Map showing campground location near Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Camper submitted image from Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest

Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest

Paddlers preparing for extended trips into Voyageurs National Park use this basic state forest campground as a staging area. Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest sits just outside the national park boundary, providing convenient access to the Ash River Visitor Center and boat launch down the road.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis from May through November, with sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits but no electrical hookups. Shade trees dot the area, though privacy between sites remains limited. Clean pit toilets and a hand pump well provide basic facilities, though early-season water quality may vary. Campers frequently encounter deer wandering through the sites, while wolves can be heard howling in the distance during evening hours. For additional camping options in the region, explore places to camp around Kabetogama State Forest.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

Duluth to Glacier National Park: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest is located in Minnesota

Directions

From Orr take U.S. 53 (N) 26 mi. to Ash River Rd. (Co. Rd. 126); turn right (E) 10 mi.

Coordinates

48.40625542 N
92.81452518 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/4/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/4/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/4/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/4/26

Access

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add Access Type

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Drinking Water
Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 29 min from Duluth, MN
4 hrs 7 min from Grand Forks, ND
4 hrs 27 min from St. Cloud, MN
4 hrs 28 min from Fargo, ND

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Dylan S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

Family tradition

Every since I was a baby, my family has been camping on Ash River. The local business owners are extremely friendly and helpful. The wildlife here is amazing. Every night you can hear wolves off in the distance howling. More then one occasion I have woken up to deer walking through the campgrounds. There is a boat launch just down the road from from the campground and the shoreline across the road is perfect for parking your boat for the weekend. Definitely a must visit!

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed May. 23, 2017

Perfect campground to stage your Voyageurs paddling journey

Located just outside of Voyageurs National Park and a quick drive to the Ash River Visitor Center and boat launch, this campground is a perfect spot to get set-up for a long distance paddle/canoe trip. We stayed the night before we launched on a 6 day trip and had the place to ourselves just after the season opened in early May. Shade trees are scattered throughout the campground, but not much privacy. Can be hot, muggy, and buggy in the summer months; spring and fall can be chilly, but gorgeous and uncrowded.

Nothing fancy and no electricity available, but large sites with picnic tables, firepits, and clean pit toilets. Water is available via the well pump, but was very rusty at the beginning of the season. Could improve with time, but we chose not to drink it -- would suggest bringing your own just in case. First come, first served – pay onsite with cash/check. Fee $14.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Ash River Campground?

Ash River Campground offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities. The campground provides standard campsites in a natural setting that's perfect for those looking to connect with nature. While specific facilities aren't extensive, the campground's value lies in its serene environment and proximity to outdoor activities. The area is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities - campers can often hear wolves howling in the distance at night, and it's not uncommon to see deer wandering through the campground in the early morning hours.

Where is Ash River Campground located in Kabetogama State Forest?

Ash River Campground is strategically located just outside of Voyageurs National Park in Kabetogama State Forest. Its prime location offers quick and convenient access to the Ash River Visitor Center and boat launch, making it an ideal base camp for visitors planning paddling or canoe adventures in the area. The campground's proximity to both the state forest and national park provides campers with numerous recreational opportunities while maintaining a peaceful forest setting.

Is Ash River Falls accessible from the Ash River Campground?

Yes, Ash River Falls is accessible from the campground. The Ash River Visitor Center, which provides access to various trails and viewpoints including Ash River Falls, is just a quick drive from the campground. This convenient proximity makes the campground an excellent choice for those wanting to explore the falls and other natural features in the area. The short distance to these attractions allows campers to easily plan day trips while using the campground as their base for overnight stays.

Keep Exploring