Grassy Islands South - K9 Campsite

For seasoned Minnesota adventurers, the **Grassy Islands South K9 Campsite** offers one of the most desirable and rewarding primitive camping experiences in the state, located deep within **Voyageurs National Park (VNP)** on the waters of **Kabetogama Lake**. This is not a drive-in site; rather, it is a designated **boat-in campsite** that promises true island solitude and panoramic views, perfectly embodying the spirit of VNP's water-based wilderness.

K9 is officially classified as a **Small Campsite**, designed to accommodate a maximum of nine people across its two dedicated tent pads. However, the site’s unique geography is its key feature: the tent sites are situated **"up on the hill and have wonderful views,"** providing a majestic vantage point over the lake. Campers consistently praise the island's natural bounty, noting that the **"entire island is covered in raspberries and blue berries,"** providing a delightful opportunity for natural foraging.

As a National Park Service (NPS) frontcountry campsite, Grassy Islands South K9 requires **advance reservations and a permit** obtained through Recreation.gov. The experience is intentionally rustic and self-sufficient, featuring only essential primitive amenities like an outdoor privy and bear lockers. While the paddle in is described as **"pretty easy,"** the exposed nature of the lake means it is not recommended for those **"not used to open water,"** as conditions can change rapidly. The reward for this effort is a genuinely secluded island haven, complete with local wildlife like the **"family of wood ducks who hang out on the shore."**

Location and Accessibility

The Grassy Islands South K9 Campsite is located on an island in the **Grassy Islands Group** on **Kabetogama Lake**, within **Voyageurs National Park**, near **Kabetogama, MN 56669, USA**.

• Access Method: The site is **strictly Boat-In Access**. Visitors must utilize a motorized boat, canoe, or kayak to reach the island.
• Nearest Hub: The campsite is approximately **3.3 miles from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center** on the mainland, making it one of the more easily accessible island sites for those launching from the Kabetogama area.
• Landing/Mooring: The site has a **sand landing** on the **western side of the island**, which offers greater protection **"from the wind"** and facilitates boat access.
• Water Travel: The paddle-in is generally easy, but navigating the large, open waters of Kabetogama Lake requires awareness of rapidly changing weather conditions and strong winds.
• Reservation Required: All overnight stays require a **reservation and a printed permit** from Recreation.gov. The check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out is 12:00 noon.

Services Offered (National Park Primitive Standard)

As a remote VNP frontcountry site, K9 is equipped with durable, fixed infrastructure designed to protect the island environment and support a primitive camping experience.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site provides **two designated tent pads** (each measuring 12'x12' or larger) to concentrate impact and provide level sleeping areas.
• Picnic Table and Fire Ring: **One sturdy picnic table** and **one metal fire ring with a cooking grate** are provided for dining and campfires. Fires must only use dead and downed wood.
• Bear-Proof Food Lockers: **Two bear-proof food lockers** (each measuring 52" w x 36" d x 21" h) are mandatory for the storage of all food, garbage, and scented items.
• Outdoor Privy: **One outdoor vault toilet (privy)** is available for sanitary disposal of human waste. Campers should be prepared for a primitive experience, as noted in user reviews.
• No Running Water/Potable Water: **No drinking water is supplied**. Campers must bring in all their potable water or filter/purify lake water.
• No Electricity or Showers: The site is entirely off-grid, promoting a truly rustic experience.

Features / Highlights (A Forager's Paradise)

Grassy Islands South K9 is a sought-after site due to its unique physical beauty and location on one of the few islands that offer both seclusion and accessibility.

• Spectacular High-Point Views: A key feature is the **elevated location of the tent sites**, providing **"wonderful views"** across Kabetogama Lake, which is a significant advantage over many shore-level sites.
• Berry Foraging: The island is noted for being covered in **raspberries and blueberries**, offering a delightful, seasonal activity for campers (Note: Up to one gallon of berries may be harvested for personal consumption per NPS rules).
• Dual Waterfront Access: The island features both a **small, sandy beach access** suitable for paddling and swimming, and a **"beautiful rock face"** on the other side, providing two distinct shoreline environments.
• Protected Landing: The dock or landing is intentionally placed on the **western side**, offering a **"more protected"** area from common easterly winds, which simplifies boat mooring and unloading.
• Intimate Size: As one of two campsites on a small island, the location offers a unique sense of **island isolation** and tranquility, highly valued by those seeking to fully disconnect.
• Wildlife Sightings: Regular sightings of wildlife, such as the **family of wood ducks**, enhance the feeling of immersion in the North Woods ecosystem.

Contact Information

As a National Park Service (NPS) property, all contact and management for Grassy Islands South K9 Campsite are handled by the Voyageurs National Park administration.

Address (Park Region): Kabetogama, MN 56669, USA

Reservation System: Recreation.gov (Search for Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits - Site K9)

Phone (Voyageurs National Park Visitor Center/Headquarters): **(218) 283-6600** (This is the general VNP headquarters number for regulations, permits, and park conditions).

**Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Phone:** **(218) 875-2111** (Specific contact for the nearest gateway center).

What is Worth Choosing Grassy Islands South K9 Campsite

For experienced Minnesotan paddlers and boaters who dream of **camping on their own island** with an elevated view, Grassy Islands South K9 is worth the necessary preparation and reservation. It’s an ideal choice for the **unmatched combination of isolation, scenery, and natural amenities** (like the abundance of berries).

The core value of this site is the **exclusive, panoramic experience**. Waking up on a hill with a view of Kabetogama Lake, having a sand beach on one side and a dramatic rock face on the other, and being able to forage for wild berries—these features make K9 a truly unique and memorable spot in VNP. Choosing this site means fully embracing the self-reliant, boat-based exploration that defines Voyageurs National Park, providing a **secluded, stress-free haven** where the rewards far outweigh the primitive nature of the facilities.