Franz Jevne State Park

This guide is for anglers and campers planning a trip to the Canadian border country, and for state park passport collectors routing a far-north stop. It covers the campground, trails, the river, the current seasonal closure, costs and who to call. Facts come from the Minnesota DNR park record and park map unless noted; sources are at the end.

The park in brief

According to the DNR park page, a 1961 National Park Service survey recommended setting aside land along the Rainy River between International Falls and Baudette as a park. Part of that land belonged to the family of Franz Jevne, a lawyer in International Falls and later Minneapolis. In 1966 his sons offered to donate it on the condition that the park carry their father's name, and the Legislature created Franz Jevne State Park in 1967.

The DNR gives two sizes. The park record lists 88 acres; its history narrative calls it a "118-acre area." Either way, the DNR calls it small "by comparison with other state parks" and "among the most scenic areas along the Rainy River."

The terrain mixes a high rock outcrop south of the campground road with low shoreline that "is sometimes flooded when the river is high." Trails run through jack pine and birch, and the DNR highlights stately white pines framing river views. Watch for pelicans on the water and bald eagles in the riverbank trees; beaver, wolf and moose have also been sighted.

Camping at Franz Jevne

The DNR describes rustic campsites "equipped with pit toilets, and a hand pump for water." The park map also mentions reservable "rustic or hike-in campsites."

RVs and trailers: the DNR warns that "steep grades located after the picnic area limit RV and large 5th Wheel travel." With a 30-foot limit, plan on a tent or a small trailer.

There are no showers, flush toilets or dump station listed for the park.

Reservations

Every state park campsite needs a reservation, made online at mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 866-857-2757, up to 120 days ahead. The DNR reservation FAQ says a newly opened date can be booked starting at 8 a.m. Central, and same-day reservations carry no reservation fee. The FAQ also recommends booking before you leave home because cell and Wi-Fi coverage is unpredictable at some parks. The state park reservation guide walks through the 120-day window.

The river, trails and fishing

Fishing the Rainy River

The DNR says short paths and a boat launch give access to the Rainy River, where anglers catch walleye, northern, smallmouth bass and sturgeon. The park map calls fishing the river a highlight and reminds anglers to carry a Minnesota fishing license; it points to the DNR fishing pages for regulations. Across the river is Ontario, so read the rules for the Rainy River before you go.

A picnic area with an accessible open shelter overlooks Sault Rapids.

Trails

The park record lists two and a half miles of hiking trail, and snowshoeing is allowed throughout the park. The park map names two routes:

When to go

As of November 2026, the DNR reports:

• Camping closed for the season on November 3, 2026. The DNR does not give a 2027 opening date in the park record, so check ReserveMN for availability.
• The entrance road gate closed November 3, 2026 for the season. "Walk-in, day-use access is still available by parking outside the gate by the park entrance."
• Deer hunting in the park runs November 7 to 22, 2026. The park stays open to hunters and non-hunters, and the DNR recommends blaze orange or blaze pink for everyone on the trails (DNR alert updated October 17, 2026).
• Vault toilets and the hand pump are listed as available year-round.

Fees and permits

From the DNR vehicle permit page and fee schedule, before tax:

The $7 overnight permit is valid through 4 p.m. the next day. For multi-night stays, ask the park which permit covers your whole stay; the $35 year-round permit covers every visit for a year. The park map says permits are sold online or at the entrance kiosk; with no staffed office, buying online before you arrive is simplest. The map also says firewood "must be purchased from vendors who sell wood approved for this park," and gathering wood is not allowed.

Passport stamp and park patch

The DNR notes that a Franz Jevne park patch is sold at Big Bog State Recreation Area and Zippel Bay State Park. If the park's passport stamp is missing, you can get your passport stamped at either of those parks. See the Zippel Bay State Park guide for one of them.

Getting there

The DNR puts the park in Koochiching County, east of Birchdale on State Highway 11, approximately 320 miles from the Twin Cities. Make sure you have the park address and a downloaded map before the final stretch. For other parks in northern Minnesota, see all Boundary Waters and Iron Range guides or browse the state park finder.

Before you go

1. Reserve a site ahead; there is no office to check in with.
2. Keep RVs under 30 feet and expect steep grades beyond the picnic area.
3. Bring a Minnesota fishing license and read the Rainy River regulations.
4. Buy your vehicle permit online before the drive.
5. Pack drinking-water containers; the only source is the hand pump.
6. During the November 7 to 22, 2026 deer hunt, wear blaze orange or pink on the trails.

Related guides: Zippel Bay State Park · Scenic State Park · Bear Head Lake State Park · McCarthy Beach State Park

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Sources

• Minnesota DNR, Franz Jevne State Park (camping, trails, seasonal update, alerts): https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/park.html?id=spk00157
• Minnesota DNR, Franz Jevne State Park map and guide (PDF, 2025): https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00157.pdf
• Minnesota DNR, Reservation FAQ: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reserve-faq/index.html
• Minnesota DNR, State park fees: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fees.html
• Minnesota DNR, Vehicle permits: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state-parks/permit.html
• Minnesota DNR, Fishing in Minnesota: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishmn