Best Tent Camping near Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Voyageurs National Park? Find the best tent camping sites near Voyageurs National Park. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Voyageurs National Park's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Voyageurs National Park (17)

    Shari  G.'s photo of tent camping at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Voyageurs National Park, MN

    1. Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    18 Reviews
    107 Photos
    12 Saves
    Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

    BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES are located on the park's interior lakes and offer a more remote and secluded camping experience. They have fewer amenities, consisting of fire rings, an outdoor privy, and some have a bear pole for safe food storage. These sites first require travel by private watercraft or local water taxi service to a trailhead and then hiking up to several miles to the backcountry lakes. Some campsites can be hiked to directly while others require the use of a canoe after hiking which is provided by the park and remains stationed at these remote lakes.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $25 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Arnold's Campground near International Falls, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Arnold's Campground near International Falls, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Arnold's Campground near International Falls, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Arnold's Campground near International Falls, MN

    2. Arnold's Campground

    7 Reviews
    3 Photos
    4 Saves
    International Falls, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest near Voyageurs National Park, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest near Voyageurs National Park, MN

    3. Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    24 Saves
    Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
    • Tents
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Johnson Bay N13 — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Johnson Bay N13 — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Johnson Bay N13 — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Johnson Bay N13 — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Johnson Bay N13 — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Johnson Bay N13 — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Kate K.'s photo of tent camping at Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds near Crane Lake, MN

    5. Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds

    3 Reviews
    35 Photos
    43 Saves
    Crane Lake, Minnesota

    Crane Lake is a large body of water and is a popular area for fishing and boating. There are 3 backcountry campsites located on the lake. Crane Lake also connects to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through Little Vermilion Lake and Voyageurs National Park through Sand Point Lake.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo at Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park near Crane Lake, MN

    6. Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park

    2 Reviews
    24 Photos
    7 Saves
    Crane Lake, Minnesota

    All Frontcountry and Backcountry campsites are water-based, require a permit, and can only be accessed by boat. Most campsites in the park are Frontcountry sites, meaning they are directly accessible by boat. 15 of our campsites are in the Backcountry, meaning the trail head is only accessible by water before you start your hike in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $20 / night

    The Dyrt's photo of tent camping at Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN

    7. Rainy Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    1 Review
    24 Photos
    1 Save
    Ranier, Minnesota

    Overview

    ** 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 (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 apply in these areas. FRONTCOUNTRY CAMPSITES 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 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 . Keep Voyageurs National Park Wild for Future Generations: The Voyageurs Conservancy 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 , follow them on Facebook and Instagram , or sign up for their e-newsletter .

    Recreation

    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 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 or the Voyageurs National Park Special Interpretive Programs pages (reservations are highly recommended for boat tours).

    Natural Features

    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.

    Nearby Attractions

    Unique attractions near Voyaguers National Park: The City of International Falls 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 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 , and Ash River , and Crane Lake 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.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (218) 283-6650.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $10 / night

    Shari  G.'s photo of tent camping at Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park near Ranier, MN

    8. Namakan Lake Frontcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    2 Saves
    Ranier, Minnesota

    ** 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!
    
    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake near Crane Lake, MN

    9. Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    1 Save
    Crane Lake, Minnesota

    Crane Lake is a large body of water and is a popular area for fishing and boating. There are 3 backcountry campsites located on the lake. Crane Lake also connects to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through Little Vermilion Lake and Voyageurs National Park through Sand Point Lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Leslie R.'s photo of tent camping at Meander Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Meander Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Meander Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Meander Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Meander Lake near Crane Lake, MN
    Camper-submitted photo at Meander Lake near Crane Lake, MN

    10. Meander Lake

    2 Reviews
    22 Photos
    20 Saves
    Crane Lake, Minnesota

    Meander Lake is a remote, clear lake with 2 backcountry campsites. The picnic area and barrier-free fishing pier are located on the southern shore of the lake. Downloadable information and map

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
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Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Voyageurs National Park

96 Reviews of 17 Voyageurs National Park Campgrounds


  • Rico R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
    Jun. 15, 2019

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Great camping

    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

  • Sethen E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    Boat in

    A very unique park. All sites are boat in. Many houseboat sites for private and rented houseboats and many many family sites for tent camping. Sites are a mix of dock, beach, and rock access and are labeled on the Voyageur National Park Camping map. Sites are located on all lakes in the park: and a few back country too. Houseboat sites have tie off rings and are quiet large- they offer a fire ring and many have a picnic table. Tent sites have one or two tent pads and a fire ring and picnic table and a vault toilet usually. No electric. No water. Remember you can in fact camp anywhere you wish as long as you are 200 meters (I think) from another established site.

  • Jessie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arnold's Campground
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Arnold's Campground

    NOT tent friendly

    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.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
    Aug. 27, 2021

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Quiet Gem

    We found Woodefrog State Forest Campground to be a perfect spot to enjoy Voyageurs National Park. We easily snagged a campsite next to Lake Kabetogama, kayaked, hiked, and enjoyed listening to the loons. We had sunlight for our solar and plenty of room.

  • Scott S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Another Great State Forest Campground

    This campground is located just outside Voyageurs National Park on Lake Kabatoga. This is a primitive campground with pit toilets and water. Sites are mostly private with some having a view of the lake. Since most of Voyageurs is a water based park this is a great choice is you done have a boat. A lot of mosquitoes in July.

  • Rachelle W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Woodenfrog State Forest Campground

    Woodenfrog is located along the shoreline of Lake Kabetogama - part of Voyageurs National Park. The sites all seemed to be nestled nicely into their own nooks among the trees. We were the only campers in the entire campground when we started in late April. The trail along the lake was nice, fire ring was perfect for cooking and the “locals” (squirrel & deer)  were friendly.

  • Marisa D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Aug. 19, 2020

    Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    Possibly my favorite campsite ever

    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. There are two tent pads but we found a couple of other spots on nearby trails where you could set up a tent if you had a bigger group. My favorite feature of our site was a rock ledge that looked out over the water. We set up our chairs there and just hung out for awhile. The other nice part about this site is that it is very close to the Ash River Visitor Center (5 minute boat ride tops). This made it super easy to go back to our car for anything we might have forgotten. Highly recommend this site, especially for a group of 4-6 people!

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ash River Campground
    Jun. 28, 2020

    Ash River Campground

    Small and wonderful

    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. Check in was a little awkward as there are not really any signs and no official office. I think they have mostly to season long visitors, but our one week stay was great! Ice and firewood offered on site. Owner also does boat rentals, but we didn’t utilize that service. Would stay there again. One note, no cell signal on Verizon.

  • Melissa B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ash River Campground
    May. 20, 2022

    Ash River Campground

    Great stop near the national park!

    Overall, we had a very good trip to this camp. Our experience was different than the other review, as the address took us to an area that only had tent sites. 9 spots available and we were the only ones there. It had one clean pit/ vault toilet. There was a water hydrant but we couldn’t figure it out. 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. Would go back if visiting Voyageurs again!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Awesome forest service campground near Voyageurs

    This is really the only car-camping campground at/near Voyageurs National Park. It's relatively large and on the shore of Lake Kabetogama. The sites that overlook the lake are spaced fairly close together, and really only have lake views. There is a common trail between sites to provide lake access. (We got leeches when we waded in at the dock, yuck!). The sites away from the lake are very spread out and very private. We had a site in the southwest corner of the campground and we were nearly 0.10 miles from the next campsite. Very private! Bathrooms were clean and the swimming beach was nice.

  • Duncan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cabin O' Pines Resort
    Jun. 29, 2022

    Cabin O' Pines Resort

    Very Pretty Place On Pelican Lake

    A really nice place with lots of fun stuff do to right in the campground including a beach and boat ramp on Pelican Lake. There is a nice playground area for kids. The place caters mostly to seasonal folks more than overnight roadies. I stumbled on it by accident when I was heading to Voyageurs NP but just wanted to get off the road for the night.

     Some of the seasonal sites have extensive decking and screened porches. The sites for the temp folks had full hookups but were gravel that was not well maintained and not level. The bathrooms were ok, maybe a C+. There was no soap at the men’s bathroom sink. There are only six daily/weekly RV/tent sites.  The rest are seasonal rentals.  It got 4 stars instead of 3 because it is so pretty and peaceful.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest
    May. 23, 2017

    Ash River — Kabetogama State Forest

    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.

  • TyAnn J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds
    Jun. 30, 2017

    Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds

    Neither Mosquitoes nor Gnats nor Noseeums kept us away from our Crane Lake Adventure!!

    Crane Lake is so unique!! It is the Southern Entry to Voyageurs National Park, the Western entry to Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and The Superior Forest borders the East side of Crane Lake.

    ***NOTE Don't forget to bring along a detailed map as there are hundreds of islands and turns on this beautiful lake.

    We camped on the United States side of Crane Lake. Once again you need to be aware of the United States/Canadian borders while in the water. Our headquarters were set up at Handberg's Marina http://www.handbergs.com/

    There are 3 back Country campsites located just offset to the Vermilion Gorge Trailhead. These campsites have no fees and are on a first come, first served basis.

    The Vermilion Gorge Trailhead hike is a 1 & 1/2 mile trail that featues sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls-it was breathtaking due to the high water levels this year-another note: be very cautious if you bring small children.

  • Jill G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Jeanette Campground & Backcountry Sites
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Lake Jeanette Campground & Backcountry Sites

    Beautiful lake view right from our tent.

    This is a small campground but so beautiful. We stayed at site 7. It consisted of "two areas" which was super cool. The "lower level" was where we parked with a decent driveway. It also had the picnic table and fire pit with a gravel area for a tent pad. The "upper area" was up a small hill and there was the amazing view overlooking Jeanette lake. There was a huge rock outcropping overlooking the lake and an area for our 8 woman tent. We had views of the lake from bed. So beautiful! The mosquitoes weren't too bad except right at dusk. The vault toilets were not the best and the sites were rather close but with the right site you wouldn't even know it. Sites 6 and 7 both have the "two areas" with more secluded areas you could tent. Site 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 all have some level of water access. The people at sites 8 and 9 had kayaks/canoes pulled right into their site. Site 7 has the best overview of the lake but no direct water access. The best part...the loons and ducks at dusk and dawn. One of my favorite things.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wakemup Bay — Kabetogama State Forest
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Wakemup Bay — Kabetogama State Forest

    Off the beaten path and great for fishermen

    This is a small state forest campground on a small bay of the larger Vermilion Lake.  There is a nice beach, group picnic shelter, docks, and an adjacent public boat landing. For folks who are looking for a quiet place to stay while on a fishing trip at Vermilion, this wold be a good location, though more rustic than a state park. There are 5 fairly open sites close to the shelter and beach where RV's and trailers could easily park, but there are no hook-ups so be prepared. There is drinking water available in several locations throughout the campground, though this is shut off by mid September. There are  latrine toilets, and garbage collection.  There are also a group of 5 tent sites located close together that would work well as a group camp area, also cloe to the beach and docks. Further back in the woods, however, at sites 12-19, there  are larger more private sites spaced much further apart and set beautifully in among shady woods. Further along the campground loop road goes up a hill with more quiet sites, and two REALLY  exceptional hike-in sites at #20 and 21.  Site # 20 is a true gem, beautiful tall pines, picnic table, fire ring and tent pad in a very secluded setting but still just a short hike from where you park your car. There is a path down the hill to the beach and dock area. Really a primo campsite if you can get it, though all the sites are First Come-First Served and not reserveable.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meander Lake
    May. 24, 2018

    Meander Lake

    Backcountry campsites at Meander Lake

    This campsite location is perfect for a weekend backcountry camping experience along the Echo Trail north and west of Ely. It would also be a good place to spend the night before launching off onto a BWCA river trip on the Indian Sioux River or the Moose River, both of which have entry points nearby. The Forest Service refers to the three campsites here as "backcountry sites," meaning they are rustic and dont have the amenities of Forest Service group campgrounds like Jeanette Lake and Fenske Lake further along the Echo Trail, but also have the advantage of being a bit less primitive and a bit more accessible than canoe-in only sites within the BWCA. There is no permit required nor campground registration needed, so staying here is on a first come first served basis. be advised though, that the sites provide only a fire grill, picnic table, and tent site, and are a pretty good hike in from the parking area, from which you will have to carry all your gear. However, it is worth the effort as you will likely be the only one, or one of few campers, at the lake, which is pristine and beautiful. A disastrous forest fire swept the north and west sides of the lake in 1970, followed by major wind storms and tree loss in the late 1980's and early 1900's, however the forest has slowly and surely recovered and the shores are beautiful once again.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Mukooda Lake Campground — Voyageurs National Park

    Mukooda Lake expedition

    Note: the cost for the campsite is $20.00 per night, and there is also a $10.0 fee for reserving online, which you have to do before arriving. There are discounts if you have a national park senior or military pass, or free for veterans. 

    Mukooda Lake is an ecologically unique inland lake within Voyageurs Natioanl Park. Access is best via the crane Lake entrance on the southeast part of the park. Getting to the campground involves a bit of an expedition! You need use a small motorboat or  paddle a canoe or kayak from Crane Lake to SandPoint Lake, then turn  west into a small bay and dock at the Mukooda Access (no houseboats allowed!). If you don't have a boat, you can hire a water taxi from Crane Lake, they can drive you to the Mukooda access and arrange to pick you up again some days hence. Then you need to hike west across the Sand Point Narrows into Mukooda Lake, where you will find a day use area with beach and picnic area, trailhead for several hiking trails, and 5 separate small campgrounds spread like a string of pearls along a trail north of the day use area.  Each campsite has a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and bear box, and there is a central solar outhouse in the day use area. The campsites are beautiful, and secluded, the hiking is great, and the fishing is exceptional. There is a unique subspecies of lake trout found here that is found nowhere else in the world; also, the lake has a unique substrate and hydrology and is very pristine. For those reasons, to protect the ake ecosystem ad the fishery, no outside boats may be portaged into Mukooda, even if you paddled your own canoe or kayak into the access. If you want to get out onto Mukooda Lake itself, there are boats already located there which you can reserve and rent for day use.  That is a great idea for fishing, or for exploring the lake and its several islands! Some of the vendors for that option include:

    https://scottspeacefulvalley.com/mukooda-lake/

    https://www.voyagaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-Optional-Equipment-Rentals.pdf

    Boat rentals to get up to SandPoint before you hike into Mukooda can be arranged at one of these outfitters: https://www.visitcranelake.com/outdoor-activities/boat-rentals/

    Hiking trail at Mukooda: https://www.voyageurs.org/mukoodatrail

    General info about Voyageurs National Park: https://www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm

    Latest news about Mukooda lake: https://www.nps.gov/search/?affiliate=nps&query=mukooda&sitelimit=www.nps.gov%2Fvoya

  • Kara K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake (minn)
    Sep. 9, 2017

    Echo Lake (minn)

    First time stay - won't be the last.

    This was our first time staying at Echo Lake Campground. We pulled in on a Friday night and a number of sites were already full or reserved. We ended up picking site #10.  It was a good site.  A slight incline down from the road but a nice tent pad and a very roomy site.  The campground was very quiet even though there were a number of people staying there.   A number of the sites would be good for either tents or campers.  We would happily stay here again!

  • Matthew C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
    Jun. 29, 2018

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Campground Was Amazing

    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!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Button Box Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Button Box Lake Campground and Day-Use Area

    A great little place to unplug for awhile …

    First off, and most appealing to me is the fact that there is no cell service. All 12 campsites are first come first serve and you can’t jump a line by going on a website to reserve a spot.  there are no water or electric hook ups but there are hand pumps for pumping water and you could bring a generator or not.
    Located north of Grand Rapids Minnesota about 60 miles or 35 miles from Nashwauk Minnesota which is the closest gas station, grocery store or post office. All the sites are back in no pull through sites, generally level however there’s a few that are on an angle

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds

    Wonderful

    There is a little fire ring at each campsite with a metal stove to put wood underneath. There is ample ground space for tents, as well as the whole lake network at your fingertips. Highly recommend

  • Kayla A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake (minn)
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Echo Lake (minn)

    Unique, quiet campground near Boundary Waters

    This is my favorite campground in all of Minnesota. Located outside of Orr close to 20 miles, there are no people or towns to make noise or light. The stars are incredibly bright at night. Plenty of hiking trails and great for fishing walleye.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    Perfect campsites to reconnect with nature

    Our campsite was beautiful! Boated out 17 mile out very own island with a dock provided. The camping pads made setting up the tents 10x easier and more organized. The lake water was refreshing and there were so many places to boat to for hiking, clift jumping, and especially fishing. Had an absolute blast!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodenfrog Campground
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Woodenfrog Campground

    Great state campground

    We 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.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park
    Jun. 12, 2019

    Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park

    Namakan Lake

    This is a boat in site out of Ash River Visitor Center. North shore of the lake is Canada and the South shore of the lake is the US. Beautiful campsite with 4 huge tent pads, 4 bear lockers and a beautiful sandy beach. Plenty of room for 8-12 campers. Half of us were in hammocks which increased our livable space. Very secluded with ample views.


Guide to Voyageurs National Park

Tent camping near Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities.

Explore the Scenic Beauty of Voyageurs National Park

Activities for Every Adventurer

Tent Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Voyageurs National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Voyageurs National Park is Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Voyageurs National Park with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Voyageurs National Park?

    TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Voyageurs National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.