to the Boundary Waters? Absolutely. They’re already asking when the next trip is.

What I’d change: trying to give my wife a “white glove” trip by managing everything alone. She felt more like a passenger than a partner, which wasn’t fair to her or sustainable for me.

We also learned:

To keep routes short and flexible
To teach Leave No Trace and campsite etiquette early
That our kids don’t need over-structured days, they just need space to roam

Tips for Planning a Family Canoe Trip to the BWCA

If you're planning your first BWCA trip with kids, here are a few things we learned:

Choose an easy route. Pick a short portage and basecamp plan.
Outfit them well. Don’t skimp on kids' gear, they’ll need good insulation and comfort just like you.
Give them responsibilities. Let them help set up camp, pack, or filter water.
Make it fun. Bring a new book, a hammock, or a kid-safe knife.
Let them explore. The best memories come from muddy feet and lakeside sticks.

a picture of the night time stars are shining over a lake

Help Protect the Boundary Waters

We’re committed to returning and teaching our kids to love and respect these wild places. Please consider donating to Save the Boundary Waters, a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to protect this unique wilderness for future generations.

Trip Summary

Route: Entry Point 38 (Sawbill Lake) to Alton Lake
Dates: July 17–20, 2025
Group: 6 people (2 adults, 2 kids, 2 friends)
Permit Station: Sawtooth Outfitters, Tofte, MN
Campsite: Alton Lake, Site 870
Distance: 1 portage, 2 lakes, 3 days

By: Jim Trouten