Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite

For those of us in Minnesota who yearn for a truly immersive wilderness experience, where the sounds of loons replace city noise and the stars light up the night sky, the Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite offers an unparalleled escape. Nestled within the breathtaking beauty of Voyageurs National Park, in the Northwest St. Louis area, this campsite provides a unique and memorable adventure that speaks directly to the heart of our state's outdoor heritage.

Steakhouse Point N42 is not your typical drive-up campground; it’s a premier boat-in site, which means the journey to your destination is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself. This characteristic ensures a level of seclusion and tranquility that is increasingly hard to find, making it an ideal choice for Minnesotans seeking to genuinely disconnect and reconnect with nature. Whether you're an avid boater, a passionate angler, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat to soak in the sun and natural beauty, Steakhouse Point N42 offers a remarkable setting. This comprehensive overview is designed to provide you with all the essential details about this extraordinary destination, helping you plan your next unforgettable Minnesota wilderness adventure.

The Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite is wonderfully situated within Voyageurs National Park, a magnificent aquatic landscape in northern Minnesota. While its mailing address is listed as Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA, it is crucial to understand that this is a boat-in only campsite. This means direct vehicle access is not available, and campers must arrive by watercraft, which significantly contributes to the site's secluded and pristine wilderness ambiance.

Steakhouse Point N42 is located on Namakan Lake, one of the four major interconnected lakes that define Voyageurs National Park. Access typically begins from public boat launches or visitor centers in the nearby gateway communities, such as those around Crane Lake or Ash River. The journey by boat to Steakhouse Point N42 from a common launch point can be a significant distance, approximately 13.7 miles from the Crane Lake boat launch. This boating excursion itself is a scenic adventure, offering expansive views of the park's vast waterways, numerous islands, and lush shorelines, often providing opportunities to observe diverse wildlife. The remote nature of this site ensures a more private camping experience, far removed from the bustle of more accessible areas. While requiring boat ownership or rental, this boat-in access is precisely what makes Steakhouse Point N42 such a coveted spot for those seeking deep wilderness immersion. For visitors who do not own a boat, numerous local outfitters and water taxi services are available in the surrounding communities to provide transportation, making this unique Minnesota camping experience accessible to a broader range of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Permitted Equipment: Steakhouse Point N42 is designated for tent camping and accommodates boat mooring. It is not suitable for RVs or other vehicle-based camping, preserving its remote, boat-in character.
• Max Number of People: This is a "small campsite," designed to host a maximum of 9 people, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded wilderness experience.
• Tent Pads: The campsite features two official tent pads, each measuring approximately 14 feet by 14 feet, providing clear, level, and prepared spaces for setting up tents. There's also room for at least two additional tents on flat spots, offering flexibility for group configurations.
• Food Lockers: For bear safety and proper food storage in this wilderness area, the campsite is equipped with 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 picnic table is provided, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other camp activities.
• Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with an adjustable cooking grate is available for campfires, allowing visitors to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of an open flame and to cook meals outdoors (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Outdoor Privy: For sanitation, an outdoor privy (vault toilet) is available on-site, providing a necessary facility in this remote setting.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Steakhouse Point N42, making it a great option for those who wish to bring their beloved furry companions on their camping adventure. Responsible pet ownership, including keeping pets on a leash and cleaning up after them, is required.
• Dock Landing: The site features a permanent crib dock for boat mooring, typically measuring around 8 feet by 20 feet, making it easy to access the island from your boat.
• Check-in/Check-out: Standard park check-in time for campsites is 3:00 PM, and campers are required to vacate the site by 12:00 PM (noon) on their departure day.

• Predominantly Sunny Exposure: A notable highlight of Steakhouse Point N42 is its mostly south-facing orientation, ensuring a very sunny site. This is perfect for those who enjoy basking in natural light, drying gear, and simply enjoying the warmth, though it means less shade, especially on hot days.
• Authentic Boat-In Wilderness Experience: The exclusive boat-in access provides a genuine escape into the Minnesota wilderness, fostering a profound sense of seclusion and adventure, far removed from the sounds of civilization.
• Located on Namakan Lake: Being on Namakan Lake, part of Voyageurs National Park's vast water system, offers extensive opportunities for boating, paddling, and exploring the park's unique island-dotted landscape.
• Secluded Location: The campsite is situated far enough from the main channel of Namakan Lake, contributing to its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, as noted by past visitors.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Namakan Lake is renowned for its fishing, with abundant walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, offering fantastic opportunities for anglers right from the vicinity of their campsite.
• Spectacular Stargazing: With minimal light pollution characteristic of a national park, the night skies over Steakhouse Point N42 are often breathtaking, providing incredible views of stars, planets, and potentially the Northern Lights.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The remote setting increases the chances of encountering native Minnesota wildlife, including various bird species (like loons and bald eagles), deer, and other forest creatures. Bear-resistant food storage is essential.
• Spacious Tent Areas: Beyond the two official tent pads, the site offers additional flat spots, providing flexibility for larger groups or more spacious tent setups.

Address: Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite, Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA

As a remote, boat-in campsite located within Voyageurs National Park, there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite itself. All reservations for campsites within Voyageurs National Park, including Steakhouse Point N42, are managed exclusively through the

Recreation.gov

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

Recreation.gov

For Minnesotans, the Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite in Voyageurs National Park is more than just a place to set up a tent; it's an quintessential northern Minnesota experience that deeply resonates with our love for the outdoors, our vast lakes, and the serene beauty of our wilderness. We understand that some of the best experiences require a little effort, and the boat-in access to N42 is precisely that – an adventure that rewards with unparalleled tranquility and connection to nature.

This campsite is particularly suitable for those who cherish a sunny disposition, as its south-facing orientation provides ample daylight, perfect for drying out after a swim or simply soaking up the warmth. The seclusion offered by its location, far from the main boating channels, means a quieter and more private escape, allowing the sounds of nature – like the distant calls of loons – to truly dominate. For Minnesotans, this is what "getting away from it all" truly means.

Steakhouse Point N42 offers a balance of rustic charm and essential amenities. The provided dock makes arrival and departure seamless, while the two spacious tent pads and additional flat spots accommodate various group sizes comfortably. Bear-proof food lockers, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a grate ensure a practical and enjoyable camping experience, allowing us to focus on what matters: fishing in the rich waters of Namakan Lake, exploring the surrounding islands, or simply unwinding by a crackling campfire under a blanket of stars. While mosquitos can be a factor, as with any outdoor adventure in our beautiful state, proper preparation for the season ensures that these minor inconveniences don't overshadow the profound beauty.

Choosing Steakhouse Point N42 means embracing the spirit of Minnesota's north country. It's an opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends, to teach the next generation about responsible outdoor recreation, and to immerse ourselves in one of our most treasured national parks. By visiting, we not only enjoy a spectacular natural setting but also contribute to the ongoing preservation of Voyageurs National Park, ensuring these pristine areas remain accessible for future generations of Minnesotans to explore and appreciate.

Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite

Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA