Hinsdale Island Campsite 9

- Tower, MN 55790

For Minnesotans seeking the deepest sense of escape the Northwoods can offer, Hinsdale Island Campsite 9 provides a rare and coveted experience. Located on the beautiful Hinsdale Island within the vast Kabetogama State Forest, this is genuine primitive camping designed for the self-reliant adventurer. Campsite 9 is one of a limited number of designated boat-in sites, meaning car horns and highway noise are replaced entirely by the sound of lapping water and calling loons.

Unlike many crowded state park campgrounds, this site is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a rustic, first-come, first-served camping area. It’s an ideal choice for local residents looking to completely disconnect, offering a spacious, private setting where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Lake Vermilion. The site’s defining characteristic, and its primary draw, is the profound isolation it offers from neighboring campers, a level of privacy unmatched in the region.

This destination is less about luxurious amenities and more about the simple, profound joy of wilderness living. It serves as a perfect launch point for exploring one of Minnesota’s most famous bodies of water, providing a rugged, unreserved camping tradition.

Hinsdale Island Campsite 9 is geographically situated within the boundaries associated with Tower, MN 55790, USA, as part of the Kabetogama State Forest. Crucially, it is located on an island in Lake Vermilion, a fact that dictates all accessibility.

The site is only accessible by watercraft. There are no bridges, ferries, or land access points. Visitors must utilize a public boat launch on the mainland—such as those near the communities of Tower or Cook—and navigate Lake Vermilion to Hinsdale Island. This adventure requires competence in boat handling, as well as an understanding of the large lake’s conditions, which can be challenging during inclement weather.

A significant characteristic of Campsite 9 is its specific positioning. While it is highly isolated from other campsites on the island, user reviews indicate it is located along a relatively heavy boat traffic channel. This channel location provides a fantastic, open view across the water, but it also means campers should be prepared for waves from passing watercraft to constantly impact the shoreline and the back of their moored boat. The boat access area itself features numerous spots to pull a boat up, though caution is advised due to submerged rocks. The isolation from other campers, however, is a major benefit—it’s a secluded cove feel on the island side, even with the channel traffic passing by.

As a designated primitive campsite maintained by the DNR within the Kabetogama State Forest, Hinsdale Island Campsite 9 offers essential, bare-bones services. Campers must pack in all food, water, and waste disposal supplies (except human waste, for which a facility is provided), embracing a true “leave no trace” ethic.

• Cleared Tenting Pad: A large, established area capable of accommodating multiple tents (at least three, according to user reports), offering much-needed space and a relatively flat surface for sleeping.

• Fire Ring: A durable metal ring is provided for building campfires, used for cooking and warmth, always subject to current Minnesota state fire bans and restrictions.

• Picnic Table: A rugged, wooden table is supplied to provide a central area for preparing meals and gathering.

• Primitive Vault Toilet: A basic, non-flush outhouse is maintained in the vicinity of the campsite to ensure hygienic disposal of human waste.

• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: A secured locker or approved container is installed to help campers safely store all food, garbage, and scented items away from bears and other forest wildlife.

• Multiple Boat Landing Spots: Unlike many single-dock sites, Campsite 9 has numerous places along its shoreline to pull up a boat, though caution is needed for rocky bottoms and frequent waves from the nearby channel.

• Hiking Trails Access: There are established, though rugged, trails leading down both directions of the shoreline from the campsite, perfect for short walks and exploring more of the island.

The distinct features of Campsite 9 set it apart, making it a compelling spot for those who know and love the Minnesota wilderness.

• Unmatched Campsite Isolation: The key highlight is the privacy. The site is uniquely situated to be well-isolated from any neighboring campsites on Hinsdale Island, giving occupants a truly private Northwoods experience.

• Prime Viewing Corridor: Its location along the main channel provides a spectacular, unobstructed view of Lake Vermilion. This open-water vista is ideal for watching sunrises, sunsets, and the general activity on the lake.

• Spacious Group Capacity: With room for at least three large tents, this site is perfectly suited for extended family trips, group paddling tours, or multiple fishing buddies, a rare offering among secluded island sites.

• Exceptional Fishing Access: Being directly on Lake Vermilion’s main thoroughfare means quick access to some of the best Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskie fishing grounds the state has to offer.

• No Reservations Necessary: All Hinsdale Island sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a spontaneous, traditional camping option without the need for advance planning months in advance, though arrival timing should be strategic to secure the spot.

Hinsdale Island Campsite 9 is one of the sites managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), typically overseen by the staff at the nearby Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Since this is an unreserved, first-come, first-served primitive site, direct contact is not possible, but the managing park office can provide critical up-to-date information.

Address (General Area): Tower, MN 55790, USA (Campsite is on Hinsdale Island, Lake Vermilion)

Phone (DNR/Park Office): (218) 300-7000. This is the official number for the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Campers should use this line to check for fire restrictions, lake conditions, and general state forest camping guidelines before launching their trip.

Hinsdale Island Campsite 9 embodies the authentic, rugged camping experience deeply valued by Minnesotans. For those who grew up on the water, who own a small fishing boat, or who simply crave a level of quiet that a modern campground cannot provide, Campsite 9 is a true destination. Its isolation from other sites fosters a profound connection to the surrounding Kabetogama State Forest, making the journey an inherent part of the reward.

While the location on a busy channel requires careful boat handling and management of lake waves, this trade-off is often welcomed by locals, as it provides that expansive, open water view that is simply not available in sheltered bays. It appeals directly to the local user who prioritizes space, seclusion, and a direct line to world-class fishing over electricity and modern comforts. Campsite 9 is a celebrated piece of the Minnesota state forest system, keeping the tradition of true wilderness camping alive and accessible for the prepared Northwoods resident.

Hinsdale Island Campsite 9

Tower, MN 55790, USA