North Mitchell Island N58 Campsite

For those of us in Minnesota who cherish the quiet solitude of the North Woods and the endless possibilities of our pristine lakes, the North Mitchell Island N58 Campsite offers an idyllic escape within Voyageurs National Park. Situated in the captivating aquatic wilderness near Northwest St. Louis, this campsite provides a truly immersive experience that resonates deeply with the heart of our state's outdoor spirit.

North Mitchell Island N58 is not a conventional drive-up campground; it is a dedicated "boat-in" site, which means the journey to your campsite is an integral part of the adventure. This unique characteristic ensures a profound sense of seclusion and an unbroken connection with the natural environment, distinguishing it from more easily accessible areas. Whether you’re an experienced boater, a passionate angler, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful retreat beneath a canvas of stars, North Mitchell Island N58 promises an unforgettable outdoor experience. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information needed to plan your visit, ensuring your time at this remarkable Minnesota gem is both rewarding and memorable.

The North Mitchell Island N58 Campsite is wonderfully positioned within the majestic Voyageurs National Park, a true natural treasure of northern Minnesota. While its address is generally listed as Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA, it is crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is exclusively a "boat-in" site. This means direct vehicle access is not possible, and all visitors must arrive by watercraft, which significantly contributes to the site's secluded, serene, and pristine wilderness ambiance.

North Mitchell Island N58 is located on Namakan Lake, one of the four major interconnected lakes that define the watery landscape of Voyageurs National Park. To embark on your journey to N58, campers typically launch their boats from one of the designated public access points or visitor centers surrounding the park, such as those near Crane Lake or Ash River. The campsite is approximately 15 miles from the Ash River Visitor Center. The voyage across Namakan Lake itself is an integral part of the overall experience, offering picturesque vistas of forested islands, sparkling waters, and ample opportunities to observe the diverse local wildlife, including various bird species and aquatic animals. The boat-only access inherently limits the number of visitors, ensuring a more private camping experience, far removed from the bustle of more crowded areas. While requiring boat ownership or rental, this boat-in access is precisely what makes North Mitchell Island N58 such a coveted spot for those seeking deep wilderness immersion. For those without their own watercraft, numerous local outfitters and water taxi services operating out of the gateway communities are available to provide transportation, making this unique Minnesota camping experience accessible to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Permitted Equipment: North Mitchell Island N58 is designated for tent camping and allows for boat mooring. It is not equipped to accommodate RVs or other vehicle-based camping setups, preserving its primitive, boat-in character.
• Max Number of People: This site is classified as a "small campsite," designed to host a maximum of 9 people. This ensures a more intimate and less crowded wilderness experience for all visitors.
• Tent Pads: The campsite features two official tent pads, each measuring approximately 14 feet by 14 feet, providing cleared and level areas for setting up tents. These offer ample space for most camping tents.
• Food Lockers: To promote bear safety and ensure proper food storage in this wild environment, North Mitchell Island N58 provides two bear-proof food lockers. Each locker measures 52 inches wide x 36 inches deep x 21 inches high, equivalent to two 48-quart coolers.
• Picnic Table: A sturdy picnic table is available at the campsite, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other camp activities.
• Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is provided for campfires. This allows visitors to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of an an open flame, and to cook meals over a fire (always remember to check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Outdoor Privy: For sanitation, an outdoor privy (vault toilet) is available on-site, providing a basic but necessary facility in this remote setting.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted at North Mitchell Island N58, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for your wilderness adventure. Responsible pet ownership, including keeping pets on a leash and cleaning up after them, is required.
• Sand Access: The site features sand access from the water, which can make landing boats and accessing the shoreline more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Check-in/Check-out: The standard check-in time for campsites within Voyageurs National Park is 3:00 PM, and campers are required to vacate the campsite by 12:00 PM (noon) on their day of departure.

• Authentic Boat-In Wilderness Experience: The most significant highlight of North Mitchell Island N58 is its exclusive boat-in access, offering an unparalleled sense of solitude and a truly immersive experience within the Minnesota wilderness, far from the noise of roads and crowds.
• Prime Location within Voyageurs National Park: Being nestled within Voyageurs National Park provides direct access to its stunning aquatic environment, renowned for its interconnected lakes, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.
• Sand Access: A notable feature, the sand access to the water, makes it easier for landing boats and accessing the shoreline, potentially offering a small beach area for relaxation or swimming.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Situated on Namakan Lake, part of Voyageurs National Park's world-class fishing grounds, the campsite offers superb opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, right from the vicinity of your campsite.
• Spectacular Stargazing: With minimal light pollution typical of a national park, the night skies over North Mitchell Island N58 are often breathtaking, providing incredible views of stars, planets, and potentially the captivating Northern Lights during favorable conditions.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The remote island setting increases the chances of observing diverse Minnesota wildlife, such as bald eagles soaring overhead, loons calling across the water, and various waterfowl. Adherence to bear safety guidelines is always advised due to the presence of black bears.
• Peaceful Seclusion: The boat-in accessibility inherently limits the number of visitors, contributing to a profoundly peaceful and tranquil camping experience, allowing for deep relaxation and an undisturbed appreciation of nature's sounds.

Address: North Mitchell Island N58 Campsite, Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA

As a remote, boat-in campsite located within the vast expanse of Voyageurs National Park, there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the North Mitchell Island N58 Campsite itself. All reservations for campsites within Voyageurs National Park, including North Mitchell Island N58, are managed exclusively through the

Recreation.gov

For general inquiries about Voyageurs National Park, including park regulations, camping policies, or if you require assistance with the reservation process on

Recreation.gov

For Minnesotans, the North Mitchell Island N58 Campsite in Voyageurs National Park embodies the very essence of our state's cherished outdoor lifestyle. It's a place where the pristine waters and ancient forests merge to create an unforgettable wilderness experience that resonates deeply with our love for exploration and natural beauty.

The boat-in nature of this campsite, far from being a barrier, is precisely what makes it so appealing to local enthusiasts. It ensures a level of seclusion and tranquility that is increasingly rare, allowing you to truly disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the wilderness. For those who own a boat or are willing to rent one, the journey across Namakan Lake to North Mitchell Island becomes part of the adventure, offering breathtaking views and the promise of a truly private retreat.

North Mitchell Island N58 is perfectly suited for those who appreciate a more rustic camping experience while still benefiting from essential amenities. The presence of two spacious tent pads, bear-proof food lockers, a picnic table, and a fire ring ensures a comfortable and secure stay. The unique sand access to the water is a convenient feature, making it easy to land your boat, enjoy a swim, or simply relax by the shore. While mosquito activity can vary with the season, as is typical for our Minnesota summers, proper preparation ensures that this minor inconvenience doesn't overshadow the profound beauty and peace of the site.

Whether you're planning a fishing trip to reel in walleye and northern pike from Namakan Lake, a family adventure introducing children to the wonders of a national park, or a peaceful solo retreat, North Mitchell Island N58 offers an ideal backdrop. By choosing to camp here, Minnesotans are not only securing an incredible outdoor getaway but also contributing to the ongoing preservation of Voyageurs National Park. It's an opportunity to create cherished memories and fully embrace the unique water-based wilderness that is so integral to our state's identity.

North Mitchell Island N58 Campsite

Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA