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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | More Than 1,500 Boundary Waters Campsites Reopen as Wildfires Continue Burning
The U.S. Forest Service has entered the seventh phase of reopening the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. More than 1,500 campsites are now accessible, but active fires and continuing recovery work are keeping other areas closed.
DULUTH, MN (August 13, 2026) More than 1,500 campsites in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are open again Thursday as the U.S. Forest Service continues a phased reopening following weeks of closures caused by wildfires in northeastern Minnesota.
The seventh reopening phase took effect August 13 and restores public access to entry points around Big Moose Lake and Big Lake.
The Boundary Waters contains more than 2,000 campsites across approximately one million acres. Although most sites have reopened, hundreds remain inaccessible because of active fires, firefighting operations and damage requiring inspection or repair.
Entry points reopening under the latest phase include Big Lake in the Kawishiwi Ranger District and Moose River South, Little Indian Sioux River South, Norway Trail and Big Moose Trail in the LaCroix Ranger District.
The wilderness was closed in July after thunderstorms beginning July 7 ignited more than 25 fires across the Superior National Forest. Extremely dry vegetation, high temperatures and strong winds caused some fires to spread quickly and unpredictably.
The Forest Service temporarily closed the entire Boundary Waters on July 14 to protect visitors and emergency crews. Access has since been restored incrementally as conditions improved and firefighters established greater control around affected areas.
The Camp, Bear Trap, Sioux and Thumb fires continue affecting portions of the forest. Firefighters remain engaged in suppression work, and Forest Service personnel are assessing portages, campsites and other facilities.
Some areas contain hazardous standing or fallen trees. Other locations require replacement of latrines and repairs to portage trails or related infrastructure before visitors may safely return. The agency said some restoration work could continue into winter.
The Forest Service is advising travelers to consult current closure maps rather than assuming that an entire route has reopened. Visitors should also review weather forecasts, fire conditions and permit information before beginning a trip.
Because the Boundary Waters is remote, travelers should be self-sufficient, leave a detailed itinerary with relatives or friends and carry more than one method of emergency communication when possible.
Open areas could be closed again if fire behavior, weather or public-safety conditions deteriorate.
The reopening provides relief for outfitters, resorts and other northeastern Minnesota businesses affected by cancellations during the height of the summer tourism season. However, continued restrictions mean the economic and operational effects of the wildfires are not over.
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