Map showing campground location near Crane Lake, Minnesota

Camper submitted image from Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds

Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds

Where Crane Lake meets the Superior National Forest, this USDA Forest Service campground requires boat access or hiking to reach three primitive backcountry sites. The sites sit near the Vermilion Gorge Trailhead, offering fire rings with metal grates and open ground space for tents. Campers navigate hundreds of islands and turns across the lake system, which connects to Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Access proves challenging with rough conditions, and detailed maps are essential for navigation on the extensive lake network. The area spans the US-Canadian border, requiring awareness of international boundaries while on the water. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees, though permits may be required for extended backcountry stays in connected wilderness areas.

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Map & DirectionsCrane Lake Primitive Campgrounds is located in Minnesota near Crane Lake

Public Campground

Directions

Crane Lake is located 27 miles northeast of Orr, MN. From Orr, take County Highway 23 to Buyck. At Buyck, County 23 turns into County 24. Continue on 24 to the community of Crane Lake.

Coordinates

48.26918434 N
92.4713984 W

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Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Phone Service
Reservable
Alcohol
Pets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 44 min from Duluth, MN
4 hrs 41 min from St. Cloud, MN
5 hrs 1 min from Grand Forks, ND
5 hrs 22 min from Fargo, ND

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Lucas M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2021

Wonderful

There is a little fire ring at each campsite with a metal stove to put wood underneath. There is ample ground space for tents, as well as the whole lake network at your fingertips. Highly recommend

Sitenorth side Indian island

Month of VisitJune

Kate K.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 22, 2019

I’ve been waiting YEARS for this adventure!

The boundary waters were everything I hoped and more. We spent 4 nights paddling and portaging and it was absolutely incredible. The backcountry sites are beautiful, just make sure you have a very detailed map of where you are going/staying because the area is pretty desolate. Pay upfront for permits and equipment at the outfitter closest to your access point.

(19) View All

TyAnn J.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2017

Neither Mosquitoes nor Gnats nor Noseeums kept us away from our Crane Lake Adventure!!

Crane Lake is so unique!! It is the Southern Entry to Voyageurs National Park, the Western entry to Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and The Superior Forest borders the East side of Crane Lake.

***NOTE Don't forget to bring along a detailed map as there are hundreds of islands and turns on this beautiful lake.

We camped on the United States side of Crane Lake. Once again you need to be aware of the United States/Canadian borders while in the water. Our headquarters were set up at Handberg's Marina http://www.handbergs.com/

There are 3 back Country campsites located just offset to the Vermilion Gorge Trailhead. These campsites have no fees and are on a first come, first served basis.

The Vermilion Gorge Trailhead hike is a 1 & 1/2 mile trail that featues sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls-it was breathtaking due to the high water levels this year-another note: be very cautious if you bring small children.

Month of VisitJune