Crane Lake

Star0
0 review
Crane Lake, MN
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,109 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens LaCroix Ranger District, Superior National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Crane Lake
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No explicit fees mentioned for the backcountry campsites at Crane Lake. Free overnight parking is available at the public boat launch near Handberg's...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
(218) 666-0020SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"Users have not submitted reviews directly available in the provided source data, but the focus on dispersed camping suggests that the area attracts those looking for solitude and primitive camping experiences."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Crane Lake, MN

Crane Lake

Crane Lake, MN

Driving directionsFrom Orr, take County Highway 23 to Buyck. At Buyck, County 23 turns into County 24. Continue on 24 to the community of Crane Lake.
Roads leading to Crane Lake are paved and accessible year-round. Seasonal conditions such as snow may affect accessibility.
Nearby places
- Orr, MN: 27 miles / Approx. 35 minutes drive - Buyck, MN: 15 miles / Approx. 20 minutes drive
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in the community of Crane Lake. The nearest comprehensive shopping options are in Orr, MN (27 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Crane Lake

Experience the dramatic personality of Minnesota's north woods as seasons transform Crane Lake into distinctly different worlds. Summer brings perfect paddling weather with comfortable 78°F afternoons cooling to crisp 60°F evenings under star-filled skies. When winter arrives, the landscape becomes a crystalline wonderland where temperatures hover around a brisk 22°F by day and dip to 10°F at night—ideal for those seeking true winter wilderness solitude. Spring awakens the forest with gentle rains and warming temperatures, while autumn paints the shoreline in brilliant golds and crimsons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers ideal paddling and fishing; described 78°F afternoons and low precipitation windows.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal transformations in the north woods imply attractive fall colors and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Variable spring weather; paddling/fishing resume but conditions are cooler and wetter than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but 'winters can be harsh' with significant snowfall; limited winter facilities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates defined.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: None currently noted.

About Crane Lake

Escape into the pristine wilderness at Crane Lake, where three secluded backcountry campsites await adventurous souls willing to arrive by paddle or motor. This aquatic paradise serves as your personal gateway to two of Minnesota's most treasured wild spaces—the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the stunning Voyageurs National Park. Cast your line into waters teeming with walleye and northern pike, or simply drift along the interconnected waterways that have captivated explorers for centuries.
Crane Lake primarily caters to backcountry, dispersed camping enthusiasts. The sites are undeveloped and are meant for those fully prepared to camp in natural conditions.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
No specified limit.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Crane Lake offers a wide range of water-related activities such as fishing, motorized, and non-motorized boating, in addition to opportunities for hunting. Due to its connection to other significant natural areas, it is also a gateway for exploration.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Crane Lake, which is known for its abundance of lake and pond fishing opportunities. Permits are required as per Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations.
BoatingCrane Lake is suitable for both motorized and non-motorized boating, offering direct access to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include wildlife encounters (especially bears), rugged terrain, cold water temperatures, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Active AlertsNone currently noted.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Crane Lake

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Crane Lake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users have not submitted reviews directly available in the provided source data, but the focus on dispersed camping suggests that the area attracts those looking for solitude and primitive camping experiences.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

The primary positives are the secluded, backcountry nature of the campsites, making it ideal for solitude seekers. The availability of fire rings and latrines is appreciated by users.

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and developed restroom facilities may be a drawback for some visitors.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own potable water or water filtration systems, as well as ensure they pack out all garbage.

Seasonal Insights

Based on weather data, the warmer months with lower precipitation are ideal for camping. Winters can be harsh, with significant snowfall and freezing conditions.

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and managed responsibly. Owners should ensure food is stored in bear-proof containers and clean up after their pets.

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Crane Lake? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Minnesota

Campgrounds
Superior National Forest
Crane Lake