HB Mitchell Bay N21 Houseboat Campsite

For Minnesotans who truly embrace the spirit of our "Land of 10,000 Lakes," the HB Mitchell Bay N21 Houseboat Campsite presents a truly unique and unforgettable way to experience the vast wilderness of Voyageurs National Park. Unlike traditional tent-on-land camping, this site caters specifically to those traveling by houseboat, offering a blend of comfort and immersion in the park's magnificent aquatic landscape. Located near the historic Kettle Falls area, this campsite is a gateway to adventure on Namakan Lake, providing a distinctive perspective on our beloved northern Minnesota.

HB Mitchell Bay N21 is designed for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast: those who love the flexibility and amenities of a houseboat combined with the raw beauty of a national park. It's an opportunity to wake up directly on the water, with the sounds of loons and the gentle lapping of waves as your soundtrack. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what makes HB Mitchell Bay N21 so special, from its unique accessibility to the features that make it an ideal base for your next northern Minnesota water adventure. It’s a chance to explore hidden coves, cast a line in prime fishing waters, and truly disconnect in a way only a houseboat experience in Voyageurs can offer.

The HB Mitchell Bay N21 Houseboat Campsite is situated within the stunning confines of Voyageurs National Park, a water-based wilderness located in the northern reaches of Minnesota. While its address is listed using a plus code, CFM4+HWV, Kettle Falls, MN 55725, USA, it's vital to understand that this campsite is exclusively for houseboats and is accessible only by water. This means visitors will launch their houseboats (or arrange for a rental and pick-up) from one of the gateway communities to Voyageurs National Park, such as Crane Lake or Ash River, and then navigate to the site.

Specifically, HB Mitchell Bay N21 is located on Namakan Lake, one of the park's major interconnected lakes. The journey to the campsite is an integral part of the experience, offering scenic views and the thrill of navigating the expansive waterways. Houseboat permits are required for overnight stays, and these permits allow for mooring at any designated houseboat site like N21, or at undesignated shoreline areas (with specific distance requirements from other sites). The location near Kettle Falls also offers proximity to a historic and picturesque area of the park, known for its unique dam and the border crossing into Canada.

Accessibility, in this context, refers to water navigation. While the site itself provides mooring aids and a fire ring for convenience, the primary means of reaching it is via your houseboat. It's crucial for visitors to be comfortable with houseboat operation or to utilize a rental service that provides orientation and support. This boat-only access contributes significantly to the remote and tranquil atmosphere of the site, ensuring a true wilderness experience away from road noise and typical campground crowds.

• Houseboat Mooring: This site is specifically designed for houseboats, offering designated space and typically mooring aids or posts to secure your vessel overnight. A limit of two houseboats may moor overnight at designated houseboat sites.
• Permit Required: An overnight permit from Recreation.gov is mandatory for houseboats staying in Voyageurs National Park from May 1 through October 31. This permit is not site-specific but allows for overnight use at any designated houseboat site, including N21.
• Fire Ring: A metal fire ring is provided at the site, allowing for campfires. It is recommended to bring firewood purchased from an approved MN Dept of Agriculture vendor. Only dead and downed wood may be collected within the park.
• Sand Landing: The campsite features a sand landing, which can be convenient for accessing the shore from your houseboat or for enjoying the beach.
• Designated Site: As a designated houseboat site (ID: N21), it is equipped with specific amenities for houseboat users.
• No Tent Camping: It is important to note that tent camping is NOT allowed at houseboat sites. Houseboats must utilize their onboard sleeping facilities.
• No Day Use: Day use is generally not allowed at houseboat sites, ensuring that the site remains available for permitted overnight houseboat use.
• Waste Disposal: All food, trash, and waste must be stored on the houseboat and packed out of the park. Do not burn trash in fire rings. Houseboats are required to have no-discharge toilets, and human waste must be disposed of using these onboard facilities, not on the site grounds.
• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM park-wide, during which generators must be off, and noise levels should be kept low.

• Unique Houseboat Camping Experience: HB Mitchell Bay N21 offers a rare opportunity for Minnesotans to enjoy camping directly from their houseboat, providing unparalleled flexibility and comfort while immersed in the park's waterways.
• Prime Location on Namakan Lake: Situated on Namakan Lake, known for its pristine waters and excellent fishing, the campsite provides direct access to a vast network of interconnected lakes within Voyageurs National Park.
• Secluded Water-Based Retreat: The boat-only access ensures a heightened sense of seclusion and tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet escape from crowded land-based campgrounds.
• Sand Landing for Easy Access: The presence of a sand landing at the site makes it more convenient for houseboats to moor and for campers to access the shore, potentially offering a small beach area for relaxation or swimming.
• Exceptional Fishing: Namakan Lake is a renowned fishing destination. Houseboaters at N21 can enjoy world-class fishing for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and other species right outside their floating home.
• Stunning Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies over Voyageaus National Park are often spectacular, providing incredible opportunities for stargazing and even potential sightings of the Aurora Borealis during favorable conditions.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote, water-based setting increases the chances of observing diverse Minnesota wildlife, including bald eagles, loons, various waterfowl, and possibly deer or other mammals along the shorelines.
• Designated Fire Ring: The presence of a designated metal fire ring adds to the authentic camping experience, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires (when conditions permit).

Address: HB Mitchell Bay N21 Houseboat Campsite, CFM4+HWV, Kettle Falls, MN 55725, USA

As a remote houseboat campsite located within Voyageurs National Park, there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the HB Mitchell Bay N21 Campsite itself. All permits and reservations for houseboat stays in Voyageurs National Park are managed exclusively through the

Recreation.gov

For general inquiries about Voyageurs National Park, including park regulations, houseboat policies, or assistance with the reservation process, you should contact the main park visitor centers. The National Park Service provides central contact information for Voyageurs National Park that covers all general questions. While specific visitor center phone numbers might vary, a reliable general inquiry number for the park is typically available on the official National Park Service website for Voyageurs National Park. It is highly recommended to visit the official NPS website for the most up-to-date contact details, visitor center operating hours, and comprehensive information regarding park rules and reservation procedures to ensure a smooth and well-planned trip. The primary contact number for Voyageurs National Park is typically (218) 283-6600. Remember to obtain and print your houseboat permit from Recreation.gov before your trip and display it on the rear of your houseboat.

For Minnesotans, the HB Mitchell Bay N21 Houseboat Campsite offers a quintessential northern experience that speaks directly to our love for lakes, unique outdoor adventures, and the tranquility of our wilderness. This isn't just camping; it's a floating retreat into the heart of Voyageurs National Park, a destination tailor-made for those who appreciate the blend of comfort and raw natural beauty.

The very nature of houseboat camping at N21 means you're literally living on the water, surrounded by the park's majestic scenery. This provides an unparalleled sense of freedom to explore countless bays, islands, and fishing spots that might otherwise be out of reach. For local anglers, being positioned on Namakan Lake, known for its incredible fishing, is a dream come true. The sand landing at the campsite adds a touch of convenience and charm, making it easier to enjoy the shoreline.

This site is perfect for families looking for a distinctive vacation, groups of friends on a fishing expedition, or even couples seeking a romantic and secluded getaway. The amenities provided – a fire ring, mooring aids, and a designated space – ensure a comfortable stay, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking sunsets, the chorus of loons, and the brilliant starry nights. It’s an ideal setting to create lasting memories, far from the distractions of daily life.

Furthermore, by choosing a designated houseboat site like HB Mitchell Bay N21, Minnesotans are actively participating in the responsible enjoyment and preservation of our National Park. The permit system helps manage visitor impact, ensuring that these pristine waters and islands remain healthy and accessible for generations to come. It's a truly unique way to connect with the landscape that defines our state, offering an adventure that combines the comforts of a floating home with the untamed beauty of the Minnesota wilderness.

HB Mitchell Bay N21 Houseboat Campsite

CFM4+HWV, Kettle Falls, MN 55725, USA