Pros & cons
PROS
- Picnic tables and an outdoor privy
- No reservations; first-come day-use site
CONS
- Boat access only
- No overnight use and minimal services
Overview
A simple, boat-in day-use stop on a forested island, this site (listed as site R80 in some directories) is set up for quick lakeside breaks and low-key picnics. It’s one of the park’s designated day-use spots: places to land, relax for a few hours, and move on.
What You’ll Find
Expect a basic picnic setup with tables and an outdoor privy. The draw here is the easy, on-the-water pause with classic lake and island scenery—nothing flashy, just a quiet perch to enjoy your lunch and the shoreline.
Access and Navigation
This is a water-access-only location. You’ll need your own boat or a ride with an outfitter to get here. On some official materials and maps, you may see it labeled as “Dryweed Island”; it’s the same place—just a naming mix-up to be aware of so you don’t paddle past it.
Rules and What to Know
- Day use only: no camping or overnight stays.
- First-come, first-served—no reservations.
- Services are minimal: think picnic table and privy, and not much else.
What to Bring
Bring water, food, and sun protection—there’s nowhere to buy anything here. Life jackets are a must for everyone in your boat. Pack out all trash.
Wildlife
There’s no site-specific wildlife info published for this spot. Treat it like a quiet island picnic nook—if you see or hear anything wild while you’re there, consider it a bonus.
Best Time to Visit
Because sites are first-come, arriving earlier in the day generally gives you the best shot at an open table. Weekdays tend to be more relaxed than weekends. Plan your timing around your boating window and the day’s weather.
Where it is
48.6108, -93.1208Tips for Drywood Island Day Use Area
- 01If navigating by maps, note it may appear as “Dryweed Island.”
- 02Arrive earlier in the day for the best chance at an open table.
- 03Bring all water and food; there are no supplies available on-site.
- 04Pack PFDs for everyone—this is boat-in only and conditions can change.
Amenities
Near Drywood Island Day Use Area
All places →All trails →
0.5 mi awayDryweed IslandSecluded boat-in island campsite with big Rainy Lake viewsCampground · Picnic Table
0.7 mi awayHarrison East Day Use AreaQuiet water-access picnic stop on Harrison BayRestroom · Picnic Table
1.2 mi awayBig American IslandQuiet Rainy Lake island of rock shores, dark skies, and solitude
2.2 mi awayGold Mine ruinsBoat-access island ruins from Minnesota's brief gold rushTrailhead · Exhibit
2.2 mi awayLittle American Island Interpretive TrailBoat-in loop through Rainy Lake’s gold rush remainsEasy · 0.3 mi · 18 min
2.6 mi awayBlack Bay Beaver Pond TrailBoat-only stroll to a quiet beaver pond and classic North Woods.Moderate · 1.2 mi · 45 min
2.6 mi awayRainy Lake Recreation TrailEasy, paved lakeside path from Rainy Lake Visitor Center.Easy · 3.4 mi · 1.5 hr
2.6 mi awayOberholtzer TrailEasy Rainy Lake sampler with boardwalks, forest, and overlooksEasy · 1.7 mi · 45 min
