King Pin S10 Campsite

- Crane Lake, MN 55725

For seasoned Minnesota outdoor enthusiasts, the call of the wild often leads far beyond the well-worn trails and into the heart of the Northwoods. The King Pin S10 Campsite, nestled within the expansive, water-dominated terrain of Voyageurs National Park, represents an exceptional opportunity for this kind of deep-woods adventure. Situated on the scenic shores of Sand Point Lake, this National Park Service site is a premier destination for those seeking a tranquil, boat-in camping experience for a larger party.

Unlike the smaller, more compact campsites, King Pin S10 is officially designated as a 'Large Campsite.' This designation speaks directly to its capacity and amenities, making it a valuable find for Minnesota families, multi-family groups, or larger gatherings of friends looking to share a wilderness escape. The journey to the site—a requisite boat trip across the stunning waters of Sand Point Lake—is part of the adventure, immediately disconnecting visitors from the distractions of road-accessible life.

The campsite itself is thoughtfully equipped to handle a bigger group while maintaining the park's commitment to low-impact camping. With ample space for multiple tents and essential facilities for food storage and sanitation, King Pin S10 blends the ruggedness of a remote setting with the comfort of necessary structures. Its location on Sand Point Lake, a body of water renowned for its clear depths and fantastic fishing, positions it as an ideal base camp for days spent fishing, paddling, or simply soaking in the immense natural beauty that defines this unique corner of Minnesota.

King Pin S10 Campsite is located on Sand Point Lake, a prominent lake in the eastern section of Voyageurs National Park. The official mailing address, Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA, places it within the region served by the Crane Lake gateway community. This community is the primary launch point for accessing this portion of the park.

Accessibility to King Pin S10 is exclusively by watercraft—it is a 'Boat-In' frontcountry campsite. The distance from the nearest public access point, the Crane Lake boat launch, is approximately 8.9 miles. This is a considerable distance across open water, which offers a genuine sense of solitude and remoteness once you arrive. Campers must utilize their own boat, a rental, or a water taxi service to navigate to the site, following the navigation buoys across the lake.

Upon arrival, the site features a dedicated boat access point. The King Pin S10 campsite is equipped with an $8' times 20'$ permanent crib dock. This is a crucial amenity for Minnesotans using motorboats, providing a stable and reliable place to moor vessels regardless of the water level. This practical design enhances safety and convenience for unloading gear, ensuring a smoother transition from lake travel to setting up camp.

As a designated 'Large Campsite' within the frontcountry system of Voyageurs National Park, King Pin S10 is specifically outfitted to accommodate more campers than the typical park site. The available facilities are meticulously maintained by the National Park Service.

• **Maximum Capacity:** Designed to accommodate a maximum of 18 people, making it perfect for larger family or group outings.
• **Tent Pads:** Features four separate tent pads, providing level, designated spaces for tents to ensure a comfortable sleep and protect the natural ground cover. The tent pads are noted as being sizable, approximately $12' times 12'$ each.
• **Boat Access:** Equipped with an $8' times 20'$ permanent crib dock for secure boat mooring.
• **Food Storage:** Provides four heavy-duty, bear-proof food lockers, which are essential for safely storing food, cooking equipment, and any scented items. This is a key feature, especially for large groups with significant food supplies.
• **Picnic Tables:** Two metal picnic tables are provided, offering ample space for dining, cooking preparation, and gathering for a group of this size.
• **Fire Ring:** One metal fire ring with a cooking grate is available for campfires and cooking. Campfires are only permitted within the provided ring.
• **Sanitation:** One dedicated outdoor vault privy (toilet) is located near the site, ensuring environmental compliance and user convenience.
• **Permitted Use:** Overnight use is restricted to tents only, and houseboats are not permitted to moor at this specific tent campsite.

King Pin S10 Campsite offers several key advantages that make it a highly desirable spot for the discerning Minnesota camper, particularly those traveling in groups.

• **Superior Group Capacity:** Its 'Large Campsite' status with four tent pads and a maximum capacity of 18 people is a significant logistical advantage, making it one of the most flexible options for larger parties in the area.
• **Ample Food Security:** The provision of four bear-proof food lockers is double the standard offering for small sites and is critical for managing the food and scented items of a large group securely.
• **Decent Dock Access:** Customer reviews specifically mention "decent dock access" for boats, confirming the practical utility of the crib dock for loading, unloading, and mooring, which is essential on the big waters of Sand Point Lake.
• **Excellent Shore Fishing:** The site is noted for "good shore fishing while in camp," providing instant angling opportunities without even needing to launch the boat, a treasured convenience for many Minnesota anglers.
• **Gateway to Exploration:** Its central location on Sand Point Lake, combined with the presence of a boat, makes it a gateway to exploring the "zillion places in your boat," including nearby islands, historic sites like the Grassy Bay Cliffs, and the countless fishing hot spots of the lake.

King Pin S10 Campsite operates under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service as part of Voyageurs National Park. Reservations are mandatory and are handled through the national system.

Campsite Name:

King Pin S10 Campsite

Park Management:

Voyageurs National Park

Reservation System:

Recreation.gov (Mandatory for overnight permit)

NPS General Park Phone Number:

218-283-6600 (Voyageurs National Park Headquarters)

Physical Location (General Area):

Sand Point Lake, accessible from Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA

Reservation Policy:

Advance reservations are required. Due to the high demand for large group sites in the High-Use Season (typically May 15 – October 15), reservations are generally released months in advance and are highly competitive.

For Minnesotans, the King Pin S10 Campsite on Sand Point Lake is the ultimate expression of the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" camping heritage. This site is perfectly tailored for the local user who views their boat as an extension of their vehicle and values the deep solitude that only water access can provide. Its designation as a 'Large Campsite' is particularly relevant to Minnesotans, who often organize multi-day trips with extended family or a tight-knit circle of friends.

The generous space, four tent pads, two picnic tables, and abundant bear-proof storage directly address the practical needs of group wilderness camping, allowing for an organized and comfortable stay. Furthermore, the ability to simply drop a line and fish from shore—a treasured local pastime—adds immediate, simple value to the experience. By requiring a modest 8.9-mile boat trip from Crane Lake, King Pin S10 successfully filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the journey are dedicated to preserving the quiet, pristine nature of the site. It is a genuine, spacious wilderness retreat, offering local adventurers a quintessential Northwoods base camp for forging new memories on one of Minnesota's most spectacular border lakes.

King Pin S10 Campsite

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA