Introduction Welcome to your public lands! Lake Vermilion is one of the largest lakes in Minnesota, with over 40,000 surface acres, 1200 miles of shoreline, and 365 islands. BLM Northeastern States District manages 86 public islands in Lake Vermilion and 7 surrounding lakes in northern Minnesota. This includes islands
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Lake Vermilion Public Islands — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Lake Vermilion Public Islands?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Lake Vermilion Public Islands. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you swim here?
Yes — swimming is available at Lake Vermilion Public Islands. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.
Yes Can you camp at Lake Vermilion Public Islands?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Canfield Portage. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Lake Vermilion Public Islands is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Nearby sites
No machine-readable author provided. MisterSquirrel~commonsw / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Forest Service Superior National Forest
CheckThis Forest Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
NPS Photo / Daniel Dendler National Park Service Voyageurs National Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.