I want to camp Burntside and then make the portage into Crab Lake the following morning. Has any one camped on one of the islands between the entry point and the portage. I was looking at the MN State Forest map for Burntside and there is state land which allows dispersed camping outside of the BWCA boundaries.

Burntside Trail Map

There are quite a few official Forest Service sites on Burntside, many of them are beautiful and nearly all come with a picnic table. Some of them see very limited use. You can locate them on the Fisher Maps (and probably other maps as well). Some of the state owned islands are not open to camping.

There is one campsite in the bay where Crab Creek flows into Burntside, which is about a one mile paddle from Crab Lake Portage. That would be the closest site for you.

Garrett: "I want to camp Burntside and then make the portage into Crab Lake the following morning. Has any one camped on one of the islands between the entry point and the portage. I was looking at the MN State Forest map for Burntside and there is state land which allows dispersed camping outside of the BWCA boundaries.

Burntside Trail Map "

Pretty sure there is no camping allowed on SNA's, Scientific Natural Areas, but I'm not certian, according to the map one Island is a SNA.

Anyone else notice there are several mentions around Burntside Lake as being the Chippewa National Forest? It has got to be a real bo-bo in the state map.

The camp site that TGO mentions is a fantastic site.

Thanks all. Is there any regulations preventing me from setting up camp in any spot I find fit for me outside of the BWCA. Two of us will be in hammocks, so flat ground is not a necessity.

Only the one which LindenTree mentions about the SNA above.

Garrett: "Thanks all. Is there any regulations preventing me from setting up camp in any spot I find fit for me outside of the BWCA. Two of us will be in hammocks, so flat ground is not a necessity."

Found the link, camping is not allowed on SNA's.
It also looks like many of the islands on Burntside are private land, you should get permission from the land owner to camp on private land.

About half way down this link, no camping on a SNA

Yeah SNAs never allow camping. It's a bit confusing, because the map I linked said that dispersed camping is allowed in state forests, but there's also private property in the state forest that isn't labeled by the map, I can see houses on google maps on various islands. Also the only designated SNA is in the photo below. I guess I should just call the proper agency for clarification.

This map has pretty good land status/ownership within the Superior NF.
I would buy it, it is also good for car camping in dispersd sites, and shows county lands within the SNF, I believe you can camp on most county lands within the SNF.
I don't have mine with me now, but it should show most Islands on Burntside Lake along with ownership. It has townships and sections on the map.



Where to purchase maps:
Superior National Forest Visitor Map
(2018 edition, map scale = ½ inch to 1 mile)
The 2018 edition includes the entire Forest with the western portion on one side and the eastern portion of the Forest on the other side. Features on the map include the road system, lakes, streams, recreation areas, ownership, points of interest, and other information beneficial to Forest visitors. Maps are printed on water and tear resistant paper.

Current (2018) prices: $14.00 waterproof 'paper' Forest Map

To purchase a map by mail, send a check payable to USDA Forest Service for the amount of the purchase.
Mail your order to:
Superior National Forest
8901 Grand Avenue Place
Duluth , MN 55808
We are now able to take credit card orders over the phone. Call any Superior National Forest office to purchase your map!

I have that map, it's a great. It's about the only resource that shows where all the backcountry site are at in the Superior National Forest.

The Fisher and McKenzie maps will show the designated camping sites on Burntside.

Do not camp anywhere except the designated spots.

The one I am familiar with in the area of the Crab portage is in School Section Bay (on the west end, not the north arm).

That would be twice as far (or more) from the campsite located in the Bay Crab Creek dumps into Burntside.
The one in School Section Bay is a nice campsite in the spring when there are no bugs, in the summer not much air flow in that area.

The Great Outdoors: "That would be twice as far (or more) from the campsite located in the Bay Crab Creek dumps into Burntside."

That's right. I didn't remember there is a camp site near the creek. That's certainly closer to the portage.

The campsite used to be just to the right where the Creek flows into Burntside as you approach it from the bay, then they moved it a few hundred yards down the shore on the north side.
It was VERY nice when it was next to the creek!!

Planning my first trip and sounds like the map is what I need. When I read "dispersed camping" I think free sites. Correct? Are these dispersed camping sites mentioned on water or off on a forest road in the middle of the woods? I plan to do a lot of car camping and exploring a wide area, may take a month excursion. Looking for as much free camping as possible. I've been surprised at how little free car camping on water there is in northern MN. Or even $5-10 camping.

Mark1: "Planning my first trip and sounds like the map is what I need. When I read "dispersed camping" I think free sites. Correct? Are these dispersed camping sites mentioned on water or off on a forest road in the middle of the woods? I plan to do a lot of car camping and exploring a wide area, may take a month excursion. Looking for as much free camping as possible. I've been surprised at how little free car camping on water there is in northern MN. Or even $5-10 camping. "

Mark,

I suggest you start a new thread with your questions.
I would think you will get alot more info from alot more people, this thread has kinda run its course.

If you don't start a new thread, I will try to help you in this thread.

deadriver: "

Do not camp anywhere except the designated spots.


"

I'd love to be corrected here, but I think this is wrong. You can practice dispersed camping for up to 16 days on National Forest lands. It's hard to find this information for Superior National Forest specifically - they direct you to areas that have dispersed "campsites" which have latrine and grate. But I don't think there is a rule that says you cannot camp elsewhere.

Even the map above says this about State Forest Lands "Dispersed camping with no amenities is allowed on state forest land, without fee. Camping is limited to 21 days between the second Sunday in September and the first Saturday in May. " Elsewhere in the General State Forest Rules section is says "Dispersed camping is allowed on state forest land at least one mile outside of campground areas for no fee"

What's important about this to me is that it means there are a lot of areas on Burntside where you could camp if you really had to. Many places along the western shore and the eastern part of the North Arm would be usable.

This was recently covered, you'll find some good info in this thread.