The best camping near Voyageurs National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Voyageurs National Park adventure.

Welcome to a land where dense forests meet pristine waters.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Voyageurs National Park

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16 Squared Cabin

2 sites · Lodging160 acres · Nett Lake, MN

Learn more about this land:"Glamp" on 160 acres of private property surrounded by pine forest, a field, and a pond. There are several miles of trails on the property that are perfect for hiking, biking, four wheeling and horseback riding! The trails also connect to several hundred miles of trail systems in the surrounding area. The cabin can be heated by the wood stove during the winter months, so it is a great place to stay for snowmobiling! Inside the cabin there are a wood stove, 2 sets of bunkbeds, a table and chairs, and a counter top with cupboards. Outside, there is an outhouse and a campfire area with a picnic table.

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Cabin O' Pines

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Orr, MN

Northern Minnesota Family Fishing Resort Enjoy all the best of Northern Minnesota at Cabin O Pines. Wake up every morning to hear the sounds of local wildlife, and sit down every night to warm up by the campfire. While staying at Cabin O’ Pines, enjoy fun beach activities, or rent one of our Cabin O’ Pines marine rentals and get out on the lake. Whatever the occasion, you are sure to have a memorable Northern Minnesota experience.

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The Lodge of Whispering Pines

11 sites · RVs5 acres · Ely, MN

Lodge of Whispering Pines There’s no summer memory better than those spent at the Lake. We still have beautiful Lakefront Cabins available at Lodge of Whispering Pines this summer, just waiting for you and your family to create unforgettable memories. Before you witness spectacular sunsets and views of Big Lake from your Lakefront cabin, you’ll be treated to a secluded drive through the Superior National Forest along the Echo Trail - Along granite cliff roadways that hug the edge of wilderness landscapes to you - you'll experience an awakening to your natural surroundings and an enlightening of your spirit. The noise, the crowds are left behind, and traffic seems nonexistent. Your vacation has already begun. Just twenty miles north of Ely a secluded private drive leads you further into the Superior National Forest to Lodge of Whispering Pines on Big Lake. Poised among tall pine, picturesque birch, spruce, balsam, and aspen, you realize you are encircled by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and are now guests of the deer, moose, black bear, timber wolves, loons, and all the other wild creatures that inhabit northern Minnesota's truly natural park. This beautiful piece of earth hides a great deal of history in it's cabins, campsites, trails and what not. If you really want to find out about all the unbelievable stories, sit back in your Adirondack chair and listen to the whispers of the Pine trees. You will be surprised how much they can tell you! Our entire family (which includes moose, deer, timber wolves, bald eagles, black bears and other wild creatures) welcomes you to our paddler's and angler's paradise. This will be one of your most-memorable vacations: swim at our natural sand beach; participate in naturalist activities and children’s programs. Enjoy free use of the Adirondack chairs along the lake front, kayaks, canoes, even a traditional wood-fired Sauna. Leave the noise and the crowds behind. Big Lake, Clean Lake, Fun Lake, No Really--it's called Big Lake Our property is surrounded by the BWCAW (Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness). Enjoy activities like hiking, Biking & Stand up paddle boarding, Fishing and wildlife viewing. The photography during Fall is amazing!Big Lake is 2000 acre and has numerous large islands and secluded bays - the shoreline has been virtually undeveloped. It is one of the top walleye fishing lakes in the state. Besides that Big Lake is filled with Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Jumbo Perch. If you are planning on visiting another lake while staying with us, we have good news for you. We are near Hegman Lake where centuries-old pictographs can be viewed and photographed. Check it out yourself and make new fantastic memories. Our Resort Privacy and comfort complement the natural beauty of the cabins. Whether you choose to be tucked away in the trees or nearer the natural sand swimming beach and playground, with the exception of towels, everything is included -- modern kitchen appliances, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and more. Each cabin is unique in amenities. Some feature decks in private wooded areas, screen porches, private docks, log construction, or fireplaces. Cabins range from one to three bedrooms (sleeping 3-10 people). All have full kitchens and baths, Charcoal Grills, Picnic tables, outdoor fire rings. and Minnesota's truly natural park. Moose, deer and other wild animals inhabit the trails and forests where earlier innkeepers corralled a stable of horses for their guests' riding pleasure. Unique to Big Lake, and its relationship to the wilderness, motorized boats and canoes are both allowed and available for our guests to use.

The best camping near Voyageurs National Park guide

Overview

About

With forested hills and crystal waters as far as the eye can see, Voyageurs National Park offers 218,000 acres to explore on land and water. Straddling the border between northern Minnesota and Canada, this remote park is a place to immerse yourself in the natural world, with few reminders of civilization. Campers will find both frontcountry campsites, with minimal development, and backcountry camping, which requires a hike to reach. RVing and car camping are not possible since a boat is required to reach these campsite locations.

Notable campgrounds

Best for a classic tent-camping trip: The frontcountry campsites at Voyageurs National Park are easier to reach, while still providing a natural retreat.
Best for adventure: The remote backcountry campsites at Voyageurs National Park are far removed from civilization.
Best for amenities: For car campers and RVers, private RV parks offer camping, mainly along the shores of Kabetogama Lake and the Ash River.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campers should first decide whether they want to camp in the frontcountry or backcountry.
Frontcountry campsites are for tent camping only and may include a picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring.
Backcountry campsites require backpacking for miles to reach them. Plan accordingly.
Campsite reservations are released in a block on the first day of each month for several months in advance on the Recreation.gov website.
Recreation.gov will help you plan your camping trip by listing details about how to reach each campsite and what amenities are available.
Some backcountry campsites also have canoe rentals that can be booked to explore the interior lakes.

When to go

Though Voyageurs National Park is open year-round, the waterways may be frozen much of the year due to its northern location. June through September generally offer warmer temperatures and rippling waters. Highs generally reach the 60s and 70s, dropping to lows in the 40s and 50s overnight. Winter brings conditions that require extra preparation. Snow and freezing temperatures, dropping below zero, may be regularly encountered October through February. Winter campers can reach campsites on foot or snowmobile when the ice and snowpack are thick enough. Winter offers the best chance to see the northern lights.

Know before you go

Campers must properly store food to avoid attracting bears.
A number of outfitters offer houseboat rentals for a unique way to explore this park.
Campers are allowed to park their vehicles for free overnight at the visitor centers.
The visitor centers offer boat launches; if traveling without your own watercraft, water taxis are also available.