BLM Opens New Campsites on Islands at Black Duck Lake

“We got islands, yes we do. We got islands, how ‘bout you?” 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has officially opened six new campsites on islands in Minnesota’s Black Duck Lake. These islands are part of the BLM’s Northeastern States District. The campsites were finished during the week of June 23, 2026. 

A small team of supervisors and specialists worked hard to get everything ready. They traveled by boat across the newly thawed lake to deliver supplies, build picnic tables, pour concrete for fire rings, and clear away tall weeds and brush. It was a big job, but the team was excited to bring new recreation opportunities to the public. 

“The Eastern States is proud to feature new quality recreation access that provides primitive but meaningful assets to outdoor enthusiasts a premiere Minnesota lake,” explains District Manager Pamela Mathis. “People are using their public lands for fish-cleaning, grilling, camping and birding, and we are seeing many regional visitors now.”

Work on the project started a year earlier. Staff created boat access points, cleared land, built trails, and installed the first fire rings. Now, three of the four islands have improved recreation sites, complete with official camping signs and markers.  

“Black Duck Lake is a great spot to camp- especially if you like birding. You can see everything from yellow warblers to American white pelicans and bald eagles, and every size bird in between! There are nice soft trails where you can look at a variety of native plants, and maybe even spot some pollinators like half-black bumblebees (Bombus vagans) hard at work!” praised natural resource specialist Nikki Carter. 

The BLM manages 86 islands on Lake Vermillion and four islands on Black Duck Lake. With the new campsites now open, visitors have more places to explore and enjoy nature up close. 

The new sites are already drawing interest from local campers and paddlers eager for fresh experiences on the water. With improved access and clear signage, visitors can easily navigate the islands and enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by northern Minnesota’s iconic wildlife and scenery.