Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite

- Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725

For Minnesotans seeking that quintessential Northwoods tranquility, where the cry of the loon is your morning alarm and the lake is your backyard, the **Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite** offers a perfect sanctuary. Situated in the vast, water-based wilderness of Voyageurs National Park, N42 is a designated **Small Campsite** on the stunning Namakan Lake, ideal for individuals, couples, and small family groups looking for a true escape from city life.

Voyageurs National Park is unique among National Parks, as nearly all of its camping is accessible exclusively by watercraft. This essential boat-in access is precisely what guarantees the solitude and quiet that local residents treasure. Steakhouse Point N42 is a frontcountry site, meaning it is directly on one of the main lakes and is accessible right from your boat—no lengthy portages or major hiking required.

Based on customer feedback, this site holds a special appeal: it is described as a "very sunny site, mostly south facing," a feature highly valued in the northern climate, promising warm mornings and bright days. Furthermore, it is "far enough from the main channel to be pretty secluded," ensuring your wilderness retreat remains private and peaceful. This balance of easy boat access with genuine seclusion makes Steakhouse Point N42 a highly desirable reservation for local users ready to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Minnesota's border lakes. With a maximum capacity of nine people, it’s perfectly scaled for a meaningful, high-quality outdoor experience without the crowds.

The Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite is located in the magnificent chain of lakes that defines Voyageurs National Park, specifically on **Namakan Lake**. This location places it squarely in the heart of the park's eastern section, a short distance from the Canadian border. The administrative address for the area falls under:

Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA

The campsite is geographically located on a point named Steakhouse Point, giving it a commanding position on Namakan Lake. It is approximately **13.7 miles from the Crane Lake boat launch**, which serves as one of the most convenient access points for those approaching Namakan Lake.

**Access to N42 is strictly by boat (Boat-In).** Campers must navigate the waters of the park, either using their own private watercraft or a rented boat/water taxi from one of the gateway communities like Crane Lake or Ash River. The campsite is equipped with a permanent crib dock, which significantly simplifies the process of safely mooring your boat and unloading your camping gear. While a permanent dock is provided, note that all campers must possess a valid permit and reservation for overnight stays. The seclusion of the site is a major draw, being positioned away from the heavy traffic of the main channel, which contributes to its quiet and private atmosphere.

As a Small Campsite in the frontcountry system of Voyageurs National Park, Steakhouse Point N42 is equipped with the core amenities necessary for a comfortable and responsible stay in the wilderness. The site is designed to accommodate a small group while adhering to strict environmental standards.

• **Maximum Capacity:** Accommodates a maximum of **9 people** overnight.
• **Tent Pads:** Features **two official tent pads**, typically measuring 14' x 14', ensuring level ground for setting up tents. Customer reviews suggest there may be additional flat spots with room for more tents, though the official count is two.
• **Boat Docking:** A permanent **8' x 20' crib dock** is available for secure boat mooring and convenient loading/unloading of gear.
• **Food Security:** Equipped with **two bear-proof food lockers** for safe storage of all food, garbage, and scented items, crucial for minimizing human-wildlife conflicts.
• **Campfire Ring:** A single **metal fire ring with a cooking grate** allows for safe and contained campfires.
• **Picnic Facility:** Includes **one sturdy picnic table** for dining, meal preparation, and organization.
• **Sanitation:** A single **outdoor vault privy** (toilet) is maintained on-site.
• **Pet Policy:** Pets are allowed, though they must be on a leash no longer than six feet and attended to at all times.

The unique geographical and natural characteristics of Steakhouse Point N42 make it a premium choice for many local Minnesota campers.

• **Excellent Sun Exposure:** The site is largely **south-facing**, making it a "very sunny site." This is a significant advantage in the Northwoods, providing more hours of sunlight for warmth, drying gear, and enjoying the outdoors.
• **Enhanced Seclusion:** Despite being a frontcountry site with a dock, the location is described by visitors as being "far enough from the main channel to be pretty secluded," offering a superior level of privacy and quiet compared to more visible campsites.
• **Prime Namakan Lake Access:** Namakan Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, including Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. N42 provides a private launch point to explore the lake's rich waters and scenic islands.
• **Ample Tenting Area:** While officially having two tent pads, the site is noted by campers for having **flat spots with room for at least two more tents**, providing flexibility for a maximum-capacity group within the allowed limit.
• **Permanent Dock:** The presence of an 8x20 permanent crib dock provides stability and reliability for watercraft regardless of minor water level fluctuations.
• **Access to Park History:** Namakan Lake is close to historical sites like the **Kettle Falls Hotel** (accessible by boat), allowing campers at N42 to easily blend their wilderness experience with a touch of the park's rich history.

For all booking, reservation, and official park information, please use the contacts for Voyageurs National Park.

Site Location (Water Access Point):

Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite, Namakan Lake

Voyageurs National Park, Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA

Reservation and Park Information:

Campsite reservations and permits are required for all overnight stays.

Voyageurs National Park Permit Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 (via Recreation.gov)

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters: 218-283-6600

Official Reservation Website: Recreation.gov (Search for "Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits")

For the Minnesotan who owns a boat and seeks an authentic, yet manageable, wilderness experience, Steakhouse Point N42 on Namakan Lake is a premier destination. This site perfectly encapsulates the regional identity, combining the state’s passion for fishing and boating with the deep, quiet isolation of the boreal forest. It is a true 'cabin on the water,' replacing the inconvenience of a remote cabin with the accessibility of a dedicated dock in a protected National Park.

The site's small size and 9-person capacity make it ideal for smaller, more intimate family trips or group adventures where high quality time and seclusion are priorities. The unique benefit of its southern exposure is highly practical, offering the best chance for sun-filled days, which is a significant advantage when spending time on the water's edge. While the reality of the Northwoods means preparing for insects—as one customer noted, "Mosquitos were bad bad, however it depends more on the season"—this is a familiar aspect of Minnesota lake life. By offering a clean, secluded, well-equipped boat-in campsite on one of the state's most pristine border lakes, Steakhouse Point N42 delivers an unparalleled, high-quality outdoor experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of the local community. It is a genuine piece of the Minnesota Northwoods waiting to be discovered.

Steakhouse Point N42 Campsite

Northwest St. Louis, MN 55725, USA