Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits

4.18

979 reviews

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters, 360 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN, 56649, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

147 campsites

Season

Open from May 9 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Voyageurs National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

1,119 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

147 campsites

Season

Open from May 9 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Voyageurs National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits

$10.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees vary based on site type and season. Peak season rates range from $14 to $60 per night. Non-peak season rates start at $10 per night. A...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$32.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(218) 283-6600

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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 979 reviews

88 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, well-maintained campsites, and opportunities for solitude. The reservation system receives mixed feedback, with some praising its organization and others criticizing its complexity. Issues like campsite cleanliness and overbooking have been noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters, 360 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN, 56649, USA

Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters, 360 Highway 11 East, International Falls, MN, 56649, USA

Driving directionsVoyageurs National Park is approximately 5 hours north of Minneapolis-St. Paul on I-35 and Hwy 53, 3 hours north of Duluth on Hwy 53, and 4 hours south from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Falls International Airport is located in International Falls, Minnesota, offering taxi service and rental cars. Public transportation is unavailable.

Accessible by major highways I-35 and Hwy 53, but no public transportation options are available. Seasonal closures may apply to water-based sites.

Nearby places

International Falls (0 miles), Duluth (approx. 145 miles, 3 hours), Minneapolis-St. Paul (approx. 300 miles, 5 hours), Winnipeg (approx. 200 miles, 4 hours)

Nearby supplies

Available in International Falls

grocery stores, fuel stations, camping supplies, and restaurants are accessible in the town.

Best Time to Camp at Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits

Summer unfolds like a perfect northwoods dream, with temperatures hovering comfortably in the 70s, ideal for swimming, paddling, and exploring hidden coves. As autumn arrives, the boreal forest erupts in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating stunning reflections on mirror-like waters. Winter transforms this aquatic paradise into a snow-covered wonderland, where 55 to 70 inches of pristine powder blanket the frozen lakes, turning waterways into highways for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers brave enough to embrace the frigid beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with ideal temps (70s) for swimming, paddling and exploring.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fewer crowds and vibrant boreal foliage make fall highly attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring is variable and outside peak season; fewer services though nature returns.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Top 18% in MN

Winter offers snow activities but services and access are limited seasonally.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9 to October 15 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 9 to October 15 (peak season). Non-peak season runs from October 16 to May 7.
Current Alerts: High water levels noted during spring; visitors should check alerts before arrival.

About Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits

Imagine arriving at your campsite by canoe or motorboat, the only sounds being the gentle lapping of water against the shore and the call of a distant loon. Voyageurs National Park transforms camping into an aquatic adventure, where every site is accessible only by watercraft, creating an intimate connection with Minnesota's legendary waterways. Each carefully designed campsite comes equipped with essential amenities including sturdy fire rings for evening gatherings, secure bear lockers to protect your provisions, level tent pads for comfortable sleeping, and weathered picnic tables perfect for lakeside meals under towering pines.

Voyageurs National Park features three primary types of camping experiences: primitive, backcountry, and frontcountry. Primitive campsites are accessible by hiking only, backcountry sites are remote and often boat-accessible, and frontcountry sites are boat-in locations equipped with more amenities.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

These waters tell stories stretching back centuries, where the rhythmic splash of paddles once marked the passage of French-Canadian voyageurs in the 1700s, their birchbark canoes laden with furs and trade goods. Long before European explorers arrived, the Ojibwe people navigated these same interconnected waterways, their deep knowledge of the land evident in ancient portage routes and seasonal camps. Today's paddlers follow in the wake of these historical travelers, experiencing the same pristine wilderness that has captivated adventurers for generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer unfolds like a perfect northwoods dream, with temperatures hovering comfortably in the 70s, ideal for swimming, paddling, and exploring hidden coves. As autumn arrives, the boreal forest erupts in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating stunning reflections on mirror-like waters. Winter transforms this aquatic paradise into a snow-covered wonderland, where 55 to 70 inches of pristine powder blanket the frozen lakes, turning waterways into highways for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers brave enough to embrace the frigid beauty.

ElevationNestled in Minnesota's iconic low-lying lake country, the park's gentle topography creates an accessible wilderness experience where the horizon stretches endlessly across shimmering waters. This ancient landscape, sculpted by glaciers into a maze of waterways and islands, offers paddlers of all skill levels the chance to explore without challenging climbs or steep portages.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where dense boreal forests of spruce, fir, and pine create a verdant backdrop for crystal-clear lakes that stretch to the horizon. Rocky islands dot the waterscape like scattered gems, each harboring its own ecosystem of moss-covered stones and wind-shaped trees. Wildlife thrives in this protected wilderness – white-tailed deer browse along shorelines at dawn, wolf packs leave their tracks on sandy beaches, and the iconic silhouette of bald eagles soars overhead, their piercing calls echoing across the water. Every paddle stroke reveals new vistas of untouched wilderness beauty.

Geological RegionSpanning an impressive 218,054 acres across northern Minnesota's legendary lake country, this water-dominated landscape showcases nature's artistry through interconnected waterways that weave between ancient bedrock and emerald forests. The park's unique geology tells the story of continental glaciers that carved deep channels and left behind a labyrinth of lakes, creating a paddler's paradise where rugged shorelines meet pristine boreal forests. This remarkable ecosystem represents one of North America's most intact water-based wilderness areas, where the boundary between land and water blurs into a seamless tapestry of natural beauty.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Frontcountry: 3:00 PM, Backcountry: 12:00 PM.

Check-out

Frontcountry: 12:00 PM, Backcountry: 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limits vary by site type. Group sites allow up to 30 guests.

Groups

Group camping is available, with specific sites accommodating up to 30 people. Details on vehicle limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spread across lake islands and mainland trailheads. Each has its own amenities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on recreation.gov or through the call center at (877) 444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve sites are not explicitly mentioned; reservations are highly recommended due to high demand.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made more than 3 days before arrival incur a $10 fee; less than 3 days forfeits the first night’s fee. No refunds after permit printing.

AccessibilityCertain sites are designated as accessible, and facilities like docks and paths at some campsites have been noted as accommodating. Specific sites include features such as gravel paths and dock lifts for accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites vary by type. Frontcountry sites typically include multiple tent pads, while backcountry and primitive sites have smaller capacities.

PrivacyBackcountry and primitive campsites offer high levels of privacy due to their remote locations. Frontcountry campsites are less secluded but still provide some privacy due to natural barriers like trees.

Total Campsites147 campsites

Recommended SitesSites like Bald Rock offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Others with docks provide easier watercraft landing.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Voyageurs National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities tailored for water-based recreation, including boating, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. Seasonal activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also popular during winter months.

HikingThere are 52 miles of hiking trails in the park, ranging from short trails at visitor centers to multi-mile backcountry routes. The Kab-Ash Trail provides access to primitive campsites.

FishingFishing in the park is highly regarded, with opportunities to catch species like walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Some campsites are near productive fishing areas.

SwimmingSwimming is possible in the park's lakes, but designated swimming areas are not specified. Some campsites feature sandy beaches suitable for swimming.

BoatingBoating is a central activity at Voyageurs National Park, with options including motorized boats, canoes, kayaks, and houseboats. Canoes are provided at specific backcountry campsites.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to diverse wildlife, including eagles, loons, beavers, and occasionally wolves and moose. Wildlife viewing is a common highlight for visitors.

Beach activitiesSome campsites have sandy beaches suitable for activities like sunbathing and swimming.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife interactions (bears, wolves), water navigation risks, and dense ticks/mosquito populations during summer.

Active AlertsHigh water levels noted during spring; visitors should check alerts before arrival.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at frontcountry sites. Backcountry sites use bear poles for food storage.

Fire PolicyCampfires restricted to metal fire rings; firewood must be DNR-approved.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesRainy Lake Visitor Center (year-round support), Falls International Airport in International Falls, MN (medical transport), local hospitals within International Falls.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided at main boat landings. Campers must pack out all waste from individual campsites.

Water FeaturesMost campsites are located on or near lakes (Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sandpoint).

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits

Reviews

4.2

979 reviews

Satisfactory

Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, well-maintained campsites, and opportunities for solitude. The reservation system receives mixed feedback, with some praising its organization and others criticizing its complexity. Issues like campsite cleanliness and overbooking have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 979 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the park's pristine environment, excellent fishing opportunities, and well-equipped campsites. Visitors also appreciate the park's diversity of wildlife and the unique...

Based on 979 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often focus on the reservation system, including website difficulties and issues with double bookings. Some users also report challenges with high winds, campsite overgrowth, and lack of...

Based on 979 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug spray, extra ropes for securing boats, and marine band radios for communication. Packing all essentials, including water, is advised due to limited availability on-site.

Based on 979 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season and offers the best weather for outdoor activities. Fall provides fewer crowds and vibrant foliage but brings cooler temperatures. Winter is ideal for snow-based...

Based on 979 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites in Voyageurs are deluxe." "The park offers pristine wilderness and solitude." "The reservation system can be frustrating but ensures site availability."

Based on 979 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites like Round Bear Island and Sheen Point are frequently praised for their views and amenities. Others, like Blueberry Ridge, receive criticism due to overgrowth and difficult access.

Based on 979 reviews

Accessibility Features

Users with accessibility needs highlight certain campsites with gravel paths and accessible docks as favorable. However, some note that backcountry sites may be challenging to access.

Based on 979 reviews