Boat-in access only puts Indian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake out of reach for most drive-up campers, but that barrier keeps the site uncrowded. It sits on an island in Crane Lake, within campgrounds around Superior National Forest, just before the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The site is free, with no reservation system currently in place. Amenities include a fire ring with grate, picnic table, primitive toilet, and trees suitable for hanging a hammock or bear bag. The site faces west. Crane Lake is motorized, so expect boat traffic noise during the day. A good match for paddlers staging a Boundary Waters trip who want a low-cost overnight stop with basic infrastructure already in place.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIndian Island Canoe Campsite on Crane Lake is located in Minnesota near Crane Lake
Coordinates
48.29530276219728 N
92.46921009359723 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/30/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/30/26
Access
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 49 min from Duluth, MN
- 4 hrs 47 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 5 hrs 7 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 5 hrs 28 min from Fargo, ND
