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Activities

Established Camping

Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds

3 Reviews
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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.

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Access

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

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  • WiFi
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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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Reviews

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5.0

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3 Reviews

L
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 VisitJuly
Kate K.
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.

  • Review photo of Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds by Kate K., August 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds by Kate K., August 22, 2019
  • Review photo of Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds by Kate K., August 22, 2019
  • (19) View All
TyAnn J.
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 VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds by TyAnn J., June 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds by TyAnn J., June 30, 2017
  • Review photo of Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds by TyAnn J., June 30, 2017
  • (16) View All

Location

Crane Lake Primitive Campgrounds is located in Minnesota

Detail location of 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

48.269184 N
92.471398 W

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