McManus Island N17, Kettle Falls, MN

Minnesota is famously the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but for true Northwoods adventurers, the greatest treasures lie in the unique, water-based wilderness of Voyageurs National Park (VNP). Unlike any other national park, VNP is an interconnected web of waterways where the only way to camp is by boat. For local residents seeking the ultimate secluded island experience, the McManus Island N17 Campsite on Namakan Lake represents the pinnacle of this rugged, beautiful frontier.

McManus Island N17 is not merely a place to pitch a tent; it is a dedicated, frontcountry access point designed to immerse you in the quiet grandeur of the border lakes region. It provides the essential amenities of a National Park campsite while preserving the feeling of total isolation. Whether you are navigating the waters in a fishing boat, a kayak, or a fully-equipped houseboat, this site offers a protected, picturesque base for exploring one of Minnesota's most spectacular and historically rich areas near the iconic Kettle Falls. It’s the perfect setting for anglers, families, and anyone looking to reconnect with the wild, rocky shores of the state’s northern boundary.

Introduction / Overview

The McManus Island N17 site is classified as a Frontcountry Campsite within Voyageurs National Park, situated on one of the numerous islands dotting the expansive Namakan Lake. Frontcountry sites in VNP are accessible directly by boat from the major lakes, offering a balance between wilderness seclusion and standard amenities. The site designation—often indicated by the 'N' for Namakan Lake and the number 17—confirms it is a reservation-only location, ensuring that those who make the effort to secure their spot are rewarded with an organized, private experience.

This site is highly regarded among seasoned VNP visitors, especially for its unique topographical features. As one delighted customer noted, it possesses a “Very protected cove.” On a large, open body of water like Namakan Lake, where winds can quickly generate whitecaps, finding a mooring location with natural shelter is a premium feature, making N17 a reliable choice for boaters and houseboaters alike. The granite bedrock and towering pine trees common to this region define the rugged, scenic character of this Minnesota gem.

Location and Accessibility

McManus Island N17 is situated in the eastern portion of Voyageurs National Park, specifically on Namakan Lake, which forms part of the international border with Canada.

Location: McManus Island, Namakan Lake, within Voyageurs National Park.

General Address Identifier (Plus Code): C8H6+87X, Kettle Falls, MN 55771, USA. This location code places it near the historic Kettle Falls area, often accessed from the Ash River or Crane Lake entry points.

Accessibility is strictly Boat-In:

The campsite is reachable exclusively by private watercraft, rental boat, or authorized water taxi. There is no road access.
The nearest primary mainland access points for launching and parking are typically the Ash River Visitor Center or landings near the town of Crane Lake. Campers should be prepared for a significant boat journey across Kabetogama and/or Namakan Lake to reach the island.
Navigation experience and adherence to lake charts are essential, as the waters of VNP are vast and contain numerous unmarked rock hazards. The National Park Service strongly advises all boaters to be prepared for open-water travel.
Overnight parking for camping permit holders is available at the Visitor Center boat launch parking lots for the duration of the trip.

Services Offered

As a frontcountry campsite managed by the National Park Service, McManus Island N17 provides a set of vital, rustic amenities designed to support low-impact overnight stays:

Designated Tent Pads: The site includes one or more leveled, cleared areas (often two, 14’x14’) intended for pitching tents, helping to protect the natural vegetation and ensuring a comfortable sleeping surface.
Boat/Houseboat Mooring: The site is specifically noted for its protected mooring area, suitable for securing personal boats and, as evidenced by a review, large vessels like houseboats ("we squeezed two houseboats in"). A dock or mooring aids are standard features.
Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Provided metal storage containers are mandatory for securing all food, cooking supplies, and scented items away from bears and other wildlife, ensuring a safe experience for both visitors and animals.
Picnic Area: A sturdy, dedicated picnic table is available for meals and gathering, offering a solid surface for cooking and relaxing.
Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is included for safe campfires (dependent on current fire restrictions) and cooking over an open flame. Visitors must only gather dead and downed wood that is no larger than an adult's wrist.
Outdoor Privy: An outdoor vault toilet is provided for sanitary human waste disposal, a necessary service to maintain the health and cleanliness of the island site.

Features / Highlights

McManus Island N17’s natural and functional features make it a standout choice for an authentic Minnesota outdoor adventure:

Superior Natural Shelter: The confirmed presence of a “Very protected cove” is a significant highlight on Namakan Lake. This feature is invaluable, providing safe, calm water for mooring and swimming, a crucial benefit during sudden storms common to the Northwoods.
Adaptability for Large Groups/Houseboats: The ability for the site to accommodate multiple large vessels, specifically “two houseboats,” makes N17 an exceptional find for extended families or multiple parties traveling together, a common practice for Minnesotans enjoying VNP.
Geological Exploration: The shoreline boasts “nice rock areas for kids to explore.” This refers to the ancient, exposed Canadian Shield bedrock—perfect for scrambling, fishing from shore, and appreciating the rugged landscape sculpted by glaciers.
Proximity to Historic Kettle Falls: Being located near the Kettle Falls area offers easy boat access to one of VNP's most popular destinations: the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam, perfect for a day trip or an evening outing.
World-Class Fishing and Wildlife Viewing: Namakan Lake is a premier destination for fishing walleye and other Northwoods species. Campers are frequently rewarded with sightings of bald eagles, beaver, and the haunting calls of the common loon.

Contact Information

To plan your trip to McManus Island N17 and secure a reservation, please use the official channels for Voyageurs National Park.

Address (General Park Headquarters): 360 Hwy 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649 (Note: This is the mailing address, not the campsite location).

General Park Phone: (218) 283-6600

Reservations: The McManus Island N17 Campsite must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service’s central reservation system: Recreation.gov, or by calling the National Reservation Line. Availability is highly competitive, especially for summer weekends.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesota residents, McManus Island N17 offers a pure, authentic embodiment of the state’s “Up North” ethos. It’s an accessible challenge—requiring a boat but rewarding the effort with deep solitude—that speaks directly to the boating and cabin culture inherent in the state. Local knowledge of navigating large, interconnected lakes and understanding the necessity of bear safety makes the transition to camping at N17 seamless and stress-free.

This site is uniquely perfect for locals because it supports the communal, multi-family outdoor trips many Minnesotans enjoy, offering a coveted protected spot to moor multiple vessels. Moreover, it is a front-row seat to Minnesota's history, situated near the iconic Kettle Falls. By choosing McManus Island N17, Minnesotans are not just camping; they are participating in the modern-day tradition of the voyageurs, paddling and motoring through the state’s most magnificent watery wilderness, all within the borders of their home state. This is a true escape, offering quiet nights, superb fishing, and the chance to wake up on your own private piece of the North Star State.