Best Tent Camping near International Falls, MN
Tent camping in the International Falls region centers around Voyageurs National Park, where most sites require boat access and offer a wilderness experience. Arnold's Campground advertises tent sites but recent visitor feedback indicates it may be better suited for RVs. Multiple tent-specific camping options exist within Voyageurs National Park across its four major lakes: Rainy Lake, Namakan Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Sand Point Lake.
Most tent sites in Voyageurs National Park are primitive and accessible only by boat. Campsites typically include tent pads, bear-proof food storage boxes, fire rings, and pit toilets. Park regulations require permits for camping, which can be reserved through the national park reservation system. Water must be filtered from the lakes, as potable water is not available at campsites. Tent campers should prepare for variable weather conditions and bring adequate supplies since sites are remote and resupply options limited. Several frontcountry camping areas exist along the shorelines of the major lakes, while more secluded backcountry options require additional boat travel or hiking.
Voyageurs National Park offers unique tent camping experiences on islands and shorelines with minimal development. The backcountry sites provide exceptional privacy and natural settings with opportunities to observe wildlife including loons, eagles, and occasionally bears. One visitor described their experience: "Our campsite was beautiful! Boated out 17 miles to our very own island with a dock provided. The camping pads made setting up the tents much easier and more organized." Kabetogama State Forest also provides more rustic tent camping options with basic amenities. As noted in a review on The Dyrt: "We stayed at site K29, Round Bear, in Voyageurs National Park. The views were stunning and it was easy to get our boat in and out of a small cove behind our site."
