Arden Island is a boat-in campsite — site R4 — on Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park. The small island site is reached only by water; a floating dock serves as the boat landing, and a brown Park Service marker, a picnic table, and a bear-proof food locker sit in the clearing above the rock.
Like the park’s other small frontcountry campsites, it holds up to nine people and comes with tent pads, a fire ring, a picnic table, bear-proof food lockers, and a vault privy. Campfires and pets are allowed. An overnight stay requires a reservation and printed permit through Recreation.gov, as at every campsite in Voyageurs. Two separate Arden Island houseboat sites lie a short way off along the same shore.
Rules for this place
Every campsite in Voyageurs National Park is by advance permit or reservation, arranged before you go; the park’s camping page sets out how. A fire in the park belongs in the established metal ring, and the park’s conditions page carries the closures and burning restrictions in force. Food, garbage and anything scented goes in a vehicle, a metal bear-proof locker, or hung well up and out from a tree; the park’s bear and food storage rules say so plainly. Minnesota’s invasive species law rides home with the trailer: pull the drain plug, drain the water, and leave plants and prohibited species at the access.
Verified 2026-09-07. Rules change; check the official page before you go.
