Where can I camp in the park?

Voyageurs National Park maintains over 200 developed campsites which are dispersed throughout the park.  All campsites within the park are accessible by boat only.

Where can I camp near the park if I do not have a boat?

Minnesota operates two state forest campgrounds that are adjacent to Voyageurs National Park. 

The Woodenfrog State Forest Campground provides spaces for tent and recreational vehicle camping.  The campground is located on the shore of Kabetogama Lake.  A boat launch and swimming beach are available that provide immediate access to the waters of Voyageurs National Park.

A smaller campground is available in the community of Ash River, which is also a gateway to Voyageurs National Park.

Highway 53 provides access to both the Ash River and Kabetogama communities.

Is the park open year-round?

Yes, the park is open year-round.

During the warmer months most visitors come to enjoy the interconnected lakes and island campsites in the park. Fishing, houseboating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and exploring the park are popular activities.

During the winter months the park is a popular place for winter sports enthusiasts. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are all enjoyed in the park once the surface of the lakes has frozen to sufficient depth to allow safe travel over the ice.

During late Fall and early Spring the park can be difficult to access while the lakes are in the process of either freezing or melting. There are a few trails that can be accessed by car, although actual trail conditions during late fall and early spring vary greatly from year to year. Call in advance for current conditions.

Do I need  a permit to visit Voyageurs National Park?

A free permit is required for overnight stays in the park.  Permits are available at the park's Rainy Lake, Ash River and Kabetogama Lake visitor centers.  Permits are also available at self-registration stations at each of the park's free public boat lauches.

What kind of wildlife will I have the chance to see at the park?

Although no two visits are ever alike, people traveling through Voyageurs National Park have the opportunity to spot a wide range of animals native to the northern United States.

Wolves and moose are the two species most commonly sought, and less frequently seen.  Black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles and common loons are more commonly spotted by park visitors.

Is there anything I need to know about visiting bear country?

In order to minimize the chance that a bear will visit your picnic or campsite, be sure to keep all food, garbage, and other scented items stored properly.

All developed campsites in the park are equipped with a metal food storage locker.  Place all groceries, pet food, lotions, toothpaste, sunscreen, and garbage in the locker to keep it away from bears and other curious park animals.

If you are staying in an area without a food locker, you should hang your food, garbage and other scented items from a tree branch at least ten feet up from the ground, ten feet out from the trunk, and four feet down from the branch.  Check at a visitor center if you have any questions.