Hinsdale Island Campsite 11

Introduction / Overview: Your Private Island Escape on Lake Vermilion

For Minnesotans who believe the best camping is reached by water, Hinsdale Island Campsite 11 offers a premier, rustic island experience on the spectacular Lake Vermilion. Unlike the large, developed campgrounds lining the shore, the campsites on Hinsdale Island, managed by the Kabetogama State Forest (often managed through the nearby Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park office), are one of only a few boat-in only camping areas on this massive, 40,000-acre lake. This means that tranquility and seclusion are the main features of your stay.

Campsite #11 is a specific gem among the eleven primitive sites found across the island. It is known for its dual-level setup, providing a perfect blend of safety and scenery: a secluded tent area at the base for protection and a high, rocky spot for campfires and panoramic views. As a primitive, state forest site, it is designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper—a cleared area, fire ring, and toilet—allowing the surrounding nature to be the star. The focus here is on world-class fishing, boating, and enjoying the rugged, pine-studded beauty of the Northwoods away from road traffic and crowds.

Location and Accessibility: A Boat Ride from Tower, MN

Hinsdale Island Campsite 11 is geographically located within the expansive waters of Lake Vermilion, near the historical town of Tower, MN 55790, USA. The island itself is managed as part of the Kabetogama State Forest.

Accessibility is a defining feature of this location—it is accessible by water only. There are no roads or bridges to the island.

Vehicle Access: Campers drive to one of the many public boat launches or marinas around Lake Vermilion, such as those near Tower (like the public launch near McKinley Park Campground) or those near Cook.Boat Travel: From the launch point, visitors must travel by boat (motorized or non-motorized) to Hinsdale Island. Lake Vermilion is a vast body of water, and boat travel is necessary to reach the island.On-Site Access: Campsite #11 is tucked within a bay on the island, which provides some protection for boat docking. Reviewers note that natural features, such as logs, often allow for perfect pull-in and tie-off to a shore tree, making the boat-in aspect convenient for loading and unloading.Nearby Amenities: Despite its seclusion, the campsite is in an area with some heavy boat traffic, indicating its proximity to popular lake routes. This allows for relatively easy, though distant, access to popular lakeside businesses like Retreat Lodge or Timbuktu Marina for essential supplies like gas, ice, bait, and minor conveniences.

Services Offered (Basic & Primitive)

The Hinsdale Island campsites are classified as "primitive" or "rustic" State Forest campgrounds, meaning they offer only the most basic amenities to ensure a low-impact wilderness experience.

Campsite: A cleared area designated for tents. Campsite #11 is notably large, with customer reviews confirming it can "fit a lot of tents."Fire Ring: A fire ring or pre-established fire location is provided at the site, which often is built on a rocky area with a view.Primitive Toilet: A primitive toilet (typically a vault or pit toilet) is provided for sanitation purposes, which is standard for all 11 sites on the island.Picnic Table: A picnic table is usually provided within the cleared area for meal preparation and dining.Bear Box: A bear box or bear-resistant food storage locker is provided at the campsite, essential for securing food from local wildlife.Water: No potable water is available. Campers must bring their own water or be prepared to draw and filter/treat water from Lake Vermilion.Firewood: Campers must bring their own firewood or gather dead and downed wood that is lying on the ground, a common allowance in State Forests, though checking for current fire bans is necessary. Do not cut standing trees.Reservations: These campsites are generally first-come, first-served, with payment typically managed through a self-registration system or online payment, with no advance reservations available.

Features / Highlights (The Island Advantage)

Campsite #11 stands out for its unique topography and location, appealing directly to the Northwoods angler and scenery-seeker.

Dual-Level Layout: The site offers a split-level camping area. The top of the hill hosts the primary fire location, offering a vantage point, while the main tent spot is at the base, providing shelter from the wind and a clearer line of sight for the morning.Stunning Sunrise View: The tent spot at the base offers a great view of the morning sunrise over Lake Vermilion, a highly-praised feature by past visitors.Excellent Fishing Access: The location is renowned for its fishing. Reviewers confirm catching prized species like walleye, bass, and perch just outside the camp's bay, making it a dream spot for the Minnesota angler.Boat Protection: The bay where the site is located allows for convenient and somewhat protected boat pull-in and tie-off, a major practical benefit for a boat-in only site.Windy Overlook: The top of the hill is windy, a feature that, while not recommended for tent setup, provides a breezy area to escape bugs on calm evenings and a commanding panoramic view.Island Seclusion: Being on a boat-in island ensures a high degree of seclusion compared to drive-in sites, providing the quiet, natural ambiance Minnesotans seek.Nearby Supplies: Despite the primitive nature, the area’s heavy boat traffic means marinas with gas, ice, and bait (like Timbuktu and Retreat Lodge) are accessible by boat for quick supply runs.

Contact Information

As Hinsdale Island is managed by the Kabetogama State Forest, administrative and contact questions should be directed to the managing State Park office.

Address: Tower, MN 55790, USA (General Area)

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Office (Managing Unit): (218) 300-7000

Minnesota DNR Information Center: (888) 646-6367

What is Worth Choosing Hinsdale Island Campsite 11

Choosing Hinsdale Island Campsite 11 is choosing one of Lake Vermilion's most genuine and rewarding island escapes. It is worth the effort of the boat ride because it delivers on the promise of a rustic, secluded Northwoods experience while still offering essential infrastructure like a bear box and primitive toilet. For the Minnesota resident, this site is a perfect blend of accessible adventure and high-quality recreation. The combination of excellent, near-site fishing (walleye, bass, perch), the gorgeous sunrise views from the tent site, and the sheer amount of space (fitting many tents) makes this particular site a favorite for serious fishing groups and families seeking a quiet island getaway. The boat-in accessibility filters out the casual visitor, ensuring a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere than the busy mainland campgrounds. If you own a boat and cherish the idea of having a large, private, dual-level campsite on one of Minnesota’s greatest fishing lakes, Campsite #11 on Hinsdale Island is an ideal choice.