Established Camping
Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds
About
USDA Forest Service
Crane Lake is a large body of water and is a popular area for fishing and boating. There are 3 backcountry campsites located on the lake. Crane Lake also connects to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through Little Vermilion Lake and Voyageurs National Park through Sand Point Lake.
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
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
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.
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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.
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Location
Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds is located in Minnesota
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
48.269184 N
92.471398 W