Site Blueberry Ridge H2, Orr, MN

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans who believe the best camping requires lacing up a good pair of boots, Site Blueberry Ridge H2 offers an exceptional, roadless wilderness experience within Voyageurs National Park. This isn't a boat-in site; it is one of only two designated primitive campsites located on the park's mainland, accessible exclusively by foot via the rugged Kab-Ash Trail. This unique status makes it a highly sought-after destination for backpackers and those seeking deep solitude away from the busier water-based areas of the park. Situated near Orr, MN, the site provides a true 'Leave No Trace' camping adventure, embracing the essence of self-reliance and immersion in the North Woods. The atmosphere here is deeply peaceful, with the elevation on the ridge often providing a welcome breeze to keep the inevitable insects at bay, as noted by seasoned visitors. The name itself suggests a seasonal treat, as wild blueberries can be abundant around mid-August, offering a delightful reward for the effort of the hike. Visitors must be fully prepared to handle all aspects of primitive camping, including food storage, water treatment, and waste management, making it an ideal choice for experienced local campers.

Location and Accessibility

Blueberry Ridge H2 is a primitive, hike-in campsite located along the expansive Kab-Ash Trail system in the mainland portion of Voyageurs National Park. Though the address is listed broadly as Orr, MN 55771, USA, the site’s true location is deep within the trail network. Accessing the site requires a commitment to backpacking. The recommended and shortest route to the site is approximately a 1.7-mile hike from the Blueberry Ridge Trailhead, which is typically accessible via Meadwood Road. The Kab-Ash Trail itself is a strenuous, roughly 28-mile-long trail that weaves across the Kabetogama Peninsula, challenging hikers with its narrow, rocky passages, root-covered sections, and granite outcroppings. The path to the site is purposefully rustic, marked by red squares on trees and stacked rock cairns (small, human-made piles of stones) to guide hikers across the sometimes confusing open granite ridges. Visitors must arrive prepared to navigate a genuine wilderness trail and should consider using a GPS app or downloaded map to ensure they remain on course. Crucially, this campsite is one of the few in Voyageurs National Park that does not require a boat to reach, appealing directly to the local hiking and backpacking community.

Services Offered

The "primitive" designation of Site Blueberry Ridge H2 dictates minimal human-made services, requiring campers to bring everything they need and pack out everything they bring. This approach preserves the natural environment and ensures a genuine wilderness experience:

Designated Tenting Area: The site is equipped with a cleared, level area suitable for pitching tents. Unlike many frontcountry sites, it does not feature formal tent pads, reinforcing the rustic nature of the location.
Metal Fire Ring: One metal fire ring is provided for building safe, contained campfires. Visitors are strictly reminded to only make fires within this ring and to collect only dead and downed wood from the ground.
Max Capacity: The site is generally intended for small groups, accommodating a maximum number of campers—typically around 9 people—though visitors should confirm the exact limit when securing their permit.
Leave No Trace Emphasis: Due to the lack of infrastructure, adherence to Leave No Trace principles is mandatory. This includes packing out all trash and waste (including food scraps) and disposing of human waste by digging a "cathole" 6-8 inches deep, well away from water sources, trails, and the campsite itself, as no latrines are provided.
No Potable Water: There is no source of drinking water available. Campers must carry in all necessary water or be prepared to collect, filter, and chemically treat water from natural sources nearby.

Features / Highlights

The draw of Blueberry Ridge H2 extends beyond its designation, offering a rugged, authentic wilderness immersion that highlights the best of the Minnesota North Woods:

Mainland Access: It is one of only two campsites in Voyageurs National Park accessible without the use of a boat, making it an exclusive destination for mainland backpackers and winter campers using snowshoes.
The Blueberry Patch: The site earns its name, as local knowledge confirms that wild blueberries are often present on the ridge around mid-August, offering a delicious, natural foraging experience for those who time their trip right.
Mosquito Relief: Being located on a ridge, the site is often exposed to a steady breeze, a natural feature that reliably helps to minimize the presence of mosquitos, a welcome benefit in the northern Minnesota climate.
Challenging Kab-Ash Trail: The hike to the site is an adventure in itself, traversing diverse terrain—from open granite outcrops offering scenic vistas to dense, pine-scented forest, providing an excellent multi-day trekking opportunity.
Deep Wilderness Solitude: Its remote, hike-in only status ensures a profound sense of isolation and quiet, far removed from the sounds of motorboats and other visitors, appealing to those seeking a true disconnect.
Superb Stargazing: Like all of Voyageurs National Park, the area boasts extremely dark skies, providing a canvas for phenomenal stargazing and potentially viewing the captivating Northern Lights.

Contact Information

Site Blueberry Ridge H2 is managed by the National Park Service as part of Voyageurs National Park. All necessary permits must be secured in advance.

Address:

Voyageurs National Park (General Area)

Orr, MN 55771, USA

The nearest Visitor Center for information regarding the Kab-Ash Trail and the Ash River area is:

Ash River Visitor Center

9513 Ash River Rd, Ash River, MN 56669 (Visitor Center)

Phone:

Ash River Visitor Center: (218) 374-3221

For Reservation Assistance: All primitive campsite permits must be secured through the national reservation service, and advanced booking is highly recommended, especially during the peak season (May 15 – October 15):

Recreation.gov Call Center: 1-877-444-6777

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Blueberry Ridge H2 is a quintessential Minnesota backpacking experience, perfectly suited to the local culture of rugged outdoor adventure. For residents accustomed to the challenges and rewards of the North Woods, this primitive site represents an accessible yet demanding getaway. It’s a chance to truly test gear, practice advanced navigation skills, and feel the genuine isolation that defined early Minnesota life. Unlike the boat-centric options, this site welcomes the dedicated hiker, offering a direct, land-based entry point into the wild heart of Voyageurs National Park. The proximity to the gateway community of Orr provides a convenient start, while the 1.7-mile hike from the nearest trailhead is substantial enough to deter the casual visitor, ensuring a high-quality wilderness experience for those who commit. From the mid-August berry picking to the quiet evenings on the windy ridge, Blueberry Ridge H2 offers Minnesotans an authentic, challenging, and profoundly rewarding way to reconnect with their state's legendary natural beauty and wilderness heritage.