Hinsdale Island Campsite 5

Introduction / Overview: True Northwoods Solitude on Lake Vermilion

For Minnesotans who measure a perfect getaway by the distance from the nearest paved road, Hinsdale Island Campsite 5 is a secluded dream come true. Situated on Hinsdale Island within the vast waters of Lake Vermilion, this campsite is one of only eleven designated, primitive sites managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of the Kabetogama State Forest. These sites are not only treasured for their quiet, isolated nature but also for being free to use, appealing to the self-sufficient angler and wilderness enthusiast.

Campsite #5, like all its counterparts on the island, is boat-in access only, immediately filtering out casual visitors and ensuring a truly peaceful experience. The camping is inherently rustic and primitive—there are no creature comforts like running water or electricity. Instead, visitors are rewarded with the serenity and quietude of a classic Northwoods environment, where the call of the loon and the lapping of waves against the granite shore replace the sounds of traffic and crowds. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is designed to furnish only the basic requirements of the camper: a cleared tent area, a fire ring, and sanitary facilities, allowing the natural environment of the lake to take center stage.

Location and Accessibility: A Water Journey Near Cook, MN

Hinsdale Island is located within the expansive, 40,000-acre Lake Vermilion in northeastern Minnesota, with the nearest administrative hub being the town of Cook, MN 55723, USA. The island is nestled within the state forest land that borders the lake, making its location prime for wilderness recreation.

Accessibility is determined entirely by the ability to travel by water:

Vehicle Staging: Campers must first drive to a public boat launch or a local marina near Cook or Tower. The Minnesota DNR provides clear directions to the general public access points that allow for launching a boat onto Lake Vermilion (e.g., via County Road 24 to Co. Rd. 78, then Co. Rd. 540).Boat Travel: From the launch point, the site requires travel by boat—be it motorized or non-motorized (canoe, kayak). Given the size of Lake Vermilion, motorboats are highly recommended for safety and efficiency, especially in unpredictable weather.Island Landing: Campsite #5 will have a rudimentary boat landing area, usually utilizing natural shore features like rock outcroppings or protected bays for pulling in and securing a boat.

The boat-in requirement is a feature, not a bug, ensuring that those who reach Campsite #5 are committed to the secluded campsites experience, making the effort of the journey well worth the reward of privacy.

Services Offered (Basic, Free, and Primitive)

Hinsdale Island Campsite 5 is managed under the primitive/rustic standard of the State Forest system. The services provided are minimal, emphasizing self-reliance and environmental preservation.

Campsite: A cleared area designated for tents, large enough for a standard-sized camping group (up to nine people).Cost: The site is free to use, reflecting its status as a primitive State Forest campsite, though a voluntary donation may sometimes be available.Fire Ring: A fire ring or established fire pit is provided for safe, contained campfires.Picnic Table: A picnic table is available, offering a central area for meal preparation and dining.Bear Box: A bear-resistant food locker is provided at the site, a critical amenity for safely storing food and scented items away from the area's black bear population.Toilet: A primitive toilet (typically a vault or pit toilet) is provided, ensuring proper waste disposal away from the lake.Water: No potable water is available. Campers must bring their own supply or draw water from Lake Vermilion and use a reliable filter, purification tablets, or boiling to ensure safety.Firewood: Not provided. Campers must bring their own firewood (following state restrictions on moving wood) or gather dead and downed wood from the island's forest floor.Reservations: Not accepted. The site is strictly first-come, first-served with a 14-day limit, meaning early arrival is necessary during peak season.

Features / Highlights (A Seeker's Delight)

The highlights of Campsite #5 are those that define the ultimate Northwoods escape—unspoiled nature and high-quality recreation.

Unrivaled Seclusion: Being one of only 11 sites on a large island guarantees high solitude and a quiet, immersive experience, perfect for disconnecting.World-Class Walleye Fishing: Lake Vermilion is nationally recognized as a premier fishery for walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, and smallmouth bass. The island location provides excellent, close-at-hand access to prime structure fishing.Bear-Safe Camping: The presence of a bear-resistant food locker is a significant feature, offering peace of mind and simplifying food storage logistics for safe wilderness camping.Free and Low-Cost: The free status of the campsite makes it an exceptional value, allowing local users to enjoy a high-quality island vacation without the associated costs of developed campgrounds or resorts.Ideal for Paddlers: While accessible by motorboat, the site is perfectly suited for canoeists and kayakers exploring the bays and quiet coves of Lake Vermilion.Natural Beauty: The island is covered in classic boreal forest—towering red and white pines, granite outcroppings, and crystal-clear lake water, providing stunning photography and nature viewing opportunities.Stargazing: Far from city lights, the site offers exceptional viewing of the night sky, with high potential for viewing meteor showers and the Northern Lights during darker periods.

Contact Information

As a site within the Kabetogama State Forest, inquiries are managed by the overseeing State Park office.

Address: Cook, MN 55723, USA (General Vicinity on Lake Vermilion)

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

Minnesota DNR Information Center (General Inquiries): (888) 646-6367

What is Worth Choosing Hinsdale Island Campsite 5

Choosing Hinsdale Island Campsite 5 is an investment in pure, unadulterated Minnesota wilderness. It is worth the boat-in effort because it provides a rare combination of premium island solitude and a free camping experience. This site is specifically designed for local users who crave a rustic setting—the absence of crowds, the presence of essential primitive amenities (bear box, latrine, table), and the immediate access to Lake Vermilion's renowned fishing and paddling waters. Unlike busy drive-in sites, Campsite #5 offers a genuine escape where the primary activities are dictated by nature, not scheduled entertainment. For the Minnesotan who values their privacy, their boat, and their fishing rod, this first-come, first-served island haven is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the heart of the Northwoods.