HB Mica Bay Beach N19 Houseboat Campsite, Kettle Falls, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans who truly appreciate the state’s famous “Land of 10,000 Lakes” heritage, the

HB Mica Bay Beach N19 Houseboat Campsite

offers an unparalleled, water-based wilderness retreat. This is not a traditional drive-up campground, but a highly sought-after, designated mooring location for houseboats within the magnificent Voyageurs National Park—a park renowned for its interconnected lakes and islands. The site’s name highlights its key appeal: a protected location with a coveted

beach landing

in the Mica Bay area of Namakan Lake.

Houseboating provides the ultimate balance between the comfort of a cabin and the adventure of backcountry exploration. Your "campground" is your vessel, and N19 is your perfectly reserved, scenic parking spot. This particular site is one of the more desirable locations in the park, offering easy, soft-sand access to the shoreline, making it ideal for swimming, landing smaller boats like kayaks and canoes, and enjoying campfire nights under the famous dark skies of Northern Minnesota. It acts as a mobile base camp, enabling you to explore the vast, intricate waterways, fish the legendary Namakan Lake, and discover the rugged beauty of the border waters, all while returning to the security and luxury of your floating home.

Location and Accessibility

The HB Mica Bay Beach N19 Houseboat Campsite is centrally located in the heart of the park's lake chain, specifically on the shores of Namakan Lake, which borders Canada. The general location is referenced near

Kettle Falls, MN 56649, USA

, one of the park’s most historically significant and popular destinations. The specific geographical coordinates,

G73R+R4R

, place it precisely within the Mica Bay region, offering a sheltered and picturesque mooring spot.

Accessibility is strictly by watercraft.

Voyageurs National Park is fundamentally a water-based park, meaning all overnight sites on the main lakes are

boat-in only

. Visitors must either rent a houseboat from a commercial outfitter in one of the gateway communities (like Ash River or Crane Lake) or use their own registered vessel that meets the park's criteria for a houseboat (having sleeping, cooking, and no-discharge toilet facilities). The noted distance in a customer review—"About 20 minutes to Kettle Falls with the little boat"—underscores its proximity to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam, a major landmark and stopover point, making N19 exceptionally well-placed for both seclusion and convenient access to a historical attraction. Navigation requires proper marine charts due to the numerous islands and narrow channels characteristic of Namakan Lake.

Services Offered

As a designated National Park Service houseboat site, N19 provides essential, low-impact infrastructure to support an extended stay. Since your vessel provides the primary lodging, the site amenities are focused on safety, environmental protection, and a traditional campfire experience.

Mooring Aids: The site is equipped with
mooring posts or rings
anchored to the shoreline, ensuring that houseboats can be securely tied up, especially important for larger vessels on the open waters of Namakan Lake.
Fire Ring: A heavy-duty
metal fire ring
is provided on the land for contained campfires. Fires are only permitted in this designated ring, and visitors are required to use dead and downed wood found on the ground or bring in approved, certified firewood.
Capacity Limit: The site is regulated to accommodate a maximum of
two houseboats
for an overnight stay, ensuring a high level of privacy and reducing environmental impact at this sought-after location.
Waste Management: Visitors must adhere to strict
Leave No Trace principles
. This means all food, garbage, and scented items must be stored securely on the houseboat, and all waste must be packed out. The houseboat’s onboard toilet is required, as no vault privies are provided at houseboat sites.
Shoreline Access: The site features a
beach landing
, a significant advantage over rock or dock landings, providing a smooth transition from water to land that is perfect for water sports and small boat storage, as noted in the customer review.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of HB Mica Bay Beach N19 goes beyond basic amenities, resting heavily on its location and the opportunities it presents for a memorable Minnesota vacation.

Rare Sand Beach Access: The most notable highlight is the
natural sand beach
—a feature much preferred by families and those engaging in water activities. The beach provides an excellent, safe area for children to play, for sunbathing, and for easily landing smaller boats like kayaks and canoes.
Proximity to Kettle Falls: Being roughly 20 minutes by small boat to the
historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam
means easy access to a unique piece of Minnesota history, a restaurant, and a brief stretch of road-accessible civilization within the park's wilderness.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The location near Mica Bay, a naturally sheltered area, increases the chances of spotting local wildlife, as evidenced by the reviewer’s sighting of a
deer swimming into the bay
. The surrounding forest and water are prime habitats for moose, black bears, bald eagles, and loons.
Hiking and Exploration: The presence of
little paths back to Mica Bay and up into the woods
confirms that the site offers small, informal opportunities for leg-stretching and simple terrestrial exploration, a nice break from being on the water.
Excellent Paddling Base: With a protected beach area, N19 serves as an ideal launch and storage point for
kayaks and canoes
, allowing visitors to paddle the sheltered, calm waters of Mica Bay before venturing into the larger part of Namakan Lake.

Contact Information

As a site within Voyageurs National Park, HB Mica Bay Beach N19 is managed by the National Park Service (NPS).

General Park Address:

Kettle Falls, MN 56649, USA (NPS-managed area)

Telephone for Voyageurs National Park Headquarters:

(218) 283-6600

Reservations:

An advance

Houseboat Permit

is mandatory for all overnight stays at N19. Reservations must be made through the

Recreation.gov

website or the National Call Center.

Houseboat Permit Information:

Permits are generally required from May 1 through October 31 annually and become available for reservation the preceding November 15th. Given the site’s popularity,

early booking is highly recommended

for locals planning a summer trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

HB Mica Bay Beach N19 is perfectly tailored for the Minnesota outdoor enthusiast looking for an elevated experience. This site caters to the local love for lake culture by providing a unique houseboat landing that offers both

seclusion and exceptional features

, particularly the sandy beach which is often hard to find at boat-in sites. For Minnesotans, who understand the unique character of the border waters, this location near Kettle Falls offers an unmatched opportunity to be completely immersed in the wilderness without sacrificing the comforts of modern lodging. It provides the ideal setting for multi-generational family trips, serious fishing excursions, and unforgettable nights under the northern stars, representing the best of Northern Minnesota's adventurous spirit and pristine natural resources. Choosing N19 is choosing a uniquely Minnesotan vacation, where the water is both the journey and the destination.