From Lakes to Latrines: The Fun Guide to Boundary Waters Etiquette

Dec 12, 2025
Save the Boundary Waters
A green tent and purple hammock is set up near the lakeshore.

You’ve snagged the permit (whew!). You’ve wrangled the crew (big whew!). And now you’re ready to map out the rest of your Boundary Waters adventure.

BUT—before you dive in, let’s talk trail manners. A little wilderness etiquette goes a long way (seriously, don’t be that group). We’ve got a fun guide to get you started, because nobody wants to be the one getting weird looks. Don't forget to share these tips with your crew. The Wilderness will thank you.

Set your tent up on a durable surface like dirt or rock and don't create new tent sites.
Set your tent up on a durable surface like dirt or rock. [o] All photos Pam Wright
One canoe and multiple, colorful canoe packs sit together at a portage trail.
Keep all your gear together at the portage landings. Your less likely to forget something.
A woman portages a kevlar canoe down a wilderness trail.
Try to give people carrying canoes the right-of-way when you see one on a trail. If it's busy, be friendly and take turns.
A person is holding a beautiful piece of birchbark covered in moss.
Remember to admire the small things and leave them where you find them.

Basic Wilderness Etiquette 

  • Check out the U.S. Forest Service's handy BWCAW Trip Planning Guide that includes some rules and regulations. They may not be the most exciting read, but they’re clear and easy to follow.
  • Remember, everyone is seeking solitude. While groups are generally spread out, noise can travel really well. Nobody wants to wake up to the sound of a trumpet echoing across the lake (it's happened). PLUS, you have a better chance of spotting a moose!
  • Pack out all of your trash. Pick someone in your group to “sweep” the campsite before you leave. Look for small bits of plastic, cordage (one of the biggest offenders), and foil. In case you didn’t know, foil does not burn. Also, nothing goes in the latrines except toilet paper. Bonus points for picking up other people’s trash. 
  • Menstrual products must also be packed out. Carry a small stuff sack or bag with products. Bring an extra ziplock or two and fill it with a little baking soda for odors. Place the used products in the ziplock bag and store it in the stuff sack with your personal gear. Easy peasy. 
A small campfire burns in a firegrate surrounded by rocks.
Small campfires are best! Gather only dead wood and pieces of birch bark from the ground.
A man carrys a canoe pack and paddles down a portage trail.
Give everyone plenty of space on portage trails.
A latrine sits back in the woods, away from camp.
Only toilet paper goes in the latrine. Everything else must be packed out.
A bag of toilet paper and hand sanitizer sits near the latrine trail.
Hot tip: Leave a ziplock of bathroom essentials at the start of the latrine trail. If it’s gone, the “door” is closed; if it’s there, the “door” is open.
  • Keep your campfires small. Collect only dead and down wood. Pick stuff that’s about wrist size. Put out the campfire until the area is soaking wet. Stir with a stick. Repeat. We've paddled up to campsites with still smoldering wood in the fire grate. It’s not cool.
  • Set up your tent on packed dirt or a spot that’s been used many times. Smashed down vegetation doesn’t count. Same for foot travel. Avoid making new trails.
  • Soap. Who needs it? Well, maybe for dishes. Please keep all soap—including biodegradable—out of all water sources. Bio soap breaks down best when it filters through the soil. Toss soapy dishwasher well back into the woods. 
  • Leave what you find. The trees, flowers, rocks, and other natural objects prefer being in the wilderness, not your home. Please be especially considerate and do not touch or disturb any cultural objects you encounter.
  • Don’t pet the wildlife. We know those chipmunks can be especially friendly, but please, let them be. Otherwise, they’ll thank you by rummaging through your pack and chewing through your socks.
Two people are putting away their tent.
Before you leave, pick someone in your group to sweep the campsite for bits of trash or forgotten gear.
A teenage boy fishes on a calm evening near the shore.
Fishing is a highlight for many! Bury all fish guts far back into the woods.
A group sites around the campfire while one person reads a story.
One of the highlights of a canoe trip is being together. Everyone listed on the permit must stay at the same campsite, but consider moving to a new spot each day so others can enjoy it too.
A brown dog rests in the bottom of the canoe on a lake.
Be sure your dog is up for the challenge of a Wilderness trip. Bring a leash. Bury the poop.
  • If you catch a fish (lucky you!), bury the remains well away from camp; otherwise, it will attract unwanted wildlife. 
  • Dogs can be a fun addition to a wilderness trip. Make sure your dog is comfortable sitting in a canoe and hanging out at a bug-infested campsite. Bring a leash and bury their poop.
  • Give everyone a little space at the portage landings. Keep all your gear together-avoid a yard sale. You're less likely to forget something. Then, when walking down the portage trail, go through the mud, not around it. It creates less impact. 
  • Finally, stick together. Everyone listed on the permit must camp together at the same campsite. Because, isn’t that what you came for? And please don’t sneak in a 10th person. Your cousin Billy might be awesome, but the regulatory limit is 9. We see you…and yes, we may tell on you.
     
Help take care of this pristine wilderness! The BWCAW is one of the largest, protected freshwater ecosystems in the Lower 48—and one of the most loved and visited. Treat it with care when you go, so it’s just as amazing when you come back.

Ready? Go check out more of our canoe trip planning resources!