Krantz Point, International Falls, MN

Welcome to the essential guide for Minnesota's outdoor enthusiasts looking for a truly immersive Northwoods experience. We are focusing on a highly sought-after destination within the state’s crown jewel of aquatic wilderness: Krantz Point. Located within the breathtaking bounds of Voyageurs National Park, Krantz Point is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to connect with the rugged beauty and historical waterways of the Minnesota-Canadian border. This large campsite, officially designated R62, offers a boat-in experience that is quintessential to the Voyageurs area, promising solitude, stunning lake views, and direct access to world-class fishing and exploration. For those in Minnesota who value a genuine escape into nature, Krantz Point represents an unforgettable chapter in your outdoor story.

It is important to understand that Krantz Point, like nearly all campsites in Voyageurs National Park, is a wilderness site managed by the National Park Service and is only accessible by watercraft. This fact alone sets it apart from many traditional drive-up campgrounds, ensuring a more remote and peaceful setting. Its location on Rainy Lake—one of the park's major bodies of water—places you right in the heart of the area’s legendary fishing grounds and amidst the maze of islands that define this unique national park. Advance reservations are essential and highly recommended, especially for the high-use summer season, and can be secured through the National Park Service's reservation system.

Location and Accessibility

Krantz Point is geographically situated on the expansive Rainy Lake within the boundaries of Voyageurs National Park, placing it just a short distance by boat from the gateway community of International Falls, Minnesota.

Address: International Falls, MN 56649, USA (Note: This is the mailing area for a large region; the specific location is a boat-in point on Rainy Lake, roughly 8.5 miles from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center).

Its accessibility is entirely water-based, making it a true destination for boaters and paddlers. Visitors typically launch their personal watercraft (motorboats, canoes, kayaks) from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center boat ramp, located 11 miles east of International Falls on Highway 11. Alternatively, local outfitters in the gateway communities offer boat rentals, houseboats, and water taxi services for those who do not own a suitable vessel. The journey to Krantz Point is an adventure in itself, navigating the buoys and channels of Rainy Lake. The site is listed as approximately 8.5 miles from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, requiring careful navigation and adherence to boating safety guidelines appropriate for a large, potentially choppy lake. The dedication required to reach Krantz Point is precisely what preserves its unique wilderness character, filtering for those truly seeking a deep-woods retreat.

Services Offered

As a National Park Service "Large Campsite" within the frontcountry of Voyageurs, Krantz Point offers essential, but rustic, amenities designed to support a comfortable stay while respecting the wilderness environment. These services cater specifically to the boat-in camper.

Permanent Crib Dock: Provides a solid structure for securing watercraft, capable of accommodating boats up to 40 feet in length.
Max Occupancy: Designed to accommodate a maximum of 18 people, making it suitable for larger groups or multiple families.
Tent Pads: Includes four designated 14' x 14' tent pads for pitching tents, helping to minimize impact on the surrounding terrain.
Picnic Tables: Two picnic tables are provided for meal preparation and dining.
Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is available for campfires and outdoor cooking (check current fire restrictions before use).
Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Four secure metal food lockers are mandated for proper storage of all food, garbage, and scented items to protect against black bears and other wildlife.
Outdoor Privy: A vault toilet is provided for sanitation needs.
Proximity to Water: The site is lakefront, offering immediate access to the water for swimming (at your own risk) and launching smaller watercraft.

Features / Highlights

Krantz Point's true highlights lie in its natural setting and the unique experiences it facilitates on Rainy Lake and in Voyageurs National Park.

True Northwoods Seclusion: Only accessible by boat, the site offers a level of privacy and peacefulness that is rare in drive-up campgrounds, perfect for escaping the everyday bustle.
Exceptional Fishing Access: Rainy Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Krantz Point’s dock and location provide a prime base for anglers. A past user review even highlighted it as a “Perfect spot for shore lunch!”—an essential tradition in the Minnesota Northwoods.
Stargazing Opportunities: Voyageurs National Park is certified as an International Dark Sky Park. Away from mainland light pollution, Krantz Point offers unparalleled views of the night sky, including the potential to see the Northern Lights.
Basecamp for Exploration: Positioned conveniently on Rainy Lake, the campsite serves as an ideal launch point for day trips to historic sites like Little American Island (Gold Rush history) or for further exploration of the park's many hiking trails and other day-use sites.
Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, loons, deer, and occasionally, moose and black bears. The lakefront setting provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing aquatic life.

Contact Information

Since Krantz Point is a specific campsite within a national park, the main points of contact are the park headquarters for general information and the official reservation system for booking the site.

Address: Krantz Point (Site R62), Rainy Lake, Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN 56649, USA

Phone: The best contact for Voyageurs National Park general inquiries, including campsite regulations and conditions, is the park's main line: (218) 283-6600.

Reservations: All overnight camping permits, including Krantz Point (R62), must be made in advance online through Recreation.gov. It is critical to secure a reservation well before your planned visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesota residents, Krantz Point and the larger Voyageurs National Park camping experience offer a unique and essential connection to the state's identity as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." This is not just any campground; it is the ultimate expression of Minnesota's water-based culture.

The boat-in requirement is a feature, not a drawback, for local users who are often experienced boaters or are seeking the unparalleled peace that comes with leaving the roads behind. Krantz Point allows Minnesotans to fully embrace their heritage—whether it is fishing for a classic walleye dinner, navigating the vast inter-connected waterways, or simply sitting by a campfire under a stunning dark sky. It provides a true escape from the increasingly busy pace of life in the southern parts of the state. The large capacity of Krantz Point (R62) makes it especially suitable for traditional family reunions or multi-family gatherings—a cherished custom in the North Star State—allowing a group of up to 18 people to share a secluded wilderness spot. By choosing Krantz Point, locals are not just camping; they are participating in a preserved, historical way of life on the border lakes, making it a deeply relevant and rewarding destination for the quintessential Minnesota outdoor adventurer.