Hinsdale Island Campsite 7

Unplugged and On the Water: Hinsdale Island Campsite #7

For Minnesotans who believe the best camping requires a boat and a sense of adventure, Hinsdale Island Campsite #7 on Lake Vermilion is a legendary destination. This is not a drive-up campground; it is a dedicated, primitive, boat-in campsite situated on Hinsdale Island, deep within the Kabetogama State Forest near Cook, MN 55723. It is one of only eleven such sites on the island, offering a rare blend of true island solitude and the expansive beauty of one of Minnesota's largest and most iconic lakes.

Hinsdale Island Campsites are specifically managed for their rustic appeal, meaning they furnish only the basic needs of the camper, providing an immersive Northwoods experience. Campsite #7 is a temporary home for those who love fishing, swimming, and relaxing away from the noise of civilization. Unlike crowded mainland facilities, the effort required to reach and sustain a stay at this campsite ensures a quiet and secluded experience, making it a highly prized location among local wilderness enthusiasts. If your idea of "creature comforts" includes serenity and quiet time in nature, this is the perfect spot.

Location and Accessibility

Hinsdale Island Campsite #7 is remote, situated on an island in Lake Vermilion, which defines its accessibility requirements.

• General Area: The island is centrally located on Lake Vermilion, a massive lake that borders the Kabetogama State Forest and the Superior National Forest. The nearest mainland hub is Cook, MN, though boat launches near Tower are also commonly used for access.
• Access Method: This site is boat-in only. There are no roads or foot trails leading to the site from the mainland. Visitors must launch their canoe, kayak, or motorboat from one of the public water access points on Lake Vermilion.
• Navigation: Reaching Hinsdale Island involves navigating the large, sometimes choppy waters of Lake Vermilion. Due to the lake’s size, boaters must be experienced and equipped with appropriate safety gear, charts, or GPS.
• Site-Specific Access: As one of 11 sites scattered around the island, Campsite #7 will feature its own small, rustic boat landing area. Campers should be prepared for a natural shoreline—likely rocky or vegetated—and exercise caution when mooring, especially during windy conditions.
• Reservations/Entry: The Hinsdale Island Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This requires a flexible itinerary, especially on weekends, though one community member noted they "didn't see a single other person" when they were there, attesting to the remote feel.

Services Offered

The services at Campsite #7 are intentionally minimal and primitive, designed to furnish only the basics while protecting the pristine environment.

• Primitive Campsite: The site consists of a cleared area suitable for tent pitching, providing a defined, low-impact base for camping.
• Picnic Table: Each site, including #7, is equipped with a sturdy picnic table for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring/Grill: A permanent fire ring or grate is provided for contained campfires. Visitors must bring their own dry firewood (as gathering firewood can be restricted) or purchase it locally, strictly adhering to all fire safety regulations and restrictions.
• Primitive Toilet: A primitive toilet (typically a vault-style or pit latrine) is provided nearby for waste disposal, ensuring sanitation is kept away from the lake and main camp area.
• Bear Protection: Sites on Hinsdale Island often include a bear box or an approved method for securing food (like a bear pole), which is a vital service in the Superior National Forest area.
• Water: Lake Vermilion is the raw water source. There is no potable water available on the island, meaning all drinking and cooking water must be filtered, purified, or packed in by the camper.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Hinsdale Island Campsite #7 are intrinsically linked to its unique island location and the surrounding Lake Vermilion environment.

• Unmatched Island Solitude: The key feature is the secluded campsites and the deep sense of privacy that comes with boat-in access. Having an entire island as your immediate backyard creates a truly special, tranquil experience.
• Premier Fishing Location: Lake Vermilion is recognized as one of Minnesota's finest fisheries. Campsite #7 provides direct access to prime spots for catching walleye, muskie, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
• Natural Shoreline Exploration: The island is part of a State Forest and offers opportunities for short, informal hikes and exploration of the undeveloped shoreline, with sightings of rock outcroppings and mature pine trees.
• Wildlife and Birding: The quiet, natural setting is perfect for observing wildlife, including bald eagles, common loons, cormorants, and deer, which frequent the area.
• Beautiful Sunsets/Sunrises: As an island campsite, #7 is likely strategically positioned to offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the sunset or sunrise over the large expanse of Lake Vermilion.
• Rustic and Authentic: The commitment to a primitive, non-electric camp ensures an authentic, skill-based camping experience that appeals to those seeking a break from modern comforts.

Contact Information

Hinsdale Island Campsites are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the local State Park office.

• Administrative Address (Closest Designation): Cook, MN 55723, USA.
• Managing Authority: Minnesota DNR - Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The Park manages the Hinsdale Island Campsites in the Kabetogama State Forest.
• Park Office Phone: (218) 300-7000 (The number provided is correct for the State Park office, the management hub for the island).
• DNR Reservation System: For general information or to check current status, you can also call the central DNR Information Center at (888) 646-6367.
• Reservation Status: These sites are typically offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are free with a 14-day limit. Always call the Park Office before a trip for the latest confirmation on the FCFS process.

Planning Tip: Be sure to check the MN DNR website for current fire conditions, as open burning may be prohibited during dry periods, even at designated fire rings.

What is Worth Choosing: Campsite #7’s Appeal

Hinsdale Island Campsite #7 is the ideal choice for Minnesotans seeking the pinnacle of rustic, tranquil lake camping. It is undeniably worth choosing for these reasons:

• The Boat-In Exclusivity: The requirement of boat access ensures the elimination of drive-up crowds, providing a level of quiet and remote wilderness that is becoming increasingly rare at mainland campgrounds.
• Authentic Northwoods Challenge: The primitive nature of the site, requiring packing in water and managing food storage in the wilderness, appeals to campers who value self-sufficiency and the skills needed for true outdoor living.
• Unspoiled Island Setting: Camping on an island is a uniquely rewarding experience, offering an escape from the busy shorelines and a constant, beautiful lake vista surrounding the site.
• Free First-Come, First-Served Access: The FCFS policy (and free nature of the sites) provides an accessible opportunity for spontaneous, yet remote, wilderness camping, though it requires a flexible travel schedule.

Campsite #7 on Hinsdale Island delivers a quintessential Minnesota experience: the challenge of the journey, the reward of solitude, and the pure, undisturbed beauty of Lake Vermilion.