Ryan Lake

- International Falls, MN 56649

For Minnesotans who crave a camping experience that truly defines "getting away from it all," the Ryan Lake Campsite (B18) offers an exceptional opportunity for immersion in the deep wilderness of Voyageurs National Park. This is not your typical state park campground; it represents the rugged, self-sufficient camping that the state's most dedicated outdoor enthusiasts seek.

Ryan Lake is a backcountry campsite, situated on one of the smaller, interior lakes of the vast Kabetogama Peninsula. Unlike the frontcountry sites accessible directly by boat on the large border lakes, Ryan Lake requires a commitment to both water travel and hiking, guaranteeing a level of solitude few other spots in the park can match. This specific site is designated as a "Small Campsite" and is reserved for overnight tent use by small groups, with a maximum capacity of six people.

The site is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and requires a reservation through the official system. It’s an ideal destination for experienced campers, hikers, and paddlers who are prepared to carry their gear and rely on minimal amenities, trading creature comforts for an authentic, unspoiled slice of the Minnesota Northwoods. This is a place where the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.

The Ryan Lake Campsite (B18) is located deep within the Kabetogama Peninsula, the large landmass that divides the major lakes of Voyageurs National Park, near International Falls, MN 56649. Its secluded location is key to its identity and dictates its unique accessibility requirements.

Accessibility is a two-part process: Boat-In followed by a Hike-In.

First, visitors must travel across one of the large main lakes (such as Kabetogama or Rainy Lake) by private watercraft or water taxi to a designated mainland trailhead on the Kabetogama Peninsula.

Second, from the trailhead, visitors must hike to the Ryan Lake campsite. The official hike-in distance to the site is approximately 0.6 miles, making it one of the more moderately accessible backcountry sites within the park, but still requiring proper gear packing and preparation. This short hike on the Kabetogama Peninsula ensures that the tranquility of the interior lake is protected from the primary motorboat traffic.

It is important to note that private watercraft, including canoes and kayaks, are generally not permitted on the park's interior lakes like Ryan Lake to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. However, unlike some other backcountry sites, Ryan Lake is listed as a 'campsite-only' location and does not include a park-provided canoe or rowboat, reinforcing its focus as a hike-in tent camping destination on the interior lake's shoreline. All visitors must check in at a Visitor Center to receive their permit and obtain essential park information before heading out.

As a backcountry site, Ryan Lake offers minimal developed amenities, emphasizing a "Leave No Trace" camping ethic while providing basic necessities for safety and environmental protection.

• Tent Pad: One or two designated, cleared tent pads are provided, typically measuring around 12 feet by 12 feet. These level areas make pitching a tent easier and help preserve the natural ground cover.
• Fire Ring: A single metal fire ring is included for campfires and cooking. Visitors must adhere strictly to all current fire regulations and are encouraged to bring in their own certified firewood.
• Outdoor Privy: A designated outdoor vault toilet is provided by the NPS for sanitary disposal, though it is often a basic, rustic structure.
• Bear Pole/Safe Food Storage: While specific details vary, backcountry sites often utilize a bear pole for hanging food and scented items at a safe height, or a similar NPS-approved method for secure food storage is required, as bear-proof lockers are generally only found at frontcountry sites. Visitors should come prepared with proper rope and food storage containers.
• Proximity to Water: The site is situated on the lakefront, providing easy access to Ryan Lake for filtering drinking water (which must be filtered or treated before use).

The Ryan Lake Campsite provides unique features that appeal to the experienced and nature-loving Minnesota camper looking for an authentic challenge.

• True Solitude: Located on an interior lake of the Kabetogama Peninsula, the site is exceptionally remote. The requirement for both a boat trip and a hike significantly limits the number of visitors, ensuring a quiet, immersive wilderness experience.
• Excellent Wildlife Viewing: Away from the main boat channels, Ryan Lake is a prime location for observing native wildlife, including moose, deer, and various forest birds. The isolation enhances the chance of hearing wolves or spotting more elusive species.
• Interior Lake Fishing: While not on the massive, easily accessible Rainy or Kabetogama Lakes, Ryan Lake offers a different kind of fishing experience—a quiet, small-lake environment ideal for non-motorized fishing opportunities, depending on the current park regulations for the use of canoes (which are sometimes available at other backcountry sites, but not explicitly listed for Ryan Lake B18).
• Quiet Paddling Base: The small, protected nature of Ryan Lake contrasts sharply with the wind-swept, large lakes of the park. It offers calm waters perfect for paddling if a private or park-provided watercraft is available on the interior lake, providing a sense of intimate connection with the water.
• Optimal Stargazing: With multiple layers of wilderness separating the campsite from the gateway community lights, the night skies are intensely dark, offering one of the best locations in the state for viewing constellations and the Northern Lights.

The Ryan Lake Campsite is an isolated location within the Voyageurs National Park wilderness. There is no direct, on-site contact for the campsite itself. All reservations and park-related communication should be directed to the National Park Service.

Physical Address (General Park Area):

International Falls, MN 56649, USA

For Campsite Reservations:

Reservations are required for all overnight tent camping in the park and must be made through the official booking platform: Recreation.gov.

To call the National Call Center for reservations:

(877) 444-6777

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters and Main Information:

Mailing Address: 360 Hwy 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649

Phone: (218) 283-6600

(Note: Visitors are strongly encouraged to check-in at a Visitor Center, such as the Rainy Lake Visitor Center or Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center, prior to their trip for the most current trail conditions, bear activity reports, and specific backcountry regulations for the Kabetogama Peninsula.)

The Ryan Lake Campsite is perfectly suited for the Minnesota outdoor enthusiast who is looking to step beyond the ordinary. For a state where camping and lake culture are ingrained, this location offers the next level of wilderness challenge and reward. It is a genuine backcountry experience that tests packing efficiency and self-reliance, qualities deeply respected in the Northwoods.

Locals will find that the two-stage access—boating across big water and then hiking a wooded trail—satisfies the desire for both the iconic Minnesota lake travel and a true 'hike-in' solitude. Unlike some of the high-demand, high-traffic destinations, Ryan Lake promises a deep connection with the boreal forest and a chance to truly unplug. The minimal amenities are a badge of honor for campers who pride themselves on their preparedness. Choosing Ryan Lake is choosing an authentic, secluded, and unforgettable North Star State adventure, providing the deep serenity that only the most remote parts of Voyageurs National Park can offer. It is a chance to claim a truly private piece of the Minnesota wild.

Ryan Lake

International Falls, MN 56649, USA