Burnt Island Campground, Crane Lake, MN

Introduction / Overview: Experience the Magic of Island Camping on Sand Point Lake

For Minnesotans, the call of the Northwoods wilderness is strong, and nowhere is that call more unique than in Voyageurs National Park, a true water-based national park. Located on Sand Point Lake, the Burnt Island Campground offers a quintessential Northern Minnesota island camping experience. As a National Park Service (NPS) "Frontcountry" campsite, it provides a balance of primitive isolation and essential amenities, all accessible exclusively by watercraft. This is a camping experience that requires a bit more effort than a typical drive-up site but rewards visitors with stunning lake views, unparalleled tranquility, and a level of seclusion that makes the trip feel truly special.

Burnt Island is one of the designated small campsites in the Sand Point Lake region, accommodating up to nine people and two tents. Its location makes it a fantastic base camp for exploring the surrounding waters of Sand Point, Crane, and Namakan Lakes. Visitors consistently praise the site for its natural beauty and the array of recreational opportunities immediately available. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to moor their boat, pitch a tent on solid ground, and spend days fishing, paddling, or simply soaking in the serene environment that defines the Minnesota-Canadian border waters. Whether you're a seasoned boater or planning to rent a watercraft from one of the gateway communities, Burnt Island promises an unforgettable adventure steeped in the wild majesty of Voyageurs.

Location and Accessibility: A Scenic Boat Ride to Seclusion

Burnt Island Campground is located on Burnt Island in Sand Point Lake, a large body of water connected to the Crane Lake entrance area of Voyageurs National Park. The official address is listed as Voyageurs National Park, Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA, but access is purely by watercraft.

To reach the island, visitors must launch their boats from one of the designated access points, the most common being the Crane Lake Ranger Station boat launch. The site's remote location is approximately 10.2 miles of boating from the Crane Lake launch. This distance requires careful planning, especially regarding weather conditions on the large, open lakes. Since all Frontcountry campsites in Voyageurs are water-based, a motorboat, fishing boat, canoe, or kayak is mandatory for transportation. The site is equipped with boat access, specifically an eight by twenty-foot permanent crib dock (S4 site detail), which is a significant convenience for loading, unloading, and mooring. The accessibility is a key part of the experience; by removing vehicular traffic, the island maintains a unique level of quiet and natural integrity that is highly sought after by local wilderness enthusiasts. Arriving by boat, you are immediately greeted by the beauty of your private island escape.

Services Offered

As a National Park Frontcountry site, Burnt Island Campground (Site S4) is well-equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and safe multi-day camping trip, all managed by the National Park Service:

Permanent Crib Dock: A solid 8’x20’ crib dock provides reliable and stable access for mooring your boat, crucial for island camping on large lakes.
Designated Tent Pads: The site is designed as a Small Campsite with two established tent pads, typically 14’ x 14’ in size, offering level and durable surfaces to protect vegetation and ensure a better night's sleep.
Outdoor Vault Privy: A secluded, outdoor vault toilet is provided for sanitation, helping to maintain the pristine condition of the island environment.
Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Two bear-proof food lockers are available for secure storage of all food, garbage, and scented items, protecting both campers and local wildlife.
Picnic Table: One metal picnic table is included at the site, providing a dedicated space for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
Metal Fire Ring with Grate: A dedicated metal fire ring, complete with a cooking grate, allows for safe campfires and cooking (visitors must follow all current park fire restrictions).

Features / Highlights

The Burnt Island Campground stands out among Voyageurs' many sites due to several unique features and its desirable location:

Scenic Cliff Jumping Spot: A highlight repeatedly mentioned by local visitors is the opportunity for “cliff jumping” or safe rock jumping into the deep, refreshing lake waters near the island. This adds an element of thrilling recreation to the peaceful camping experience.
Island Seclusion: Being on an island camp means complete separation from the mainland crowds, offering 360-degree water views and enhanced privacy, a key desire for wilderness-seeking Minnesotans.
Ideal for Motorized Boaters: The permanent crib dock makes this site highly suitable for visitors using motorboats or pontoons, offering solid moorage in contrast to sites with only sand landings.
Proximity to Border Waters: The location on Sand Point Lake is perfect for exploring the historic and expansive interconnected waterways that form part of the border with Canada, providing vast opportunities for fishing, sightseeing, and day trips.
Spectacular Views and Sunsets: Being surrounded by water, the site offers open sightlines for watching sunrises and sunsets over the lake, creating breathtaking photographic and relaxing moments.

Contact Information

Burnt Island Campground is managed by the National Park Service as part of Voyageurs National Park. For reservations, current conditions, and park regulations, visitors should utilize the official contact channels:

Address (General Park Location): Voyageurs National Park, Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA

Primary Phone (Voyageurs National Park Headquarters): (218) 283-6600

Mobile Phone (General Park Number): +1 218-283-6600

Note: While these phone numbers connect you to the park service, all campsite reservations are required and must be made online through the official government recreation website (Recreation.gov) by searching for "Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits." The site number for Burnt Island is S4.

Conclusion: Why Burnt Island is Suitable for Locals

For Minnesotans, camping at Burnt Island is more than just a trip—it’s an embrace of the state's identity as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." This campsite is perfectly suited for local residents because it caters to the experienced Northwoods traveler who owns or rents a boat and values an authentic, water-centric escape. The logistical requirements of a 10-mile boat trip naturally filter out casual campers, ensuring a quieter, higher-quality experience for those who make the effort.

The combination of practical, high-quality amenities (like the crib dock and bear lockers) and thrilling natural features (like the nearby "cliff jump" and expansive lake views) makes Burnt Island a premier destination. It offers a chance to fully utilize the magnificent boundary waters for fishing, boating, and swimming, activities deeply ingrained in Minnesota culture. By providing solitude on a secluded island with the backdrop of one of America's most unique National Parks, Burnt Island Campground offers a truly rewarding and quintessential Minnesota wilderness adventure that simply cannot be replicated at a drive-up location. It's the perfect destination for Minnesotans seeking to reconnect with their state's wild, watery heart.