Hinsdale Island Campsite 3

A Prime Spot on the Water: Hinsdale Island Campsite #3 on Lake Vermilion

For Minnesotans who have explored the state's drive-up campgrounds and are ready for the next level of tranquility, Hinsdale Island Campsite #3 on Lake Vermilion is the perfect boat-in escape. Located within the vast Kabetogama State Forest near Cook, MN 55723, this site offers a highly sought-after, primitive island camping experience. As one of the eleven designated, rustic campsites on Hinsdale Island, it represents the ideal opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Northwoods, accessible only by watercraft.

Lake Vermilion is widely regarded as one of Minnesota's most beautiful and productive lakes, known for its endless bays, rocky shorelines, and pristine waters. Choosing an island site like #3 provides an unparalleled sense of isolation and privacy, guaranteeing a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle of the mainland resorts and public landings. This site is tailored for self-sufficient campers—paddlers and motorboaters alike—who value the serenity of an undisturbed shoreline, excellent fishing access, and a commitment to preserving the remote character of this State Forest land. The effort it takes to secure and supply this campsite is immediately rewarded with unmatched lakeside quiet.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #3's location on Hinsdale Island is strategically remote, requiring careful planning and boat navigation on Lake Vermilion.

• General Area: Hinsdale Island sits prominently in the middle portion of Lake Vermilion, a massive body of water spanning over 40,000 acres. The managing authority is linked to the nearby Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park and the Kabetogama State Forest.
• Access Method: This is a boat-in only campsite. Visitors must launch from a public access point (such as those near Cook, Tower, or State Park landings) and paddle or motor to the island.
• Navigation: Due to the size of Lake Vermilion, reaching Hinsdale Island can take considerable time and requires attention to weather and waves. Boaters should carry nautical charts or a GPS unit for safe navigation.
• Shoreline Interface: Campsite #3, like its neighbors, will have a rustic, natural boat landing area. Campers should anticipate a rocky or undeveloped shoreline, requiring careful landing and secure mooring of their watercraft.
• Reservation Status: Campsites on Hinsdale Island typically operate on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis. This means successful access depends on arriving before other campers, particularly during peak summer weekends.

Services Offered

As a primitive, boat-in site managed by the Minnesota DNR, Campsite #3 is equipped with only essential, low-impact facilities.

• Cleared Camp Area: The site features a cleared, dedicated area suitable for pitching multiple tents, accommodating the maximum group size allowed (typically 9 people).
• Picnic Table: A durable picnic table is provided, offering a stable surface for cooking and dining, a vital amenity on a rustic site.
• Fire Ring/Grill: A permanent metal fire ring or grate is installed for contained campfires. Visitors must plan to bring their own dry firewood (as gathering is often restricted on islands) and must observe all state fire regulations.
• Primitive Latrine: For sanitation, the site is served by a nearby primitive toilet (typically a vault-style or pit latrine), located discreetly away from the main camp and water’s edge.
• Bear Safety: Most remote sites in this area require bear-aware practices. Campsite #3 will likely include a bear-proof storage box or hanging apparatus (like a bear pole) for securing food and scented items away from wildlife.
• Water: Lake Vermilion is the raw water source. No potable water is supplied, making a reliable water filter, purifier, or packed-in supply an absolute necessity.

Features / Highlights

Campsite #3's highlights stem from its location on one of Minnesota's most spectacular lakes and its dedication to primitive island camping.

• Unrivaled Isolation: The island location provides the ultimate form of natural solitude. The only sounds you are likely to hear are the wind, the waves, and the calls of the loons.
• Prime Fishing Access: Lake Vermilion is a nationally renowned fishing lake. Staying at Campsite #3 places anglers directly on the water, offering immediate access to deep-water holes and island structure known to hold walleye, muskie, and smallmouth bass.
• Water-Centric Recreation: The entire experience revolves around the lake. Campers can enjoy excellent swimming from the rocky shorelines, extended paddling trips around the island, and exploration of nearby bays and coves.
• Spectacular Lake Views: As an island campsite, #3 offers sweeping, 360-degree views (depending on tree cover) of the water, making sunrises, sunsets, and stormy weather particularly dramatic.
• Starry Skies: Located far from town lights, the Kabetogama State Forest area is known for its dark night skies, perfect for watching meteor showers and viewing the Milky Way.
• Rustic Charm: The site's primitive nature ensures the surrounding shoreline remains natural and unspoiled, offering an authentic, rugged Northwoods aesthetic.

Contact Information

For information regarding Campsite #3, contact the appropriate Minnesota DNR office responsible for the Kabetogama State Forest/Lake Vermilion region.

• Administrative Address (Closest Designation): Cook, MN 55723, USA.
• Managing Authority: Minnesota DNR - Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. This park office manages the dispersed camping on Hinsdale Island.
• Park Office Phone: (218) 300-7000 (The best source for up-to-date information on island access, FCFS status, and rules).
• DNR General Information: (888) 646-6367 (For general State Forest camping rules).
• Site Status: These sites are typically offered on a free, first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day limit. It is highly advisable to confirm the current status and check for any closures or fire bans by contacting the Park Office before departure.

Safety Tip: Lake Vermilion is large and prone to severe weather. Always check the NOAA marine forecast before boating to Hinsdale Island, and never attempt to cross the main lake during high winds or thunderstorms.

What is Worth Choosing: The Campsite #3 Experience

Hinsdale Island Campsite #3 is worth choosing because it delivers the quintessential remote Minnesota island camping experience without requiring a BWCA permit or long portages.

• True Island Isolation: It provides a genuine sense of escape and quiet that is virtually impossible to find at a mainland campground. You are surrounded by water and solitude.
• Fishing Enthusiast's Dream: The location is unparalleled for anglers, allowing immediate, round-the-clock access to the abundant fisheries of Lake Vermilion.
• Primitive but Prepared: The site's balance of being rustic (no electricity/water) yet prepared (picnic table, fire ring, latrine) offers the perfect blend of challenge and basic comfort.
• Accessibility for Boaters: It is highly accessible to all types of boaters—from canoeists to those with larger motorboats—who can safely navigate the lake and land on the natural shoreline.

For Minnesotans ready to trade pavement for pristine lake water, Hinsdale Island Campsite #3 is the perfect, isolated home base for exploring the boundless recreational opportunities of Lake Vermilion.