Shelland Island, International Falls, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts seeking a truly immersive, yet managed, wilderness experience, Shelland Island Campsite (R106) in Voyageurs National Park represents the perfect destination. Unlike many traditional drive-up campgrounds, this location offers a genuine Northwoods adventure, situated on the vast, beautiful waters of Rainy Lake near International Falls. Shelland Island is officially designated as a "Large Campsite" by the National Park Service, meaning it is specifically designed to accommodate significant groups of up to 18 people. This makes it an ideal spot for large Minnesota family gatherings, group trips, or outings where keeping everyone together on a single, private island retreat is the priority.

The entire camping experience here is defined by the park’s unique water-based landscape—it is accessible exclusively by boat. This necessary effort provides an instant reward: a quiet, secluded, and pristine environment free from vehicle noise and overcrowding. Shelland Island R106 offers a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, ensuring your group can focus on what Minnesotans do best: fishing, paddling, and enjoying the incredible natural beauty of the border waters.

Location and Accessibility

Shelland Island Campsite is nestled within the sprawling island chain of Rainy Lake, which forms the northern edge of Voyageurs National Park and the international border with Canada. Its physical location is tied to the gateway community of International Falls, MN 56649, USA, but access is purely aquatic.

The site is a "Boat-In" only location. Visitors planning a stay must arrange for their own transportation, whether by private motorboat, rented fishing boat, or water taxi, launched from one of the mainland access points like the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. According to official park data, the campsite is located roughly 16.6 miles by water from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center boat launch. This distance underscores the remote nature of the site, requiring careful navigation and preparedness for big-water conditions on one of Minnesota’s largest and most impressive lakes. This isolation is a highlight for locals who value true wilderness seclusion, knowing that only those prepared for a water journey will be their neighbors.

Services Offered

As a developed frontcountry site managed by the National Park Service, Shelland Island R106 provides key infrastructure to support a large group while minimizing environmental impact. The amenities are designed for safe, responsible, and comfortable tent camping, aligning with the "Leave No Trace" principles expected in a National Park. The services available directly at the campsite include:

Four designated
Tent Pads
, providing level, cleared, and drier ground for pitching tents for up to 18 campers.
Multiple
Food Storage Locker
s (four in total for a large site), which are mandatory bear-proof containers for securing all food, beverages, and scented items away from wildlife.
Two
Tables
(Picnic Tables), offering ample space for meal preparation, dining, and group activities.
At least one
Campfire Rings
(metal fire ring with a cooking grate), providing a safe, contained place for cooking and traditional campfires.
One dedicated
Vault Toilets
(outdoor privy), ensuring proper sanitation for the group’s use.
Boat Access, with a shoreline landing that is noted for having sandy access, which is often easier for loading and unloading than the typical granite rock ledges.

Features / Highlights

Shelland Island is renowned among local campers for providing a superior group experience within the stunning landscape of Voyageurs National Park. Its key features combine the convenience of group accommodation with genuine wilderness perks:

The
Large Campsite
Advantage: Officially accommodating up to 18 people, R106 is one of the most spacious sites available on Rainy Lake. This eliminates the headache of reserving and managing multiple small sites for a single group, fostering a better communal experience.
Rainy Lake Fishing Access: Situated on a prime section of Rainy Lake, the island offers immediate access to the lake's legendary fishing, including some of the best walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass action in the state. Anglers can fish right from the shore or launch their boats for a full day on the water.
Unmatched Privacy and Seclusion: The boat-in requirement naturally limits visitors, and the island setting ensures a level of quiet and separation from other sites that is hard to find at drive-up campgrounds. This is true solitude in the Minnesota Northwoods.
Dark Sky Park
Stargazing: Voyageurs National Park is celebrated as an International Dark Sky Park. Away from the mainland lights of International Falls, Shelland Island offers spectacular, unforgettable nightly views of the Milky Way and the potential for a northern lights display.
Essential
Bear Safety
Provisions: The provision of four sturdy bear-proof
Food Storage Locker
s is a vital feature, ensuring the safety of campers and the local wildlife by making proper food storage straightforward and mandatory.

Contact Information

Shelland Island Campsite is a National Park Service managed site and does not have a direct street address or phone number for the physical location. All inquiries, reservations, and information must be directed to the park's official channels.

Campsite Location (Approximate): Shelland Island, Rainy Lake, International Falls, MN 56649, USA

Reservations & Permits:

All overnight camping permits for Shelland Island R106 must be secured online through the official reservation platform, Recreation.gov. Reservations for the busy summer season are highly competitive and open well in advance.

Voyageurs National Park Visitor Center (Rainy Lake):

For general park information, conditions, and non-emergency assistance, contact the National Park Service:

Check the National Park Service website for the current public phone number and visitor center hours.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Shelland Island Campsite R106 is uniquely tailored to the Minnesota lifestyle. For many locals, the Northwoods represents the quintessential escape, and a boat is simply another vehicle for exploration. This island retreat on Rainy Lake is an acknowledgment that the most rewarding experiences require a little extra effort. The requirement of watercraft access isn't a drawback; it's a guarantee of quality—a natural barrier that preserves the serenity of the site for those willing to navigate the open water.

It provides the perfect combination of challenging wilderness immersion and comfortable group accommodation. It allows local families, who often gather in large numbers for summer tradition, to create lasting memories around a single

Campfire Ring

on a stunningly private island. For the Minnesotan who values fishing, boating, and the undisturbed soundscape of the boreal forest, Shelland Island is not just a campsite; it is the epitome of the "Up North" experience.