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Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, 218-283-6670
International Falls, MN: Overnight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2022 summer season at Voyageurs National Park will become available on November 15, 2021 at 9 am CST, at new rates recently approved by the Regional Park Service Director.
During the summer of 2021 the National Park Service completed a Civic Engagement process to determine if changes to recreation fee rates are warranted for park amenities. Public comments were gathered from June 28 to July 25 of 2021, during which a public meeting, a Facebook live presentation, and online resources were offered as opportunities to provide feedback. After evaluating the responses submitted, park and regional officials determined that the majority of the public supports the proposed changes.
“Throughout the civic engagement period, it was encouraging to read supportive feedback from park users who value the work that is done with recreation fee dollars,” Superintendent Bob DeGross expressed. “We also acknowledge feedback about areas still in need of improvement and will be mindful to ensure that this revenue adequately addresses those concerns.”
Voyageurs National Park maintains 143 frontcountry campsites, 97 houseboat sites, 30 day use sites, and 6 visitor destination sites throughout Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point Lakes. The park also maintains 15 backcountry sites that are connected by approximately 23-miles of trail within the remote interior of the Kabetogama Peninsula. Recreation fee revenue has proven vital in providing the funding needed to accomplish a wide variety of tasks that directly enhance the visitor experience, including the constant upkeep and cleaning of these sites, the rehabilitation of aging campsite amenities, and beneficial improvements like trail repairs and the addition of docks for better access.
“An exciting aspect of the new facilities is the establishment of the first mainland, hike-in camping opportunities in Voyageurs National Park,” DeGross noted. Two primitive campsites located along the Kab-Ash Trail will be reservable on recreation.gov beginning November 15. These sites provide fire rings and cleared areas for tent camping and are accessible by backpacking via any of the Kab-Ash Trailheads located along the Ash River Trail and Meadwood Road. “Our hope is that by providing these designated camping areas along the way, visitors without a boat but wanting a North Woods camping and hiking experience in the park will have the ability to do so as they explore the 26-mile Kab-Ash Trail,” DeGross added.
The following nightly fee structure goes into effect on January 1, 2022, and are in addition to a $10 reservation service fee per transaction:
- Small campsite without dock: $22
- Small campsite with dock: $26
- Large campsite without dock: $28
- Large campsite with dock: $32
- Group campsites: $60
- Primitive campsites: $15
- Backcountry canoe rental: $14
- Houseboat permits: $15
- Low-Use Season camping: $10 (Oct 1 – Apr 30, annually)
Park staff encourage visitors to make reservations as soon as they know their plans. Visitors may make reservations by going to www.recreation.gov and searching for Voyageurs National Park or by calling the National Call Center at (877) 444-6777.
Follow Voyageurs National Park on Facebook for important camping information, and visit these park links for additional resources:
Overnight tent camping information and policies:
https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/tent-camping.htm
Instructions for making a campsite reservation:
https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/making-a-tent-campsite-reservation.htm
Houseboat information and policies:
http://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/houseboating.htm
Instructions for making a houseboat reservation:
https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/making-a-houseboat-reservation.htm
Last updated: November 9, 2021