Camping On Vermilion

[arctic_scrap1]

I'm looking to do an overnight muskie trip to Vermilion some time this summer. I'll need a place to camp for the night though and I'd rather not stay at a resort. I don't need any hookups or amenities and just want a quiet spot. Are there any very basic camp grounds with a launch or close to a public access? I also understand a few of the islands you can camp on?

[bassbouncer]

1 hour ago, arctic_scrap1 said:

I'm looking to do an overnight muskie trip to Vermilion some time this summer. I'll need a place to camp for the night though and I'd rather not stay at a resort. I don't need any hookups or amenities and just want a quiet spot. Are there any very basic camp grounds with a launch or close to a public access? I also understand a few of the islands you can camp on?

Hinsdale island has quite a few campsites on it 

[FishinCT]

Hinsdale island for middle of the lake, as long as you have an aluminum boat. Wakemup bay campground for west end, it's right next to a public access. McKinley park on the east end, although this one can be a little more touristy and not the quietest place in the world. 

[Nelseye]

Sorry to pile on but i think it applies... What do campers and Islanders do with their trucks and trailers while away? I assume the public accesses would be full and the DNR frowns upon parking here. Everyone must use one of the Marinas? Is there any preference to which? Other options available?

[J.D.]

Used many public accesses and camped on many public sites around the lake for nearly a decade and I’ve never had a problem. The DNR doesn’t frown on traffic, besides it’s your tax dollars put them to use. 

[Starfisher]

Hoodoo Point campground, has tent sites right on water you can pull your boat up to. Right next to great public launch.

 

[Getanet]

10 hours ago, Nelseye said:

Sorry to pile on but i think it applies... What do campers and Islanders do with their trucks and trailers while away? I assume the public accesses would be full and the DNR frowns upon parking here. Everyone must use one of the Marinas? Is there any preference to which? Other options available?

 

This wasn't on Vermillion, but a few weeks ago my buddy and I camped on Cass. We just called a resort and they let us launch our boat and keep our truck/trailer there. It was $10 to launch and $10/day for parking. We just didn't want to leave our truck unattended for a few days at the public access in case someone decided to mess with it.

 

 

[Nelseye]

14 hours ago, Getanet said:

 

This wasn't on Vermillion, but a few weeks ago my buddy and I camped on Cass. We just called a resort and they let us launch our boat and keep our truck/trailer there. It was $10 to launch and $10/day for parking. We just didn't want to leave our truck unattended for a few days at the public access in case someone decided to mess with it.

 

 

 

This was exactly my thought- Vermilion landings are normally pretty safe but i would worry about my truck also. What Marina's do people normally use on Vermilion? The landings are not big enough for all the Islanders and campers!

 

[delcecchi]

The water access people often have 'access lots' on the mainland that they use.  Often they are shared by several families.

 

People do leave vehicles at public accesses for several days.  Moccasin point is one of the more popular ones.  

 

If there are two of you you could camp at wakemup, and launch nearby.  Then bring vehicle back to campground.   You could probably do it alone but would have to walk some.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/compass/pwa.html?map=COMPASS_MAPFILE&mode=itemquery&qitem=uniquekey&qstring=WAS00592&qlayer=shor_waspt3_query

[Stephen L Johnston Jr.]

Aronsons boat works in pike bay is legit.

[Nelseye]

Does anyone have any experience with Shamrock on Frazer?

[VermilionGold]

Shamrock is an great facility, and the staff is excellent.  They do not have a boat launch though, boats are put in and out of the water with a giant forklift.  There is a launch very close by, maybe they would let you park there after launching.

[SkunkedAgain]

Don't forget that the new Vermilion State Park campground. There are plenty of drive-in campsites and a boat launch. They built this essentially for you.

 

As for Nelseye - I have a water-access-only property and leave my truck/trailer at the Head-O-Lakes launch next to The Landing every time. I've been doing it for fifteen years and only had one minor issue. I still don't think twice about leaving my vehicle up there for long periods of time.

[Nelseye]

I normally use the Frazer bay launch but it is so isolated i was looking for other options this summer. It is just so convenient for our property. May give Shamrocks a try. Thanks!

[RoosterMan]

If I were looking to park for free and camp I would Launch at Moccasin point and check out the camp site on the way to trout lake portage and the one on the far east end North of Pine .  A couple years ago we boated over there and camped for the evening.  Great quiet location and there is some pretty decent fishing close to there.  Just a thought.

[Lunderfull]

Shamrock has a public boat launch right next door. 

[mbeyer]

Launch at Moccasin Point, travel ESE 3/4 of a mile . A camp site on point on Pine island. No hook ups, but flat, spot for boat, fire ring.