Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota will begin taking overnight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2022 summer season starting Nov. 15.
According to a release by the National Park Services, a civic engagement process was completed this summer to determine changes to recreation fees. After evaluating public comments, officials moved forward with the changes.
“An exciting aspect of the new facilities is the establishment of the first mainland, hike-in camping opportunities in Voyageurs National Park,” Superintendent Bob DeGross said in the release.
Two campsites located along the Kab-Ash Trail will be reservable beginning Nov 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,” DeGross said.
The park currently hosts 143 front-country campsites, 97 houseboat sites, 30-day use sites and six visitor destination sites throughout Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point Lakes, the release states.
“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 said
The National Parks Service says Voyageurs National Park gives visitors 218,055 acres of land to explore, with rock ridges, wetlands, streams, lakes and forests throughout.
Visitors can rent boats, see the Northern Lights, and even fish for Walleye within the park.
New rates are as follows, as of Jan. 1, in addition to the $10 registration service fee:
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)
Visitors can begin reserving their camping spaces by visiting Recreation.gov.
