Peary Lake B13 Campsite, International Falls, MN

For Minnesota adventurers seeking a true escape from the bustle of daily life, the answer lies in the deep wilderness of Voyageurs National Park (VNP). While the large, interconnected border lakes offer amazing frontcountry camping, the ultimate solitude is found in the park’s rugged interior. The Peary Lake B13 Campsite represents this pinnacle of seclusion—a designated backcountry site nestled within the remote Kabetogama Peninsula.

This is not a campsite you can drive to; it is an expedition. Peary Lake B13 requires a multi-stage journey: first by boat across a major lake, then a hike through the boreal forest, culminating in a pristine camp setup on one of the peninsula's smaller, hidden lakes. It is one of only a handful of backcountry sites available in VNP, making it a highly coveted destination for experienced campers, paddlers, and anglers looking for an untouched Northwoods experience. The B13 designation confirms it as a small, intimate site built for a maximum of six people, ensuring minimal impact and maximum tranquility in the heart of the park.

Introduction / Overview

The Peary Lake B13 Campsite is classified as a Backcountry Campsite by the National Park Service. It is located deep within the vast, roadless Kabetogama Peninsula—the large landmass separating Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake. The 'B' in its designation signifies its status as a backcountry site, and the '13' identifies its specific location on the shore of Peary Lake, one of the interior lakes inaccessible to motorized boats.

This site is reserved for those who prioritize wilderness and self-sufficiency. Unlike frontcountry sites, which are directly boat-accessible, Peary Lake B13 is designed for the intrepid camper who is prepared for a combination of water and trail travel. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the park's ancient geology, dense northern forests, and the quiet beauty of a smaller, protected lake—where the only sounds are loons and the breeze through the pines. The experience is one of immersion, forcing visitors to slow down and embrace the rhythm of the wilderness.

Location and Accessibility

Peary Lake B13 Campsite is located within Voyageurs National Park, deep inside the Kabetogama Peninsula.

General Area: Kabetogama Peninsula Interior Lakes.

Address Identifier (Closest mainland town): International Falls, MN 56649, USA (Used for general park access and mailing).

Accessibility is a Multi-Stage Journey:

Stage 1: Boat Travel. Campers must first travel by private or rental boat (or water taxi) across one of the large lakes—Rainy or Kabetogama—to reach a remote trailhead on the peninsula. The most common access involves a journey of approximately 20 miles by watercraft to the Anderson Bay Trailhead on Rainy Lake.
Stage 2: Hike-In. From the Anderson Bay Trailhead, the site requires a significant overland journey. Peary Lake B13 is approximately a 1-mile hike from the Anderson Bay trailhead landing. Alternatively, it is accessible via a much longer, approximately 6.8-mile hike from the Cruiser Lake Trailhead, a more strenuous route for those seeking an extended backpacking experience.
Stage 3: Paddling (Optional). The B13 site is lakefront on Peary Lake. Unlike some other backcountry sites that require portaging a canoe, this site provides a canoe on the lake itself for the use of the permit holder, allowing for exploration of the small interior lake without portaging personal watercraft.

Services Offered

The Peary Lake B13 Backcountry Campsite offers essential amenities for a wilderness experience, designed to minimize impact and ensure safety while embracing the remote setting:

NPS Canoe Included: A key feature—a 17-foot aluminum canoe is stationed on Peary Lake for the exclusive use of the permit holder. This allows campers to paddle and fish the interior lake without having to haul their own boat.
Bear Pole or Bear Locker: The site includes a designated Bear Pole for the safe storage of all food, garbage, and scented items, protecting both the campers and the park's black bear population. Proper storage is mandatory.
Outdoor Privy: A well-maintained outdoor vault toilet is provided for sanitary waste disposal, upholding the park’s commitment to resource protection.
Tent Pad: A single, cleared, 12’x12’ tent pad is designated for tent placement. Backcountry sites are designed for small groups, with a maximum capacity of 6 people.
Fire Ring: A metal fire ring is included for campfires and cooking, with restrictions on wood gathering (only dead and downed wood, no chainsaws).
Permit Required: The site is reservation-only via Recreation.gov. A unique combination code to unlock the provided canoe is included with the printed permit.

Features / Highlights

Peary Lake B13 is celebrated for the features that define a true Northwoods wilderness adventure:

Unmatched Solitude: As a backcountry site, B13 offers a level of quiet and remote seclusion unmatched by frontcountry camping. The journey required to reach it naturally limits visitor numbers, offering a truly pristine environment.
Interior Lake Canoeing: The inclusion of a National Park Service canoe allows campers to explore the small, tranquil waters of Peary Lake, which are off-limits to private motorized boats, creating a serene paddling experience.
Access to Extensive Hiking Trails: The site is directly connected to the Kabetogama Peninsula's extensive trail system, including the Cruiser Lake Trail, offering days of hiking opportunities through rugged forests, past smaller lakes, and to scenic overlooks.
Artificial Bait Only Fishing: Fishing on Peary Lake and the other interior lakes is limited to artificial bait only, a conservation measure that preserves the natural ecology and offers a unique challenge for anglers.
Prime Wildlife Viewing: The deep-woods location increases the likelihood of spotting large mammals like moose, timber wolves (hearing their howls is common), and a variety of nesting northern bird species.

Contact Information

All reservations and essential information for Peary Lake B13 Campsite are managed through the official channels for Voyageurs National Park.

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

Main Access Visitor Center (Rainy Lake): (218) 286-5258

Reservations: The Peary Lake B13 Campsite must be reserved in advance through the National Park Service’s central reservation system: Recreation.gov. Backcountry site reservations are available on a specific schedule and are highly sought after by those seeking a true wilderness permit.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Peary Lake B13 Campsite is perfect for Minnesota locals who possess a deep love for the state’s rugged landscape and the tradition of the northern wilderness trip. Minnesotans often have the gear, the boat knowledge, and the resilience needed for this type of demanding, yet profoundly rewarding, adventure.

This site appeals to the local desire to venture beyond the easily accessible, offering an escape that truly feels like leaving the world behind. It’s an opportunity to use those hard-earned navigation and camping skills, providing the reward of total isolation and a serene, non-motorized experience on a lake that few others see. The effort required to reach Peary Lake B13 transforms a simple camping trip into a challenging and unforgettable expedition, making it the ultimate local bragging right and a pure taste of Minnesota’s pristine, protected Northwoods interior. For the prepared adventurer, B13 delivers the purest form of solitude available in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.