
Maplewood Boat-In Permit: Route
Maplewood Boat-In permits are booked by advance reservation in Maplewood State Park (MN).
One boat-in site in the Maplewood hills: open or gone, never half.
This guide covers the Maplewood Boat-In Site permit.
About Maplewood Boat-In
A single boat-in site that Minnesota DNR does not describe on any page it publishes. One site means one booking: every taken night is a sold-out night.
A single boat-in unit is the tightest inventory shape there is: every taken night is a sold-out night, so a cancellation alert does the work here.
The Maplewood Boat-In route
Otter Tail Lakes. Nearest town: Pelican Rapids
Points along the route
- Maplewood lakes
- Hallaway Hill Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail
Maplewood Boat-In permit detailsandAll Maplewood State Park (MN) permits
The Experience
One unit, a boat, and a park of hardwood hills and lakes.
What to Expect
Minnesota DNR's definition of the category: "Backcountry campsites in Minnesota state parks are not accessible by motor vehicle and are a half mile or more from a parking area. They do not have electricity, and are a popular option for backpackers, paddlers, and bicyclists."
"Backcountry sites typically have primitive toilet facilities and water, a tent pad, and a fire ring. Some have a picnic table and a grill on the fire ring, and a few have shelters."
The Minnesota reservation system lists this facility as "Boat-in Sites" and it holds one unit, Boat-in #P1. A single unit means every taken night is a sold-out night.
Minnesota DNR's published backcountry rate at Maplewood is $22 per site, per night, plus tax.
"Seasonal availability varies by park." The booking calendar shows which nights are open.
DNR's burning restriction names boat-in sites by name. See the campfire rules below.
DNR lists the park's boat launches: "Boat Access | 2 in the park."
If you want this site, ring the park before you book.
Get Maplewood Boat-In Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Permit Requirements
All campsites require a reservation. Minnesota DNR: "All campsites require a reservation. Please make a reservation online or call 866-857-2757."
Reservations open 120 days before arrival, and same-day bookings are allowed. On the day a date first becomes available, online reservations cannot be made before 8 a.m.
The reservation fee is $8.00 online and $10.00 by phone, non-refundable. There is no fee for a same-day booking.
Camping check-in is after 4 p.m. and checkout is by 4 p.m. If you have not checked in by 11 a.m. on the second day of the reservation, DNR may cancel it.
"A campsite's occupancy is limited to one camping group of six people or less, one camping shelter, and one vehicle." More than that needs the park manager's prior approval.
Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and generators may not run in those hours.
Park hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year, and "only campers with a reserved campsite are allowed in the park after 10 p.m."
Every vehicle entering a Minnesota state park must display a valid year-round or one-day state park vehicle permit.
Firewood transport is regulated. DNR allows wood bought at this park for use in this park, Minnesota Department of Agriculture certified firewood anywhere on DNR land, and an uncertified bundle only if it is not ash and was harvested in the county where you will burn it: "be sure to keep your receipt and the bundle label to show proof of purchase."
Firewood from home, pallet wood, and painted, stained or metal-bearing lumber are all prohibited, and "collection of firewood in state parks is not allowed."
Pets are welcome on a leash six feet or shorter, or in a portable enclosure, and must be personally attended at all times.
It is illegal to consume or display intoxicating liquors in Minnesota state parks.
Fireworks and metal detectors are not permitted.
Hammocks need trees at least 12 inches in diameter and straps at least an inch wide, one hammock per tree, hung over mowed and cleared ground.
You may pick edible fruits and mushrooms for personal consumption; picking wildflowers or other plants is not allowed.
Campfires here run on a live burning restriction that moves with fire danger, so a fire ring at the site is not permission to use it. The authority is this park's own Camping & Lodging page, https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/maplewood/camping.html. Read it in the week you travel, not the week you book.
Read 2026-08-10, that page carried: "Attention visitors - fire danger is very high!" and "Campfires are not allowed in backcountry (hike-in/backpack and boat-in) campsites, even if there is a fire ring." DNR sells this facility as a boat-in site, which is the half of that sentence the ban names.
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •A boat, and life vests for everyone aboard
- •Dry bags
- •A Minnesota state park vehicle permit for the car you leave at the trailhead
- •Water, or a way to treat it: DNR says these sites "typically" have water, which is not the same as always
- •A camp stove, and a meal plan that works on it. Minnesota DNR closes fire rings at short notice, and its Tettegouche notice of 2026-08-10 read "Camp stoves are permitted for cooking."
Recommended Gear
- •A second choice of night: one unit is the tightest inventory shape there is
- •A wind plan for the crossing
Hazards & Safety
Ring the park before you commit to a night here, and ask about the put-in, the crossing, water and toilets.
DNR's visitor tips for the park: "Hikers, bring a park map and compass when hiking the trails." "In an emergency call 911."
DNR alert, updated July 7: "Heavy rainfall (2") was received the night of July 6th. Park Drive is closed for repairs... Trails may have downed trees and washouts."
Open water. DNR prohibits air mattresses, inner tubes and other non-Coast-Guard-approved flotation devices in state park waters outside designated areas.
Best Time to Visit
DNR's line for the park is that "the park is known for its wonderful fall colors," and water and the shower building run to the third week of October, weather permitting. The booking calendar shows which nights this single unit is open.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Maplewood Boat-In permit?
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Maplewood Boat-In permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Maplewood Boat-In?
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DNR's line for the park is that "the park is known for its wonderful fall colors," and water and the shower building run to the third week of October, weather permitting. The booking calendar shows which nights this single unit is open.
What gear do I need for the Maplewood Boat-In route?
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Essential gear includes: A boat, and life vests for everyone aboard, Dry bags, A Minnesota state park vehicle permit for the car you leave at the trailhead, Water, or a way to treat it: DNR says these sites "typically" have water, which is not the same as always, A camp stove, and a meal plan that works on it. Minnesota DNR closes fire rings at short notice, and its Tettegouche notice of 2026-08-10 read "Camp stoves are permitted for cooking.".
Don't Miss Your Maplewood Boat-In Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Maplewood Boat-In availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit AlertsSet your Maplewood Boat-In alert from your phone.
Someone cancels, and the opening shows up on your Lock Screen with the booking page one tap away.

