Lyle Mine Island

- International Falls, MN 56649

Lyle Mine Island, specifically campsite R93, offers Minnesotans an unparalleled opportunity to blend a rugged, authentic wilderness camping experience with a fascinating dive into the state's pioneering history. Located deep within the majestic, water-dominated landscape of Voyageurs National Park, this destination on Rainy Lake is far more than a simple patch of ground to pitch a tent. It is a large, designated frontcountry campsite accessible only by watercraft, making it the perfect choice for families, larger groups, or friends who desire a truly remote feel without sacrificing some essential amenities. Named for the historic Lyle Mine—part of the brief but exciting Rainy Lake "Gold Rush" of the late 19th century—the island provides a unique backdrop for your northern Minnesota adventure.

As a 'Large Campsite,' R93 is designed to accommodate up to 18 people, setting it apart from the smaller sites in the park. This capacity makes it a logistical gem for local gatherings, multi-family trips, or organizational retreats, enabling larger groups to enjoy the pristine environment together. Visitors should be prepared for a genuine boat-in experience, requiring a sense of self-sufficiency and an appreciation for the unspoiled beauty of this interconnected water system. Lyle Mine Island sits amidst the vast, scenic expanse of Rainy Lake, offering spectacular lakefront views, excellent fishing opportunities, and a tangible connection to the geological and cultural history of the border waters area near International Falls. Booking through the official National Park Service system is essential to secure your piece of this Minnesota paradise.

Lyle Mine Island is situated on Rainy Lake in the northern reaches of Minnesota, falling under the jurisdiction of Voyageurs National Park. The island lies north of Dryweed Island, approximately 3.8 miles by water from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Its address is generally associated with the gateway community: International Falls, MN 56649, USA. However, to reach campsite R93, visitors must navigate the waters of Rainy Lake.

The primary mode of access is strictly BOAT-IN. This is a defining characteristic of nearly all frontcountry campsites in Voyageurs National Park. You cannot drive a vehicle or an RV directly to the site. Campers must use their personal boat, a rental boat (pontoons, fishing boats, etc.), or a commercial water taxi service available from local outfitters in the surrounding communities like International Falls or Ranier. To facilitate the water-based arrival, the Lyle Mine Island campsite R93 is equipped with a permanent crib dock, making for a much easier and more secure landing for your vessel compared to campsites with only rock or sand access. Parking for vehicles towing trailers or carrying gear is available free of charge for permitted campers at the designated mainland boat launch areas within the park's visitor centers for the duration of their stay. The journey across the lake itself becomes a scenic and essential part of the wilderness immersion.

As a designated Large Campsite within a National Park, Lyle Mine Island R93 provides robust, yet rustic, facilities tailored for group camping while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

• Large Campsite Designation: Accommodates a maximum of 18 people.
• Tent Pads: Equipped with four established tent pads, ensuring level surfaces and minimizing vegetation impact.
• Picnic Tables: Provided with two picnic tables for group meal preparation and dining.
• Campfire Ring: One fire ring is available for cooking and campfires, contingent on current park restrictions. Visitors must bring certified DNR-approved firewood.
• Sanitation: One outdoor privy (vault or composting toilet) is provided for human waste disposal.
• Food Storage: Four bear-proof food lockers are installed on-site. Mandatory use for all food, trash, and scented items is strictly enforced for visitor safety and bear protection.
• Boat Dock: Features an 8ft x 40ft permanent crib dock, offering a secure and convenient mooring location for multiple boats.
• Permitted Equipment: Tents and watercraft (boat) are the only equipment permitted at the site.

Campers should be prepared for a fully off-grid experience; there are no electric hookups, and a water source for drinking must be filtered, treated, or hauled in, as is standard practice for remote Voyageurs sites.

Lyle Mine Island R93 is a destination defined by its spectacular setting and its fascinating link to local history.

• Historical Significance: The island is named for the Lyle Mine, one of the primary mining prospects during the 1890s Rainy Lake Gold Rush. Campers have the unique opportunity to camp near a historical marker of Minnesota’s past.
• Superior Group Capacity: As a large campsite for up to 18 people, it is one of the most practical and spacious options for group camping in the park.
• Protected Docking: The presence of an 8x40 permanent crib dock is a major highlight, providing excellent, secure access and making the boat-in process hassle-free, which is invaluable on a large lake like Rainy Lake.
• Gateway to the Park: Located relatively close (3.8 miles) to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, it allows for convenient day trips to other historical sites like Kettle Falls Hotel or the Ellsworth Rock Gardens.
• World-Class Freshwater Activities: The site is an ideal hub for exploring the exceptional fishing (Walleye, Northern Pike), canoeing, and wildlife viewing (moose, eagles, black bears) that Voyageurs National Park is famous for.
• Stargazing and Quietude: The remote, island location guarantees minimal light pollution, offering breathtaking views of the northern night sky and a true break from the noise of civilization.

To plan a trip to Lyle Mine Island R93, all reservations and detailed site information are managed through the National Park Service and its reservation system.

Address (General Area/Gateway Community): International Falls, MN 56649, USA (The island is located in Voyageurs National Park, accessible via the Rainy Lake boat launches in this area.)

Phone (Rainy Lake Visitor Center for park information): (218) 286-5258

Reservations: All campsite reservations are mandatory and must be booked online through the National Park Service's reservation partner, under "Voyageurs National Park Camping Permits." Reservations are essential, especially for a large and desirable site like R93.

For Minnesota locals, Lyle Mine Island R93 is the ultimate destination to truly experience the state's rugged northwoods and vast lake country on a grand scale. This site's designation as a Large Campsite with a permanent dock solves the logistical challenge of organizing a bigger group trip to a secluded island—a common desire for large families or groups of friends who have grown up recreating on Minnesota's many lakes. The boat-in necessity ensures that the serene, pristine environment remains protected, offering a high-quality wilderness experience that locals appreciate and seek out.

Furthermore, the proximity to historical sites like the Lyle Mine connects local users to the rich, sometimes forgotten, frontier history of their state. It transforms a simple camping trip into an educational and culturally enriching adventure. It’s an authentic, immersive, and logistically accommodating choice for groups who own their own boats and are ready to embrace the state's unique, water-based National Park. Lyle Mine Island R93 stands out as a premier spot for local Minnesotans to create lasting memories, whether fishing the world-class waters of Rainy Lake, enjoying a quiet lakeside campfire, or simply reveling in the expansive, natural beauty of their home state’s most unique National Park.

Lyle Mine Island

International Falls, MN 56649, USA