Are you planning a tent camping trip to Birchdale? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Birchdale, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Birchdale, Minnesota's most popular destinations.
** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **
All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
All camping types require a reservation/permit
Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs
Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
** All frontcountry and backcountry campsites require travel by private watercraft or water taxi to access. Click on any campsite name when searching sites to view boating distances. ** Voyageurs National Park has 147 frontcountry, 14 backcountry, and 2 primitive campsites for visitors wanting an authentic northwoods camping experience. [PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES][1] (Red Pine & Blueberry Ridge) are the only campsites that are located on the mainland and DO NOT require a boat to access. They are hike-in sites along the Kab-Ash Trail and are equipped only with fire rings and cleared areas for tents. [Leave No Trace Principles][2] apply in these areas. [FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPSITES][3] are located on the large lakes (Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sandpoint). You can boat directly to them from any park visitor center boat ramp. They offer fire rings, tent pads, picnic tables, bear lockers for safe food storage, and outdoor privies. Use the Build Itinerary button to plan a frontcountry camping trip. [BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES][4] are located on the park's interior lakes and offer a more remote and secluded camping experience consisting of fire rings, tenting areas, an outdoor privy, a bear pole for safe food storage, and a canoe. These sites first require travel by private watercraft or local water taxi service to a remote trailhead and then hiking up to several miles to the backcountry lakes. All backcountry campsite reservations include the use of one canoe and an access code will be provided in your confirmation email. Some campsites can be hiked to directly while others require paddling after hiking. Canoes on backcountry lakes are provided by the park and remain stationed at these lakes. Personal watercrafts of any kind can not be portaged into backcountry. Use the Build Itinerary button to plan a backcountry camping trip. Chain of Lakes (Locator, War Club, Quill, and Loiten Lakes): Reservations at these sites automatically include one canoe because a canoe is required to reach them. In this area only, up to 2 additional canoes can be added on a first come, first served basis. Shoepack & Little Shoepack Lakes: The campsites on these two lakes come reserved together (for the cost of one) because the one canoe on Little Shoepack is required to reach the campsite on Little Shoepack and/or the portage to Shoepack Lake. Shoepack Lake has its own separate canoe - please leave the canoes on their respective lakes. Ek, Agnes, Jorgens, Quarter Line, Cruiser, Brown, Peary, Oslo and Ryan Lakes: These backcountry campsites can be hiked to directly after boating to a trailhead and have one canoe located at each site. DAY USE BACKCOUNTRY CANOE RENTALS: The Chain of Lakes is the only backcountry area with an additional inventory of canoes that are available for single day use. Use of these canoes first requires travel by private watercraft or local water taxi service to the Locator trailhead, and then hiking two miles to where the rental canoes are stationed. To reserve a day use canoe in the Chain of Lakes area, click on the Reserve Day Use Rentals button or scroll further down on this page to view canoe options and availability. To use the canoe at any other backcountry site for day use, that campsite must be reserved for one overnight. DAY USE & VISITOR DESTINATION SITES: With 27 Day Use sites and 7 Visitor Destination sites, Voyageurs National Park has plenty of areas to enjoy for visitors who are out for a day trip on the lakes. Each Day Use site has picnic tables, fire rings and vault privies, while the Visitor Destination sites offer short trails with wayside exhibits, picnic areas and comfort stations. No reservations are required for Day Use or Destination sites. You can view a map of day use sites [here][5] . Keep Voyageurs National Park Wild for Future Generations: [The Voyageurs Conservancy][6] is the park's official nonprofit partner representing a community of people who care about the ongoing stewardship of Voyageurs National Park. VNPA works to fund projects and programs that will help sustain the park's waters, wild character, and visitor experience for generations to come. [Become a member today][7] , follow them on [Facebook ][8] and [Instagram][9] , or [sign up for their e-newsletter][10] .
From spring through fall, explore Voyageurs National Park on land by stopping in at a visitor center or hiking any of our 52 miles (84 km) of scenic hiking trails. To explore the vastness of the same lakes the Voyageurs and Ojibwe Indians once traversed, leave your car behind and explore park waters by kayak, canoe, sailboat, motorboat, houseboat or tour boat. Public boat launch ramps are available at park visitor centers, the Crane Lake ranger station and the two state forest campgrounds - Woodenfrog and Ash River. With scheduled programs and boat tours, you can paddle a canoe on the Voyageurs Highway, watch wildlife by day and stars by night, and explore historic Kettle Falls Hotel, Hoist Bay and Ellsworth Rock Gardens. Check the [Things to Do][11] page on the park website for a current list of these activities and many more, or speak with a park ranger at one of the Voyageurs National Park visitor centers. Many of our programs offer reservations. Visit the [Voyageurs National Park Tours][12] or the [Voyageurs National Park Special Interpretive Programs][13] pages (reservations are highly recommended for boat tours).
Voyageurs National Park is a land and water environment of great beauty, exceptional natural and cultural resources, and abundant recreational opportunities. Located in the lake-country of northern Minnesota, the park protects 218,054 acres (88,243 ha) that include roughly 134,000 acres (54,227 ha) of forest, 84,000 acres (33,993 ha) of water, 655-miles (1,054 km) of undeveloped shoreline, and hundreds of islands. The park's 55-mile (89 km) northern boundary is the international border between the United States and Canada and includes an important segment of the "transcontinental highway" traversed by French-Canadian voyageurs during the late 1700s and early 1800s. There are four distinct seasons in Voyageur country. The air is mild during June, July, and August when periods of fine, warm weather prevail. The frost-free season averages 120 days from June to mid-September. The average ice-out date is May 3 but varies year to year. Annual precipitation (rain and snow) averages 25-28 inches (63-71 cm) in the park and average snowfall ranges from 55-70 inches (140-180 cm), but is highly variable. The first measurable snowfall occurs in late October and the last in late April or early May.
Unique attractions near Voyaguers National Park: [The City of International Falls][14] sits on the U.S.-Canada borde r, across from Fort Frances, Ontario. You can have a picnic lunch in Smokey Bear Park, and then tour the Bronko Nagurski Museam and Koochiching County Historical Museum, which both sit on site. Don't forget to take a photo with the 26-foot statue of Smokey the Bear himself - a well-known and beloved national symbol of fire prevention and forest conservation. There are many unique businesses and shops along main street, as well as some great coffee shops and restaurants. Heading eastward out of town, you will pass the village of Ranier and numerous resorts where you can find delicious lake-side dining, fishing guides, hotel and cabin accomodations, houseboat rental companies and much more. [The Historic Port Village of Ranier][15] is a quaint little community situa ted right where Rainy Lake empties into the Rainy River underneath a cantilever-style train bridge that spans from the U.S. into Canada. Here you will find lodging, an RV park, a park and playground, a public beach, public docks, delicous food, an ice cream parlor and a lakeside brewpub, all packed into one small charming town of about 150 residents. Be sure to take a photo with Big Vic, the 25-foot (8 m) tall statue of a French-Canadian voyageur, who stands at the entrance to this unique little town. The communites of [Kabetogama][16] , and [Ash River][17] , and [Crane Lake][18] are located 30 to 60 miles south of International Falls, and serve as gateways to the southern district Voyageurs National Park. Be sure to stop and take a photo of yourself "riding" the walleye statue at the entrance to Kabetogama on Highway 53.
For facility specific information, please call (218) 283-6650.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations and/or modifications to an existing reservation can easily be made online via your recreation.gov account. Log in to your account, click on your name in the upper right, and select My Reservations. Click on the "Modify or Cancel" button next to the reservation needing to be changed. The national recreation.gov call center at (877) 444-6777 can also assist. You cannot call a park office to cancel a reservation. THE FOLLOWING FEES APPLY: Reservation system fee of $10 charged at time of reservation is non-refundable Any change (i.e. trip dates, campsite) to your reservation more than 3 days prior to your trip: No charge Any change (i.e. trip dates, campsite) to your reservation less than 3 days prior to your trip: $10 service fee per Cancel reservation more than 3 days prior to arrival date: additional $10 cancellation fee; receive refund of remaining amenity fees Cancel reservation less than 3 days prior to arrival date: additional $10 cancellation fee + forfeit first nights fee; receive refund of remaining amenity fees Once permit has been printed: No refund; printing your permit confirms your reservation and must be done within 5 days of your trip start date from the My Reservations section of your recreation.gov account Once trip dates have started: No refund; if you are unable to make your trip, cancel your reservation in the My Reservations section of your recreation.gov account before your trip start date to be eligible for a refund
$10 / night
** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **
All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
All camping types require a reservation/permit
Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs
Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **
All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
All camping types require a reservation/permit
Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs
Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
** Voyageurs is a water-based national park **
All campsite types (except primitive) require a watercraft
All camping types require a reservation/permit
Lakes can remain ice-covered until mid-May, but ice-out dates vary greatly
Lakes typically begin to freeze up in November
Before winter camping, always check the most recent trails report when venturing onto the ice
The Basics of a Frontcountry Camping Trip in Voyageurs
Do some research: Frontcountry campsites can be as far as 27 miles away from the nearest boat launch, so be sure to select sites that are within a safe distance to travel for your level of navigation experience and type/size of watercraft.
Make a reservation: Once you're ready to make a reservation, go to the Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits page on recreation.gov. Here you can view campsite info and photos, search for campsite availability, and build an itinerary. Use these step-by-step instructions to make your reservation. You can also call Recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777.
Print your permit within 5 days of your trip start date by logging into your recreation.gov account and selecting Reservations from the menu. Click on the Print Permit button next to the correct trip. This button is disabled until 5 days before your trip. It can also be helpful to have a digital copy/screenshot on your phone to keep with you.
Parking: Camping permit holders can park their vehicles overnight at any park visitor center boat launch parking lot for up to 14 days during the dates of their trip, free of charge. Know which visitor center boat launch is closest to your campsite.
Travel by watercraft to your campsite. Visitors must either use their own boat, rent a vessel, or use a water taxi. The waters of Voyaguers are expansive; be prepared with GPS or navigation charts.
Post your permit inside the display box that you'll find attached to a bear-proof food locker at your campsite.
Enjoy your camping trip in Voyageurs National Park!
Traveler
Despite advertising sites as “tent site” this campground, it is definitely not suitable for tents. We booked a tent site that was in a block of other tent sites. When we arrived, we saw a HUGE RV in the site next to ours that took up our space. We decided to not stay. Maybe great for vans and RVs, but not for tent camping.
Guide
Nice, paeceful campground along Rainy River. Small Rvs can navigate also several nice walk in tent sites on river. 2 sites with electric. All sites first come.
Legend
This is a combo campground and city park, a joint effort of the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources and the city of Baudette. While serving the recreational needs of townsfolk, it also provides great access to the famous Rainy River and a good place for out of town fishermen to stay. The campgound has water and electric hookups for RVs, and a separate primitive tenting area for those who prefer quiet tent camping. Clean restrooms and amazing hot showers. Good play areas for kids and family dogs, and access to community recreation areas such as ball park, horseshoes, volleyball etc. The fishing ramp is a beautifully maintained professional ramp with cement apron and docks, for good access for fishing boats on trailers, canoes or kayaks. This section of the Rainy River is a fishermans paradise, with sturgeon and other prizes, so it is great to have a spot to camp right on the river if you want to go fishing.
There are only two issues, you will need to be careful while fishing as the river marks the border with Canada and you do have to be careful on which side you are fishing. Also, the Canadian Pacific Railroad runs right along the river and the frequent trains are a little noisy. Otherwise, if fishing is your mission, this is a comfortable, convenient and clean place to camp.
Legend
Nice, simple campground for a stopping point to do some fishing in and around Lake of the Woods. Tent camping and the park was pretty empty but there were lots of day users on the water. Lots of fishing and a jumping point to go to Garden Island.
I’d highly recommend this location. It’s part of The state park. Everything was clean but didn’t have water turned on. No showers just vault toilets. I’d avoid mosquito season as it could get nasty but June was not too bad. Stayed in a pretty simple site...had some nice tree coverage for part of the day but also helped avoid getting dumped on when it stormed. Did a hike but came back covered in ticks. According to the DNR the ticks are just super bad this year so heads up.
All and all this was a great stop over for me just bc of the simplicity of it.
RangerThis is a great little gem on the Canadian border. Minnesota’s smallest state park- but it’s very gorgeous and feels kinda awesome looking out at Canada!
A very cool feature at most sites, is that they have a rustic log overhanging/shelter of sorts. Doesn’t have sides, but some campers strung a tarp on one side to get some actual shelter.
Clean vaulted toilets, running water, garbages throughout the camp and an electric post at the boat launch (doesn’t really seem like it’s an actual camp site, I saw multiple cars pulling up to it to utilize the power, and it’s right in the middle of the boat launch).
Tent pads dry, big, and soft ground. Sites spread out decently, plenty of buffer between most of them. Feels pretty rugged and backwoodsy.
Saw quite a few eagles, the clearest stars ever, and enjoyed a peaceful hike along the river and then through the woods. My site was #4, a walk in site, and for sure the best one in the park! Just about 50 meters from the parking spot, up a little trail to the top of a small hill with great view and bench overlooking the rapids.
Clearly a place for fisher people. The camp boasts Lake Sturgeon fishing and in the evening, I saw multiple boats at the rapids, so something must have been biting!
Ralph, the park caretaker was absolutely amazing, and helped me out with some car trouble. That was a godsend! Nice to know that even in the middle of nowhere, you still got some backup if needed.
Just a fun little kinda secret spot, very basic but still with the necessities and with a backwoods feel, which I definitely appreciate!
Scout
Campground was amazing, plenty of room, plenty shade, pet friendly, just too many of that other Minnesota state bird called the mosquito. $14 a day is great, first come first served. Only 4 stars due to the unbelievable amount of mosquitoes, was eaten alive!
Guide
This little campground is fantastic. It is non-electric with a narrow entrance so only cars and pickup trucks can access it. Beautifully tucked in the trees it is great on a crisp fall morning. Level ground for a tent, ample trees for hammocks, and Lake of the Woods can be heard all night.
Traveler
We loved this state park! We had 6 sites at the Birch Campground for an annual family camp outing. All of our sites were flat, private and large. Easy to fit a couple tents, a screen tent and a boat on. Hardly anyone besides us in this campground in the 5 days we spent here.
The beach is absolutely beautiful! White fine sand, shallow water and lots of shoreline to have privacy if you want. The fishing pier was taken out by ice a couple years ago and needs replacing which was a bummer. It was also way too windy on the big lake for our fishing boat, but the wind did not effect the campgrounds at all.
Know before you go: there are no toilets or sinks in the whole park. Only vault toilets and showers are only located at front of park. You will need a vehicle to get around. The marina, beach and front office are miles away from each other. No electric and water hookups for Campers.
Guide
Compared to other Minnesota State Parks, Zippel Bay is a bit more rustic. There are no electrical hookups, and showers are a significant drive from campground. The bathrooms are outhouse style with no running water. The campsites were not quite as secluded as we typically like, but it was quiet, and the views along the lake-shore are well worth the trip.
Guide
Wanted a place with hookups close to Voyageurs. This place was great. One of the most beautiful rivers and falls we’ve seen running right beside the campground. New bathhouse with individual showers. Well-maintained and level sites. Really quiet. Camp host was friendly and helpful. Stayed two nights. Bugs are crazy, but then again, where in Northern Minnesota are they not. Super affordable for the location. Just breathtaking.
Scout
Big Bog is a beautiful state park and the facilities are great. In October, campers are few. There are flush toilets and hot showers (and they keep their water turned on longer than most state parks in Minnesota who usually close the shower houses on Oct 7). Serene. The rent boats. Red Lake is beautiful. The Big Bog is fascinating. In October there are no mosquitos or annoying insects.
GuideWe stayed for 1 night on a site that had a short trail to the lake. The sites were private with lots of trees and wildlife. I could here our neighbors generator but as a tent camper we are used to it. They did respect the quiet hours.
I would camp here again. Kind people and cool sites.
LegendCamped here on Oct 17, 2023. Small wooded state park campground along the Rainy River and the Canadian border. Sites were back-in and had tent pads. I don't recommend anything larger than a truck camper. Some sites were small and not level. Campground host was friendly and helpful. Some hiking trails. Fished on the Rainy River and caught a northern pike. Hand water pump. Clean vault toilet with tp. Our site had a covered picnic table, lattern pole and metal fire ring. The site was wedged inside the gravel campground loop road. I really liked this campground.
Legend
This little campground is here as overflow for the nearby resort. It is located near the water, oak harbor golf course and the little town of Baudette. Its right off of highway 72 so it is very convenient.
Its also close enough to several waterways from Wheelers Point and Baudette border waterway Rainey river. It’s basic and it serves the purpose. Mostly for RVs but if you needed to tent you could. They are gravel pads so better to sleep in the car. They do have electricity.
ScoutThis is one of the most beautiful and peaceful campgrounds in Northern Minnesota. This is my go to campground when I need to be nestled into nature. The campsites are well kept and there is a general store for all your needs about 5 minutes away. The northern night sky is breath taking especially when the northern lights are dancing. Woodenfrog is a pet friendly campground. Highly recommend camping here. Rates are about $14 a night
Legend
Campground Review
This was the first time our family stayed at Angler's Campground in Zippel Bay State Park on Lake of the Woods. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00284#homepage The Zipple Bay State Park is home to 5 separate campgrounds. We made the decision to camp at Anglers Campground for the reasons of the campground is the closest to the marinia, and it has bigger site sizes to accommodate our larger RV/Boat size, although the campground had mostly tents in it the week we stayed. We took a hike to the other campgrounds (about 1/2 mile between them) and observed that Ridge and Birch Campgrounds can accommodate both tents and smaller pop up style campers, Lady Slipper Campground has more primitive and smaller sites that would accommodate a small to medium size tent, and The Group Camp (there is only one) has plenty of room for many tents and campers with room to spare. Anglers Campground has the largest sites with plenty of room for an RV, Screen tent, Boat trailer, with room to spare. All sites in all campgrounds do not have electric/water/dumps. There are fresh water pumps in all campgrounds and mowed trails to the vault toilets that are clean, there are also metal garbage cans and recycling bins for plastic and glass. There is a dump station and 2 enclosed showers in the Ridge/Birch campgrounds loop. There are signs that clearly mark which direction to go.
The marina and boat ramp area was approximately 1 & 1/2 miles from our campsite, and this area also had 2 very clean vault toilets along with a fish cleaning building, and picnic area. There is a marina where you can also moor your boat for the day, and ample parking spots. NOTE: The handicap accessible ramp/dock/fishing pier was closed due to ice damage from the previous winter with no sign of it being fixed at this time. The boat ramp was easy to use, but we noticed it was very crowded early mornings. Lake of the Woods is considered the Walleye Capital of the World, and we had an incredible week of catching our dinners!!
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. We took our Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy for a product review.https://www.mountainhouse.com/m/product/biscuits-gravy.html The website at Mountain House is very easy to navigate, and they have a pop up window discount offer when you enter their site. When I received the package I was surprised at how light weight the product was, and was excited by their description of Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy with Pork Patty Crumbles. We are a big breakfast family, and I was curious to see if this was a good fit for us.
I gave the task of preparing the Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy to my 14 year old son Hunter. We read the easy to follow directions on the back of the package, and followed them to the letter. (We did not use less water to make thicker gravy) Hunter measured the boiling water into the package, stirred the mixture well, and sealed it up with no problems at all, and then all we had to do was wait 9 minutes. We opened the package (it was hot, but nothing we had to use a hot pad or glove for) and noted that it smelled like the biscuits just came out of a hot oven. We did note the mixture needed to be stirred again, and there was no need to add additional water (the gravy was perfect consistency not to thick or thin) and then each served up the recommended serving size and enjoyed the delicious hot breakfast. The flavors were bright with the sausage coming through nicely with no need for additional seasonings at all. We were all full with our serving size, and stayed content after a full day of hiking.
Being we have never tried freeze dried food before this was a wonderful first experience, and for sure won't be our last!! The lightweight package is going to go well for any trip, and the easy prep makes it a breeze to make anywhere. Our family is looking forward to purchasing other meals from Mountain House, and with the extra long expiration date we can stock up. You won't be disappointed using these meals!!
LegendThis campground is in the middle of the park. About a 10 min drive from the entrance. Nice level sites and they offer some privacy from your neighbors. Bugs were more noticeable here for some reason, but the birds never stopped singing so that was nice to hear.
Pretty simple set up with some toilets in the middle with pathways all around them. Most sites have the forest at their back and they vary in size from just a tent to being able to fit a larger Fifth wheel. All in all this was a nice place and very peaceful.
Showers are found at the entrance to the park.
ScoutCamp among huge pines next to beautiful rapids, and be lulled into relaxation by the sounds of the Bigfork River. Clean bathrooms and showers, handicap accessible areas, and the community is working hard to make even more areas accessible. Friendly community, with a charming main street, with stores stocking almost anything you might have forgotten, gas station, grocery store, hardware store and gift shop, liquor store, motel, log furniture and home builder, fabrication, automotive and heavy equipment repair shops, and more. The campground is one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota and a great overnight stop on your way to Canada! Dedicated horse camp, and easy access to horse and ATV trails, make this a great place to purse many avenues of fun!!
LegendThis state park is really nicely located for those that wanna get away to the north. Northern Minnesota has a lot to offer for wildlife and fishing. Zipper bay is pretty easy to get too and has a lot do from hikes, canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing. You can easily get to garden island by boat for a wilderness adventure or you can just stay in the campground. Bugs are too bad till July so it is good to come sooner. Loads of birds to see.
Campgrounds are simple the one closest to the boat dock was pretty full when we checked it out. Very closely packed and generators can be hear almost everywhere. Best to get a site near the back and have it back into the forest as they are a bit bigger. Put toilets are found centrally with water pump and trash bins.
Guide61 sites. Multiple loops. All Boondocking- No electric or septic or water hookups. No showers. Very quiet. Two are marked as accessory. Far from the highway- the final turn can sneak up on you. Sights are spacious and most are a far distance apart (50 feet). Lots and lots of trees between sights. Sites are a mix of deep and shallow. Some are one car wide, others are two cars wide. Most 30 foot trailers would do okay. We saw a dozen travel trailers, one fifth wheel, a couple shorter motor homes, and lots of tents. A fire ring and picnic table are located at each site and water fountains/down spouts and vault toilets are located throughout. (Not all spigots have hose attachments.) Bathrooms were clean with a good amount of TP. There is a fair amount of sticks and firewood among the downed trees. A couple of public docks are located along the edge of the campground for guests to dock their boats. The boat launch, beach, and picnic area is very nice and nearby. No weeds when swimming. Dogs are not allowed at the primary beach, but there is a hidden rock beach at the end of the campground by one of the docks were they could swim. There are hiking trails that weave behind sites and between roads. Some sites are closer to the road (shallow) and some are surprisingly deep. A few sites are closer together, but would work well if you had multiple families camping together. $15.00 per night. Dogs are allowed. Unfortunately there are no reservations. We came on a Saturday morning in the end of August and one third of the sights were open, by midday half of the sights were open. We enjoyed our time.
Legend
WE stayed here a week it has 3 or 4 sites for Rv's or tents. Check or cash only no credit card. The cabins look nice and the deck on the water is nice, boat dock and swim beach on a calm cove on Lake Kabetogama. We were staying close by so we stopped to see where our site was & we were shown a spot that was big & open. When we pulled in 2 days later the spot had someone new in it & we were put up near the cabins. We had to back up a hill in a tight spot to get into. It was where they keep all the extra parts and supplies to maintain the place along with a bit of old junk. We had to use 2 sewer hoses & just got them to stretch to the limits. We hooked up to a hose that was from the fish cleaning house and we had 2 hoses to reach our camper. The electric box was on a different side than the sewer & the water it also was stretched to reach. We weren't happy & complained. She would have refunded my deposit yet you can't just find campgrounds at the last minute I did look for some.
There is one waterfront site with a view lucky if you can book that minus the poo.
The worst part is every cabin had at least one big dog and none were ever on a leash. They pooped in our site along with pooping next to our Kayak that was down near the water. One dog came over & got in our empty garbage (the garbage was tied to a fish cleaning table we have) it got tangled & pulled over my entire table & everything on it. We love dogs but they should be on a leash. After a week of them a new family came in renting all the cabins and the same thing, lots of dogs no leashes.
I'm sure this is a nice place if you stay in a cabin and don't mind dog poo. The owner Elaine has had the place for 48 years and works hard, very nice person but she should enforce the dog leash & pick up poop rule. The families that booked all the cabins have come back for 40 years so they love it. The 2nd group of families have been coming 30 some years.
We did catch a few nice fish that we couldn't keep they were in the throw back slot. We got a 36" northern Pike & a 20" Walleye. Voyager National Park is for people who like being on the water, boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. It is a pretty area not much to do other than boat.
This is next to Wooden Frog National Forest so you can launch a boat or kayak there too and watch sunset from there.
I'm sorry to write this bad review but it wasn't pleasant. We were up the street from here in Voyagers national park so we decided to stay another week since we couldn't find openings when they notified us Chippewa won't open. I try to research good places to camp this was a last minute booking since Chippewa Stony Point campground closed for Covid then needed updated & closed till sept. I would not stay here again.
RangerMain campground nice but the real surprise is the walk in site right on the bank of the rainy river looking right at Canada. Secluded big hike in spot. Definitely check it out
TravelerThis park is a great hidden gem. Right up against the Rainy River. We spent 3 nights out here and it was wonderful. Only reason we docked it one star was the water. It has an old manual hand pump that takes forever to prime and use.
We spent the day fishing here and the small mouth along the rocks we fun fights. No signs of the sturgeon that live in this river sadly.
LegendI kind of got to talk out of coming to this park and I wish I hadn't. I think it's great. The campsites are private. You have great cell phone service so you could work from here. And there's more trails than it implies if you just look at the maps, online. The river is flowing very, very fast, so no paddling around on it today, but during a lower summer, I think you could paddle across to canada. So yeah, it's a lot more interesting of a park than was implied.
Ranger
The town of Littlefork offers a 15 site RV/camping park alongside the Little Fork River. Beautiful setting with sites in the open up on the hill and sites along the river in the woods. 50 amp electric and water with no sewer. There is a dump station in town. Sites are $20.00 per night. $100.00 for seven nights and $300.00 for a month. This is a very nice park and well run by Roger!! I would definitely give it five stars if it had sewer at the sites. Highly recommend for the price and the small town feel!!
GuideNice grassy site with some shade. Bathrooms were clean but dated. Reasonable rates. Has a lot full time and seasonal.
LegendThe campground (CG) was easy to find, and the regular street address brought us right into the CG. One of our friends had arrived a few days early and let us know that the CG manager was off, so there was no need to stop first at the office at the opposite end of the CG from our site. The sites are set up in a series of cul-de-sacs, but not the traditional cul-de-sac. We had to back in from off the main CG road and then turn slightly to get into back-in site 47 with FHUs. The water and electric were more centered on this very long site, but the sewer was at the back, where we needed around 20’ of sewer hose. The water pressure was around 40 psi. There are a lot of mature trees in this CG, and we actually had to cut down a small tree(with permission) so it wouldn't scratch our rig coming back out. We backed up to a field, so we were able to get a clear shot for Starlink. Our friends had satellite dishes, and they had to move their dishes around mature trees to get a signal. The CG has 25 cable channels that worked well. The CG manager did stop by to see how we were doing and answer any questions we might have, and he let us know where the lawnmower was stored if we wanted to cut the grass around our site during our three-week stay. Our party of four rigs pretty much had the CG to ourselves during our stay. There were six seasonals, but they were mostly only there on the weekends. There were a few campers that came in for a couple of days during our stay. People come to this area for one thing, and that is to fish with a side trip through Canada to Angle Inlet, MN, the farthest point north in the lower 48. The CG has no playground but does have a nice fish-cleaning station. There is a shower and restroom in the little office building. There are two laundry facilities nearby. Baudette has a nice grocery and hardware store. There’s no formal dog park, but we were told the large field adjacent to the park is off-leash, which we took advantage of. We got two bars on Verizon. The CG has WiFi, but we were too far from the antenna to connect. One rig in our party got a signal, but they said it was weak. This CG is about a mile from the Rainy River, so there is no direct water access. Check out Cypress Resort for fishing charters and great food. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this CG.
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