Higher camping and boating fees will take effect in 2022 at Voyageurs National Park/NPS file

Camping and houseboating reservations for next summer at Voyageurs National Park open next week, but they'll cost you a bit more as the fees have increased.

Not only have the actual reservation rates increased, but you'll also have to pay a $10 fee to make the reservations.

Under the new fee schedule, nightly fees have increased between $2 and $8 for most campsites. The complete fee changes are listed below.

According to park staff, this is the first increase in camping and boating fees since they 2013.

As a park that collects less than $500,000 in fees annually, 97 percent of the recreation fees collected at Voyageurs stay at the park to fund projects that directly enhance the visitor experience and to support the operation of the reservation system. Recreation fee dollars have funded the cleaning and maintaining of park sites, the ongoing improvement and rehabilitation of campsite structures, and backcountry trail repairs. Recreation fees have also purchased fire rings, picnic tables and bear lockers to replace deteriorating amenities.

“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 in northern Minnesota maintains 143 frontcountry campsites, 97 houseboat sites, 30 day-use sites, and six 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.

“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)

All reservations made for trips that will occur after the effective date of January 1, 2022, will be charged the new rates accordingly, while reservations for trips occurring prior to the effective date will continue to be charged at the previous year’s rates. 

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.