South Island S17 Campsite

- Crane Lake, MN 55725

For Minnesota locals, the call of the Northwoods wilderness is an annual tradition, a chance to trade city sounds for the symphony of loons and the quiet lap of lake water. Deep within the majestic **Voyageurs National Park**, the **South Island S17 Campsite** offers one of the most quintessential and accessible wilderness experiences in the region. This is a frontcountry campsite—meaning it provides essential amenities—but its true allure lies in its magnificent isolation, accessible only by water, making it a genuine escape into the Minnesota that exists beyond the pavement.

This detailed guide is crafted for Minnesota residents, providing all the factual and engaging information needed to plan a memorable trip to this highly desirable location. South Island S17, identified as a "Small Campsite" by the National Park Service (NPS), is perfectly suited for smaller groups, families, or couples seeking a tranquil and private basecamp. Its location on Sand Point Lake, near the Crane Lake gateway, makes it an ideal launch point for exploring the park's intricate network of lakes, islands, and historical sites. Whether your goal is exceptional fishing, serene paddling, or simply soaking in the beauty of the boreal forest, S17 offers a structured yet deeply wild setting for your next adventure. The simplicity and seclusion of this boat-in site provide the perfect opportunity to disconnect and embrace the peace of the North Star State’s water-based national park.

The South Island S17 Campsite is officially situated in the Crane Lake region of northern Minnesota, with the general address being **Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA**. It is an integral part of the Voyageurs National Park frontcountry system and is specifically located on **Sand Point Lake**. This places it approximately 12 miles from the Crane Lake public boat launch, a manageable distance for most watercraft.

Crucially, like all frontcountry sites in Voyageurs, S17 is strictly a **boat-in campsite**. This means access is gained entirely via watercraft—be it a motorboat, canoe, or kayak—from one of the park’s mainland public launch points, such as the one near Crane Lake. There is no vehicle access to the island. This essential characteristic is key to maintaining the campsite's pristine environment and quiet atmosphere. Visitors must plan to use their own boat, rent one from a local outfitter, or arrange a water taxi service to reach the site. Overnight parking for tent campers is typically available free of charge at the park's mainland visitor centers for the duration of a valid camping permit. The boat journey across Sand Point Lake is an essential and beautiful part of the experience, offering stunning lake-level views of the park's rugged shoreline and islands.

South Island S17 is classified as a "Small Campsite," designed to offer essential services that ensure a comfortable and safe wilderness stay while adhering to rigorous Leave No Trace principles. It is engineered to support a focused group experience.

• Maximum Capacity: Designed for a maximum of **9 people**, making it ideal for a single family or small group outing.
• Water Access: Features **"Rock Access,"** which indicates a shoreline approach rather than a full dock. Campers should be prepared to anchor or secure their boat directly to the shore, which may involve getting gear wet.
• Sanitation: Equipped with **one outdoor vault privy** (vault toilet), providing a necessary convenience for waste disposal.
• Food Storage: Includes **two bear-proof food lockers**, which are critical for safely storing all food, garbage, and scented items away from wildlife, ensuring bear safety protocols are met.
• Tent Placement: Provides **two cleared tent pads** (approximately 14' x 14'), offering level and designated areas to pitch tents, which helps protect the surrounding natural vegetation.
• Cooking & Gathering: Furnished with **one picnic table** and **one metal fire ring** with a cooking grate, allowing for safe campfires and outdoor meal preparation (subject to local fire restrictions).
• Reservation System: All overnight use requires an advanced reservation and permit obtained through the official National Park Service booking system.
• Pet Policy: Pets are generally allowed at frontcountry campsites but must be kept on a leash (six feet or shorter) and attended to at all times, with all waste packed out.

South Island S17 offers unique attributes that draw Minnesota campers looking for a genuine, water-based national park adventure.

• **Intimate Small-Group Setting:** Unlike larger campsites, S17's capacity limit of 9 ensures a more private, quiet, and intimate camping experience, perfect for families or small circles of friends seeking tranquility.
• **Island Seclusion:** The campsite is located on an island within Sand Point Lake. This geographical feature inherently minimizes human noise and maximizes the feeling of being deep in the wilderness, away from mainland intrusions.
• **Prime Voyageurs Location:** Being situated in the Crane Lake/Sand Point Lake area offers access to the park’s eastern side, known for its rugged beauty and as an entryway to a vast paddling and boating network that connects to Namakan Lake.
• **Direct Lake Access:** With its rock access point, the site is positioned right on the water's edge, offering immediate opportunities for fishing, swimming, or launching a canoe or kayak right from the camp.
• **The "Frontcountry" Balance:** It strikes a superb balance between primitive camping and convenience, offering necessary structures (privy, tent pads) while retaining the authentic environment of the Northwoods wilderness.
• **Ideal Base for Exploration:** Its location makes it a strategic starting point for day trips to nearby visitor destinations or for exploring the numerous bays and islands of Sand Point Lake and beyond.

All reservations and permits for the South Island S17 Campsite (Map Number S17) are handled through the National Park Service’s official centralized reservation system, Recreation.gov. For general information about the park or current conditions, visitors should contact the appropriate park visitor center.

Address for Site Location (General Area):

South Island S17 Campsite, Sand Point Lake Area

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA

Phone Number for Park Information:

For inquiries regarding permits, conditions, and planning a trip, please contact one of the Voyageurs National Park Visitor Centers. The Crane Lake Ranger Station is the most proximate point of contact for the eastern side of the park. Contact numbers for the park’s various visitor centers are publicly available through the National Park Service website.

South Island S17 Campsite is an outstanding match for Minnesota locals who cherish the state’s heritage of pristine lakes and quiet, accessible wilderness. Minnesotans understand the necessity of watercraft in this region, and the **boat-in access** of S17 reinforces the traditional Northwoods way of life, requiring a brief expedition to reach true solitude.

This small, secluded island site offers a manageable step into remote camping without sacrificing basic safety and comfort features like the vault privy and essential bear lockers. For a local family or a close-knit group of friends, the small-group capacity ensures a peaceful retreat, free from the noise and activity of larger, more developed campgrounds. It serves as a true sanctuary where one can appreciate the vastness of the Voyageurs ecosystem—from the dark, star-filled night skies to the call of the loon echoing across Sand Point Lake. For a genuine, immersive, and tranquil Minnesota lake-country experience, South Island S17 offers a perfect, well-equipped island haven, making it a must-book destination for anyone residing in the North Star State.

South Island S17 Campsite

Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA