Fox Island N10 Campsite

- Orr, MN 55771

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential Northern lake camping experience—complete with an island setting and the tranquility of a National Park—the Fox Island N10 Campsite in Voyageurs National Park is an ideal destination. Designated as a "Small Campsite" within the frontcountry system, Fox Island N10 offers the perfect blend of accessibility (by boat) and secluded wilderness.

Located on the beautiful Namakan Lake, one of the four major lakes making up the park’s vast water highway, this site provides an authentic boat-in adventure. The National Park Service manages this site, which is equipped with basic amenities designed to make your stay comfortable while preserving the pristine environment. The site is intended for a smaller group, accommodating up to nine campers across its two designated tent pads.

Fox Island N10 is particularly noted by those who have stayed there for its unique geographic advantage: two distinct bays on opposite sides of the island. This feature not only offers a secondary landing option for boaters depending on wind and wave conditions but also gifts campers with the spectacular views of both sunrise and sunset over the expansive waters of Namakan Lake. It is a true Northwoods gem, requiring advance reservations but promising a memorable island escape just a boat ride from the gateway community of Orr.

The Fox Island N10 Campsite is centrally located on Namakan Lake within Voyageurs National Park, placing it in the heart of the park's interconnected waterways. The official address puts the access point near the community of Orr, MN 55771, which is a key gateway to the southern part of the park.

Accessibility is strictly Boat-In.

As a frontcountry campsite in Voyageurs, Fox Island N10 is only reachable by watercraft. Visitors typically launch their personal boat, rented vessel, or use a water taxi from one of the gateway community marinas or the nearby Ash River Visitor Center boat launch. Namakan Lake is a large body of water, and navigating its hundreds of islands and narrow channels requires attention to detail, proper nautical charts, or GPS.

The site itself is located approximately seven miles from the Ash River Visitor Center put-in, making it a manageable boat trip for most experienced mariners. Crucially, the site features a dedicated landing area—described as a pebble landing—and includes wooden stairs that lead from the main access up to the camping area. A significant feature noted by visitors is the inclusion of two bays on opposing ends of the island. This dual-bay setup provides flexibility, offering a protected secondary bay where a boat can be beached safely if high winds and waves start to impact the main landing area coming off the main lake channel.

The journey to Fox Island N10 is part of the adventure, involving a scenic ride through the stunning granite shorelines and scattered islands that define this unique National Park.

As a small frontcountry site, Fox Island N10 is maintained by the National Park Service and provides key amenities to ensure a comfortable and safe experience while maintaining the pristine nature of the island environment.

• Tent Pads: Two designated, cleared tent pads are available, each measuring approximately 14 feet by 14 feet. These provide level surfaces for pitching a tent and minimize ground impact. One pad is noted for its spectacular lake view, while the other is more tucked away for extra privacy.
• Picnic Table: One sturdy picnic table is provided at the main site area, offering a dedicated spot for cooking, dining, and gathering.
• Fire Ring: A single metal fire ring is included for safe campfires. Campers must adhere to all park fire restrictions and utilize only provided fire rings.
• Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Two bear-proof food lockers are provided for secure storage of food, garbage, and all scented items. These metal boxes measure approximately 52 inches wide by 36 inches deep by 21 inches high and are essential for protecting both campers and the local bear population.
• Outdoor Privy: One vault toilet (privy) is available on the site for sanitary disposal. Campers should remember to bring their own toilet paper.
• Water Access: Lake access is available for filtering or treating water for drinking and cooking (water must always be treated, as the lake is not potable).

Fox Island N10 is a desirable campsite due to several unique natural and structural features that enhance the camping experience, particularly for boaters and photographers.

• Sunrise and Sunset Views: The island's narrow shape and dual-bay orientation are its most celebrated feature, providing exceptional opportunities to watch both the sunrise and the sunset from the same campsite, a rare and magical experience on the lake.
• Dual Bay Access: The secondary, peaceful bay is a major benefit, providing a calm area to moor a boat or paddle, and a safe harbor if high winds and large waves, like the ones that can swamp a boat, pick up on the main lake.
• Privacy and Seclusion: Situated on an island in the middle of Namakan Lake, the site offers a high degree of privacy, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the quiet sounds of the northern wilderness, often serenaded by the calls of loons and owls.
• Rocky, Authentic Terrain: The site embodies the rugged, rocky landscape characteristic of the Canadian Shield geology in Northern Minnesota. The fire ring area is noted for being rocky, adding to the rustic, natural feel (though sturdy footwear is recommended).
• Designated Tent Pads: Despite the overall rocky terrain of the island, the two designated tent pads ensure at least one flat, clear area for sleeping comfort, with the elevated pad offering a premium lake view.

As a National Park Service facility, all official inquiries and reservation needs for Fox Island N10 should be directed to the Voyageurs National Park offices or the national reservation system. There is no direct contact on the island itself.

Physical Address (General Area for Navigation/Access):

Near Orr, MN 55771, USA

For Campsite Reservations:

Reservations are mandatory for all frontcountry camping in the park and must be made through the official booking platform: Recreation.gov.

To call the National Call Center for reservations:

(877) 444-6777

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters and Main Information:

Mailing Address: 360 Hwy 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649

Phone: (218) 283-6600

(For closer support, the Ash River Visitor Center is the nearest mainland park facility accessible from the Orr area: 9899 Mead Wood Rd, Orr, MN 55771.)

For Minnesota residents, Fox Island N10 on Namakan Lake represents the ultimate expression of the state's storied "cabin and boat" culture, elevated to a National Park level. Locals already possess the skills and familiarity with water travel—be it by fishing boat, canoe, or kayak—that is essential for accessing this site. The boat-in nature of the camping aligns perfectly with the deep-rooted tradition of navigating Minnesota's vast, interconnected waterways.

The site's rugged, rocky terrain and dual access bays are a testament to the Northwoods' authentic challenge, qualities Minnesotans appreciate as a chance to truly test their outdoor preparedness. The combination of essential frontcountry amenities (bear boxes, privy, tent pads) with the deep seclusion of an island location strikes an ideal balance, offering comfort without sacrificing the feeling of being miles away from civilization. Whether it’s watching the sun rise and set from the same spot or finding peaceful shelter in the secondary bay, Fox Island N10 provides a highly sought-after, genuine Minnesota wilderness experience that is both challenging and profoundly rewarding. It’s an adventure that celebrates the state's unique geography and heritage.

Fox Island N10 Campsite

Orr, MN 55771, USA