Know Before You Go
Rules and Regulations for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness- When making advanced reservations for overnight permits, at a minimum you must pay for two adult user fees. User fees will be charged based on the group size you specify (example: if your group size is five adults and two youth, you will be charged for $96 in user fees at the time of reservation). You have the option of paying for two adults at the time of reservation and changing your group size at the time of permit issuance, or you can adjust your group size online and make a payment up to two days prior to your entry date.
- All reserved permits must be picked up at the location specified when the reservation was made, or at a Forest Service office issuing station. Non-Forest Service permit issuing stations may charge an issuing service fee up to $2 for each overnight permit.
- Only the group leader or alternate group leaders specified when the reservation was made can pick up the permit. It is recommended that you list three alternates when you make your reservation; these cannot be added at a later date.
- Permits can only be picked up the day before or the day of entry by the group leader or alternate leader listed. Office hours vary; check with your permit pickup location for its office hours.
- The person that picks up the permit must stay with the group for the duration of the trip and ensure that they follow all rules and regulations.
- Walk-up permits, if available, can be picked up at any permit issuing station. However, non-Forest Service permit stations may only accept credit cards for payment. Only Forest Service offices can accept cash in addition to credit card payments.>
- All passes, including the Interagency Senior, Access and Seasonal Passes, must be presented at the time of permit pickup to receive a discount.
