Moxie Island

- Kabetogama, MN 56669

For generations, Minnesotans have cherished the pristine lakes and rugged forests of our northern region, and at the heart of this wilderness is Voyageurs National Park. If you’re a local seeking a truly authentic, peaceful Northwoods camping experience, look no further than Moxie Island Campsite (K22) on the sparkling waters of Kabetogama Lake. This small, highly-rated site represents the quintessential VNP adventure—a secluded island retreat accessible only by boat, offering an intimate connection with one of the state's most magnificent natural resources.

Moxie Island is frequently cited by seasoned Voyageurs campers as a favorite, and for good reason. It offers a rare combination of accessible convenience and genuine wilderness solitude. Imagine setting up your tent after a relaxing boat ride, only to find yourself on a spacious, open site with a private sandy beach and a welcome breeze to keep the air fresh. Unlike crowded drive-up campgrounds, this boat-in oasis guarantees a sense of remoteness that speaks directly to the spirit of Minnesota’s lake culture. It’s the perfect base for fishing, paddling, or simply soaking in the unforgettable sunrises over Kabetogama.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to planning your trip to K22, a premier "frontcountry" campsite that maintains a perfect balance of essential amenities and wild beauty. Whether you are a dedicated VNP visitor or planning your first island camping trip, Moxie Island provides a welcoming and breathtaking location to create lasting Minnesota memories.

Moxie Island Campsite is situated on Moxie Island, one of the many picturesque islands that dot Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park. The official general location is:
Kabetogama, MN 56669, USA.

As a Frontcountry Campsite (designated K22 on park maps), Moxie Island is defined by its Boat-In access. This means arriving at the island requires a watercraft—be it your own motorboat, a rental fishing boat, a canoe, or a kayak—from one of the mainland launch points. The nearest and most convenient access is typically from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center boat launch. Local campers rave about the site’s proximity to this center, which is a significant advantage for travel time and resupply needs.

While the camping site is wonderfully private, the island does have a Day Use site slightly to the north. However, as noted in customer feedback, the two are "far enough away to not see or hear anyone," ensuring the peaceful, secluded atmosphere remains intact for overnight guests. Campers are reminded that all vehicles must be left at one of the main Visitor Center parking lots (up to 14 days) while you enjoy your boat-in adventure.

Moxie Island K22 is officially classified as a Small Campsite, ideally accommodating smaller groups or families seeking intimacy and tranquility. The maximum capacity is 9 people. The National Park Service has equipped the site with key wilderness amenities to ensure a safe, comfortable, and low-impact stay in this protected environment.

The following services and infrastructure are provided at Campsite K22:

• Outdoor Pit Toilet: A dedicated, vault-style privy is available for sanitation, consistent with frontcountry wilderness standards. Campers are responsible for packing out all garbage.
• Bear-Resistant Food Lockers: The site includes two bear-proof storage lockers. Visitors are required to secure all food, garbage, and scented items (like toiletries and cooking equipment) in these lockers to ensure bear safety and resource protection.
• Picnic Table: One sturdy picnic table is provided for comfortable dining, food preparation, and social gathering.
• Tent Pads: Two designated, level tent pads are present at the site, providing ideal, clear spaces for setting up your tents. All tents must be placed on these pads where provided.
• Fire Ring: A metal fire ring with a cooking grate is available for campfires. Only DNR-approved firewood is permitted, and fires must be completely extinguished when unattended.
• Sand Beach Access: The site features excellent sand access directly on the lake, which serves as a natural landing area for boats and provides an immediate recreation spot.

Moxie Island’s exceptional features are what make it a perennial favorite among those who truly know Voyageurs National Park. Its natural layout and location offer benefits that enhance the entire camping experience.

The most celebrated highlights of Campsite K22 include:

• Perfect Sand Beach and Swimming Area: A major draw is the naturally occurring sandy beach, described as "perfect for landing a boat and swimming." This beach is excellent for safe boat mooring and provides a fantastic recreational area for families and children.
• Open and Spacious Layout: Despite being a "Small Campsite," user reviews emphasize that the site feels "very open and spacious," offering excellent dispersal of the camping area for maximum comfort and privacy.
• Natural Bug Control: A key feature noted by repeat visitors is the "good breeze to keep the bugs away." This natural airflow provides a superior experience during Minnesota's summer months, which is a major comfort benefit.
• Ideal for Hammocks: The presence of "great trees for hammocks" signals a well-treed site that offers shade and comfortable spots for relaxation, capitalizing on the open nature of the area.
• Stunning Sunrise Views: Campers often mention the "lovely sunrises," providing a beautiful start to the day over Kabetogama Lake—a picturesque view that is a hallmark of northern Minnesota mornings.
• Convenience to Visitor Center: Being "pretty close to the Kabetogama Visitors Center" makes the logistics of your trip easier, from check-in to quick supply runs, without compromising the feeling of island solitude.

Moxie Island Campsite K22 is a wilderness site within the federal boundaries of Voyageurs National Park. There are no direct contact numbers for the island site itself. All official inquiries, permits, and reservations are handled by the National Park Service or its contracted booking agency.

General Park Information & Visitor Center Phone Numbers:
For general information and inquiries related to the Kabetogama area of the park, you can contact the park's main visitor centers:
Voyageurs National Park Main Line: (218) 286-5258
Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center (Nearby Access Point): (218) 875-2111

Address for Voyageurs National Park (Kabetogama Area):
Kabetogama, MN 56669, USA (General Area)

Reservations & Permits:
All overnight frontcountry camping permits must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service’s official online reservation system. Reservations for the high-use season open in the prior November and are strongly encouraged due to the high demand for popular sites like Moxie Island.

For Minnesota residents, Moxie Island Campsite K22 is a perfect representation of the accessible wilderness experience we treasure. It’s an ideal spot for those who own a small boat or are willing to rent one, allowing them to fully embrace the state’s famous lake lifestyle. The fact that the site is highly praised by local, experienced VNP campers—with one stating it is "probably my favorite" after six years of visiting—speaks volumes about its quality and unique appeal.

This small, intimate site on Kabetogama Lake is perfect for a small family or a couple looking for a quiet, rejuvenating getaway. The combination of the sandy beach, the welcome breeze, and the proximity to the Visitor Center means you get the rugged feeling of island camping without the typical hassles of deep backcountry travel. It provides a secure, amenity-equipped environment where you can safely land your boat, string up a hammock, enjoy a bug-free evening fire, and watch the legendary northern sunrises. Moxie Island K22 is more than just a campsite; it’s a readily accessible piece of pristine Northwoods magic, offering an unparalleled opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that makes Minnesota the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

Moxie Island

Kabetogama, MN 56669, USA