Rusty Island East

For those of us in Minnesota who truly appreciate the rugged beauty and vast waterways of our state's northern reaches, Rusty Island East in Voyageurs National Park offers an authentic and memorable camping experience. Nestled within the incredible water-based wilderness near Kettle Falls, this campsite provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourselves in a landscape shaped by glaciers and defined by its interconnected lakes and lush forests.

Rusty Island East is not a drive-up campground; it is a dedicated "boat-in" site, meaning your journey to this island retreat is an integral part of the adventure. This characteristic ensures a significant level of seclusion and a deep connection with the natural environment, distinguishing it from more easily accessible camping areas. While past visitors have noted challenges like potential boat traffic, lack of shade, and dying trees, the fundamental appeal of a remote island campsite in Voyageurs National Park remains strong for those seeking a true wilderness escape. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with a factual and informative overview of what to expect at Rusty Island East, from its unique accessibility to the essential services it provides, helping you plan your next distinctive Minnesota outdoor excursion.

Rusty Island East is wonderfully situated within the magnificent Voyageurs National Park, a premier natural attraction in northern Minnesota. While its address is pinpointed by a plus code, 86W9CFMG+VC, Kettle Falls, MN 55725, USA, it is crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is exclusively a "boat-in" site. This means that direct vehicle access is not available, and all visitors must arrive by watercraft. This unique accessibility is precisely what contributes to the site's secluded, tranquil, and pristine wilderness ambiance.

Rusty Island East is located on Namakan Lake, one of the four major interconnected lakes that form the watery heart of Voyageurs National Park. To embark on your journey to this island campsite, campers typically launch their boats from one of the designated public access points or visitor centers surrounding the park, such as those near Kettle Falls, Crane Lake, or Ash River. The voyage across Namakan Lake itself is an integral part of the overall experience, offering picturesque vistas of countless islands, dense boreal forests, and ample opportunities to observe the diverse local wildlife. While the exact distance from a particular launch point will vary, navigating through the park's well-marked channels adds to the sense of adventure and discovery. The boat-only access inherently limits the number of visitors, ensuring a more private and undisturbed camping experience, far removed from the noise and crowds of more accessible campgrounds. For those without their own watercraft, numerous local outfitters and water taxi services operating out of the gateway communities are available to facilitate transportation, making this unique Minnesota camping experience accessible to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts. While some reviews mention significant boat traffic in the vicinity, particularly on Namakan Lake, the island setting still offers a sense of being 'away from it all' compared to mainland options.

• Permitted Equipment: Rusty Island East 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, level, and prepared 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, Rusty Island East provides two bear-proof food lockers. Each locker measures 52 inches wide x 36 inches deep x 21 inches high, or is equivalent to two 48-quart coolers.
• Picnic Table: A sturdy metal 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 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 Rusty Island East, 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.
• 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 Island Experience: The primary highlight of Rusty Island East is its exclusive boat-in access to a secluded island campsite. This offers an unparalleled sense of solitude and a truly immersive experience within the Minnesota wilderness, far removed from the sounds of roads and large crowds.
• Prime Location on Namakan Lake: Being nestled on Namakan Lake, within Voyageurs National Park, offers direct access to a stunning aquatic environment renowned for its interconnected lakes, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.
• Sandy Beach Access: Rusty Island East features sand access, providing a natural sandy beach area. This can be very appealing for swimming, relaxing by the water, or simply enjoying easier boat landing.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Namakan Lake is part of Voyageurs National Park's world-class fishing grounds. Anglers at Rusty Island East can enjoy superb opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass right from the vicinity of their campsite.
• Spectacular Stargazing: With minimal light pollution typical of a national park, the night skies over Rusty Island East 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.
• Secluded Setting: While some reviews mention potential boat traffic on the main lake, the campsite itself offers a secluded spot, especially compared to more developed campgrounds.

Address: Rusty Island East, 86W9CFMG+VC, Kettle Falls, 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 Rusty Island East Campsite itself. All reservations for campsites within Voyageurs National Park, including Rusty Island East, 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, Rusty Island East in Voyageurs National Park embodies a distinct and memorable wilderness experience that resonates deeply with our state's profound connection to its lakes and forests. While some campsites have their quirks, the fundamental draw of an island retreat in this stunning national park remains incredibly strong for local outdoor enthusiasts.

The boat-in nature of this campsite, far from being an inconvenience, is precisely what makes it so appealing. It creates a sense of adventure from the moment you launch your boat, promising a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For those of us who grew up on Minnesota's lakes, the thought of having our own island for a few nights is an irresistible one. While recent reviews mention challenges like a lack of shade, dying trees, and potential boat traffic, these aspects are often part of the reality of wilderness camping and can be managed with proper preparation and expectations. The presence of a sandy area can be a real plus, offering a comfortable landing spot and a pleasant place to relax by the water.

Rusty Island East is ideally suited for Minnesotans who desire a true tent camping experience with essential amenities. The availability of sturdy tent pads, secure bear-proof food lockers, a picnic table, and a fire ring ensures a functional and safe stay. It's a perfect base for dedicated fishing trips on Namakan Lake, known for its excellent walleye and northern pike, or for simply enjoying the tranquility of an island. While you might encounter boat traffic, the core experience of being on a secluded island in a national park provides ample opportunities for peace, wildlife viewing, and spectacular stargazing.

By choosing to camp at Rusty Island East, Minnesotans are not only embarking on an unforgettable outdoor adventure but also actively 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, all within the breathtaking confines of a protected natural treasure.

Rusty Island East

86W9CFMG+VC, Kettle Falls, MN 55725, USA