Jensen Bay S27 Campsite

- Crane Lake, MN 55725

Welcome to the heart of Minnesota's pristine northern wilderness. For local adventurers and visitors alike, the region encompassing Voyageurs National Park offers an unparalleled escape. Among its many hidden gems is the renowned **Jensen Bay S27 Campsite**, a premier destination for those seeking a true waterside camping experience. This professional, fact-based guide is designed to provide residents of Minnesota with all the essential details about this exceptional location, highlighting why it stands out as the ideal basecamp for your next family or group outing.

Jensen Bay S27 is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a spacious and well-equipped frontcountry campsite nestled on the shores of Sand Point Lake within the magnificent **Voyageurs National Park**. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and practical amenities, making remote, wilderness-style camping accessible and comfortable for larger parties. The site's reputation for stunning views and excellent facilities has been consistently reinforced by satisfied campers, who often praise its ability to serve as a fantastic "home base scouting fishing locations with nearby hikes" and its overall "awesome experience." This large capacity site is specifically designed to accommodate a memorable group camping trip amidst the iconic scenery of Minnesota’s water-based national park.

Jensen Bay S27 Campsite is officially located at **Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA**, placing it in the northeastern corner of Minnesota, a stone's throw from the Canadian border. Specifically, the campsite is situated on Sand Point Lake, one of the four major lakes that dominate Voyageurs National Park's landscape. This geographic position is what defines the site's unique accessibility and appeal.

Unlike typical drive-up campgrounds, all frontcountry campsites in Voyageurs National Park—including Jensen Bay S27—are **boat-in access only**. This crucial detail ensures a level of tranquility and seclusion that motor vehicle access would compromise. Visitors from the Twin Cities, Duluth, or other parts of Minnesota typically drive to the Crane Lake area, which serves as a major gateway to the park. From there, a private watercraft, canoe, kayak, or local water taxi service is required to reach the site. This accessibility requirement, while adding a small layer of planning, is what preserves the site’s exceptional wilderness feel.

For those planning their journey, the Crane Lake community offers various services, including marinas and outfitters, which are essential for securing transportation or necessary gear. The journey to the site, whether by personal boat or a chartered service, is an integral part of the adventure, traversing the island-dotted, pristine waters of Sand Point Lake.

As a "Large Campsite" within the National Park Service's system, Jensen Bay S27 is thoughtfully equipped to ensure a comfortable and safe stay for its maximum capacity of **18 people**. The provided facilities are key to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing the enjoyment of your stay.

• Maximum Capacity: Accommodates up to 18 campers, making it perfect for multi-family or large group trips.
• Water Access: Features an impressive 8-foot by 40-foot dock, which customers have praised as a "nice dock for multiple boats," simplifying the boat-in process and providing ample moorage.
• Sanitation: Equipped with one dedicated vault toilet (outdoor privy) for group use.
• Food Storage: Includes four robust, bear-proof food lockers, a mandatory and vital feature for safely securing food and scented items in this wilderness environment.
• Cooking & Gathering: Furnished with two large picnic tables for dining and group activities.
• Fire Safety: Features one metal fire ring complete with a cooking grate, designed for safe and managed campfires (following all park regulations and fire bans).
• Designated Tent Areas: Provides four cleared and maintained 14-foot by 14-foot tent pads, ensuring level ground and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
• Site Access: Reservation and permit required through the official park system, ensuring organized and regulated usage.

Jensen Bay S27 Campsite boasts several defining characteristics that elevate the camping experience, particularly for local Minnesota users who appreciate quality outdoor amenities.

• **Outstanding Lakefront Location:** Positioned directly on Sand Point Lake, the site offers immediate, stunning lake access, making it a prime spot for swimming, fishing, and simply enjoying the breathtaking views that customers consistently highlight.
• **Spacious Group Site:** As a designated large campsite, the generous size is a key feature, providing plenty of room for up to 18 people to spread out, offering privacy and comfort even for big groups.
• **Premier Boat Dock:** The substantial 8'x40' dock is an exceptional asset, especially for groups utilizing multiple watercraft. It ensures easy, secure docking and launch capabilities for all types of boats, kayaks, and canoes.
• **Gateway to Water-Based Recreation:** Its location is ideal for fishing enthusiasts—with species like northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass abundant—and for non-motorized recreation like kayaking and canoeing into the national park's vast network of waterways.
• **Proximity to Hiking Opportunities:** One customer noted its good location for "scouting fishing locations with nearby hikes," suggesting the site serves as a launch point for accessing various trails and exploration areas within the greater Voyageurs National Park landscape.
• **True Wilderness Feel with Frontcountry Comforts:** The boat-in access provides a genuine remote wilderness atmosphere, yet the included amenities—like the vault toilet, bear lockers, and picnic tables—offer essential conveniences that enhance safety and ease of use.

Reservations for Jensen Bay S27 Campsite (Site ID: S27) are managed through the National Park Service and the official reservation system for Voyageurs National Park. Direct contact is generally routed through the park's administrative or visitor centers.

Address for Site Location (General Area):

Jensen Bay S27 Campsite, Sand Point Lake Area

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA

Phone Number:

Please refer to the official Voyageurs National Park contact numbers for general park information, permits, and current conditions. The primary contact for park and campsite inquiries is typically the Crane Lake Visitor Center or the central park information line.

For Minnesota residents, Jensen Bay S27 Campsite represents the quintessential northern Minnesota experience distilled into a single, highly desirable location. It perfectly captures the essence of the state's unofficial motto: "The Land of 10,000 Lakes." This site is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the magnificent, water-centric environment that defines Voyageurs National Park.

This destination is particularly suitable for locals because it offers a break from the everyday with the security of a well-maintained National Park site. The boat-in access, while requiring a bit more planning, guarantees a sense of remoteness that is increasingly rare in popular recreation areas. The large capacity makes it an excellent choice for local groups, extended families, or friends who value shared outdoor experiences without the crowds of a drive-up campground. From the convenience of its large dock to the necessity of its bear-proof storage, the site is perfectly optimized for an authentic, memorable, and safe group retreat on the water. It serves as an exceptional spot for local users who want to reconnect with Minnesota's unparalleled lake country, offering a reliable, beautiful, and highly recommended setting for fishing, hiking, and pure relaxation.

Jensen Bay S27 Campsite

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA