Sexton Island N62 Campsite, Orr, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota residents, the call of the Northwoods wilderness is strong, and few places answer it with the unique majesty of Voyageurs National Park. Deep within this land of interconnected waterways and pristine forests, the Sexton Island N62 Campsite offers a premier, frontcountry island camping experience. Located on the beautiful Namakan Lake, this boat-in site provides an authentic wilderness setting combined with the convenience of dedicated amenities.

Sexton Island Campsite, designated N62, is officially classified as a "small campsite," designed to accommodate a maximum of nine people. This sizing ensures a more intimate and secluded feel compared to larger, drive-in campgrounds. The frontcountry designation means it is located on one of the park’s main lakes, accessible directly by boat from a park visitor center or resort launch point, yet its island location guarantees a profound sense of escape. Unlike typical roadside camping, the journey to N62 is part of the adventure, involving navigating the stunning waters of Namakan Lake, a central part of the Voyageurs chain.

Local Minnesotans who own a boat or utilize the abundant local outfitter rentals will find N62 an ideal destination. It serves as an exceptional base camp for extensive exploration of the Namakan Lake area, which is known for its excellent fishing, intricate shorelines, and historic points of interest like the legendary Kettle Falls Hotel. This site is specifically designed for tent camping, inviting adventurers to reconnect with nature in one of the state's most awe-inspiring National Parks.

Location and Accessibility

Sexton Island N62 Campsite is located near Orr, MN 55771, USA. Geographically, it is nestled within the expansive waters of Namakan Lake, which forms part of the Voyageurs National Park system. This location places it within the Ash River/Namakan Lake District of the park.

The site’s accessibility is strictly boat-in only. Visitors must utilize a motorized boat, canoe, or kayak to reach the island. The nearest primary land-based access point is the Ash River Visitor Center, from which the campsite is approximately 5.1 miles by water, making it a very convenient choice for those launching from the Ash River area. The customer reviews confirm its practical location, noting it is "just about right if you intend on launching at Ash River with a day trip to Kettle Falls," a major historical landmark accessible only by water. Due to its position on a main navigational route—"one of the main runs between Ash River and Kettle Falls"—campers should be aware of moderate boat traffic passing by, but this also means quick access to key destinations.

The site features a practical dock for easy boat mooring, allowing campers to walk right in to the camp from their vessel. Visitors must also be mindful of navigational hazards mentioned by reviewers, such as "two large rocks in front of the camp to watch out for," underscoring the need for careful boating and awareness of the Northwoods’ rocky lake bottoms.

Services Offered

The Sexton Island N62 Campsite is managed by the National Park Service to provide essential, low-impact amenities that facilitate a safe and enjoyable tent-camping experience while adhering to Leave No Trace principles. All campers should plan to be self-sufficient, bringing in all food, water, and fuel, and packing out all trash.

The primary services and infrastructure provided at this small, frontcountry campsite include:

A designated boat dock (specifically, an 8'x20' floater dock), allowing for secure and easy access from the watercraft to the camp.
One metal fire ring with an attached cooking grate for contained campfires, essential for cooking and warmth.
One picnic table, providing a stable surface for meal prep and dining.
Two bear-proof food lockers, which are mandatory for safely storing all food, garbage, and scented items away from wildlife, measuring 52" wide by 36" deep by 21" high each, or equivalent to two 48-quart coolers.
Two level tent pads, each measuring approximately 12 feet by 12 feet, ensuring a dry and level area for tent setup.
One outdoor vault privy (toilet), an essential sanitation facility in this remote setting.
Maximum capacity of nine people allowed for overnight use at this small campsite designation.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Sexton Island N62 extends beyond its basic amenities. Its location and features create a unique and highly desirable camping environment for Minnesotans passionate about lake life and wilderness history.

Direct Dock Access: The presence of a dedicated dock means easy and direct access to the island—a significant convenience praised by customers—eliminating the need for tricky shoreline landings.
Historic Kettle Falls Access: The site is perfectly positioned for a day trip to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam, an iconic landmark in the park accessible only by water, offering a blend of wilderness and history.
Island Camping Experience: Located on Sexton Island, the campsite provides 360-degree water views and the ultimate sense of being surrounded by the Northwoods, a truly unique element of the Voyageurs experience.
Stunning Scenery: Customer reviews highlight the "Absolutely stunning" nature of the location, emphasizing the natural beauty of Namakan Lake and the surrounding boreal forest.
Gateway to Adventure: Proximity to the Ash River Visitor Center and key boating channels makes N62 an excellent launch point for fishing, wildlife viewing, and navigating the vast water trails of Namakan, Kabetogama, and Sand Point Lakes.
Dark Sky Viewing: Like the rest of Voyageurs National Park, the island location offers minimal light pollution, resulting in exceptional night sky views for stargazing and potential Aurora Borealis sightings.

Contact Information

As an officially maintained site within a National Park, the Sexton Island N62 Campsite does not have a dedicated phone line. All permits, reservations, and general information are handled by the National Park Service and the designated reservation system. For planning and information, locals should utilize the nearest Visitor Center or the park’s main contact information.

Address: Ash River Visitor Center (Nearest Facility) 9899 Mead Wood Rd Orr, MN 55771

Phone: Voyageurs National Park Headquarters: (218) 283-6600 National Reservation Call Center: (877) 444-6777 (For online reservations via Recreation.gov)

Reservations: Reservations for all frontcountry campsites, including Sexton Island N62, are required and must be secured in advance through the official online National Park Service booking system. Campers must print their permit and display it at the site upon arrival.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Sexton Island N62 Campsite is an ideal destination for Minnesotans seeking to fully embrace their state’s cherished outdoor traditions. Its suitability for locals stems directly from its authentic, water-centric nature. Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and this campsite, located on an island in one of the most stunning, provides a peerless opportunity to enjoy true lake life—from the moment you "walk right in" from the dock to the spectacular lakefront views described as "absolutely stunning."

The logistical convenience of being near the Ash River access point makes it an excellent weekend or extended trip for Northern Minnesota residents. Furthermore, the combination of a small-group capacity and basic but essential amenities (like the dock, tent pads, and bear lockers) delivers a manageable wilderness experience. It is remote enough to feel like a true escape from urban life, yet secure enough to allow peace of mind. Whether the goal is a day of fishing on Namakan Lake, a visit to the historic Kettle Falls, or simply watching the stars from a private island, Sexton Island N62 offers a quintessential, highly memorable Minnesota adventure, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.