FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ
Q: Bear Aware new order 2024
A: Only thing on the ground out of your control is approved containers
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Q: We’re staying with you guys in the bunkhouse next week before our trip and I’m trying to determine the USFS rules—actual rules— regarding storing food in the BWCA. Can you share with me any definitive info you have on what’s required in regards to hanging, containers, etc?
A:
Simple: Only thing on the ground out of your control is approved containers by IGBC. Otherwise 12′ up and 6′ away from tree. We rent Counter Assault and BearVault IGBC approved, but they are small small small. The biggest one is the BV500 and it’s 11.5 Liters. For comparison, our Blue Food Barrels are 30L and 60L.
We recommend that you keep your eye on your container at all times no matter what. At night when you’re sleeping it is swinging from a tree on a rope 12′ up 6′ away. If you’ve always hung a food pack, just keep doing that – you are good to go. During the day it’s with you in the canoe. Never set it down on a portage, never. It’s always on your shoulder.
Exact same thing when we have bear activity. This has not changed. We have had bear activity every year for the last 9, so they keep putting this rule in, enforcing it in certain areas. Now, they are just putting the enforcement behind it now and for some reason it’s really getting press coverage.
The good thing about blue food barrels (some people call them bear barrels, but that’s wrong) is that it kills the smell and keeps rodents out — but they are not IGBC approved.
This order goes from Spring of 2024 to Spring of 2026.
Q: Cancellation Policy:
A: If cancellation notice is given at least THIRTY DAYS prior
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If cancellation notice is given at least THIRTY DAYS prior to your scheduled arrival, your deposit will be refunded minus a $35 service charge. We will send you confirmation of your reservation on receipt of your deposit. We accept VISA, Mastercard, Discover Cards, American Express, paypal, checks, and of course cash!
Q: Check in? Check out?
A: Check in no earlier than 3pm, check out no later than 9:30am
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CheckIn :
Please check in no earlier than 3pm (bunkhouses and cabins).
CheckOut:
Please check out by 9:30am (bunkhouses and cabins).
Q: Winter hours, outfitting, cabins
A: One winter cabin Jan-Mar, we answer phones and emails all year
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Winter hours:
We answer the phones all year long, so go ahead and call or text us at 218-388-2242 or email info@rockwoodbwca.com, we are pretty quick to respond.
We have one Winter cabin, Cabin 12, that is open January through March. We open outfitting the second week of May, just before fishing opener. The bunkhouse opens when the overnight temperatures are not freezing, so right around the second weekend of May. Each year is different, so call or text or email!
May – September 23 we are open from 7am to 6pm; Fall & Winter hours 8am to 5pm; you are welcome to visit us, just ring the doorbell on either the Lodge or Outfitting, even if it looks empty. The doorbells are linked to our phones, so we’ll know you are here, it may take us few minutes to get there. Cabin 12 is the only Winter cabin, the rest are available mid May through mid October; same with the bunkhouse and shower house.
Q: What is the Boundary Waters? How can Rockwood help me?
A: Canoe wilderness, no motors. Overnight camping or day trips
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We have 9 lakeside cabins and are located next to the Boundary Waters. The Boundary Waters, with Canada’s Quetico National Park, is over 1.1 million acres where no motor or airplane can go; a true wilderness. The lakes are connected by portages, and only canoes, standup paddle boards, and kayaks can be used in this terrain.
We set up trips for our guests by providing what equipment they don’t have (canoes, packs, tents, food, etc) or, alternatively, we can provide everything (complete package). We operate between May and October because our cabins are built as summer buildings only (Cabin 12 is year-round).
My recommendation for new visitors is to rent a cabin and take day trips into the BWCA until you are more familiar with the surroundings, and return to take overnight trips. Read this excellent guide provided by the Forest Service: BWCAW Trip Planning Guide or visit this website: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Q: RV Recreational Vehicles – Can I park at Rockwood?
A: No, we do not have space
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No, we do not have parking available for large vehicles and trailers.
The parking lot at the bunkhouse is small. Park trailers at the Poplar Lake Public Landing.
Q: Do cell phones work? Where’s your wifi? Verizon / AT&T / T-Mobile / Sprint?
A: We have a Verizon antenna on our property, along with wifi throughout
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AT&T has a tower near Gunflint Lake and the service covers much of the Gunflint Trail.
We have cell service in a small area of Rockwood for Verizon phones, no need for WiFi.
We also have high speed wifi (100mbps) and you can turn on the wifi-calling feature of your smart phone, or use skype or facebook messenger to call. All cabins and our bunkhouse have WiFi !.
We’ve successfully used the new satellite mode on apple smartphones, they work well but have some drawbacks. Read more here…
Q: Late checkins? It’s a long drive from ______.
A: Yes, no problem, let us know beforehand
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Yes! We know it’s a long haul from lots of places to here. And there’s a lot of distractions (waterfalls, fudge shops, pie) on the way up to spend time.
Just let us know beforehand and we’ll give you instructions on how to check in after hours. Check your email – we probably gave you directions on how to check in ! No worries!
Cabins FAQ
Q: 8 people in one cabin, but the rate is set for 3. Why the difference?
A: The rate on the website is for 2 or 3 people, if you bring more, it’s additional
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Question: According to the website, this cabin sleeps 8 people. I assumed that was how the rate was calculated. But when you sent me the description e-mail, you mentioned that my reservation was for three people, and in the bullet points below, it talks about an extra charge for adults or children. I’m kind of confused about this particular issue and it might be something that causes me to reserve somewhere else.
Answer: Each cabin has a standard occupancy, and the rates are based on that many people. Each cabin also has a maximum number of people, and those extra people are an additional charge.
For example, the rate for Cabin 2 is for up to 3 people. The cabin can have as many as 8. If you have more than 3, you need to pay for the extra people, different rates for kids and adults.
Q: Why a 2 night minimum on your cabins? I have a medium sized group and…
A: Bunkhouse is setup for one night but cabins have a minimum number of nights
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This is what our Bunkhouse is made for! We have four rooms that each have their own shower, toilet and sink. Each comes with 4 bunkbeds and an optional roll-away cot, for a maximum of 9 people in each room. They all have heaters and are furnished with towels, but you have to provide the sleeping bags and pillows. Maximum stay in our bunkhouse is one night.
One night: Bunkhouse
Two night minimum: Cabins 3 and 5 (and Cabin 12 in Winter)
Three night minimum: Cabins 7 and 9
Four night minimum: Cabins 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12
In the Winter months Cabin 12 has a 2 night minimum.
Q: Do you allow pets? What do we do with our pet when we are enjoying the area?
A: Yes! $25 per pet / per night.
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We do allow pets. $25 per pet/night or $150 per pet/week. $25 fee per pet in the bunkhouse. If you’ll be away and plan on leaving your pet in your cabin, please let us know so we can watch over them. We’ll even offer to walk your pet and let them get fresh air if needed.
There’s no restriction on pets in the BWCAW. We’d recommend a floatation jacket and practice with your pet in a canoe before committing to the adventure. There are wild animals in the BWCAW so you’ll need to keep control of your pet. Don’t forget some basic pet first aid items in your addition to your standard first aid items. Other campers are out there for quiet, so a barking dog will not be appreciated. And please pick up after your pet, even in the BWCAW.
Q: Motor boats on Poplar? In the BWCAW, and they don’t allow motors.
A: Poplar is outside the BWCAW, so boats are allowed
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Poplar Lake is outside of the Boundary Waters (well, one small tip shows that it is in the BWCAW on some maps). There is no horsepower limit on Poplar Lake, so bring it up! We have a boat launch in front of our outfitters, but it’s gravel and has bumps. If you want a nice, smooth concrete boat ramp, there’s a public one a mile to the West.
If you are staying in a cabin you can bring your own boat. Several of the docks at the cabins are shallow, so you may need to park your boat at the ones in deeper water, next to the lodge. All boats are subject to Aquatic Invasive Species, so we’ll ask some questions and check your boat and trailer.
Q: Can we tube on your lake? Waterski? Jetski?
A: Please, no.
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While many people enjoy going fast in motor boats, jetskies, waterskies, tubing and other high speed watercraft, it’s not what Rockwood is known for; we pride ourselves on being on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We have a lot of wildlife and waterfowl in this bay. Please be considerate of others and leave Poplar lake for fishing and paddle sports.
Q: Laundry in the cabins? Available at Rockwood?
A: None nearby; Grand Marais is the nearest
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Grand Marais has two laundromats available for your use – one by the courthouse, the other near NAPA; our laundry is not available for guests. If you need clean towels just let us know!
Q: Linen and towels – how often are they changed?
A: Fresh linens and towels are provided with each stay
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A nice supply of kitchen and bath towels, based on your group size, is provided when you check into the cabin. We ask that our cabin guests stretch the days between laundering the towels, but if your towel is dirty or you just want a fresh one, please contact us and we’ll switch them out for you. We do not provide fresh towels daily.
The sheets and bed covers are washed between each cabin use, and can be changed out for our guests that are staying for longer times.
We can provide pillows, blankets and linens for the fold out couches and futons as well, just ask.
Let us know as soon as possible if you have more people in your party than originally planned.
Please let us know if you need items changed.
Our bunkhouse guests and shower house guests each get one towel for their use. The shower house also has shampoo and conditioner for your use.
Q: Can I rent a kevlar canoe with my cabin?
A: kinda- you need to rent it at outfitting each day
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We need our Kevlar canoes for the outfitting business so if you do need a Kevlar canoe while you’re staying in the cabin, you’re welcome to come down each day and rent one or as many as you need for that day.
Q: Do you have Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards?
A: Yes!
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We have 10 kayaks for use on Poplar Lake, you can rent them by the half day or full day, each comes with a life vest and a kayak paddle. Three of them are 14.5′ Tsunami 145s by Wilderness Systems, we have a Kestrel 140 and a Kestrel 120, a fishing kayak Wilderness Systems Commander, two new sit on top fishing kayaks, and a 9.5′ Old Town Heron XT.
Stand Up Paddleboards (C4 Waterman Classic X 10.5′) – these are awesome for tooling around the bay at Rockwood. Want SUP that are made for the BWCAW? We have two! They are Greyducks and have the necessary hookups to make your trip into the wilderness successful.
People who aren’t customers can come up and rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for $20 for 4 hours, Poplar Lake only. No reservations required, first come first served.
Q: Do you have leeches? Do you have live bait?
A: Yes! During Summer months only
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Yes! We have leeches and crawlers from mid May through September. Leeches are $6/dozen and $30/half-pound, Nightcrawlers are $4/dozen. There’s an awesome bait shop in town called “Beaver House” and another one on the trail 2 miles from Rockwood called “The Ugly Baby”.
Q: Microwave? Pot to boil water?
A: Yes!
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Yes, our cabins all have microwaves and pots for boiling water (on the stove). Some pots are bigger and some are smaller, based on the cabin size. When you get into your cabin and you notice you are missing a certain size pot or pan, ask us and we’ll check our inventory to see if we have one you can use.
Q: Grilling tools? Do I need to bring charcoal?
A: Yes, we provide a propane and a charcoal grill, we provide propane, not charcoal
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Our cabins have grills (both charcoal and propane at each Cabin) and basic grilling tools. We provide the propane but not the charcoal. Even the bunkhouse has a propane grill and griddle.
Q: Do you have mosquitoes? Do you supply a bug net for the picnic table?
A: Summer mosquito season is serious. Bug nets are not provided
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Like most of Minnesota our mosquitoes are large and in charge. You’ll want to use bug spray if you are outside for an extended period, hiking or portaging between lakes. Early spring and late fall are great times to stay up here, the mosquitoes are much slower or are completely gone!
Our cabins do not come with a bug net that fits over the picnic table. You can bring one if you want.
Q: What’s included in the Cabins? Firerings? Firepits? What is in the kitchen? What do I need to bring?
A: We provide a lot of the items needed, but if you have a favorite bring it
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Each cabin has a full kitchen (Refrigerator, stove, sink, microwave, coffee pot w/ filters) and most of the utensils / pans / bakeware you may need. Each has a 3/4 bathroom (shower, toilet, sink) and some have fireplaces. Each has a canoe (free use of paddles and life vests available at Outfitting), outdoor charcoal and gas grill, picnic table, parking, a deck and a dock. There are firepits/firerings at seven of the cabins (cabin 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12). Some additional kitchen items are available in the lodge, please inquire if you don’t have something you need.
Some bedrooms have shelves and some have dressers, depending on the cabin. Contact us before hand if you have a specific question on the furniture in each cabin. You can also check the detailed floor plans on each cabin’s website, and the photographs for clues as well.
You’ll need to bring food and condiments, paper towels, salt, pepper, coffee, ice, bottled water (the water in the cabins is safe to drink, we don’t provide bottled water), charcoal (remember each cabin has both propane and charcoal grills), firestarter and firewood (don’t transport firewood from outside of the forest into the Superior National Forest; there’s several places here that sell it, including one very close to Rockwood for only $7/bundle).
Q: I see there is a canoe with each cabin. Do I need to bring an extra canoe?
A: Cabin renters can use all the aluminum canoes they need
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You can use as many aluminum canoes, kayaks and paddleboards as you want when you are renting a Cabin. We ask that you return them back to Outfitting when you are not using them, don’t leave them at your Cabin. Maximum group size in the Boundary Waters is 9 people and 4 canoes, but Poplar Lake is not in the Boundary Waters and there are no such limits. Thank you!
Q: Where is Cabin 1 / Cabin 10 / Cabin 11?
A: Not built yet
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Future plans and history! The layout of the cabin numbers has been this way for some time, so when we renamed the Owner’s Cabin into Cabin 12 we left room in the numbers for Cabins 10 and 11; the plan is that they’ll be between Cabin 9 and 12. Cabin 1 is on the hill across from the lodge and now used as staff housing, a very cute little Cabin that isn’t “on the lake”. Some of our guests, who worked here in the past, used to stay the summer in Cabin 1
We have lots of plans for the future of Rockwood, but for now just keeping the existing Cabins ready for our guests keeps us busy busy busy.
Q: Do we need to bring lawn furniture? Outdoor chairs? Life vests, paddles?
A: Provided!
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Your cabin rental comes with enough outdoor furniture for the number of people you planned to bring up. If you bring additional people, please let us know as soon as possible and we’ll get the additional furniture to your cabin.
As a full featured canoe outfitter, we have a lot of life vests and paddles. If you have your favorite one, please feel free to bring it. Otherwise, stop by outfitting and borrow some of ours. We do not store them at each cabin.
Q: Where should I clean the fish? Do you have a fish cleaning house?
A: Fish cleaning house is near the showerhouse by outfitting
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Our fish cleaning house, located near the showerhouse and outfitting, is the best place to clean your fish. We ask that you refrain from cleaning fish in the cabins. Not everyone enjoys the fish smell and it is rather hard to remove between rentals. Also, fish scales are hard on our septic system filters.
Q: We have a large group staying in one of your bigger cabins. Do you have enough __?
A: Most of our cabins are stocked. If you have a favorite item, bring it
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Our cabins are completely stocked with enough furniture, outdoor furniture, towels, linens, pillows, pots, pans, plates, and silverware for the size group you told us you are bringing. If you plan on bringing more people, please contact us as soon as possible so we can prepare your cabin. Notice the max size on each cabin, that’s the number of people that can sleep in the cabin, some beds are made for two people. Just because the cabin lists a max of 8 doesn’t mean there’s 8 beds. Please check the floorplans, photos, or just give us a call and we’ll help you plan!
Q: Do you have air conditioning?
A: No air conditioning, open the windows
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There’s no air conditioning in the cabins or bunkhouse. We provide several fans and can get you additional ones upon request. Cross breezes are key, and there’s a mighty big lake you can wade in or swim in to cool down.
Bunkhouse FAQ
Q: Do we have a restaurant? Breakfast?
A: No, we have a grills and griddles, and there’s restaurants nearby
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The bunkhouse guests can use our grill and griddle by the bunkhouse to prepare meals, but no cooking is allowed in the bunkhouse rooms themselves.
Our restaurant closed in 1999. It was a full service, high end restaurant serving nice meals that people would drive a long way to enjoy.
There are a lot of restaurants in this area of the Gunflint Trail to enjoy, and each of our Cabins has a full kitchen for you to prepare your own meals.
Q: Can we rent the bunkhouse for several days? We want to fish camp, deer camp
A: No, bunkhouse is one night only
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Sorry a few bad parties ruined this option for everyone. Our bunkhouse is there for one purpose – to rent canoes! Therefore there is a one night maximum.
There are many campsites in the area. Check out Iron Lake, Flour Lake or Bearskin. White Pine Lodge is next door and has 4 new campsites!
Q: Do we share the bunkhouse?
A: No, each room is private for your group, up to 9 people
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Our bunkhouse has four separate rooms, each with their own bathroom. Each group gets their own room.
For example, if one person rents a bunkhouse, they get the entire room and bathroom to themselves. If nine people that are in one group rents a bunkhouse, they get the entire room and bathroom to that group.
Q: Linens and pillows in the bunkhouse?
A: No, the bunkhouse is made for sleeping bags
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Our bunkhouse has mattresses and bunkbeds. You need to bring sleeping bags and pillows, no linens or blankets are provided. The bathroom is supplied with towels and toilet paper.
Q: Parking at the bunkhouse?
A: Large parking lot behind the bunkhouse with access to the Gunflint Trail
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When you arrive at Rockwood look for a note with your name on it at the main Lodge.
There’s a parking lot behind the bunkhouse, which is intended only for the night you are in the bunkhouse. We’ll show you where to park while you are in the wilderness.
Q: Bunkhouse availability, booking the bunkhouse
A: Send us a message or call
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We do not offer online booking of the bunkhouse. Please send us a message or call us for availability.
Outfitting FAQ
Q: I love my hiking backpack. Can I use it on my Canoe trip? …
A: Yes, but it’s hard to portage canoes, the yoke gets in the way
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Yes! But..
Using a standard hiking backpack for portaging a canoe can be challenging because hiking backpacks are generally taller and designed to distribute weight differently.
Why Hiking Backpacks Can Be Problematic for Portage:
Height: Hiking backpacks often extend too far above the shoulders, which can interfere with the canoe’s yoke when you’re trying to carry it, making it difficult to get the canoe on and off your shoulders.
Weight Distribution: Hiking packs are primarily designed to carry weight on the hips and lower back, with load lifters and shoulder straps to bring the top of the pack closer to your body. This can make carrying a canoe, which primarily rests on your shoulders, uncomfortable or even unstable.
Fitting in the Canoe: Tall hiking packs can also pose a problem when loading them into the canoe, as they might catch the wind or not fit properly when fully stuffed.
Frames: Some hiking packs have metal frames, which will damage the inside of a Kevlar canoe, possibly creating a tear or a hole.
Alternatives for Portage:
Portage Packs: These packs are specifically designed for canoe trips and address the height issue by being shorter and wider, allowing for easier canoe carrying on your shoulders.
Dry Bags: Some canoeists prefer using dry bags or dry bag backpacks, especially if they are concerned about keeping their gear dry during a potential capsize. However, make sure these bags are comfortable enough to carry on your back during portages.
Dry Barrels: These waterproof containers can be a great option for canoe trips, offering robust protection for your gear and acting as a convenient way to organize items. They can be strapped into a harness for portaging.
Tips for Making a Hiking Backpack Work (if you choose this option):
Adjustments: If you must use a hiking backpack, pay close attention to adjusting the hipbelt, shoulder straps, and load lifters to shift the weight as low as possible and pull the top of the pack in close to your back. This will help with balance when carrying a canoe.
Practice: Try carrying the backpack with simulated load and the canoe (in a safe area) before your trip to ensure you can manage it comfortably.
Ultimately, while you can use a hiking backpack for portaging, a dedicated portage pack is generally the better option due to its design and how it facilitates carrying a canoe
Q: am I able to enter/exit @ Rockwood outfitter with permits for EP 47/48/49? It seems like that is the case but…
A: Yes, it you rent from Rockwood or pay to park
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Yes! If you rent Rockwood canoes or pay for parking.
OTHERWISE…
If you are simply looking to park for free and use your own gear, and are not planning on renting Rockwood gear or canoes, we ask that you use the public landing on Poplar lake. It’s just over 2 miles from Rockwood off of County Road 92; drive almost a mile on the paved road, watch for the signs.
Parking at Rockwood is limited by available space, and we charge $5 a day per vehicle, and $5 a day per trailer. Parking is free if you rent canoes; one vehicle or trailer per canoe rented. If you are staying in the bunkhouse, only the night you are in the bunkhouse is the parking free.
Entry points 47, 48 and 49 (Lizz, Meeds and Skipper) are on Poplar Lake, and so are we. You cannot drive to any of those entry points. The closest you can get is either Rockwood’s outfitting beach or the public landing off of County Road 92.
Q: Do you have bear barrels? Do we really need to hang our food in trees?
A: Yes, please hang your food
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We have a couple small bear canisters 11.5L (for comparison a blue food barrel is either 30L or 60L).
Requiring proper food storage is nothing new. We’ve had bear activity before, just swing your food from a tree. We recommend the blue food barrels because they reduce the smells, which is the bear’s primary tool. We can show you how to use a rope and pulley to get your food up off of the ground, away from camp.
Q: Do you have leeches? Do you have live bait?
A: Yes, Summer months
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Yes! We have leeches and crawlers from mid May through September. Leeches are $6/dozen and $30/half-pound, Nightcrawlers are $4/dozen. There’s an awesome bait shop in town called “Beaver House” and another one on the trail 2 miles from Rockwood called “The Ugly Baby”.
Q: Do we do transports? Hiking or Canoe? How much?
A: Yes, for canoe trips. Hiking please contact Superior by Nature
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Yes!
For entry points in the mid-Gunflint Trail area, transport starts at $50, additional charges for large groups or multiple trips; most are free with canoe rental. Rockwood is on Poplar Lake, so no transport needed for Entry Points 47, 48 or 49. Mid-Gunflint Trail includes entry points off of the Lima Grade (Bower Trout, Ram, Morgan), Bearskin Road, Clearwater Road, Hungry Jack Road, Gunflint Public Access (Magnetic and South Lake), Topper & South at Mayhew, Cross River, Round Lake (Brant & Missing Link EP).
Outside of mid-Gunflint trail including entry points at the end of the Gunflint Trail (Seagull, Saganaga) are better served by outfitters in that area.
Hiking transports for the Border Route Trail please contact Superior by Nature 218.387.4526
Tows are not available, either on Poplar Lake or other lakes. A tow, in this definition, is putting a canoe on a motor boat and transporting the canoe, people and gear to the entry point. Our three entry points on Poplar Lake are within a mile, making a tow much more trouble than it’s worth.
Q: Is there a Guide service available? Fishing or Boundary Waters?
A: Yes and no. There are fishing guides available, but not provided by Rockwood
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Yes and no…we have three fishing guides that we refer people to, and they are quick to answer questions via phone calls. They are for hire and you can plan trips with them: Jessica Berg-Collman 218-370-1297, Chad Kieper 218-387-6070 and Little Vince 218-388-9942 .
Many people complete their first boundary waters trips without any guide. At Rockwood we can set you up with everything you need and make sure you know where you are going and how to use the equipment. Read this to get started: trip planning guide.
There’s an awesome guide service available through Rockwood called “Border Lakes Tour Company” – their trips are designed to meet your comfort level. They can range from easy to challenging based on the type of experience you are seeking. Your guide will discuss this with you and find the right hike or canoe route to meet your needs.
If you just need help getting started, finding the portages / campsites, learning how to canoe or set up a tent, that’s all free and included in the cost of renting a canoe!
Q: I don’t think I’m ready for a trip in the Wilderness. What’s available for me?
A: Don’t count yourself short, there’s a lot of options, one may suit you
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Click here for a list of things to do in the area besides the BWCAW…
Before you write it off completely, try day trips” and see if you indeed have the chops necessary to enjoy the wilderness. Rent one of our cabins for a couple of nights, and spend the day in the Boundary Waters! Bring a lunch, paddle a couple of lakes in, and return to spend the night in a real bed.
I think you’ll be amazed at your own abilities and will be itching to try a longer, overnight trip in the Boundary Waters. My recommendation is to find a couple of friends / family that have a similar interest and put the power of a group into this experience. Also, learn how to portage a canoe (hint: Kevlar canoes weigh 2/3rds the weight of an aluminum canoe) because canoes are often lighter than some packs!
If you are unable to convince others to join, consider a solo trip into the BWCAW. We have an “inReach SE” device available for rent that allows worried families back home to watch your progress on a web page, and gives you two-way texting over Satellite communication. It also makes your smartphone into a great GPS for navigation, and easier texting to loved ones. Send more than “I’m okay”, and get real feedback to know your message is received.
We have four solo canoes and all the smaller, lighter gear you need to make it as easy as possible. Let us provide and pack the gear (and food) and you don’t even have to do planning!
Q: I’ve got a lot of gear but I’m not sure if I’m ready for a BWCAW adventure...
A: We have gear for rent to fill in the pieces
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We rent all the gear you need to fill in the pieces. We offer routing service and planning, and have three different brands of waterproof canoe maps for our areas. We can show you how to use all the gear, even those crazy tents and propane stoves, safely. We love this area and think you will, too.
Q: How often do you wash your sleeping bags?
A: Between each use
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All of our sleeping bags are freshly laundered between uses.
Q: There’s no signs in the BWCAW? Won’t I get lost? I’m not good with maps and compass…
A: We can help! It’s not that difficult to find your way in the BWCAW with a good map
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We can help you practice. Orientation with the maps we sell are based on finding campsites and portages on the map and then in front of you in the real world. It’s pretty simple once you get the connection; the red dot on the map for the campsite is a clearing with a fire grill in it. The red dashed lines that indicate portages is the only break in the trees on the side of the lake, and it’s really dark where the portage goes into the woods. The sun comes up in the East and sets in the West. 🙂 And there are other canoers out there who want to help you find that next portage!
We have a great post that describes what portages are: https://www.rockwoodbwca.com/portages/
Additionally, you can use Google Offline Maps to stay in the know. Your smart phone has a built in GPS and Google maps works just fine with no internet, IF you download the maps before you leave Wifi. Ask, and someone at Rockwood will show you this handy FREE feature!
Q: What is a RABC – how can I paddle into Canada?
A: Remote area border crossing
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The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program facilitates the border clearance process for certain travellers who wish to cross the border into Canada in certain remote areas. Permit holders do not need to physically present themselves at a port of entry. Official website is here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/canpass/rabc-pfre/menu-eng.html
Here’s a nice article that summarizes this process: https://northernwilds.com/remote-area-border-crossing-permit/
Q: How do people contact each other in the BWCAW? Do I need a satellite phone? Why can’t I be connected?
A: The options are growing each season, but most cell phones don’t work
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You can have internet in the Boundary Waters, but you’ll pay a premium to have a satellite connection. There is no cell service in our section of the BWCAW, although some sections between Poplar and Gunflint can get “AT&T” connections. We do rent the inReach SE, so you can text with your family and they can see a GPS map of your location. You can rent satellite phones and have them delivered here the day before your entry date.
Newer iPhones and androids can connect to satellites. It’s the beginning stages and isn’t as reliable as a dedicated satellite device like an inReach. BUT: We’ve tested our iPhone 16s in many different areas and they’ve always worked…
Most people, however, just simply tell us their route, and we know when to expect you. While you are mostly isolated from other groups in the wilderness, there will be canoes that pass by your campsite several times a day. If you overstay your exit date, we’ll check with other canoers in the area and begin a search! In the event of a dire emergency, (usually unforeseen medical) there are several volunteer and government agencies that rescue people in the BWCAW. Usually this is very disruptive to everyone in the area because they often have to use motors to conduct the rescue, so only actual emergencies should be declared.
Q: Drones? Sails? Emergency radios? What are the dos and don’ts of the BWCAW?
A: Just say no to drones
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Drones and any kind of Mechanized propulsion––even sails, are not allowed in the boundary waters.
I like having a small emergency radio to listen to forecasts in the BWCAW (our outfitters have some to rent). You often have to bring a length of wire to get a clear signal, but it’s helpful when you see a wall of clouds approaching and need information.
Q: Do you sell fishing licenses? Can I pick up my BWCA permit at Rockwood?
A: Yes, and yes – but you can do both online before you get here
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We can sell fishing licenses through MN DNR’s website. We can print those licenses on 8.5×11 waterproof paper, but they don’t look like the small thermal waterproof licenses sold at Holiday, so if you want a small one visit a Holiday station-store on the way up. If you’ve never had a fishing license before we’ll probably need your social security number.
BWCAW overnight permits (both canoe and hiking) can be printed here. You’ll need to designate “Cooperator-Rockwood Lodge & Outfitters” when booking your permit, or you can log back in to recreation.gov and change the pickup location. You’ll need to watch the same three videos and go through the same quiz that you would at the Forest Service. The first video is watched when you make the reservation, the next is a few days before you travel to the BWCAW, and the third is watched here or at the Ranger station. Prices have changed slightly; $6 for the permit, $16 for each adult, $8 for kids 17 and under, and there are discounts for senior citizens. Group size is limited to 9 people and 4 watercraft, NO MATTER how many permits you may have.
We can issue motor permits as well, because in certain parts of the BWCAW it’s legal to have a motorized boat.
Day permits are no cost and available at the front desk and at the Outfitters. Again, we ask guests to follow all the rules of ‘leave no trace’.
Q: Do you have parking? When is parking included in the cost?
A: We get very crowded in the Summer, but some can park for $5/day
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Parking at Rockwood is $5 / day / vehicle, and $5/day for trailers. If you rent canoes with us, we allow you to park your vehicle during your trip into the BWCAW for no charge, one vehicle per canoe. For those just using the bunkhouse, only the night of your bunkhouse stay is free parking, you’ll need to pay to park when you are in the BWCAW. If you decide to park at Rockwood, we’ll ask to hold on to your keys. If you want to bring your keys into the Boundary Waters, there’s free parking at the Public Access on the West end of Poplar.
Q: Stand Up Paddle Boards in the BWCAW? How does that work?
A: Great idea! We have two if you want to try
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In 2018 I was introduced to the idea of using Stand Up Paddleboards in the BWCAW. Basically you strap your gear to the front and back of the paddle board and head on in. They have created a yoke that doubles as a seat so you can carry your paddle board above your head on the portages, so you can see your feet and not trip on rocks. The two paddle boards we have at Rockwood are not set up for trips into the BWCAW. Check with Silver Creek Paddle in Minneapolis for more information, a blog with details, and SUPs made for trips. Here’s a video from one of their trips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9EweV2WTuM