Primitive Camping at Voyageurs

A fire ring sits atop a granite outcrop at the Blueberry Ridge primitive campsite in Voyageurs National Park.

NPS Photo

Location

Voyageurs National Park offers two primitive hike-in campsites located remotely along the Kab-Ash hiking trail, which extends between the gateway communities of Kabetogama and Ash River. These campsites are the park's first to be accessible on the mainland of the park, meaning that they do not require a boat to access.

Amenities & Need-to-Know Info

Primitive campsites are minimally equipped with fire rings and cleared areas for pitching tents. There are no bear poles or privies, so it is imperative that visitors follow Leave No Trace principles when utilizing these areas.

• Bear Safety / Food Storage: Bring rope to hang food and oderous items 10' up and 4' out, or use a bear canister.
• Trash / Waste: Pack out all trash and dispose of human waste in a 6-8" deep cathole.
• Fire Safety: Use designated metal fire rings only. Burn only wood (no trash) and put fires out completely before leaving.
• Firewood: Only dead and downed wood may be collected for fires. No cutting of standing vegetation, living or dead.
• Be considerate to other campers and leave the trail and camping areas cleaner than you found them.

 

Primitive sites (H1 & H2) are located along the Kab-Ash hiking trail.

NPS Photo

Access

Primitive sites can be accessed by hiking in from any of the Kab-Ash trailheads. Vehicles can be left at trailheads for the duration of the camping permit.

• Along the Ash River Trail (County Hwy 129)
• Along the Meadwood Road (entrance road to the Ash River Visitor Center)
• NOTICE: The Salmi Rd trailhead in Kabetogama is currently closed.

Permits & Prices

• Reservations are required for all camping within Voyageurs National Park, and making your reservation will result in a printable permit for you to have with you on your trip.
• In addition to a $10 reservation system fee, primitive campsite permits carry the following costs:
  • During peak season (May 15 - October 15) - $15/night
  • During non-peak season (October 16 - May 14) - $10/night
• There are two ways to make a reservation:
  • Online at www.recreation.gov
  • Call recreation.gov's national call center at 1-877-444-6777
• Use these step-by-step instructions to walk you through making a camping reservation at Voyageurs National park