HB Mallard Bay Point K20 Houseboat (Rock Landing) Campsite, Kabetogama, MN

As Minnesotans, we are incredibly fortunate to have access to some of the most pristine wilderness and unique outdoor experiences in the United States, and Voyageurs National Park stands as a jewel among them. For locals seeking a true Northwoods getaway, especially one that blends the comfort of a houseboat with the serenity of wilderness camping, the HB Mallard Bay Point K20 Houseboat (Rock Landing) Campsite offers an unparalleled adventure on the waters of Lake Kabetogama. This designated site is part of the National Park Service's system for overnight mooring and is a fantastic choice for those looking to explore the vast, interconnected waterways that define this magnificent park.

Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds, this location is designed specifically for a unique Minnesota-style vacation, allowing you to anchor your floating accommodation—your houseboat—in a spectacular, reserved spot along the undeveloped shoreline. It’s an immersive experience that puts you directly in touch with the natural beauty of the park, away from the noise and crowds of the mainland. The K20 site, often simply referred to by its location within the park's numbering system, is one of the many sites that make Voyageurs a premier destination for water-based recreation in our state. This guide will provide you with essential information about the site, its accessibility, amenities, and why it should be on every Minnesota outdoor enthusiast’s must-do list.

The K20 Campsite is situated in the Kabetogama section of Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota, a region renowned for its stunning, unspoiled scenery and intricate network of lakes and islands. Its exact location is marked by the geo-coordinates GX9C+X5G near Kabetogama, MN. Being located within a National Park that is over 40% water, accessibility is uniquely defined. This is an all-water-access site; there are no roads leading directly to the campsite itself.

Visitors typically begin their journey from one of the park’s main gateway communities, such as Kabetogama, which provides a boat launch and proximity to the site. From a mainland boat ramp, you will use your houseboat or other permitted watercraft to navigate Lake Kabetogama to the designated mooring area. For Minnesotans accustomed to boat-in camping and cabin life, this remote access enhances the sense of escape and wilderness solitude. The "Rock Landing" designation indicates that the shoreline for mooring is primarily rocky, a common feature of the stunning Canadian Shield landscape found throughout the Northwoods. Always check current National Park Service maps and nautical charts for the most precise navigation details, and remember that a valid permit is required for overnight houseboat stays.

Voyageurs National Park's houseboat sites, including the K20 at Mallard Bay Point, are managed by the National Park Service and offer specific, essential amenities to support comfortable and responsible wilderness stays. These services are deliberately basic to maintain the park’s primitive, natural character while adhering to crucial environmental and safety standards. Keep in mind that full-service amenities like electricity hook-ups or potable water are not provided at the actual houseboat site—these are features of the houseboat vessel itself.

The primary services provided at the designated site include:

Designated Mooring Area: A defined area, typically along a rock or sand beach, where up to two houseboats are permitted to moor overnight, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is provided for campfires and cooking, strictly limited to the designated ring.
Outdoor Privy: A vault-style toilet is generally provided nearby for visitor use, promoting proper sanitation.
Permit System: Overnight stays require a valid, advanced permit from the National Park Service, secured via Recreation.gov, which is a key service for managing visitor numbers and ensuring site availability.
Waste Management: Visitors must adhere to strict "Pack it in, Pack it out" principles, meaning all garbage must be removed from the site upon departure, as no trash disposal services are offered.
Bear Safety: While bear lockers are standard at tent campsites, houseboat sites may rely on secure vessel storage or appropriate bear-resistant containers brought by the visitor, or proper food storage procedures, as houseboats contain their own food storage facilities.

The K20 Houseboat Campsite, located at Mallard Bay Point, is an ideal basecamp for a quintessential Voyageurs National Park experience. Its features and highlights emphasize the park's focus on water-based wilderness recreation and natural beauty.

Key highlights of this location include:

Voyageurs National Park Access: The site provides direct, permitted access to the heart of the park, offering an outstanding starting point for exploring the thousands of islands, rugged shorelines, and historic sites on Lake Kabetogama.
Rock Landing Aesthetics: The natural rock landing provides a distinct, picturesque Northwoods feel, characteristic of the Canadian Shield geology. This type of landing is excellent for mooring and offers scenic views.
Proximity to Attractions: Being on Lake Kabetogama, the site offers good access for cruising to historic spots, visitor destinations, and some of the park's fantastic fishing areas, known for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.
Unmatched Solitude: Unlike car-accessible campgrounds, the boat-in nature of this site ensures a higher degree of privacy and a more profound wilderness immersion, truly allowing you to disconnect.
Stargazing Opportunities: Northern Minnesota's remote location and lack of light pollution make it an exceptional area for night sky viewing. Staying at the K20 site offers a front-row seat to spectacular starry nights, and sometimes even the Northern Lights.

Since the HB Mallard Bay Point K20 Houseboat (Rock Landing) Campsite is a designated, non-staffed site within the federally managed Voyageurs National Park, there is no direct public phone number or staffed address for the specific campsite. For all reservations, information, and official inquiries, local users should refer to the National Park Service's main contact points for the park, particularly the information center closest to the Kabetogama area.

Physical Location (Approximate GPS Center of the Area):

GX9C+X5G, Kabetogama, MN 56649, USA

For Reservations and Official Park Information:

Reservations are mandatory and must be made online through the official federal reservation platform (Recreation.gov) for "Houseboat Sites" in Voyageurs National Park.
Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center (NPS Contact for Local Area):
Address: 9940 Ash River Rd, Kabetogama, MN 56669 (closest staffed center for area information)
Phone: (218) 875-2111 (Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center)

It is highly recommended that all guests contact the Park Service or check the official National Park website for the most up-to-date regulations, permits, check-in/check-out procedures, and current conditions before planning their trip.

For Minnesota residents, the HB Mallard Bay Point K20 Houseboat (Rock Landing) Campsite is more than just a place to stay—it’s an accessible portal to one of our state’s most extraordinary wilderness treasures. We often take pride in our "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but Voyageurs is truly the pinnacle of that identity. This site offers the definitive way to experience it: a boat-in adventure that provides a seamless blend of aquatic exploration and comfortable overnight mooring.

This location is perfectly suited for locals because it capitalizes on our cultural affinity for boating, fishing, and rustic northern retreats. It offers a genuine "up north" escape without having to travel out of state. The K20 site removes the need for portaging or heavy backpacking typical of remote camping, thanks to the convenience of the houseboat, making deep wilderness access available to families and multi-generational groups. By reserving this site, you are securing your own private slice of the Northwoods waterfront, offering a base for fishing, wildlife viewing, and relaxing under some of the country’s darkest skies. It’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem of Minnesota’s only water-based National Park, reinforcing the deep connection Minnesotans have to their waterways. Reserve your spot and embrace the water-centric adventure that awaits in our beautiful northern frontier.