Grassy Islands South - K9 Campsite, Kabetogama, MN

For Minnesotans, the chance to leave the car behind and venture into the wilderness by boat is the very essence of a North Woods escape. Grassy Islands South Campsite K9, located on Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park, offers exactly this quintessential island experience. Designated as a small, frontcountry, boat-in site, K9 is not just a place to pitch a tent—it’s an adventure playground known for its unique geography and natural bounty.

This campsite provides an intimate and exclusive setting, managed by the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure a high-quality, low-impact wilderness stay. Unlike drive-in campgrounds, accessing Grassy Islands South requires proper watercraft and navigation, immediately weeding out casual visitors and preserving the peaceful atmosphere. Its status as a small campsite, designed for a maximum of nine people, means your experience will be one of genuine solitude, enhanced by the sounds of the lake and the local wildlife.

Customer feedback immediately highlights what makes this location special. One reviewer enthusiastically noted, "I loved this island! The tent sites are up on the hill and have wonderful views. The entire island is covered in raspberries and blue berries, and there is a family of wood ducks who hang out on the shore by the table." This island is a living, breathing ecosystem ready to be explored, whether you are stopping for a picnic and a dip in the water or setting up camp for a week of immersion.

Introduction / Overview: A Secluded Island Gem on Kabetogama

Grassy Islands South Campsite K9 is a highly sought-after destination within the Kabetogama Lake district of Voyageurs National Park. As a frontcountry campsite, it bridges the gap between raw wilderness and essential convenience, providing fundamental amenities within an undeniably remote setting. The site is situated on a small island, part of the Grassy Islands cluster, offering campers panoramic views and a distinctive shoreline environment.

The island’s topography contributes significantly to its charm, featuring not only the accessible sandy landing but also "Beautiful rock face on the other" side, perfect for sunset viewing or simply appreciating the ancient geology of the region. This dual nature—sand for access, rock for drama—creates a versatile and visually stimulating base camp. Importantly, K9 is one of two tent sites on the small island (the other being Grassy Islands North, K10, often reserved for day-use), but each is designed to maximize privacy and seclusion from the other.

To secure this experience, a permit reservation through the official Recreation.gov system is mandatory, especially during the high-use season from mid-May to mid-October. This ensures all visitors can plan their boat travel and arrival knowing their island haven is reserved.

Location and Accessibility: A Short Paddle from the Mainland

Campsite K9 is located on Kabetogama Lake, bearing the general park address of Kabetogama, MN 56669, USA. Its accessibility is a major convenience for local visitors launching from the central gateway community: it is only approximately 3.3 miles by water from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center.

Access is strictly 'Boat-In,' requiring a private watercraft (motorboat, canoe, or kayak) from one of the mainland launch points. The short distance from the Visitor Center makes K9 an excellent choice for novice boaters or paddlers venturing into the park for the first time, though the unpredictable nature of large bodies of open water—as noted by the reviewer—means that basic open-water safety knowledge is a must. The primary landing point is a sand access area on the island's western side, providing a relatively protected spot from prevailing winds, easing the process of loading and unloading gear.

Once you arrive and secure your boat, the tent sites are situated "up on the hill," offering elevated views and superior drainage, keeping the sleeping areas dry and comfortable.

Services Offered at Grassy Islands South - K9 Campsite

As a Small Campsite (K9), the amenities are designed for efficiency and wilderness sustainability:

Two Designated Tent Pads: These level, cleared tent pads (each roughly 12’x12’) are essential for protecting the fragile ground cover and ensuring a comfortable setup for a maximum of two tents.
One Outdoor Vault Privy: A private, odorless, waterless toilet facility is provided to minimize environmental impact and provide sanitation for campers.
One Metal Fire Ring: Equipped with a cooking grate, this designated ring allows for safe campfires. Campers must bring in approved firewood or use only dead and downed wood found on the island, and must adhere to all park fire restrictions.
One Picnic Table: A durable table is available at the site, offering a clean, stable surface for cooking, dining, and gathering.
Two Bear-Proof Food Lockers: These mandatory metal storage units (measuring approximately 52" wide x 36" deep x 21" high each) are required for the safe storage of all food, trash, and scented items, protecting both the campers and the park’s black bear population.
Sand Landing: A small beach area provides the designated access point for safely docking or beaching watercraft.

Features / Highlights of Grassy Islands South - K9 Campsite

The experience at Grassy Islands South is characterized by unique natural elements that set it apart:

Abundant Edible Berries: A standout feature noted by a reviewer is that the island is "covered in raspberries and blue berries" (seasonal availability applies), offering a unique, natural treat for campers.
Elevated Scenic Views: The tent pads are located "up on the hill," which provides wonderful, elevated views over Kabetogama Lake and the surrounding wilderness.
Unique Geological Features: The island boasts "Beautiful rock face" formations, showcasing the region's ancient geology and providing dramatic scenery right from the campsite.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Campers have reported sightings of local wildlife, including a "family of wood ducks who hang out on the shore by the table," providing memorable nature observation moments.
Convenient Access for Paddlers: Its short 3.3-mile proximity to the Kabetogama Visitor Center makes it an achievable and highly rewarding destination for intermediate canoe and kayak groups.
Fishing Excellence: Being located on Kabetogama Lake, the site offers direct access to prime angling waters known for walleye, northern pike, and other popular Minnesota sport fish.

Contact Information

Grassy Islands South Campsite K9 is a remote NPS site without a direct phone line. All necessary permits and official information are centralized through the park service and its partners.

Campsite Location: Kabetogama Lake (Site K9), Kabetogama, MN 56669, USA

Overnight Permit Reservations (Mandatory): Recreation.gov

For Park Information and Assistance:

Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Phone: (218) 875-2111

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters Phone: (218) 283-6600

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Grassy Islands South Campsite K9 is perfectly tailored for the adventurous, outdoors-savvy Minnesotan. It delivers the much-loved state tradition of island camping and boating in a pristine National Park setting. It’s an ideal spot for those who own or rent a watercraft and are comfortable navigating open water, rewarding the effort with an unparalleled level of solitude and natural beauty.

For Minnesotans, this campsite offers a genuine "unplugged" experience. From foraging for the island’s plentiful wild berries to fishing and watching the wood ducks, K9 offers simple, deep connection with the local environment. Its convenient location relative to the Visitor Center makes logistics manageable, yet its island position ensures a true escape. It is a highly-rated site that respects the camper's need for seclusion while providing the fundamental tools—vault privy, bear lockers, fire ring—to execute a perfect, environmentally conscious, Leave No Trace camping trip in the spectacular border lakes region of Minnesota.