Voyageurs National Park: Camping in Northern Minnesota

Are you looking for the perfect place to have a unique camping experience?

Voyageurs National Park is an amazing destination with hundreds of lakes, bays, and islands that are just waiting for you to explore. There are plenty of exciting activities such as fishing and boating, but also peaceful hikes around serene shorelines where you can take in gorgeous views. You don’t even have to bring your own gear.

So what makes this park so special? Well, it features 8 remote wilderness campsites accessible only by boat giving visitors the chance to disconnect from civilization and rest under the stars surrounded by nature.

We know how precious family memories mean so let’s help make yours extra special. Voyageurs National Park is something memorable that will stay with both you and your children throughout life guaranteeing their eyes light up every time they remember it!

Plus there are dozens of opportunities for outdoor recreation including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more - so everyone in the family can find something enjoyable to do while making great memories together.

Book a campsite today at Voyageurs National Park because one trip here could change everything!

Get your free downloadable camping checklist here!

Voyageurs National Park - A brief History

Voyageurs National Park is one of America's few true wilderness parks, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the untamed beauty of northern Minnesota. Located on the Canadian border, the park features pristine lakes, dense forests, and abundant wildlife that make it an ideal destination for outdoor recreation.

Voyageurs National Park was established in 1975 to protect the region’s unique wilderness, with its name coming from the fur traders who first explored the area in the late 17th and 18th centuries. Today, this special place offers opportunities for a wide variety of activities, including fishing, boating, camping and hiking.

The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are milder and bugs are at a minimum. During these times, visitors can enjoy stunning views of autumn foliage or witness a magical spring bloom in full display making it a perfect time for exploration.

Voyageur country offers four picturesque seasons. From a temperate June through August to an average of 120 frost free season averages from mid-June until September, this region provides plenty of gorgeous weather for enjoying the outdoors. The annual precipitation and snowfall vary greatly year by year; with typical rainfalls ranging between 25-28 inches, while snow accumulates at 55–70 inches throughout late October until early May - so don't forget your winter parka on those excursions. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a peaceful escape from everyday life, Voyageurs National Park is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Visitor's Centers - First Stop

Voyageurs National Park is home to an amazing three visitor centers that provide visitors with the information and resources they need to explore the area.

Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

The Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center is located at the northern tip of the park along the Kabetogama Peninsula. Here, visitors can learn more about the diverse wildlife which inhabits this remote and stunning location. The center houses an interpretive program where visitors can learn about traditional Ojibwe lifestyles.

Rainy Lake Visitor Center

On the south end of Rainy Lake is the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, which offers a wealth of information on park activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The center also has interactive exhibits to help enhance your understanding of this precious wilderness.

Ash River Visitor Center

Lastly, there’s Ash River Visitor Center, located near mile marker 19 in the northeastern corner of the park. Here you'll find an extensive collection of artifacts from Native American culture as well as programs about early exploration in Voyageurs National Park. Voyageurs National Park provides an incredible opportunity for exploration and discovery. Each of these amazing visitor centers ensures that everyone can get the most out of their visit.

Bear Country Care

Voyageurs National Park is home to many species of wildlife, including black bears and grizzly bears. While exploring the park, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe in bear country.

Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and keep a close eye on children while hiking and camping. Keep food stored properly in bear-proof containers when not in use and never leave food unattended. This will reduce the chances of encountering a bear. Make noise when entering an area where you may encounter a bear, as this will alert them of your presence and allow them time to avoid contact with humans.

If you find yourself face-to-face with a bear, do not panic – stand your ground, speak firmly, and slowly back away until the bear leaves the area. Never run from a bear or attempt to corner it – doing so could result in an aggressive reaction from the animal.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy all that Voyageurs National Park has to offer without having to worry about coming into contact with bears while out in nature!

What You Can See

Voyageurs National Park is a remote, quiet paradise situated in Northern Minnesota. Visitors can explore over 218,000 acres of interconnected waterways, islands, and forests that make up the park. Stretching from International Falls to Crane Lake, Voyageurs offers an array of natural wonders including Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and more.

Ellsworth Rock Gardens

One highlight of the park is the Ellsworth Rock Gardens - an area with stunning cliffs hundreds of feet high and lined with ancient lava flows. Here visitors can hike along marked paths and admire unique rock formations while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Northern Lights

In addition to its awe-inspiring beauty, Voyageurs also offers some of nature's most spectacular shows such as Northern Lights that paint the night sky with shades of green and yellow during certain times of the year. It's truly a sight to behold!

Voyageurs Dark Skies

Voyageurs National Park is one of very few places in the United States where visitors can experience true darkness, unmarred by artificial light. Known as Voyageurs Dark Skies, this hidden corner of the park offers a chance to observe the night sky in its natural brilliance.

As a designated Dark Sky Park, Voyageurs provides visitors with an unforgettable opportunity to take in an unfiltered view of the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe. During special nighttime ranger programs, visitors can use powerful telescopes to gain an even deeper appreciation for the night sky. Voyageurs Dark Skies is truly awe-inspiring! It's a place where you can get lost in wonder and admiration for the beauty of nature and the universe beyond.

Anglers can also take advantage of plentiful fishing areas as well as observe birds like loons and eagles in their natural habitats. Enjoy a day out exploring all the park has to offer - from its majestic lakeside vistas to its diverse wildlife.

Voyageurs National Park Camping (Or, Voyager National Park Camping...)

Voyageurs National Park is a stunning outdoor paradise, located in northern Minnesota. From large group sites to backcountry camping, there are many options for anyone looking to explore this incredible park with all but primitive sites having tent pads.

• Large Campsite: These sites are perfect for groups looking for a comfortable and convenient camping experience. Many feature well-maintained campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, as well as vault toilets and potable water. Some also offer full hookups for electricity and water along with access to showers or laundry facilities.
• Country Campsites: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Voyageurs has plenty of country campsites available. These sites provide campers with the basics; most include a picnic table, fire ring, and a pit toilet but do not have running water or electricity.
• Small Campsite: There are numerous small campsites spread throughout the park offering remote settings ideal for quiet reflection. These sites often have basic amenities such as a few picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets; however, they have no access to running water or electricity.
• Backcountry Campsite: Accessible only by boat or hiking trails, Voyageur’s backcountry campsites offer campers the most secluded of experiences while visiting the park. All supplies must be brought in by canoe or on foot, so remember to pack light! Overnight guests may stay at a designated backcountry campsite or set up camp wherever permitted along the shoreline.

RV Camping

Visiting Voyageurs National Park is a truly unique experience. With its breathtaking views and endless possibilities for adventure, it's no wonder why so many travelers flock to the area during the summer. Fortunately, if you pull your camp with you, there are several RV parks nearby that cater to those looking for a comfortable way to explore the landscape. If not within, there are many options for RV campgrounds near Voyageurs National Park to accommodate.

Rainy Lake Campground and RV Park

One option is Rainy Lake Campground and RV Park, located just outside of International Falls, Minnesota. This campground offers full hook-up sites with electric, water, and sewer access on beautiful Rainy Lake. There are also plenty of amenities such as fishing docks, a convenience store, laundry facilities, and even boat rentals available onsite. Guests can also enjoy an array of outdoor activities ranging from biking trails to hiking paths in the surrounding area.

Kabetogama Lake Marina & Resort

Another option for camping near Voyageurs National Park is Kabetogama Lake Marina & Resort located on Kabetogama Lake in Northern Minnesota. This full-service resort boasts over 100 RV sites including spacious waterfront lots and pull-through sites with electric and water hookups as well as picnic benches and fire pits overlooking the lake. Amenities available include showers and restrooms, laundry facilities, and dockside fuel pumps in addition to fishing boats, kayaks and SUPs for rent so you can get out on the lake. Also home to Lake Kabetogama Campgrounds.

Ash River Trail Campground & RV Park

Finally, Ash River Trail Campground & RV Park provides another great choice for visitors to Voyageurs National Park who want access to all the modern conveniences while still being immersed in nature’s beauty. Located along Ash River Trail just minutes away from Kabetogama Lake and Voyageurs National Park visitor center, this family-friendly campground offers 20 RV sites with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer plus picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Additionally, they have a general store that sells just about everything you need for your stay including souvenirs, bait & tackle supplies as well as boat rental options like canoes or pontoon boats.

What You Can Do

For those looking for outdoor recreation, there are multiple boat tours available that take visitors around the park’s waterways. On these tours, visitors can observe wildlife such as bald eagles, loons, otters, and more as they cruise through the calm waters of Voyageurs National Park.

Additionally, visitors who wish to explore the park themselves can rent a motorboat or canoe and paddle their own way around the waterway system using a boat ramp located nearby. Fishing opportunities abound in the park with plenty of walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and other various species awaiting anglers.

Hikers will enjoy exploring over 30 miles of trails throughout Voyageurs National Park that range from short loops to extended backcountry hikes. Here hikers will discover diverse topography including wetlands, boreal forests, and rolling hills along with viewpoints and overlooks offering spectacular views of the landscape from above. Camping is also available in several areas within the park for those wanting a longer stay amongst nature to accompany their hike.

Some other activities include swimming in one of three designated beaches where visitors can find relief from the summer heat; educational programs that teach about history and ecology; kayaking; wildlife viewing via ATV or snowmobile; photography opportunities; and astronomy programs where members of the public can learn about constellations visible during an evening sky watch.

Visiting Voyageurs National Park guarantees hours of entertainment all while discovering a unique wilderness area located in Minnesota's northwoods country.

Final Thoughts

With that, we have only scratched the surface in discussing the beauty of Voyageurs National Park and what it has to offer campers and nature lovers alike. There is nothing quite like enjoying the great outdoors, where you can disconnect from technology and work worries, breathe in the fresh air and revel in the scenic views.

So, do some research, pack up your equipment, and enjoy a camping adventure this summer in Northern Minnesota. You won’t regret spending time admiring the breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, starlit skies, and undisturbed nature that Minnesotans are lucky enough to have access to at Voyageurs National Park. After all, making memories with those closest to you is something that money cannot buy; this outdoor experience will remain with you for years to come.

We strongly advise anyone seeking such an unforgettable journey should visit Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota and add it to their own camping adventures. If your interest has been sparked by this article, why not consider subscribing so you can follow along as I continue my voyage through all things outdoors? Until then, take care, and happy trails!

~Ron