A fire ring sits atop a granite outcrop at the Blueberry Ridge primitive campsite in Voyageurs National Park.
NPS Photo
No boat? No problem!
Voyageurs National Park offers two primitive hike-in campsites located remotely along the Kab-Ash hiking trail, which extends between the gateway communities of Kabetogama and Ash River. These campsites are the park's first to be accessible on the mainland of the park, meaning that they do NOT require a boat to access.
Amenities & Need-to-Know Info
Primitive campsites are minimally equipped with fire rings and cleared areas for pitching tents. There are no bear poles or privies, so it is imperative that visitors follow Leave No Trace principles when utilizing these areas.
Hiking Safety: The Kab-Ash Trail is the longest in the park, varying from granite outcroppings to low, densely-vegetated areas that can become overgrown quickly. It is highly recommended to use an app such as AllTrails to download a map to track your location while hiking, to ensure you stay on track. Hiking to your primitive campsite from the trailhead nearest your site is best, as these sections of trail are traveled more frequently.
Bear Safety / Food Storage: Bring rope to hang food and oderous items 10' up and 4' out from a tree, or use a bear canister.
Trash / Waste: Do not burn trash. Pack out all trash and dispose of human waste in a 6-8" deep cathole outside of where visitors would normally walk.
Fire Safety: Use designated metal fire rings only. Burn only wood (no trash) and put fires out completely before leaving.
Firewood: Only dead and downed wood may be collected for fires. No cutting of standing vegetation, living or dead.
Conditions:The KabAsh Trail is considered strenuous due its total length of nearly 28 miles, and its remote, narrow, rocky nature. This trail can quickly become overgown along lush vegetated sections and has rocks and roots throughout. Rock cairns mark the trail along exposed outcrops and ridges.
Seasonal Considerations: In spring and early summer, be prepared for mosquitos, ticks, and rain. As precip drops off in later summer and into fall, conditions dry out and there are fewer bugs, however, head nets and insect repellent are always good to have handy. In winter months, these sites can be reached on snowshoes for winter camping.
Be considerate to other campers and leave the trail and camping areas cleaner than you found them.
Location & Access
Primitive sites can be accessed by hiking in from any of the Kab-Ash trailheads. Vehicles can be left at trailheads for the duration of the camping permit.
Kab-Ash trailhead along the Ash River Trail / County Hwy 129
kab-Ash trailhead along the Meadwood Road (this is a shared trailhead with the Beaver Pond Overlook Trail located along the entrance road to the Ash River Visitor Center)
NOTE: The Salmi Rd trailhead in Kabetogama is currently closed.
Campsite distances from nearest trailheads:
Red Pine (H1): 3.2 mile hike from trailhead along Ash River Trail Road
Blueberry Ridge (H2): 1.7 miles hike from the klabAsh / Beaver Pond Overlook trailhead along the Meadwood Road
NOTE: When camping at primitive campsites, it is recommended that you hike in from the trailhead nearest your site, as these trail sections are more heavily traveled. Be aware that the trail sections in between have sections that can become overgrown quickly throughout the summer - it is best to use an app such as AllTrails to download a map and track your location while hiking.
Primitive sites (H1 & H2) are located along the Kab-Ash hiking trail. Trailheads are marked in red and campsites in green.
NPS Photo
Permits & Prices
Reservations are required for all camping within Voyageurs National Park, and making your reservation will result in a printable permit for you to have with you on your trip.
In addition to a $10 reservation system fee, primitive campsite permits carry the following costs:
During peak season (May 15 - October 15) - $15/night
During non-peak season (October 16 - May 14) - $10/night
