Camping Near Voyageurs National Park
ShareVoyageurs National Park, named in honor of the French-Canadian explorers who traveled the area in the 1700s and early 1800s as part of the fur trade, is considered “Minnesota’s gift to America.” The park allows Mother Nature to show off, with a spectacular combination of boreal forest, lakes and rivers, diverse northern wildlife, and some of the darkest, clearest skies in the entire country.
Being that Minnesota’s nickname is “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it should come as no surprise that one of the defining features of Voyageurs is its lakes. Not just lakes, but rivers, inlets, and waterfalls, too. And because of that, something unique to the park is that all of its campsites are accessible only by water. That means RV camping near Voyageurs National Park is ideal for those who want to explore the park in other ways and those looking for a camping experience with a few more modern amenities.
To help you make the most of your northern Minnesota adventure, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to RV parks near Voyageurs National Park.
Voyageurs National Park Facts
- Over one-third of Voyageurs National Park’s 218,000 acres consists of water.
- There are 30 lakes, including four large ones, plus the Ash River.
- The larger lakes are defined by many islands. There are about 1,000 islands, and Kabetogama Lake alone has over 200!
- The park has 650 miles of shoreline.
- One of the most fun Voyageurs National Park facts is that it’s on the US-Canada border. The park’s northern boundary actually forms 55 miles of the international border, and Rainy Lake technically sits in both countries.
Best Voyageurs National Park RV Parks and Campgrounds
Whether you prefer smaller, more rustic campsites or campgrounds with all sorts of bells and whistles, you’ll find the perfect place for your family to enjoy RV camping near Voyageurs National Park.
Arrowhead Lodge Resort
Amenities: Family-owned and operated, Arrowhead Lodge is situated directly on the south side of Lake Kabetogama and offers a full-service Voyageurs National Park RV camping experience. While there are only three RV sites available, they’re all pull-thru with full hookups. With a goal of “getting visitors on the lake,” the resort offers complimentary kayaks and canoes, plus boat and fishing gear rentals as well as guided fishing trips. There’s also a full-service restaurant and bar on-site.
RV Capacity: 3
More information: Arrowhead Lodge Resort
Voyageurs Sunrise Resort
Amenities: If you’re looking for the most conveniently located RV camping sites near Voyageurs National Park, look no further than Voyageurs Sunrise Resort. It’s 30 miles from International Falls and a 20-minute ride from the Lake Kabetogama Visitor Center. All sites have full hookups and include a boat slip so you can bring your own watercraft (no jet skis though — they aren’t allowed on the lake). The resort also offers motorboat rentals and complimentary kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats. Enjoy a family-friendly beach with a fun water trampoline, and the convenience of a small general store and fish house on-site. Fish cleaning is complimentary, but tips are appreciated!
RV Capacity: 24
More information: Voyageurs Sunrise Resort
Ash Ka Nam Resort & Lodge
Amenities: Situated on the banks of the picturesque Ash River, Ash Ka Nam Resort & Lodge offers year-round Voyageurs National Park RV campgrounds. The spacious RV sites have full hookups, and campers will enjoy many amenities within the park. There’s a full-service restaurant and bar overlooking the river. The resort also offers guided tours throughout the year. Let a fishing guide take you out to secret spots on the lake or enjoy the thrill of a guided snowmobile trip in the winter.
RV Capacity: 4 (more available as permanent/entire season rentals)
More information: Ash Ka Nam Resort & Lodge
Echo Lake Campground
Amenities: Located just one hour from the park entrance in the enormous Superior National Forest (it’s nearly 4 million acres!), Echo Lake Campground offers an idyllic Voyageurs National Park RV camping experience. The sites don’t have electricity, but the campground does have several amenities, so this is sort of a hybrid boondocking setup. You’ll have access to maintained pit toilets, solar-powered potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and trash services. It also has trails with direct walking access to the lake and boat ramp.
RV Capacity: 24
More information: Echo Lake Campground
Trail’s End Resort & Campground
Amenities: Trail’s End Resort is another Voyageurs National Park RV campground on Echo Lake. It’s open year-round and boasts some of Minnesota’s best walleye and crappie fishing spots. The sites are made up of both full-hookup and electric-only areas, and all are wooded with lake views. There’s a shower house with flush toilets and laundry facilities, and guests also have access to a sandy beach, boat ramp, and playground. Enjoy the full-service Trail’s End Restaurant, where everything is made from scratch.
RV Capacity: 7
More information: Trail’s End Resort & Campground
Best Time to Visit Voyageurs National Park for RV Camping
If you’re considering an RV trip to Voyageurs National Park and are wondering when you should visit, good news: there are hardly ever any crowds. In fact, it’s one of the least-visited national parks in the country. However, there are still factors — such as weather and seasonal activities — to consider when planning your trip to Voyageurs.
Winter
While winter is the off-season in other parks, many people consider it to be the best time to visit Voyageurs National Park. Voyageurs comes alive with winter sports that include ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are nearly 110 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and seven miles of trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. The popular Sphunge Island-Kabetogama sledding hills are not to be missed. Winter is also one of the best times to see the Northern Lights.
Spring
If you’re planning to visit in the spring, you’ll be treated to the park literally coming to life. Everything is in bloom, and the ice breaks up on the lakes, typically disappearing completely by late May. Be prepared for unpredictable weather during the spring, though — overnight lows are often sub-freezing in March and April. By early May, the daily high temperatures can reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain and snow are not at all uncommon.
Summer
Summer is the busiest time in Voyageurs National Park (however, bear in mind that the park is never crowded). This is because the park’s guided tours and programs — like stargazing tours and trips to the historic Kettle Falls — are only held from mid-June through early September. The weather is enjoyable, with temperatures hovering in the 70s. Summer is also the rainiest season.
Fall
Autumn is spectacular in Voyageurs National Park, with fall foliage on full display. For the most vibrant colors, plan to visit toward the end of September or any time in October. It does start to get colder in October, with average high temperatures dropping to the low 50s and overnight lows dipping into freezing. The park’s first measurable snowfall is also typically in October.
Things to Do in Voyageurs National Park
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As long as you love the water and beautiful scenery (who doesn’t?!), you’ll find there is no shortage of things to do in Voyageurs National Park.
- Take a ranger-led boat tour from June through September.
- Bring your own boat or rent one to go fishing, or simply explore the countless islands and coves.
- Hike the park’s 52+ miles of trails. Trails range from easy quarter-mile hikes to the strenuous, multi-day 27.9-mile Kab-Ash Trail. Many trails in Voyageurs are accessible, and several of these feature hidden waterfalls and petroglyphs.
- Stargaze and see if you can catch the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Although they can appear any time of year, chances are best in fall, winter, and early spring, when there are more hours of darkness.
- Go snowmobiling in the winter and spring. The park has 110+ miles of groomed trails with numerous access points.
Tips on Visiting Voyageurs National Park
Make the most of your trip to Voyageurs with these fun tips.
- Pick up a detailed topographic map from one of the park’s visitor centers as soon as you arrive.
- The Rainy Lake Visitor Center and Crane Lake Ranger Station are open year-round.
- Fishing is excellent at any time of the year, especially for bass, northern pike, walleye, and muskie.
- Take advantage of the park’s free ranger-led programs. They teach a great deal about the park’s fascinating mining history and unique ecosystems.
- Consider volunteering in Voyageurs National Park to give back and for an up-close look at its inner workings.
RV Rentals for Voyageurs National Park
Whether you’re a local Minnesotan or you’re road-tripping across the country, we hope this guide is helpful in planning your RV rental trip to Voyageurs National Park. The next step is deciding when you want to go and choosing the perfect Cruise America rental RV model!
Even if you’re a total newbie when it comes to #RVlife, the entire process is simple with Cruise America. Every RV comes loaded with amenities and creature comforts, and there are more than 130 convenient rental locations across North America. Contact us today so we can get you on the road to one of the best RV parks near Voyageurs National Park!
