We suggest bringing the following: cell phone, portable radio, camera, binoculars, cards and games, reading material, suntan lotion, insect spray, rain gear, fishing equipment, sleeping bags, dish/bath/beach towels. We sell ice and bait at the marina, should you need it.

No, we do not require an additional small boat with the houseboat.  If you’d like to bring or rent a boat for fishing or exploring you can launch it at the resort.

On the first day of your house boat trip please plan for departure between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. On your last day, please arrive back at the marina before 9:30am.

You do not need any permits to dock/camp on Birch Lake.

There are suggested tie up sites indicated on the lake map you will receive upon arrival. These are Forest Service campsites, so they are wilderness sites. No docks or signs. But most will have a fire ring and are more easily accessible. You must tie up your houseboat in the evening before dark. You may not anchor in the middle of the lake overnight.

You must be 25 to rent and captain your own houseboat. We will review lake information/navigation and tie up procedures in the office upon your arrival. Then dock staff will review the operation of the houseboat, mechanics and ensure you are comfortable to operate the houseboat before leaving dock.

The state of Minnesota is beginning to roll out boat licensing requirements based on the operator’s age for those born after these dates:

• June 30, 2004 (started July 1, 2025)

• June 30, 2000 (starts July 1, 2026)

• June 30, 1996 (starts July 1, 2027)

• June 30, 1987 (starts July 1, 2028)

For additional details, please review the MN website here.

If needed, take the test and get your license here.

Fuel usage averages 4-6 gallons/day on most boats. The larger 50’ and 52’ averages 7-10 gallons/day. Fuel will be provided and charged based on consumption when you return the boat.

A Hospitality/Service Boat carrying ice, bait, gas, firewood and call ahead grocery items will be out on the lake Sunday and Wednesday morning. Along with delivering items they will check your gas, pick up garbage and assist you if needed.

AT&T and Verizon will give you the best coverage while out on the lake.

The refrigerator and stove are run by propane along with battery operated lights. The 30’, 35’, 38’, 40’ and 44’ houseboats have 12Volt electricity. This means you have the power to use the cigarette plug with a car phone charger to charge phones etc. If you need 110 V, household electricity we will add a generator at no charge. You will then have two outlets to do your charging or use a blow dryer, blender etc. The 50’ and 52’ houseboats have built in generators to run when you need electricity.

The refrigerator is a typical RV propane style. The 30’ houseboat is 5 cu ft. The rest of the boats are 8 cu ft plus a 2cu ft freezer. We also supply a large cooler on your front deck for pop, beer, water etc.

Yes, each boat has a fresh water faucet. We do suggest bringing some bottled water to keep cold. The fresh water is not refrigerator cold.

Yes, we do allow dogs.  They should be kept off the furniture. A pet charge will be applied at booking or during check-in.

Yes, all of our houseboat have slides.