HB Smuggler’s Point N40 Houseboat Campsite

- C9M9+52C, Kettle Falls, MN 55771

Minnesotans cherish the unique tradition of houseboating—a floating cabin experience that perfectly marries the comfort of home with the serenity of the Northwoods wilderness. The HB Smuggler’s Point N40 Houseboat Campsite is a prime example of this local gem, situated in the breathtaking, water-dominated landscape of Voyageurs National Park. Designated as a National Park Service mooring site on the expansive and beautiful Namakan Lake, N40 offers an official, authorized, and deeply secluded place to tie up your houseboat for an overnight stay.

Voyageurs National Park is fundamentally a water park, where the journey itself is the destination. Smuggler’s Point N40 is one of the limited, developed houseboat sites scattered across the shoreline, providing essential amenities in a remote setting. The site's location near the historic Kettle Falls area, and its position on Namakan Lake, make it an ideal base for exploring the central part of the park. It represents the quintessential Minnesota adventure: a chance to truly disconnect from the road-accessible world and immerse yourself in the natural rhythm of the lake and boreal forest.

Like all designated houseboat sites in the park, N40 is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vessels that have secured the necessary overnight permit. This system ensures equitable access to the park’s pristine shoreline while encouraging early navigation and exploration. It is the perfect opportunity for locals to experience the remote luxury of houseboating right here in their home state.

HB Smuggler’s Point N40 Houseboat Campsite is located deep within the wilderness of Voyageurs National Park, specifically on the shores of Namakan Lake. The approximate geographical locator is C9M9+52C, Kettle Falls, MN 55771, USA. This location places it near the historic Kettle Falls area, a central and fascinating destination accessible only by water within the park.

Accessibility is exclusively by watercraft. There are no roads or hiking trails leading directly to this specific mooring site. Visitors must reach the park's gateway communities, such as those near the Ash River or Crane Lake entry points, launch their houseboat or motorboat, and navigate the interconnected lake chain (including Kabetogama and Namakan Lakes) to reach Smuggler's Point.

The experience of reaching N40 is a quintessential part of the adventure, requiring careful navigation of marked water channels using park maps and the buoy system. Due to the proximity to Kettle Falls, it is a convenient, though still remote, stop for those exploring the history and natural beauty of the central park area. Overnight houseboat permits must be secured in advance through the National Park Service reservation system (Recreation.gov) for stays during the high-use season (typically May 1st through October 31st).

As a National Park Service designated mooring spot, the site's 'services' are focused on providing a responsible and contained overnight experience for self-sufficient houseboating vessels. The primary services support basic needs and environmental protection in a remote setting.

• Designated Mooring Capability: The site is officially marked and provides mooring options (typically trees or rock features for tying up) for a maximum of two houseboats at any one time.
• Fire Ring: An official metal fire ring is provided to allow for contained campfires, following all national park regulations and safety guidelines.
• Shore Access: The site usually features a natural beach landing (sand or rock/pebble) suitable for a houseboat to be beached and secured to the shoreline.
• Vault Privy: Most designated houseboat sites are equipped with an outdoor vault privy, though houseboats are required to have their own self-contained, no-discharge toilet facilities.
• Access to Nearby Historic Services: Being located near Kettle Falls, N40 provides relatively close access (by water) to the services offered by the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, which may include fuel and dining (seasonal and limited; check current hotel status).
• Waste Disposal & Bear Safety: While no dedicated garbage service is provided (pack in, pack out is strictly enforced), the site helps manage human waste via the vault privy and requires adherence to all park regulations for securing food to prevent bear conflicts.

Smuggler's Point N40 is celebrated by Voyageurs enthusiasts for its excellent location and the high-quality wilderness experience it offers.

• Proximity to Kettle Falls: The site’s location on Namakan Lake positions it near the famed Kettle Falls area, home to the historic, water-access-only Kettle Falls Hotel, an exceptional destination for a meal or a bit of local history.
• Superb Fishing Grounds: Namakan Lake is renowned among Minnesota anglers, offering excellent opportunities to fish for species such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. N40 serves as a quiet fishing base.
• Seclusion and Scenery: The campsite is surrounded by the undisturbed beauty of the boreal forest and the rocky, island-studded shores typical of the Canadian Shield, providing unparalleled photographic opportunities and natural solitude.
• International Dark Sky Park Status: Located far from urban light pollution, N40 is an incredible spot for celestial viewing. Guests frequently witness spectacular displays of stars, the Milky Way, and the occasional Northern Lights.
• Water Access to Hiking: The site is a perfect launch point for day trips in smaller watercraft to access nearby hiking trails on the Kabetogama Peninsula, allowing for exploration of the park’s interior.
• True Wilderness Experience: The entire houseboat vacation concept here provides an authentic disconnection from modern life, emphasizing quality time with companions, nature observation, and self-reliance in a safe, designated spot.

As a designated, remote location within the National Park, Smuggler’s Point N40 does not have a direct phone line or a mailing address in the traditional sense. All essential contact for planning, permits, and general park operations must go through the National Park Service or the park's authorized visitor centers.

Physical Address (Approximate Geographical Locator for Navigation):

C9M9+52C, Kettle Falls, MN 55771, USA

Mailing Address (Nearest general service area):

Kettle Falls, MN 55771, USA

For Overnight Permit Reservations:

All houseboat permits for Voyageurs National Park must be secured through the official federal reservation platform: Recreation.gov.

For General Park Information (Voyageurs National Park Visitor Centers):

Phone: Call the most convenient Visitor Center for current conditions and boating safety information. Key numbers include:

Ash River Visitor Center: (218) 374-3221

Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center: (218) 875-2111

Rainy Lake Visitor Center: (218) 286-5258

HB Smuggler’s Point N40 Houseboat Campsite is uniquely suited for Minnesota residents because it embodies the pinnacle of the state's storied 'Up North' culture. For locals who have explored the Boundary Waters and experienced cabin life, this houseboat adventure offers the next level of water-based exploration—an experience available in few other places in the lower 48 states. It allows Minnesotans to fully utilize the magnificent aquatic resources that define their state.

The Namakan Lake location, central to the park and near a historic landmark, provides a perfect balance of deep wilderness and strategic access to points of interest. It requires local knowledge, comfort with the water, and an appreciation for the unspoiled environment—qualities many Minnesotans possess. Choosing Smuggler’s Point N40 means choosing a flexible, immersive, and truly authentic Northwoods getaway, where the only traffic you’ll encounter are the currents of the lake and the occasional passing loon. It's a premium, local wilderness vacation that reinforces the pride and connection Minnesotans have for their incredible natural environment.

HB Smuggler’s Point N40 Houseboat Campsite

C9M9+52C, Kettle Falls, MN 55771, USA