Sand Point S29 Campsite

- Crane Lake, MN 55725

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape into the state's storied Northwoods wilderness, the Sand Point S29 Campsite offers an experience that is both remote and thoughtfully appointed. Located deep within Voyageurs National Park on the beautiful waters of Sand Point Lake, this is not your typical drive-up camping spot. Sand Point S29 is one of the park’s essential “Frontcountry” sites, meaning access is strictly by boat—a requirement that preserves its quiet atmosphere and ensures a classic northern Minnesota adventure.

Sand Point Lake, known for its pristine waters and scenic islands, forms a vital part of the interconnected lake system that defines Voyageurs National Park. Campsite S29 is cataloged as a 'Small Campsite' and is expertly maintained by the National Park Service to blend minimal development with maximum preservation of the natural landscape. This site is specifically designed for tent campers who arrive via watercraft, providing a base camp from which to explore the vast expanse of the park.

The true allure of S29, and indeed all boat-in camping in Voyageurs, lies in its commitment to a pure wilderness encounter. Here, the noise of traffic is replaced by the cries of the loon, and city lights give way to some of the darkest, most star-filled skies in the continental U.S. By requiring a water journey, the park ensures that the visitors who reach S29 are fully invested in an immersive outdoor experience—the hallmark of any great Minnesota camping trip. It's a place to pitch your tent, build a fire under the watchful gaze of the boreal forest, and truly disconnect from the digital world.

The Sand Point S29 Campsite is situated on Sand Point Lake, one of the four major lakes of Voyageurs National Park. The official address, Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA, indicates its proximity to the Crane Lake gateway community. The Crane Lake public launch area is typically the closest access point for reaching the southern and eastern portions of Sand Point Lake, including the S29 site.

Accessibility is a major, and intentional, feature of this location: it is strictly a Boat-In site. Campers must navigate approximately 7.6 miles across the lake from the Crane Lake area boat launch, an enjoyable trip that requires proper planning and awareness of lake conditions, as Sand Point is a large body of water susceptible to wind and waves.

The site is marked clearly with a National Park Service marker post. Critically, Sand Point S29 is one of the sites equipped with a permanent crib dock, which significantly improves boat mooring and landing ease compared to sites with only floater docks or natural landings. However, local insight, as noted in visitor reviews, suggests always exercising caution when approaching the dock, as rocks or shoals may be present, a common reality in the rocky-bottomed waters of the North Shore region. Safe navigation is paramount for all visitors to this gorgeous part of Minnesota.

As a designated 'Small Campsite' within the frontcountry system of Voyageurs National Park, S29 is designed to accommodate small groups while providing the necessary structures for comfort and environmental protection.

• **Maximum Capacity:** Accommodates a maximum of 9 people for overnight tent use.
• **Tent Pads:** Features two designated tent pads, typically level and cleared areas (approximately 14'x14') to provide a dry, comfortable base for tents and to prevent damage to the surrounding vegetation.
• **Boat Access:** Equipped with an 8'x40' one-sided permanent crib dock for secure boat mooring.
• **Fire Ring:** One metal fire ring with a cooking grate is provided for campfires and grilling. Campfires must be contained within the ring.
• **Picnic Table:** One sturdy, metal picnic table is available for dining and meal prep.
• **Food Storage:** Two bear-proof food lockers (52" wide x 36" deep x 21" high, consistent with NPS standards) are mandatory for the secure storage of all food, toiletries, and scented items to protect both campers and local black bears.
• **Sanitation:** One outdoor vault privy (toilet) is available, ensuring appropriate waste disposal and compliance with park environmental standards.
• **Permitted Use:** Overnight use is restricted to tents only; houseboats are not permitted to moor at this specific tent campsite.

The Sand Point S29 Campsite stands out even among the many beautiful sites in Voyageurs, offering a unique combination of amenities and natural features.

• **Sheltered Docking:** Customer reviews highlight the dock being well-sheltered from most winds, a highly valued feature on a large lake like Sand Point. This protection offers greater peace of mind for boaters mooring their vessels overnight.
• **Scenic Lakefront Views:** The campsite provides a beautiful, decent view of Sand Point Lake, offering typical Northwoods scenery of water, islands, and rocky shorelines perfect for morning coffee and sunset viewing.
• **Proximity to Crane Lake Gateway:** Being relatively close to the Crane Lake launch (7.6 miles) makes S29 an accessible option for those new to boat-in camping or those utilizing local rental services in the Crane Lake area.
• **Sand Point Lake Fishing:** The lake is renowned for excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. S29 provides a great staging point for a memorable fishing trip.
• **Seclusion and Quiet:** As a small, boat-in site, S29 inherently offers a high degree of privacy and quiet, far removed from the noise of mainland activity.

The Sand Point S29 Campsite is administered by the National Park Service as part of Voyageurs National Park. All overnight stays require a permit.

Campsite Name:

Sand Point S29 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. High-Use Season (May 15 – October 15) permits are typically released in November of the preceding year and are highly sought after by local and regional campers.

The Sand Point S29 Campsite is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle for Minnesota residents. It encapsulates the core values of the North Star State's outdoor culture: a commitment to the water, a deep appreciation for undisturbed nature, and a willingness to venture beyond the pavement for true solitude. The 'boat-in' nature of the site makes it a natural fit for locals who own or rent watercraft and are proficient in lake travel—it’s an inherently Minnesotan challenge that yields huge rewards.

Unlike many crowded drive-in campgrounds, S29 offers a highly sought-after sense of seclusion. Its status as a 'Small Campsite' guarantees a more intimate experience, perfect for families or small groups looking to connect with the raw beauty of Voyageurs. The specific feature of the crib dock and sheltered mooring, noted by previous visitors, is a practical benefit that makes the logistics of wilderness camping smoother and safer on a large lake. This spot is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity for locals to reclaim their birthright of the wilderness, whether they are fishing for Walleye, paddling along the shoreline, or simply sitting by the fire, listening to the silence that defines the true North. Sand Point S29 is a premier destination for a memorable, rugged, and uniquely Minnesotan outdoor adventure.

Sand Point S29 Campsite

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA