Ingersoll Cove S30 Campsite

- Crane Lake, MN 55725

For seasoned Minnesota adventurers, the call of the Northwoods often leads to the vast, shimmering waters of Voyageurs National Park. Within this unique water-based wilderness, the Ingersoll Cove S30 Campsite stands out as a prime destination for large groups and families seeking a classic, yet remote, tent camping experience. This is not a roadside picnic area; it is a true 'frontcountry' wilderness site, meaning it is only accessible by watercraft, giving it an immediate sense of seclusion and deep immersion into the northern Minnesota landscape.

Ingersoll Cove S30 is officially designated as a Large Campsite by the National Park Service (NPS), built to accommodate up to 18 people. This spacious capacity makes it an exceptional choice for multi-family vacations, scouting troops, or group fishing trips—a perfect opportunity for locals to reconnect with nature and each other without the noise and proximity of a conventional, drive-up campground. The site’s location on Sand Point Lake, a major thoroughfare of the park, places campers at the gateway to the vast Namakan Reservoir system, offering endless opportunities for exploration, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

The experience here is the very essence of a Minnesota vacation: days spent boating, swimming in clear waters, fishing for walleye and northern pike, and nights spent around a crackling campfire under an impossibly starry sky. Crucially, the site is designed with features that balance wilderness preservation with visitor safety and comfort, ensuring that your large group can enjoy the area responsibly. Securing a reservation here is key, as these large, popular sites are highly sought after by those who truly understand the unique appeal of Voyageurs National Park.

Ingersoll Cove S30 Campsite is situated on Sand Point Lake, one of the four main lakes of Voyageurs National Park. The official address is listed simply as Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA, as the location is entirely water-based. It is part of the Sand Point Lake loop of frontcountry campsites, easily identifiable by the designation 'S30'.

The nearest access point for vehicles and boat launching is typically the Crane Lake boat launch area, a community that serves as a primary gateway to the park's southeastern waters. From this landing, the campsite is approximately 7.2 miles by boat. This relatively short distance—roughly a 15-minute boat ride—is a significant advantage for Minnesotans bringing in gear and supplies, making it one of the more accessible wilderness sites for a large party.

However, all access is by watercraft only, meaning campers must either own a boat capable of navigating large, open water, or arrange for a rental or water taxi service from a local outfitter in the Crane Lake area. Navigation requires awareness, especially around the landing zone, as previous visitor reports mention the need to be aware of large, submerged rocks near the shore when approaching the beach. The location provides quick entry to the Sand Point Lake area, though reaching the more well-known Kabetogama or Rainy Lakes requires significantly longer travel across large bodies of water, which is an important consideration for trip planning.

As a Large Campsite in a National Park wilderness setting, Ingersoll Cove S30 is equipped with the necessary amenities to support groups of up to 18 people while ensuring a minimal environmental impact. The site is structured to centralize gathering and cooking activities while dispersing sleeping areas.

• **Accommodation Capacity:** Designated to host a maximum of 18 people.
• **Tent Pads:** The site includes four designated 14' x 14' tent pads, ensuring tents are pitched on level, protected ground.
• **Food Storage:** Four bear-proof food lockers are provided (each measuring approximately 52" wide x 36" deep x 21" high), which is enough storage for multiple families to safely secure all food, garbage, and scented items away from wildlife.
• **Vault Privy:** One outdoor vault toilet is located on the site for sanitation.
• **Cooking & Gathering:** Campers benefit from two metal picnic tables and one communal fire ring with a cooking grate for meals.
• **Watercraft Landing:** The site features a desirable sand landing, allowing for two boats to be secured on the shore, though caution is advised due to large rocks near the approach.

Ingersoll Cove S30 offers specific features and access to local attractions that make it a standout choice for Minnesota nature lovers.

• **Private Cove Views:** The campsite is located within Ingersoll Cove, offering sheltered views and protection from major waves, although campers should be mindful of strong north winds which can still make mooring challenging.
• **Excellent Swimming:** The site's sandy beach and rocky shoreline offer great opportunities for swimming, fishing, and shoreline exploration right from the campsite.
• **Gateway to the Mukooda Lake Area:** Although the path is not always clearly marked, the campsite is geographically close to access points for trails that can lead to the remote, non-motorized Mukooda Lake and the new Mukooda Hiking Trail.
• **Superb Fishing Base:** Located on Sand Point Lake, the site is a perfect base for catching typical Minnesota game fish, including smallmouth bass and northern pike, as reported by local visitors.
• **Large Group Comfort:** With four tent pads and two picnic tables, the site is exceptionally well-suited for multiple families or large groups, providing distinct areas for both privacy and communal gathering.
• **Proximity to Gateway Services:** Being just a 15-minute boat ride from the Crane Lake landing provides quick access to services like fuel, bait, and local stores, which is a major convenience for a remote trip.

Booking a large, desirable site like Ingersoll Cove S30 requires planning, as reservations are managed by the National Park Service.

Campsite Name:

Ingersoll Cove S30 Campsite (Large Campsite)

Park Management:

Voyageurs National Park

Overnight Camping Reservation System:

Recreation.gov

NPS General Park Phone Number:

218-283-6600 (Voyageurs National Park Headquarters)

Physical Location:

Sand Point Lake, near Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA

Note: Campsite S30 is a reservable site. Reservations for the upcoming summer season (Peak Season: Friday before MN Fishing Opener through October 15) typically open on November 15 of the preceding year, at 9:00 AM CST. Early booking is highly recommended due to the popularity of large frontcountry sites.

The Ingersoll Cove S30 Campsite offers a quintessential, yet accessible, northern Minnesota wilderness escape that is perfectly tailored to the local lifestyle. For Minnesotans, who value their traditions of lake life, fishing, and group outdoor activities, this site is a natural fit. Its Large Campsite classification allows an extended family or a group of friends—often the composition of local camping parties—to stay together comfortably, something rarely afforded in standard camping areas. The short boat ride from Crane Lake is a huge convenience, minimizing travel time and maximizing vacation time on the water. More than a simple place to pitch a tent, S30 is a basecamp for creating deep connections with Voyageurs National Park, giving local users a chance to showcase the state's signature beauty—its pristine, boat-accessible lakes—to their loved ones. It embodies the best of the state's outdoor heritage: comfortable, spacious, and undeniably wild.

Ingersoll Cove S30 Campsite

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA