Grassy Bay South S23

- Crane Lake, MN 55725

For Minnesotans seeking the ultimate escape into the true "Land of 10,000 Lakes," there is no better destination than the watery wilderness of **Voyageurs National Park**. Unlike any other National Park, Voyageurs requires you to leave your car behind and embrace the unique culture of boat-in camping. The **Grassy Bay South S23 Campsite** is a prime example of this authentic Northwoods experience—a secluded, designated frontcountry site offering a private slice of Minnesota’s magnificent lake country. It is a coveted location for local adventurers who understand that the real magic lies beyond the reach of roads.

Grassy Bay South S23 is designated as a "Small Campsite" within the park's carefully managed system. This means it is explicitly designed for a maximum of nine people, making it an excellent choice for a family, a group of close friends, or a dedicated fishing crew. It provides the essential, robust amenities needed for comfortable, yet rugged, tent camping right on the water's edge. This is not car camping; it is a true boat-and-tent adventure, promising an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion. It is your personal headquarters for exploring the eastern lakes of the park, including the spectacular Sand Point Lake and the Namakan Reservoir. The experience of waking up to the sound of the water, stepping out onto the shore, and knowing you are miles from the nearest road is what draws dedicated Minnesota campers back to sites like S23 year after year.

Local visitors often highlight the necessity of proper planning, particularly when it comes to the journey itself. As one customer noted, securing a reliable boat with ample horsepower is key—a recommendation that speaks to the remote nature of this site. This isn't a short paddle; it's a legitimate voyage across one of the park's large, navigable lakes, where a sturdy boat ensures you arrive at your destination safely and with plenty of time to set up camp and relax. Grassy Bay South S23 is more than just a campsite; it’s the gateway to an unforgettable, boat-centric wilderness trip in your backyard National Park.

The Grassy Bay South S23 Campsite is nestled in the eastern area of Voyageurs National Park, officially located in the waters of **Sand Point Lake** near the famous Grassy Bay. Its formal address, **Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA**, places it within the geographic region accessed via the Crane Lake Ranger Station, which is one of the key eastern entry points into the park's waterway system.

**Accessibility is strictly boat-in.** There are no roads or driveways leading to S23. Visitors must use a private motorboat, a rental boat (available from local outfitters in the Crane Lake and Ash River gateway communities), or a water taxi service to reach the site. The official distance from the Crane Lake public boat launch is approximately **9.6 miles** by water. This journey, which takes you across the expanse of Sand Point Lake, is why locals recommend a boat with at least a 50hp motor—to make the trip efficient and safe across the large, open waters. Upon arrival, the site offers **sand access**, which provides a relatively easy landing for smaller boats, canoes, and kayaks. The remote location and the necessary boat trip are what preserve the site's unique, secluded atmosphere, filtering out casual visitors and rewarding those who commit to the journey.

As a designated frontcountry campsite in a National Park, Grassy Bay South S23 provides essential, clean amenities to minimize visitor impact and maximize comfort in the wilderness.

• **Reservation Required:** All overnight stays at S23 require a mandatory permit and reservation made through the National Park Service’s official booking system (Recreation.gov).
• **Tent Pads:** The site is equipped with **two designated 14' x 14' tent pads**, providing level, cleared, and dry areas for pitching tents to protect the surrounding vegetation and ensure a comfortable sleep.
• **Campfire Facility:** A single **metal fire ring with a cooking grate** is provided for responsible campfires and cooking (collecting dead and downed wood is allowed, but no cutting of standing trees).
• **Food Storage:** The site includes **two bear-proof food lockers** (typically large enough to hold the contents of two 48-quart coolers each) for the safe storage of all food, trash, and scented items away from wildlife.
• **Picnic Area:** A designated **picnic table** is provided for meal preparation and dining, offering a centralized place for group activities.
• **Sanitation:** An **outdoor vault privy** (toilet) is maintained at the site, ensuring proper human waste disposal in the remote location.
• **Capacity:** S23 is a "Small Campsite" limited to a maximum of **nine people** overnight to protect the site's ecology and preserve the wilderness experience.

Grassy Bay South S23 is renowned among local campers for its desirable location and features, making it a highly sought-after reservation.

• **Proximity to Grassy Bay Cliffs:** The campsite is situated near the spectacular Grassy Bay Cliffs, one of the park’s geological highlights. This makes S23 an ideal overnight base for those wanting to explore the tallest, sheer granite cliffs in Voyageurs National Park.
• **Sand Access Boat Landing:** The **sand access** shoreline is a significant advantage, particularly for small-boat users and kayakers, providing a gentler and more stable landing spot compared to rocky shores common in the area.
• **Excellent Fishing Grounds:** The Grassy Bay and Sand Point Lake area is renowned for its fishing, particularly for walleye and smallmouth bass. Staying at S23 puts anglers right in the heart of these prime waters for early morning or late evening fishing excursions.
• **Seclusion and Quiet:** Located nearly 10 miles from the nearest mainland launch, the site offers a profound sense of solitude, perfect for watching wildlife, stargazing, and truly disconnecting from the noise of urban life.
• **Prime Wildlife Viewing:** The large, forested islands and remote location increase the chances of spotting resident wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, loons, and occasionally black bears (which is why bear lockers are essential).

To plan your stay at Grassy Bay South S23, you will need to contact the official reservation system for Voyageurs National Park. The campsite location is strictly boat-in; the address below is for general orientation purposes only.

Site Location (Water Access Point):

Grassy Bay South S23 Campsite, Sand Point Lake Area

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA

Reservation and Park Information:

All permits for the campsite must be obtained in advance online.

Voyageurs National Park Permit Reservations: 1-877-444-6777

Official Reservation Website: Refer to Recreation.gov (search "Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits")

Grassy Bay South S23 is perfectly tailored for the Minnesota resident who values a genuine wilderness experience without sacrificing essential comforts. This site speaks directly to the core of Minnesota’s outdoor heritage: the tradition of navigating a boat across expansive, clean lakes to reach a private, forest-fringed retreat. For locals, the logistical challenge of securing a boat and making the 9.6-mile run is seen not as an obstacle, but as a rite of passage—a necessary commitment that filters out the crowds and guarantees a more authentic and solitary camping trip.

The campsite’s small size, with its limit of nine people and two tent pads, ensures a high-quality, low-impact experience, fostering the deep connection to nature that Minnesotans seek. It offers the best of both worlds: a highly developed frontcountry site with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear safety, but in a location so remote it feels like true backcountry. S23 allows residents to fully claim their identity as Northwoods adventurers, providing a premier base to explore the towering Grassy Bay Cliffs, reel in a trophy walleye, or simply enjoy the unforgettable quiet of a star-filled Voyageurs night, reinforcing why this National Park is one of the state's most cherished treasures.

Grassy Bay South S23

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA