Stoneburner Island S18 Campsite, Crane Lake, MN

Introduction / Overview: Your Private Island Escape at Stoneburner Island S18

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, but few destinations offer the pure, island-based wilderness camping experience found at Voyageurs National Park. The Stoneburner Island S18 Campsite, a 'Frontcountry' camping location on the expansive Sand Point Lake, provides an unmatched opportunity for local residents to fully immerse themselves in the state’s aquatic Northwoods. This is a boat-in-only site, meaning you leave the roads and crowds behind for true seclusion on your own small island haven.

Designated as a 'Small Campsite,' S18 is ideally suited for intimate gatherings, with a maximum capacity of nine people. It provides the essential amenities required for a comfortable stay while maintaining the rustic feel of a remote wilderness site. This is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a dedicated basecamp for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the serene beauty that defines this National Park.

Stoneburner Island S18 promises those breathtaking lake views and the quiet isolation that Minnesotans often seek in their state park trips, but elevates the experience by making the watercraft an essential part of the journey. Reservations are mandatory and highly competitive, reflecting the high value placed on this unique style of Minnesota camping.

Location and Accessibility: A Voyageur’s Journey from Crane Lake

The Stoneburner Island S18 Campsite is situated in the southern district of Voyageurs National Park, located on one of the numerous islands scattered across Sand Point Lake. While the official address is given as Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA, this serves as the primary gateway community. Accessibility to S18 is strictly by watercraft; no vehicular traffic or hiking trails lead directly to the island campsite.

The journey to the campsite begins from one of the area's public boat launches, most commonly accessed via the facilities near Crane Lake, which is approximately 9.7 miles away by water. This water travel requirement is what ensures the campsite's remarkable solitude. Visitors must arrive prepared with their own boat, canoe, or kayak, or arrange for a rental from one of the many local outfitters in the gateway communities of Crane Lake or Ash River.

Important Note on Boat Access: While official park descriptions may classify the S18 landing as 'sand access,' real customer feedback indicates the shoreline at Stoneburner Island is predominantly rocky. Local campers, particularly those with painted aluminum or fiberglass boats, must take extra caution and come prepared with heavy-duty boat bumpers, ropes, or other protective mooring equipment. The rugged, rocky nature of the shoreline is a characteristic feature of the Northwoods but requires careful planning to prevent cosmetic or structural damage to watercraft.

Services Offered

Stoneburner Island S18 is equipped with the core amenities that the National Park Service provides at its Frontcountry campsites, ensuring a safe and manageable wilderness stay for groups up to nine. These services are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing visitor comfort:

One Picnic Table: A durable, communal surface for meal preparation, dining, or relaxing with a book.
One Metal Fire Ring with Cooking Grate: A secure area for building a campfire (with approved firewood only) for cooking and warmth, designed to prevent ground fires.
Two Tent Pads: Leveled, dedicated areas (approx. 12’ x 10’) for pitching tents, protecting ground vegetation and providing a comfortable sleeping surface.
Two Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Secure storage (measuring 52” w x 36” d x 21” h each) is provided and mandatory for all food, garbage, and scented items to ensure bear safety.
One Outdoor Privy (Vault Toilet): A sanitary, enclosed outdoor toilet facility. All non-toilet paper waste must be packed out.
Boat Landing/Shoreline Access: Designated area for beaching or mooring watercraft. Campers should be aware this access is rocky and not sandy, requiring careful boat handling.

Features / Highlights

Stoneburner Island S18 is a cherished destination among Minnesota campers for several distinct reasons, blending the region's natural beauty with functional camping features:

Island Exclusivity: Camping on a small island provides a truly unique and secluded experience, surrounded by the waters of Sand Point Lake, a defining feature of VNP.
Stunning Lakefront Views: The island location offers 360-degree views of the massive lake, perfect for watching sunsets, sunrises, and the possibility of viewing the Northern Lights.
Proximity to Crane Lake Gateway: Despite its remote feel, the campsite is relatively close—less than 10 miles—to the launch points and services in the community of Crane Lake.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are welcome at this Frontcountry site (must be kept on a leash), allowing Minnesota pet owners to bring their companions on their water-based adventure.
Excellent Fishing Basecamp: Sand Point Lake is renowned for its fishing opportunities, and S18 serves as an ideal base for anglers looking to target Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass.
Secluded 'Small Campsite' Status: Capped at a maximum of nine occupants, the site ensures a peaceful, private stay, far removed from the noise and activity of larger group sites.

Contact Information

As Stoneburner Island S18 is a remote island campsite within the protected boundaries of a National Park, there is no direct on-site management or phone service. All planning, reservations, and emergency contact procedures must be coordinated through the park’s main administrative and visitor center channels.

Address (General Area / Nearest Gateway): Crane Lake, MN 55725, USA

Phone (Voyageurs National Park - Ash River Visitor Center, closest general area): (218) 374-3221

All overnight stays at Campsite S18 must be secured via an advanced reservation and permit through the National Park Service's official online platform (Recreation.gov). Please ensure you have a printed or digital copy of your permit displayed upon arrival.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Stoneburner Island S18 offers Minnesota locals the ultimate expression of the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" culture. We are a state that embraces water travel, and the boat-in requirement transforms a simple camping trip into an exciting voyage of exploration and escape. This is a place that truly forces a disconnection from the paved world, replacing city sounds with the call of the common loon and the rustling of pine trees.

The small group size and island setting appeal directly to the Minnesota desire for high-quality, undisturbed solitude. However, locals must heed the practical advice from previous visitors: while the beauty is undeniable, the rocky boat access demands careful boat handling and proper protective equipment. By planning for this rugged shoreline, Minnesotans can fully enjoy the rewarding views, excellent water activities, and deep-wilderness feel that make Stoneburner Island S18 a jewel of the Voyageurs National Park camping experience—an authentic taste of Northern Minnesota at its most pristine.