Insula Lake
About Insula Lake
Insula Lake is a 2,840-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 75 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet.
The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 41 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Insula Lake
- 2,840 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Ely
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Average water clarity around 7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,840 acres
- Max depth
- 63 ft
- Shoreline
- 75 mi
- Water clarity
- 7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,190 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 5 carry-in accesses
- Swim beach
- Camping (41 mapped)
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Camping & Reservations
41 campgrounds are mapped on or near Insula Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Insula Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Insula Lake?
Insula Lake is in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely. It covers 2,840 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Insula Lake?
Insula Lake covers 2,840 acres with about 75 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet.
What fish can you catch at Insula Lake?
The DNR has no fish survey on file for Insula Lake.
Is there a public boat launch on Insula Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Insula Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Can you camp at Insula Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.