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There are over 150 boat in campsites distributed throughout the park designed for either tent camping or houseboats. Designated tent sites have a tent pad or level area, fire ring, privy, picnic table and bear-proof food-storage locker. Houseboat sites include two mooring posts and a fire ring. There are currently no fees, or reservation requirements but a self registration over night camping permit is required. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Day Use Sites are for picnics and daytime activities but no overnight stays.
Campsites, large, small and group are for overnight use with tents.
Houseboat sites are for overnight use for self contained houseboats
All Voyageurs National Park campsites are accessible by water only. No reservations, no fees, sites available on a first-come first-served basis. Length of stay in park is 14 consecutive days with a total of 30 for the year. Do not leave gear unattended in a campsite to reserve it and camping permits are required.
Collection of dead and down wood including driftwood for campfires is allowed except within developed areas and in areas where posted. Cutting of live trees or dead standing trees is prohibited.
Campfires are permitted in metal fire grills or existing rock rings. Construct no new rock rings.
All food, garbage, and equipment used to cook and store food must be kept in a vehicle, vessel, bearproof locker or hung 10 feet high and 10 feet out from a pole or tree.
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Access | Bear Pole | Table | Privy |
| Agnes Lake | 1 | 1 | Foot | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Beast Lake | 0 | 1 | Canoe | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Brown Lake | 0 | 1 | Foot | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cranberry Creek | 0 | 1 | Boat | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Cruiser Lake | 1 | 1 | Foot | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ek Lake | 2 | 1 | Foot | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Jorgens Lake | 1 | 1 | Foot | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Little Shoepack Lake | 0 | 0 | Canoe | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Locator Lake | 2 | 1 | Canoe | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Loiten Lake | 0 | 1 | Canoe | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Oslo Lake | 0 | 1 | Foot | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peary Lake | 0 | 1 | Foot | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Quarter Line Lake | 1 | 1 | Foot | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Quill Lake | 0 | 1 | Canoe | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ryan Lake | 0 | 1 | Foot | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Shoepack Lake | 0 | 1 | Canoe | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| War Club Lake | 0 | 1 | Canoe | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Locator Lake is Day Use with a fire ring, table and privy. Access is by foot.
Tips to help you in primitive camping situations
Emergency gear
Waterproof matches in airtight containers, metal matches, fire starter and ‘tinder' are suggested. Extra food and clothing, a signal mirror, smoke flare, durable space blankets, plastic bags, and a good first aid kit are extremely valuable if you plan on being out for several days. Cord can be used to make a shelter and hang food in trees. Most hikers carry water purification filters or chemicals. Some even carry pocket strobe lights, and a few carry personal locator beacons. Plan to be self sufficient in any emergency. The land is vast and remote, and you cannot count on early help if you have difficulties.
Equipment
Try and keep your gear lightweight yet durable. Equipment should withstand rigorous use in a rough, mountainous countryside. Help could be many hours away should something go wrong with your gear.
Food and Supplies
Bring your food, equipment and other supplies with you. Avoid food such as bacon or smoked fish, soaps, and cosmetics with strong odors as they attract bears. Bottles and cans are hard to dispose of. If you take them in, you are expected to carry them out. Without some sort of bear proof storage, you should be prepared to hang your food as high as possible. Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit carrying fuel in containers such as stoves on commercial airlines. Use white gas.
Footwear
Boots should be a sturdy hiking or mountaineering type that provides good ankle support. Some hikers prefer boots with the rubber shoe and leather upper, like the Maine Hunting Shoe. You can count on your feet getting wet regardless of your boot type, so durability and support should be a prime concern. Many pair of socks are essential. Tennis shoes are good for crossing rivers.
Insects
Insect repellent is highly recommended.
Map
Trails Illustrated topo map covers the whole park and includes the most current information on the location of trails and camps. Green Trails maps contain more topographic information and include trail mileages. USGS maps provide the most detailed topographic information. Although campsite and trail information are often outdated, these are the preferred maps for mountaineering and cross-country travel. Maps, books and pamphlets are sold at park headquarters and ranger and information stations.
Rain gear and clothing
Durable rain gear that covers both the upper and lower torso is a must for hikes of any length. The rain gear should keep out water in a steady down pour. Since you will eventually get wet in any significant rain storm, wool or synthetic clothing that insulates when wet is highly recommended for wear under rain gear. The weather can change quickly and without warning. Expect rain and drizzle. Hypothermia is always a possibility with wet conditions and cool temperatures.
Stove
A gasoline stove is essential. You may not cut down live trees. Set campfires with downed wood only.
Tents and sleeping bags
You should have a tent with a waterproof floor, rain-fly, and a no-see-um netting, and this tent should be designed to withstand strong winds. Bring plenty of extra stakes and strong cord to keep the tent secure. Synthetics like ‘Polarguard' or ‘Fiberfill' are better than down in a wet environment because synthetics will insulate when wet while down will not. A sleeping pad will provide insulation as well as comfort.
Kabetogama Lake Area
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Access | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Ash River | 0 | 1 | Dock/Auto | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Ellsworth Garden | 0 | 2 | Dock | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Kabetogama Lake VC | 0 | 2 | Dock/Auto | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Moxie Island | 0 | 2 | Sand | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Round Bear Island | 0 | 2 | Sand | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Blue Fin Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Blue Heron Point | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deer Point Islands East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| East 3 Sisters | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Eks Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Freedem Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Long Slu | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lost Bay East | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lost Bay West | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mallard Bay Point | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Portage Beach | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Round Bear Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| State Point Bay | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sugarbush Island West | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Trygg Island View | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Twin Bay West | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Yoder Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Bald Rock | 4 | 1 | Dock | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| C. Vic Linsten | 4 | 1 | Sand | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Echo Island | 4 | 1 | Sand | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Eks Bay | 4 | 1 | Sand | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Camel Back Island | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cutover Island So | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Eagle View | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Grassy Islands So | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Hacksaw Pass | 0 | 1 | Soft | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Happy Landing | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| La Bontys Point | 1 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lost Bay | 1 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lost Bay Island | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lost Lake | 1 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Maple Point | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Moxie Island | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Northland | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Peterson Point | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Pine Point | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Round Bear Island | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Shelter Bay | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sphunge Island E | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sugarbush Island | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Windgo | 1 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wood Duck Island | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| My Island North | 0 | 2 | Sand | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Beaver Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Blind Indian Nar. South | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Deep Slough | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Depthfinder View | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ebel's | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gable Point | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Junction Bay North | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| McManus Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mica Bay Beach | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mitchell Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mitchell Island West | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Namakan Island North | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pike Bay | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Randolph Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rusty Island East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sheen Point North | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Smuggler's Point | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Snake Island View | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Voyageurs Narrows | 0 | 1 | Soft | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wigwam Point East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Day Marker 23 | 4 | 1 | Dock | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Namakan Island NE | 4 | 1 | Sand | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Torry Fish Camp | 4 | 1 | Soft | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Aspen Bench | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Birch Cove Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Blind Pig Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cove Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Depthfinder Island | 0 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fox Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Hamilton Island East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Hammer Bay South | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Hoist Bay | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Johnson Bay | 2 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Junction Bay | 0 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Katamaran | 0 | 1 | Dock | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Kettle Potage | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| McManus Island West | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Mica Island | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| My Island West | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| My Island South | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Namakan Island East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Namakan Island South | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Namakan Island West | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Namakan Entrance | 0 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| North Mitchell Island | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Old Dutch Bay | 0 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Pat Smith Island | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Pike Bay | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Rainbow Island | 0 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Rusty Island | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sandbar Point | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sexten Island | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sheen Point | 0 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Steakhouse Point | 0 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Voyageurs Narrows | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Williams Island North | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Williams Island South | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Windbreak Point | 0 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wolf Pack Island Cent | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Wolf Pack Island West | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Wolf Pack Island East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Your Island | 0 | 2 | Sand | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Diamond Island Cent | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Finger Bay Beach | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Rainy Lake Visitor Center | 0 | 5 | Dock Auto |
0 | 12 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Anderson Bay West | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brouillette Island | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brule Narrows South | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brule Cove | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cranberry Bay | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Diamond Island North | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Duckfoot Islands | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Falls View | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fish Net Point | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fish Camp Bay | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Harbor Island East | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Harrison Bay | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hitchcock Bay Cent | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Idle Hour Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kempton Bay East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kempton Bay South | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kempton Ent South | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kempton Ent North | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lost Bay East | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Marion Bay East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Marion Bay West | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Marystone Bay West | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Olson Bay North | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saginaw Bay Cent | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saginaw Bay North | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saginaw Bay NW | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saginaw Bay SE | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saginaw Bay SW | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saginaw Bay West | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sand Bay South | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Skipper Rock Island | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Soldier Point West | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Big Island | 1 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Diamond Island South | 4 | 2 | Sand | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Kawawia Island | 0 | 2 | Dock | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Virgin Island South | 0 | 2 | Dock | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Alder Creek | 2 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Arden Island | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Beaver Lodge | 2 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Breakwater Cove | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Dryweed Island | 1 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fish Camp Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Hansen | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Jack Pine Bench | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Little Finlander Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Logging Camp | 0 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lost Bay | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Makinen Point | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Nuthatch | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Saginaw Bay | 0 | 1 | Dock | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Soboleski Bay South | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Sunrise Point | 2 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| White's Point | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Windmill Rock View | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Brown's Bay | 0 | 1 | Soft | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Grassy Bay | 0 | 1 | Soft | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Leach Bay | 1 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NW Arm Beach | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sand Point Island East | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sand Point Island West | 0 | 1 | Rock | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Brown's Bay View | 4 | 1 | Dock | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| King Pin | 4 | 1 | Dock | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Norway Island | 4 | 1 | Sand | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| Brown's Bay | 2 | 1 | Soft | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Burnt Island | 0 | 1 | Dock | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Feldt Channel | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Granite Cliff North | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Granite Cliff South | 2 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Houseboat Island West | 1 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Monroe Point | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| North Island West | 0 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Norway Island | 0 | 1 | Sand | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Reef Island | 2 | 1 | Sand | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| South Island | 2 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Stoneburner Island | 2 | 1 | Soft | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Swanson's Bay | 2 | 1 | Rock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wolf Island | 0 | 1 | Dock | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Area | Tent Pad | Fire Ring | Mooring | Food Locker | Table | Privy |
| King Williams Narrows | 10 | 5 | Dock | 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Mukooda Lake | 0 | 5 | Dock | 5 | 5 | 1 |
Most visitors travel park waters by motorboat, although many also travel by canoe, sailboat, or houseboat.
Boating and fishing are the most common recreational uses of the park. Known as some of the best walleye and bass water in the nation, the lakes attracted sport anglers long before the park was established. A Minnesota fishing license is required and Minnesota boating regulations apply.
At this time, personal watercrafts such as jet skis are not permitted in the park. A personal watercraft is a small vessel; usually less than 16 feet in length (measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer), designed for high-speed performance and maneuverability, which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet as its primary source of power. They are designed to be operated by persons sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel, rather than within the confines of the hull. The term "personal watercraft" was coined by the Personal Watercraft Industry Association, and the watercraft is commonly called: jet ski, wave runner, wave jammer, wetjet, sea-doo, wet bike or surf jet.
Starting May 1, 2002, Voyageurs National Park will charge $10/day per boat for the Boats on Interior Lakes Program. These lakes are; Cranberry Creek, Cruiser, Brown, Elk, Little Shoepack, Locater, Peary, Shoepack and Quill. Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations to use these boats can be made one week in advance at the visitor centers. The trails leading to these interior lake boats are accessible only by water; water taxi service can be arranged for visitors without transportation to these trail heads.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Even though waters are shared with powerboats, the lakes of Voyageurs National Park are large enough to provide for some solitude. A range of canoe and kayak trips are available, from day-trips to journeys lasting over a week; the Kabetogama Peninsula can be circumnavigated in approximately one week. Inquire at the visitor centers for recommended routes.
Boating safety begins knowing your boat and how it works.
Fishing and boating are the most common recreational uses of the park. Known as some of the best walleye water in the nation, the lakes have attracted sport fisherman long before the park was established. A Minnesota fishing license is required.
Catch and Release Methods
If handled properly, fish have an excellent chance of survival after they are released.
Play and release your fish as quickly as possible. A fish that is played to the point of exhaustion may not survive.
When you're about to land the fish, avoid removing it from the water. Keep it in enough deep water to protect it.
Do not let the fish flop in shallow water over rocks and never on dry land.
Cradle the fish gently with two hands, one supporting the belly and the other just ahead of and underneath the tail section.
Keep your fingers out of and away from the gills. Gills are delicate and full of blood vessels. Once a fish begins to bleed from his gills, it is likely to die.
Pressure against a vital organ will often prove fatal.
Use soft wet gloves or at least wet your hands before handling a fish.
If you wish to photograph a fish, have a camera ready and take the picture quickly. Get someone else to take the picture or hold the fish. If possible, keep the fish in the water by cradling it or by keeping it in a net.
Always try to remove the hook quickly and gently, keeping the fish underwater.
Firmly grasp the hook with your fingers, or better yet a long-nosed pliers or hemostat, and roll or back the hook out of the fish's mouth.
Never throw, drop or kick a fish back into the water. Cradle it gently, well behind the gills, and lower it back into the water.
Revive a stream fish by pointing its head into the current until its gills are working and it maintains an upright position.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepared
Carefully designing your trip to match your expectations and outdoor skill level is the first step in being prepared. Adequate trip planning and preparation helps to accomplish trip goals safely, while minimizing impacts on the environment and on other users.
Know the area and what to expect, including regulations and special concerns of the area.
Travel in small groups, during seasons or days of a week when use levels are low.
Bears may be present; balance safety concerns in bear country with ecological and social impact concerns.
Select appropriate equipment to help you Leave No Trace.
Repackage food into reusable containers, creating less trash to pack out.
2. Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces
Whenever you travel and camp, confine your use to surfaces that are resistant to impact.
In popular areas, concentrate use. In remote areas, spread use.
Hike on existing trails to minimize disturbance to wildlife, soil and vegetation.
Choose an established campsite, one with a slight slope so rain water can drain.
Store food so that it is unavailable and uninviting to bears and small animals.
Before departing, make sure your camp is as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.
3.Pack it in, Pack it out
Trash and garbage have no place in the backcountry. Consider the words "Leave No Trace" a challenge to take out everything that you brought into the backcountry. Pack out all of your liter.
Repackage food into reusable containers and remove any excess packaging.
Dispose of trash and garbage properly.
Store food and odorous items in bear resistant food containers or hang items 10 feet above the ground.
4.Properly dispose of what you can't pack out
As visitors to the backcountry, we create certain kinds of waste which cannot be packed out. These include human waste, waste water from cooking and washing.
Dispose of human waste responsibility, utilize pit toilets or dig a cat hole at least six inches below soil surface 200 feet from the water.
Use toilet paper sparingly, pack it out in doubled plastic bags to confine odor.
Minimize soap and food residues in waste water. Consider using boiling water.
Avoid contaminating water sources when washing, maintain 100-200 feet from a water source.
5. Leave what you find
The Wilderness Act states that wilderness "... is recognized as an area... where man himself is a visitor who does not remain,...with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable..."
People come to the wildlands to enjoy them in their natural state. Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts antlers, and other objects as you find them.
Minimize site alteration when camping, do not build structures.
Avoid damaging live trees and plants.
Avoid disturbing wildlife.
Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts for others to enjoy.
It is illegal to remove any cultural objects from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Cultural artifacts are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. All these "pieces of the past" contribute to our understanding of human and natural history, including the effects of disease, climate changes, and shifting animal populations on the land and her people. Removing these artifacts takes them out of context and removes a chapter from an important story. If you discover an artifact, enjoy it where it is. Leave it as you found it.
6. Minimize use and impact from fires
The use of campfires in the backcountry, once a necessity, is now steeped in history and tradition. Stoves are now essential equipment for minimum-impact camping trips because they are fast and eliminate firewood availability as a concern in campsite selection.
Use dead and down wood only.
In high use areas, build campfires in existing fire rings to concentrate impacts.
On the coast, build your fire below the high tide line.
Consider using a large wok, gold pan or other metal container to avoid making scars on the ground.
These principles and practices depend more on attitude and awareness than on rules and regulations; they must be based on a respect for and appreciation of wild places and their inhabitants.
Avoid surprising animals at close range. Whistle, talk, sing, or otherwise make noise when hiking in areas where visibility is limited or bear sign present. Take no pets; they are prohibited in the backcountry. A dog's valor may turn into retreat bringing an infuriated bear to you.
Be alert to sign (droppings, diggings, fresh tracks, etc.), sounds, or other indications of bears. Be particularly wary when hiking wildlife trails, salmon streams, or other areas where bears concentrate.
Food and beverages should never be left unattended. Foodstuffs with strong odors such as fish, cheese, sausage, and fresh meats should be stored in a food cache, a bear resistant container, or suspended 10 feet above ground. Carry all refuse and garbage out! Buried refuse will attract bears.
Keep packs and other personal gear on your person. It is easy to become separated from belongings left lying on the ground when a bear unexpectedly approaches. Bears will investigate, often destructively.
Do not approach bears
The minimum safe distance from any bear is 50 yards; from a sow with young it is 100 yards. These are MINIMUM distances, there are many times that greater distances are required!
Regardless of precautions taken, you may come across a bear. Usually they will run away. A bear standing on hind legs may only be trying to sense you better, not preparing to attack. Even a charge is often a bluff, ending abruptly short of physical contact.
If you see a bear at a distance, turn around or make a wide detour. Keep upwind if possible so the bear will get your scent and know you're there. Talk in an assured tone to communicate your presence. Treat animals as if cubs are nearby. Assume the bear will be defensive. Do not approach closer to scare a bear away as you may be considered a threat.
Avoid actions that interfere with bear movement or foraging activities.
Be satisfied with a distant photograph, or use a telephoto lense. Many fatalities and injuries have been related to photography.
Do not corner an animal. Allow them plenty of space and an escape route.
Copyright © 1995 - 2007 Hillclimb Media
This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
