Camping near Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota blends water and land camping options across its connected waterways. The park draws many boaters and fishing fans. Woodenfrog Campground sits seven miles from the park with basic sites that include picnic tables and fire rings. Backcountry camping in Voyageurs requires a boat to reach sites that may have docks, beaches, or rocky shores. The Pines of Kabetogama Resort, five miles away, has full RV hookups and good views of the lake. Campers often see deer and various birds while staying in the area. You'll need to store food properly since bears live throughout the region. Summer brings mild weather and the most activity options in the park. The fall colors are worth seeing, though some facilities close as it gets colder. Winter campers should come prepared for very cold conditions and fewer services. Spring can be muddy with some areas closed from snowmelt. Cell phones rarely work well in this remote park, so plan your trip with that in mind. Camping at Voyageurs connects you to both land and water environments.

Best Camping Sites Near Voyageurs National Park (54)

    1. Woodenfrog Campground

    25 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 235-2520

    $17 / night

    "No showers but that’s ok this site is just a shirt row away from Voyageurs national park islands. Boat docks available. Private sites and great views"

    "We found Woodefrog State Forest Campground to be a perfect spot to enjoy Voyageurs National Park."

    2. Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    18 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    7 miles
    Website

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Northern Minnesota camping is known for being one of the few remaining places in the US where you can enjoy the wilderness with absolutely no sounds of man-made machines and cities."

    "We stayed at site K29, Round Bear, in Voyageurs National Park. It was incredible. The views were stunning and it was easy to get our boat in and out of a small cove behind our site."

    3. The Pines of Kabetogama Resort

    15 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 875-2000

    "Long story short, the resort itself provides direct access to Voyageurs National Park, is immaculately maintained, has top-shelf amenities, and the staff is amazing. You truly get what you pay for."

    "The Pines Of Kabetogama, Minnesota

     After Itasca SP we headed North to check out Voyagers National Park & the area."

    4. Ash River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 393-4598

    "This campground is about as close as you can get to the Ash River Visitor center of Voyageurs National Park. Full hookups, good spacing, clean bathrooms and showers. Friendly owner."

    "Pretty view of the lake from our site. We paid $17 for the night, which I found to be kind of pricey for a primitive spot, but I don’t mind supporting these campgrounds."

    5. Kab-Ash Trail Dispersed Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Crane Lake, MN
    5 miles

    "Close to Ash River Visitor Center."

    6. Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 365-7229

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Kabetogama Lake Group Campsite

    1 Review
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 875-2111

    "This is a fun lake. Try visiting some of the local resorts for ice, ice cream and maybe a beer. Maybe even a trip to the infamous Kettle Falls Hotel. Not a dull moment on this lake."

    8. Johnson Bay N13 — Voyageurs National Park

    2 Reviews
    Crane Lake, MN
    9 miles
    Website

    "Located about 9 miles from the Ash River Visitor Center put in in Kabetogama Lake, this beautiful little “front country” boat in site is another gem."

    9. Rainy Lake Group Campsite

    1 Review
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 286-5258

    "Playing cards around the fire, homemade granola and bladders of wine. We were the loudness things around. Five stars."

    10. Arrowhead Lodge

    1 Review
    Voyageurs National Park, MN
    6 miles
    Website

    $39 / night

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Recent Reviews near Voyageurs National Park

123 Reviews of 54 Voyageurs National Park Campgrounds


  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Woodenfrog Campground

    If you like it primitive!

    Wooden Frog Campground in the Kabetogama State Forest near Kabetogama, MN.

    We did a drive thru- we were staying elsewhere.

    So, there's A LOT of camping resorts in this area. If you like it primitive- the Wooden Frog is the place! 

    There's 61 non electric sites tucked into the woods. 2 accessible. The road thru the campground is gravelly dirt. There's a lakeview at sites 2/3. Possibly at 34/36, but I didn't note that. 

    7 pit toilets. 2 water access. 2 docks for camper use.

    $17 a night. I'm not sure if you can reserve. Go on the Minnesota DNR page for a map.

     Appropriate for tents & small RVs/ truck campers, ect. This is also a day use area with a pier & swimming. There's a picnic shelter also. Hiking in the area.

  • Cynthia K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    The Pines of Kabetogama Resort

    Beautiful Campground

    The Pines Of Kabetogama, Minnesota. 

     After Itasca SP we headed North to check out Voyagers National Park & the area. There's a whole lot of resorts in this area & I chose The Pines because it was central to the 3 visitor centers we wanted to see. 

      The Pines is a VERY nice campground with 2 areas. There are 9 lake level sites which are laid out side by side. They have 2 toilet/shower combos & the laundry. These are full hookup sites. 

      There's cabins to rent also. They have boat rentals & boat tours to the park & fishing.

     Up on top are the 26 cliff sites which are really nice! All full hookup. With only 2 of the toilet/shower combos. They're checked frequently. We were at site 10, which offers a partial view of the lake. Unfortunately, some of our view was taken up by a huge "glamping" trailer & the trailer next to us in site 8.

     My advice would be not to get too hung up on a site with a view- you do pay more for that. There were nice sites on the cliff on the perimeter. I was philosophical about it cause most of the sites on the cliff had NO view of the lake. 

    We saw bald eagles fly by every afternoon. This is a night sky park, so they ask you to turn off your outside lights after quiet hours. Everyone we camped by did this & it was appreciated. The staff was very friendly & ready to help you if needed. 

    About the worst thing I could say about this campground is the road leading up to the cliff was pretty rough. Maybe repave? A couple more toilets would be nice too. 

    We had a great stay!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Thistledew Campground

    Nice little campground

    Nice campground with several lakeside sites. Has all the basics: table, firepit, water and pit toilets. Peaceful campground on a beautiful lake. Loons calling. Only a few other campers, spread out throughout campground.

  • Stacy B.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp

    Very Nice Campground

    The campground itself was very nice.  We stayed in site #12 which was a very large corner lot, but everyone in the campground had to exit around the loop going by the site. Bathrooms and shower house was very nice and updated recently.  It was 80⁰plus when we were there and the sand flies were horrible.  Someone did spray for bugs one night and that did help a lot. We had a 10 and 8 year old with us, no play ground or water access for the kids, due to the very fast flowing river.  They recently got 12 inches of rain, so river was really raging. I would come back in the Fall or if you don't mind just sitting around a lot.

  • Susan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp

    Pray, Meditate and Play

    This campground is a hidden gem! Each spacious site has electric and water hookups, making it convenient for longer stays. The area is clean and beautifully wooded, with a gorgeous, raging river—perfect for relaxing, praying, or meditating by the water. Amenities include clean showers and a large, well-maintained new community shelter. The whole campground feels cozy and peaceful, yet it’s just minutes from town and restaurants. A truly perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

  • Susan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Bring a boat and history hat

    Woody campground with large, well-spaced sites perfect for tents or RVs. There's convenient overnight parking for boaters and easy lake access. Fishing was excellent, and the nearby historical site added a fun and educational touch to our trip. Clean facilities and peaceful surroundings—highly recommend!

  • James S.
    May. 13, 2025

    Big Falls Campground and Horse Camp

    Beautiful campground

    Visited in early may 2025, river was flowing like crazy. Very clean and well maintained sites. Bathrooms and showers were clean and water was hot. 10/10 would recommend!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 12, 2025

    Little American Falls County Park and Campground

    Remote county campground by beautiful falls

    This is a small county park and campground off the beaten path. It is located adjacent to the Little American Falls, and alongside the Big Fork River water trail. There are several campsites you can drive into, and if it is not the muddy season you could drive with a trailer or small RV into some of the the camping sites. Although the sites themselves are pretty well kept, campers are advised to pack out their own garbage but it seems some folks don't feel they have to--so there is some litter around, and evidence of campers burning garbage in the firepits. There is little to no cell phone service here, no on site ranger or camp host, but sites have basic picnic tables and fire rings, and there is an outhouse available. You should bring your own water; any RV's should know there are no hookups of any kind, but you are allowed to use a generator here. 

    The main appeal of this campground is access to the river, which involves going down a steep bank (there are stairs) but worth it for fishing or kayaking or canoeing. The falls are beautiful, and worth a visit. There arent official biking or hiking trails but you could easily walk or bike on the back roads adjacent to the campground. If you want more privacy, there is a canoe campsite on the bank opposite of the county campground, just downstream of the falls, that is maintained by the Minnesota DNR and is water-access only.

    There is no cost to camp here, but also no reservations so first come first served. For maps, you can refer to the Koochiching County recreation maps to see location, which are here: 

    https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/135/Outdoor-Recreation-Map-PDF?bidId=

    https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/994/Koochiching-Recreation-Map-2018-PDF

    The Big Fork Water Trail map is here: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe\_routes/bigfork1.pdf

    And for more info you can contact the Koochiching County Lands and Forests office here: https://www.co.koochiching.mn.us/178/Land-Forestry

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 10, 2025

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Close to Voyageurs

    No showers. Outhouses and potable water spickets throughout the campground. All sites are offered on a first come first served basis and the entrance has envelopes to pay by check or you can pay online at your arrival. Sites that are occupied will have a small white card clipped to the site number marker sign, just pick an open one, pay, and fill our your place holder card. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Most were flat, but some were a little hilly. Might be harder to navigate the roads in the campground and back in if you have a larger rig. Very close to voyageurs visitor centers and local boat rental places.


Guide to Voyageurs National Park

Camping near Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, offers a unique experience for outdoor lovers. With stunning views, diverse wildlife, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families and adventurers alike.

What to do:

  • Explore the lakes: Voyageurs National Park is known for its beautiful lakes. Many campers enjoy boating and fishing. One visitor at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping mentioned, "Spent the days bumming around, swimming and exploring the bay with our paddleboard."
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails for hiking. A camper at Woodenfrog Campground noted, "The hiking trail along the lake was really nice."
  • Wildlife watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A reviewer from Lake Jeanette Campground shared, "The best part...the loons and ducks at dusk and dawn."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One visitor at The Pines of Kabetogama Resort said, "Beautiful view everywhere you look."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A reviewer at Woodenfrog Campground appreciated the "spacing and privacy between sites were quite good."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Echo Lake described it as "a peaceful, beautiful campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds are primitive. A camper at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping advised, "Learn how to filter and treat water. Oh, and bring TP!"
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A visitor at Woodenfrog Campground warned, "A lot of mosquitoes in July."
  • First-come, first-served: Many sites do not take reservations. A camper at Kabetogama Campground noted, "You can not make a reservation. First come first served there are plenty of sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right site: Look for spacious sites that can accommodate tents and kids. A reviewer at Woodenfrog Campground mentioned, "Some are not very level and some are TINY so choose carefully."
  • Plan activities: Keep kids engaged with activities like fishing or swimming. A visitor at Lake Jeanette Campground said, "We had views of the lake from bed. So beautiful!"
  • Pack essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, as some campgrounds are remote. A camper at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping advised, "If you use a water taxi, you’d better have your supplies well-stocked and in order."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Headquarters RV Park noted, "The sites are large enough for a large RV, but driving through the campground may be the issue."
  • Look for amenities: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, while others do not. A visitor at The Pines of Kabetogama Resort mentioned, "Clean, roomy bathrooms. Good wifi service."
  • Enjoy the surroundings: Many RV parks are close to attractions. A camper at Headquarters RV Park said, "This is a fantastic place to stay if visiting Voyageurs National Park."

Camping near Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there’s something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campsites to stay at in Voyageurs National Park?

For boat-in camping, site K29 (Round Bear) in Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping offers stunning views with a protected cove for easy boat access and multiple tent pads. If you prefer land-based options, Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds provides excellent access as the southern entry point to the park. It's also conveniently located near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Superior Forest. For a more developed experience with lake views, consider sites along the shoreline at Woodenfrog, though be aware that lakeside sites are closer together. Each area offers different advantages depending on your preference for seclusion, lake access, or proximity to park attractions.

How do I access campsites in Voyageurs National Park?

Voyageurs National Park is unique because most camping requires boat access. The vast majority of campsites within the park are boat-in only, accessible via the interconnected lakes that make up the park. Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park offers a true wilderness experience that can only be reached by water. For those without boats, Woodenfrog Campground provides drive-in access just outside the park on Lake Kabetogama with boat docks available for day trips into the park. The park has four main entry points: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Ash River, each with visitor centers where you can get information and arrange boat rentals if needed.

Are there RV campgrounds near Voyageurs National Park?

Yes, several RV-friendly campgrounds are located near Voyageurs National Park. Headquarters RV Park offers clean facilities with reliable AT&T cell service, making it suitable for digital nomads who need connectivity while exploring the park. For a premium experience, The Pines of Kabetogama Resort provides direct access to the park with top-tier amenities and immaculate maintenance. It's considered one of the best RV resorts in the area with exceptional staff and facilities. Most RV parks near the park offer hookups and basic amenities, though specific features vary by location. These campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for day trips into the park via boat rentals or tours.

Do I need a reservation for camping at Voyageurs National Park?

Yes, reservations are required for all backcountry campsites within Voyageurs National Park. These boat-in sites must be reserved in advance through recreation.gov, and it's advisable to book early during peak summer months (June-August) when availability becomes limited. For camping outside the park boundaries, options vary. Ash River Campground near the Ash River Visitor Center offers full hookups with reservations recommended. Some nearby state forest campgrounds like Woodenfrog Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though arriving early is recommended during summer weekends and holidays. Always check current reservation policies before your trip, as they may change seasonally.