Camping In Voyageurs National Park

For campers, Voyageurs National Park is like Lambeau Field for Green Bay Packer fans. Thousands of acres of pristine wilderness beckon to those who love waking up to the call of loons, brewing coffee over a fire and discovering endless Instagram-worthy lake views. All Voyageur National Park (VNP) campsites are accessible only by boat, which is one of the reasons they are so beloved by campers. When you pitch a tent on Rainy, you experience the singular solitude of nature.
Here’s everything you need to know about camping in VNP:

Where to Camp
Campsites are divided into two categories: front country, which includes Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane lakes; and back country, which includes the Chain of Lakes and other interior lakes. Front country tent campsites are accessible only by boat and have a maximum stay of14 consecutive days or no more than 30 in a calendar year. Backcountry tent campsites are accessible by boating to a trailhead and hiking in and have a maximum stay of 7 days in a calendar year. You can reserve canoes and row boats for back country use at www.recreation.gov.
Maximum group size: small campsite - 9, large campsite - 18, group campsite - 30, canoe permit - 3, rowboat permit - 3

Make a Reservation
In order to maintain the beauty and health of the park, rangers have established more than 270 sites for visitors to enjoy, including those for houseboats and day use, as well as campsites. These areas are clearly designated with signs on shorelines and maps. Camping is not permitted except in the developed sites, and visitors must make reservations beforehand at www.recreation.gov. The reservation fee is $10, with an additional amenity fee during high season (May 1 - September 30) ranging from $16 for a small site to $35 for a group site. For step-by-step instructions, go to Making a Campsite Reservation or call 1-877-444-6777. Once you’ve made your reservation, print the permit to display in the waterproof box at your designated campsite. Arrival time is 3 p.m., and departure time is Noon.

Etiquette and Amenities
Many of the campsite in the park have amenities such as privies, tent pads, picnic tables, food lockers and fire rings. In addition to using these, visitors can help keep the park pristine for future trips by following the “Leave No Trace” principles, which include:   

• Hike on established park trails and camp only at designated campsites.
• Pack out what you pack in and leave the campsite in better condition than when you arrived.
• Leave all plants, animals and rocks as you find them.
• Respect all historic structures in the park and leave historical artifacts in place.
• Only use dead wood found on the ground.
• Respect other visitor's quality experience.
• Observe wildlife from a distance.
• Control your pets on a leash at all times.
• Avoid wildlife during nesting periods.

​
By planning your Voyageurs camping trip in advance and following some basic guidelines, you help ensure your time in the park is memorable and enjoyable for everyone.  ​​Do you have a favorite memory from camping in Voyageurs National Park? Let us know in the comments down below!