You may now reserve BWCAW permits for the 2014 summer season on a first come first served basis. Permits are required for all day and overnight visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Permits do not reserve a campsite, but rather grant access to a particular entry point. Booking ahead and paying a fee is not necessary from October 1, 2014 – April 30, 2015 and is not subject to a quota.
During this time you may pick up a day permit (non-quota) at designated issuing stations the day of or the day before entry. Similarly, during the summer season, day permits can be obtained in the same fashion. However, overnight permits are required for the summer months and quotas can fill early, possibly spoiling canoeing opportunities if paddlers have not planned ahead. Reservations can be made at http://www.recreation.gov.