Harrison Bay, International Falls, MN

For generations of Minnesota residents, the North Star State's identity has been forged on the water. When it comes to embracing the most genuine form of our wilderness, nothing rivals the experience of camping in Voyageurs National Park. We know and cherish the deep woods, but Voyageurs challenges us to explore by boat, offering a sense of remoteness few other National Parks can match.

Among the park's prized frontcountry camping destinations is Harrison Bay Campsite, strategically located on the vast and historically rich Rainy Lake. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, Harrison Bay is an authentic boat-in site, providing an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect from mainland noise and immerse yourself fully in the pristine environment of the border lakes region.

As a designated National Park Service campsite, Harrison Bay offers the essential amenities needed for a safe and comfortable stay, ensuring a foundational experience for responsible wilderness enjoyment. It is a perfect base camp for anglers, paddlers, and families looking to explore Rainy Lake, visit historic sites like Kettle Falls, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the Minnesota-Canadian border. If your goal is to trade city sounds for the calls of loons and the quiet lap of water against granite shorelines, Harrison Bay presents a compelling and fact-based choice for your next Northwoods adventure.

Location and Accessibility: On the Shores of Rainy Lake

Harrison Bay Campsite is situated on the shoreline of Rainy Lake, the largest and westernmost of the four main lakes in Voyageurs National Park. This puts it in the northern area of the park, accessible from the major gateway community of International Falls, MN.

The official general location associated with access to this area of the park is:
International Falls, MN 56649, USA.

Accessibility: A Boat-In Requirement
Like all frontcountry campsites in Voyageurs National Park, Harrison Bay is accessible only by watercraft. There is no vehicle access. Campers must secure their site reservation and travel by boat, canoe, or kayak to the location.

The most common point of entry for this site is the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch, located near International Falls. After parking a vehicle overnight at the Visitor Center (free for up to 14 days with a camping permit), visitors embark on a scenic water journey across Rainy Lake to reach the secluded bay. This unique accessibility is a defining feature of VNP camping, guaranteeing a high level of solitude and a truly immersive wilderness experience. Visitors should always be prepared for changing weather and wave conditions on large bodies of water like Rainy Lake.

Services Offered

Harrison Bay is maintained by the National Park Service and provides the necessary infrastructure to support frontcountry tent camping while preserving the natural state of the land. It is a fundamental, developed wilderness site, offering protection and essential services for human waste and food storage.

The following services and infrastructure are typically provided at a Voyageurs National Park frontcountry campsite like Harrison Bay:

Outdoor Vault Privy: One designated vault toilet (privy) is installed at the site for sanitary human waste disposal. Campers are strictly required to pack out all garbage and refuse, as facilities for trash disposal are only available at the mainland visitor centers.
Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Essential for safety and wildlife protection, the site is equipped with metal bear-proof lockers. All food, garbage, and scented items (including toiletries and cooking equipment) must be securely stored in this locker or hung appropriately when the site is unattended or during nighttime hours.
Picnic Table: A designated picnic table is available for meal preparation, dining, and gathering.
Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is provided for campfires. Only dead and downed wood collected nearby or certified, DNR-approved firewood brought in by boat may be used. Cutting live or dead standing trees is strictly prohibited.
Tent Pads: Designated, level tent pads are provided for setting up tents. The size and number of these pads are determined by the site's classification (Small or Large Campsite) to protect the surrounding environment.

Features / Highlights

Harrison Bay Campsite offers features and experiences that highly appeal to local Minnesota adventurers looking for an authentic escape into the state's magnificent water-based National Park.

Key features and highlights of Harrison Bay Campsite include:

Rainy Lake Immersion: Located on the primary, historically significant waters of Rainy Lake, the campsite provides excellent access to vast waterways for exploration, fishing, and paddling. This area is famous for its rocky, pine-studded islands and high cliffs.
Deep Wilderness Feel: Since all access is boat-in, the site inherently offers a higher degree of solitude and tranquility than drive-in campgrounds. This is true Northwoods camping where the wilderness comes right up to your tent pad.
Ideal for Paddlers and Boaters: Whether you arrive by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, Harrison Bay serves as a secluded hub from which to explore numerous bays, smaller islands, and various day-use sites around Rainy Lake.
Proximity to International Falls Services: Being located on Rainy Lake makes it the most convenient option for campers accessing the park via the International Falls gateway, providing easier logistical support for boat rentals, supplies, and any necessary last-minute purchases before heading into the park.
Pet-Friendly Policy: As a frontcountry tent campsite, Harrison Bay typically allows pets (dogs and cats) to join the camping adventure, provided they are leashed and supervised, catering to the many Minnesota residents who include their dogs in family trips.
Excellent Stargazing Potential: Voyageurs National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Away from the mainland lights, Harrison Bay offers phenomenal opportunities for viewing the night sky and potentially the Aurora Borealis.

Contact Information

Harrison Bay Campsite is an asset of Voyageurs National Park. Reservations are mandatory and are managed through the federal system. Use the primary contact information for the nearest Visitor Center or the park headquarters for all inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and conditions.

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters:
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649

Primary Park Phone Number:
(218) 283-6600

Rainy Lake Visitor Center (Nearest Gateway):
(218) 286-5258

Reservations and Permits:
All camping reservations must be made online via the National Park Service’s official reservation system. Reservations open well in advance and are strongly advised due to high demand during the summer season.

Conclusion: Why Harrison Bay is Suitable for Minnesota Locals

Harrison Bay is more than just a campsite; it is a quintessential Minnesota wilderness retreat. For those of us who have grown up with a boat or a paddle in hand, the boat-in access is not an obstacle—it is the very gateway to solitude. This site is perfectly situated on Rainy Lake, a body of water that speaks to our local history, fishing traditions, and love for rugged, beautiful landscapes.

Local users appreciate that the proximity to International Falls simplifies trip logistics, while the campsite itself delivers the isolation we seek. Harrison Bay provides the core ingredients for an unforgettable Northwoods trip: a fire ring for a crackling nightly fire, a safe place for food storage, and the peace of an island or secluded shoreline location. It is the ideal place for Minnesota families to introduce a new generation to the unadulterated beauty of our state’s only National Park, making memories that are truly unique to the experience of camping by water. Book Harrison Bay and discover your own slice of Rainy Lake's tranquil magnificence.