Lake Vermilion Public Islands

Black Duck Lake holds the most developed camping. Island 222, the largest BLM island, has three dispersed campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Island 224 has one campsite. Both islands have fiberglass latrines. Island 223 is currently overgrown and closed to camping. You can hike trails around Island 222's perimeter. The islands sit near Orr, Minnesota, about 100 miles north of Duluth.

Lake Vermilion itself spans over 40,000 surface acres with 365 islands total and 1,200 miles of shoreline. Walleye, musky, bass, and pike inhabit the lake. You can fish from shore or stop for a shore lunch. Northern Minnesota has some of the darkest skies in North America. Islands work well for stargazing and aurora viewing during high geomagnetic activity. Bald eagles and common loons nest here. You'll also see osprey, kingfisher, cormorant, and pelican.

The BLM allows camping on a first-come, first-served basis with no permit or fee required. You bring your own water and pack out all waste. Winter recreation includes ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Swimming and limited hunting are also allowed.

Access requires a boat. You launch from public ramps around the lake and navigate to your chosen island. The BLM manages these islands under federal regulations for public use and resource protection. Camping is dispersed style with minimal facilities. You respect nesting birds and wildlife habitat by staying on designated sites.

Call the BLM Northeastern States District before you go to confirm current island conditions and access points.