Rules & Regulations
Voyageurs National Park is a special place that has been set aside to protect the outstanding scenery, natural resources and history of the area. The park is here for you to visit and enjoy, and we ask that you join us in protecting this place for future generations by adhering to some common sense guidelines. The following list includes general regulations, stop by the visitor center or call park headquarters if you have further questions or would like clarification on any issue of interest to you relating to the park. It is your responsibility to know and follow rules and regulations.
A more detailed description of park rules and regulations is included in the Superintendent's Compendium. Click here to view as an Adobe PDF (version 6.0 or newer recommended).
General Regulations
- Do not destroy or collect natural or cultural resources in the park. This includes cutting live trees, harassing wildlife and collecting any natural or cultural resource except for berries and nuts.
- Don't drink and drive. Operating a boat or snowmobile under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
- Public Use Closures: Check at visitor centers and boat ramp bulletin boards for areas closed to protect visitors or park resources. Closed areas are posted with signs.
- Keep the Shade! Cutting live or dead standing trees is prohibited.
- Hunting is not allowed in the park.
- Firearms, fireworks, and archery equipment are prohibited. Chain saws are prohibited except for cutting ice fishing holes.
- Private floatplanes are allowed on the four major lakes -- Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point. They are also allowed on Locator, War Club, Quill, Loiten, Shoepack, Mukooka, and Little Trout Lakes.
- Know Canadian fishing regulations and customs regulations before you cross the border- (807) 274-3655.
- Pets must be leashed and attended at all times. They are allowed in developed areas, outside visitor centers, at boat ramps, picnic areas, tent camping, houseboat, and day use sites on the four main lakes. They must be retrained on a leash not more than six feet long and under your control. Pets are not allowed on park trails or in the backcountry.
- Quiet Time is from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. parkwide.
- Extinguish all fires when leaving campsites.
- Anglers know the slot! If you plan to fish in the park get a copy of the Minnesota Fishing Regulations at area businesses and visitor centers. A Minnesota fishing license is required to fish in the park. Know the slot limit (size limit) for the lakes where you will be fishing. Park rangers enforce Minnesota state fishing regulations. The park encourages anglers to use steel sinkers instead of lead which have been shown to poison loons and other wildlife. Always retrieve and dispose of lines and hooks properly-- park wildlife are injured by these items every year.
- A free camping permit is required for all overnight stays in the park. Pick yours up at a visitor center or use a self-registration station at a park boat launch.
- Store food properly. Use a bear-resistant food locker if one is provided, or hang food items from a tree to deter attracting black bears or other wildlife.
- Click on the Camping Links for more information.
