Pine Aire Resort in Kabatogama, Minnesota

We got back on the road August 14th and headed to Kabetogama, Minnesota where we had reservations at Pine Aire Resort on the shores of Lake Kabetogama (pronounced Cab-uh-tow-ga-ma) and Voyageurs National Park.  It took about 4.5 hours to get there from Grand Marais because we went down some pretty sparse roads where a lot of construction was happening with bumpy, rocky, uneven roads but the drive was pretty through the pines.

Now, I won't lie, I was a bit freaked out to come here.  I always check out the website of where we're going to see how things are arranged for parking and spaces and all they had was a hand sketched map.  The map didn't even have the RV section listed - just the cabins...

So, I accessed the aerial Google map of a park before I drive in so I know what I'm getting myself into with a 40' rig and a big dually truck and this one really concerned me!  From what I could see from the air, the spaced were SUPER tight and all back-ins.  I DO NOT like backing in with our rig - it's touchy to do - even other men have said it's touchy.  Where the arrow is, is the location we were put but I wasn't sure if it was that spot or going in the opposite direction with my back end facing the lake.

After phone calls with the lady owner, she said not to worry because many people back in very easily.  She said we were by the dock and to go in the second entrance.  Well, when we got there, there were 4 entrances so I picked the second entrance from the "main" entrance and it was wrong!  And, after she showed us where we would be parked, there was a huge boat blocking our entrance and so a guy was going to move it.  Fortunately, I was able to get back on the main road (although the road was steep and extremely narrow that I caught the middle stabilizer jack on the edge of the road and it bend so Scott now has to get the bend out!  So frustrating!) and drive to the Voyageurs Visitor Center which was the next driveway down and turn around and come in the correct way.  Do you see the two trailers that are really close to each other on the right side entrance?  Well, I barely got between them and there was yet another rig across the road from the gray roofed trailer and the boat.

Actually, the lady was correct.  It was a very simple back in once I pulled around the loop and we were squared away in no time.  Not only that, we were right next to the dock which gave us great view of the lake!  I think that was one of the nicest spots we scored all summer except for on Lake Huron in Mackinaw, Michigan.  You can see our great spot in the top photo.  The RV section looked like it was mainly full-time mobile homes or long-term RVers.  A couple people that we met were there for the summer, and they were sure packed in like sardines.  Some  had a little space between them and others were hanging over the road so that I could barely get by.  We are the rig with the flag next to the dock below.  I LOVED that we were literally 5 steps to the dock and the boat we rented.  It made the trip very relaxing and enjoyable - plus, I could walk to the Voyageurs NP Kabetogama Visitor Center right from where we were parked!

Pine Aire itself has been around since 1928 and they are mainly in the cabin and boating business. They have 17 cabins and 14 boat launch ramps with boat rentals they offer.  They are situated on the US - Canada border on Lake Kabetogama.  Lake Kabetogama has 500 miles of rocky shores and 25,000 acres of clean, cool water and one of the five major lakes that is part of Voyageurs National Park.  There are a bunch of resorts and private lake-front homes all along Kabetogama.  The cabins at Pine Aire are really glorified old houses or single/double wide trailer - not a cabin like a log cabin.

However, the property is nice enough with a playground, beach, swimming access and fishing off a dock.  Also, they have some paddle boats and kayaks to rent for boating in their little harbor.

The office is nothing to write home about but had a lot of friendly hollyhocks surrounding it.

This little bee was filled with pollen!

The office was a double doored building - the left side was the office and the right side is the residence.  Inside, there is a huge pool table right in the middle of the room with some t-shirts and hats for sale.  It was more like an anglers lodge with beer and fishing supplies.  The owners were SUPER friendly though and made our stay nice.

Amenities at this resort are:

• Back in Sites with gravel and grass pads
• Full Hookups
• Shade Trees in the cabin area
• Grass
• Bath House (right next to us)
• Small Laundry at the Bath House
• Cabins
• Voyageurs National Park walking distance
• Boating Activities
• Boat Rental
• Beach Front
• Pizza Restaurant on site
• Kids Playground
• Tiny Camp Store
• Fishing
• Community Fire Pit

We paid $40 per night with no discount and $190 total including our site, a boat we rented, gas and taxes.  All-in-all, we enjoyed our time here, made a few friends and thoroughly enjoyed ourself and felt peaceful on the lake.  We actually gave this place a 4 rating!  While the amenities are average, our location was unbeatable.

Here is also a list of local places to stay and their amenities if you are planning a trip.  It's a good reference tool.