HB Voyageurs Narrows N60 Houseboat Campsite, Kettle Falls, MN

Minnesota's identity is inextricably linked to its pristine lakes, and for many locals, the pinnacle of a Northwoods getaway isn't a tent—it's a houseboat. Voyageurs National Park, a stunning water-based wilderness, is a haven for this unique style of adventure. The park’s designated houseboat sites offer the perfect combination of mobility, comfort, and direct access to the state's most remote natural beauty.

Among these prized moorings, the HB Voyageurs Narrows N60 Houseboat Campsite stands out as a prime location on the beautiful Namakan Lake. This site is specifically designed to provide houseboaters with a stable, beautiful, and highly convenient base from which to explore the vast network of islands and waterways. It offers the chance to wake up to a different view every morning, or to settle in for days of fishing and relaxation, all with the amenities of home right at your fingertips. For a true taste of a world-class Minnesota water vacation, N60 is an outstanding choice.

Introduction / Overview

HB Voyageurs Narrows N60 is one of the National Park Service’s official, reserved Houseboat Sites within Voyageurs National Park. Located on the majestic Namakan Lake, this site is not for tent camping, but is specifically set aside for mooring houseboats, cabin cruisers, or sailboats overnight. The site’s name, "Voyageurs Narrows," suggests its location in one of the more picturesque, channel-like areas of the lake, known for its stunning rocky shorelines and dense boreal forest.

Houseboating in Voyageurs is an elevated experience, and N60 enhances this by providing a highly functional and beautiful mooring spot. Critically, the campsite’s layout—featuring a beach landing on one side and a more sheltered mooring on the back—caters to the practical needs of securing a large vessel in a dynamic lake environment. With its capacity for up to two houseboats, it is a perfect spot for either a large family excursion or two smaller groups traveling together to share a secluded wilderness experience.

Location and Accessibility

The houseboat site N60 is positioned in a strategic and highly desirable area on the Namakan Lake section of Voyageurs National Park, making it easily accessible for boaters launching from the park's central access points.

Location: Namakan Lake, near the Voyageurs Narrows area.

Address (General Area Code): F7MW+VJJ, Kettle Falls, MN 56649, USA

Accessibility is strictly Boat-In:

The primary access is via boat launches located at the Ash River Visitor Center or the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. Namakan Lake is connected to Kabetogama Lake via open water channels.
The site is uniquely located in close proximity to the historic Kettle Falls area. This is a significant advantage, as the customer review notes—it allows houseboaters to make a quick run to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel for supplies like ice, or simply to enjoy the hotel's unique dining and social atmosphere.
Mooring at the site is done directly onto the shore (a beach or rock landing). Unlike tent sites, houseboat sites do not have docks; houseboats are secured by nosing the bow onto the beach and tying off the stern to the shore or to a designated hitching post.

Services Offered

As a designated houseboat site, N60 provides basic, essential land-based amenities to complement the comprehensive facilities found on a typical rental houseboat:

Mooring Capacity: The site allows for a maximum of two (2) houseboats to moor overnight at any time, perfect for shared group excursions.
Designated Beach/Shore Mooring Area: A natural beach or sloped rock area is provided for safely securing the front of the houseboat.
Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is available on the shoreline for traditional campfires and outdoor grilling (always check for park fire restrictions).
Vault Toilet: One designated outdoor vault toilet (privy) is available for waste disposal, although houseboats are also required to have their own no-discharge toilet facilities.
Prohibition of Tent Camping: It is crucial to note that tent camping is not permitted at designated houseboat sites. Overnight stays must be aboard the moored vessel.

Features / Highlights

HB Voyageurs Narrows N60 is celebrated for several features that make it a standout choice for a Voyageurs houseboating vacation:

Dual Mooring Versatility: The customer review highlights the site's dual nature: a sandy beach for easy access and a "back side" mooring option. This versatility is highly valuable for stability and shelter, allowing boaters to choose the best mooring spot based on current wind and wave conditions.
Proximity to Historic Kettle Falls: Being "close to Kettle Falls" is a major draw. This means boaters have easy access to a rare island civilization for emergency needs or just a change of pace, whether it’s getting a bag of ice, enjoying the historic bar, or taking a short hike to the dam.
Prime Namakan Lake Location: Namakan Lake offers a maze of islands and secluded bays to explore, making N60 an excellent launching point. The Narrows area is particularly scenic and often features calmer waters than the larger, more exposed lakes.
Comfortable and Convenient: This type of camping requires minimal setup, as the 'home' is on the water. The designated site provides the safe, legal, and equipped landing spot necessary for a stress-free overnight stay in the National Park.

Contact Information

All operations for houseboat sites within the National Park, including reservations, are managed by the National Park Service in conjunction with the federal reservation system.

Address: F7MW+VJJ, Kettle Falls, MN 56649, USA (Voyageurs National Park, Namakan Lake Area)

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

Reservation Note: Permits for houseboat sites are mandatory for overnight stays and are highly competitive. Reservations become available on November 15th for the following summer season via Recreation.gov. Given the site’s desirable location near Kettle Falls, booking immediately upon availability is strongly recommended for local users.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota residents, houseboating in Voyageurs National Park is the quintessential 'up north' vacation, blending the comfort of home with true wilderness immersion. The HB Voyageurs Narrows N60 campsite on Namakan Lake perfectly captures this spirit. It caters directly to the local tradition of multi-day water-based recreation, offering a secluded yet exceptionally practical mooring location.

The key factor for locals is the unparalleled convenience of its spot near Kettle Falls. In a park where resupply is a major logistical challenge, the ability to quickly boat to a historic outpost for ice, beverages, or a change of scene is invaluable. This makes N60 an ideal, stress-reducing choice for families or groups who want an authentic, multi-day wilderness experience without fully disconnecting from all modern conveniences. It is a spectacular way for Minnesotans to truly live the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" lifestyle.