Sheen Point N38 Campsite

- Orr, MN 55771

For Minnesotans seeking the quintessential northern wilderness experience without sacrificing the convenience of boat access, the Sheen Point N38 Campsite within Voyageurs National Park is an ideal destination. This designated Small Campsite is located on the expansive and beautiful Namakan Lake, providing a true 'boat-in' island getaway. Voyageurs National Park is unique, as it is a water-based park where the primary way to explore and camp is by watercraft, making sites like Sheen Point N38 highly valued.

Sheen Point N38 is part of the frontcountry camping system, meaning it offers essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and responsible stay while maintaining the natural, undeveloped beauty of the Northwoods. It is perfect for small groups, with a maximum capacity of nine people, who desire a peaceful, secluded setting. Crucially, this site features a permanent crib dock, a significant convenience for motorboat users or those with heavy gear, simplifying the arrival and departure process. From the moment you secure your reservation to the final campfire, Sheen Point N38 offers a memorable, accessible taste of deep Minnesota wilderness.

Sheen Point N38 Campsite is strategically located on the shores of Namakan Lake, one of the four major interconnected waterways that define Voyageurs National Park. The site is geographically linked to the gateway community of Orr, MN 55771, USA, which serves as a central hub for accessing this section of the park.

Accessibility is exclusively Boat-In.

To reach Sheen Point N38, visitors must travel by watercraft. The site is approximately 8.5 miles from the popular Ash River Visitor Center boat launch, providing a reasonable boating distance for a day trip or an overnight excursion. The journey itself is an attraction, passing through scenic channels and islands on Namakan Lake.

A major draw of this site is its superior accessibility for boaters, thanks to the installation of a 4x20 permanent crib dock. This dedicated dock space allows for secure mooring of private watercraft, significantly easing the loading and unloading of camping gear compared to sites requiring a beach or shore landing. This feature is particularly attractive to families or groups utilizing larger motorboats or houseboats that require stable docking. The location is lakefront, offering immediate access to the water for paddling, fishing, and general lake activities, making it a true water-lover's paradise.

As a well-maintained frontcountry campsite within a National Park, Sheen Point N38 provides a selection of necessary amenities designed for convenience, safety, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. While embracing a wilderness feel, these facilities ensure a responsible and comfortable camping experience.

• Permanent Crib Dock: A sturdy, permanent 4x20 crib dock provides secure mooring for watercraft, distinguishing this site as highly desirable for boat owners.
• Designated Tent Pads: The site includes two cleared, level tent pads. These areas are specifically designed to protect the fragile environment and ensure a comfortable night's sleep for the maximum capacity of nine campers.
• Picnic Table: A robust picnic table is provided for meal preparation, dining, and gathering, serving as the central hub of the camp.
• Fire Ring: A designated metal fire ring is available for safe campfires. Campers must adhere to all current park fire restrictions and use only the provided ring for wood fires.
• Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Two large, metal food storage lockers are present. Proper storage of all food, scented items, and trash in these bear-proof containers is mandatory to protect both campers and the area’s black bear population.
• Outdoor Privy: A vault toilet (outdoor privy) is included for sanitation. Campers are reminded to bring their own toilet paper and use the facility responsibly.
• Max Capacity: The campsite is designated as "Small," comfortably accommodating up to nine individuals.

Sheen Point N38 Campsite boasts several outstanding features that make it a favorite among visitors to Voyageurs National Park, particularly those familiar with the Northwoods style of camping.

• Guaranteed Dock Access: The most significant highlight is the permanent crib dock, which eliminates the hassle of beaching and securing boats on a rocky shoreline, offering superior convenience and safety for all boat types.
• Central Namakan Lake Location: The site's location on Namakan Lake places it in the heart of the park’s water network, offering excellent opportunities for island-hopping, exploring large, undeveloped shorelines, and fishing.
• Lakefront Solitude: Despite the high convenience of the dock, Sheen Point N38 remains a secluded, boat-in site, providing the kind of deep wilderness solitude that is highly valued in the Minnesota border lakes region.
• Proximity to Ash River: Situated only 8.5 miles from the Ash River Visitor Center, the campsite is close enough to a major access point for easy check-in, boat launching, and quick trips to resupply if necessary.
• Stunning Lake Views: Its lakefront position ensures beautiful, unobstructed views of Namakan Lake, offering prime opportunities for stargazing, watching for wildlife, and enjoying the iconic calls of the common loon.

Sheen Point N38 Campsite is managed by the National Park Service as part of Voyageurs National Park. All reservations and most information inquiries should be directed to the park's main offices and reservation service.

Physical Address (General Access Area):

Near Orr, MN 55771, USA

For Campsite Reservations:

Reservations are required 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

(The nearest manned park facility is the Ash River Visitor Center, which is the closest mainland launch point for Namakan Lake: 9899 Mead Wood Rd, Orr, MN 55771.)

Sheen Point N38 is perfectly suited for Minnesota residents because it embodies the state's deep tradition of lake-based recreation and wilderness camping, enhanced by key features that simplify the trip. Locals, comfortable navigating the large, sometimes challenging waters of the border lakes, will appreciate the site’s location on Namakan Lake—often considered one of the quieter, more scenic bodies of water in the park.

The major convenience of the permanent crib dock speaks directly to the large population of Minnesotans who own motorboats and want easy, safe mooring. This small luxury removes a common wilderness hurdle, allowing more time for fishing, paddling, and relaxing. Furthermore, the 8.5-mile distance from the Ash River Visitor Center strikes an ideal balance: it is close enough to be easily accessible from the gateway community of Orr, but remote enough to offer the sought-after seclusion that defines a true Northwoods escape. For the Minnesota resident, Sheen Point N38 is not just a campsite; it is a meticulously preserved piece of their natural heritage, offering a reliable and memorable platform for exploring Voyageurs National Park.

Sheen Point N38 Campsite

Orr, MN 55771, USA