Is there a fee to use the sites ?
In 2006, there is no fee to use the group campsites.
When can the site be reserved ?
Visitors can make reservations year-round for the current calendar year. The sites are by reservation only from June 11, 2006 through September 17, 2006. The rest of the year, the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How far in advance does a group have to make a reservation ?
You must make your reservation at least 5 days prior to when you want to occupy the site.
How does a group make a reservation ?
Starting May 22, 2006 (or possibly sooner), reservations can be made online at http://reservations.nps.gov/index.cfm or by calling 1-800-365- CAMP (800-365-2267). For callers outside the U.S. and Canada, call (301) 722-1257. Reservations processed through this Internet site will only be accepted between the hours of 10:00 am and 10:00 pm Eastern Time (7:00 AM and 7:00 PM Pacific Time).
Can a group make a reservation at a visitor center or by calling the park ?
No. All reservations must be made through the National Park Service’s reservation system (Internet or telephone). See Internet address and phone number above.
No one has reserved the site for today. Can I use it?
Parties of 1 to 30 people, can walk in to a visitor center and check the availability of a group site for the current day. If the site is not reserved, they can use it (after checking in) until the next reservation begins or up to 4 nights.
Can a group cancel its reservation ?
If a group needs to cancel a reservation, the group leader should call the appropriate visitor center (Rainy or Kabetogama).
Why is there a reservation system ?
Voyageurs needs a reservation system for these sites so it can manage use in a way that minimizes conflicts between visitors. A reservation system will also increase the likelihood that these sites will be used by large groups for which they were designed.
How many nights can my group use the site ?
The site can be reserved for 7 consecutive nights.
Does the group need an overnight permit?
Yes. The group leader gets the permit at the appropriate visitor center when he/she checks in.
Is there a check-in and check-out time ?
Check-in time is 2:00pm at the visitor center. The group leader must check-in at the appropriate visitor center (either Rainy or Kabetogama/Ash River) by 2:oopm or the reservation will be cancelled. Check-out time is 12:00pm. Groups need to vacate the site by 12:00pm.
What if the group leader gets delayed and cannot check-in by 2:oopm ?
If the group leader calls and explains the delay the park will hold the reservation for check-in no later than 4:30pm.
What if the group has to leave the site earlier than planned ?
The park requests that you put the group’s permit in the drop box by the visitor center with a note stating an early departure.
Is day use allowed at the group sites?
Yes. Similar to all tent sites, day use is allowed at vacant group sites until 2:00pm.
More Information:
Voyageurs National Park is Bear Country
For many people, seeing wildlife is a primary reason for coming to Voyageurs National Park. You can help make sure that your visit helps keep park wildlife wild by taking a few simple steps to store your food and garbage properly. All developed campsites are equipped with a bear-resistant food storage locker. Use it to store all food items, including your food, cooking gear, pet food, toothpaste, lotions, sunscreens and garbage.
If a bear-resistant food locker is full or unavailable you should hang items in a tree at least ten feet from the ground and four feet from the trunk to deter animals from gaining access. Make sure that you clean fish away from your campsite and dispose of fish entrails by cutting them into small pieces and disposing of them in deep water.
Make it a habit to NOT bring food into your tent, and don't leave food items unattended. Bears that learn to associate people and campsites with food can become a serious problem. Please do your part by not feeding wildlife, intentionally or by accident. This will help keep animals healthy and helps to prevent problems that could ruin your visit or the visit of people that come after you. Please call the park or stop by the visitor center for more information.