Campgrounds near Hibbing, Minnesota range across the rolling hills of the Mesabi Iron Range, with elevations between 1,400-1,600 feet. Most camping areas sit alongside mine pit lakes or natural bodies of water formed after the region's extensive iron ore mining operations. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F with nighttime lows around 55°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor recreation from May through September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Side Lake Campground, anglers enjoy multiple lake access points. "The lake is shallow for quite a ways out so it's great for water games and younger swimmers, as well as those who just just love floating around," notes Christina W. The twin-lake setup provides fishing flexibility between Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake.
Kayaking with islands: West Two River Campground offers reservoir paddling with unique geography. "This campground is next to a reservoir with many islands and no current (unless the mining company is pushing or pulling water from the lake," explains Frank G. The lake supports multiple fish species "from bullheads to northern pike."
Trail access: Sherwood Forest Campground provides direct access to regional trails. "It not only has full hook-ups and overlooks a lake, but is right on the Mesabi Bike Trail," writes Cindy B. Another visitor adds it's "right on the Mesabi trail and OHV trail" making it ideal for both cyclists and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.
What campers like
Beach quality: McCarthy Beach State Park offers exceptional swimming areas. "The beach is amazing with crystal clear water, shallow depths for kids and family swimming, great picnic spots all along the expansive shoreline," explains Janet R. The Group Camp sits "on a bluff with a beautiful view over Sturgeon Lake."
Wildlife viewing: Side Lake Campground provides excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Love listening to the loons at night and enjoying a campfire among the tall trees of the campground," shares Christina W., who adds, "This is also the best place that I have seen the northern lights." Another camper mentions being greeted by loon calls upon arrival.
Seasonal beauty: Fall camping offers spectacular colors and solitude. "We camped here in the fall and were the only people in the campground," reports Jen A. about McCarthy Beach State Park. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Hibbing see reduced visitors after Labor Day while maintaining open status through October.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Trout Lake Campground features campsites with varying degrees of seclusion. "The park is mostly occupied by seasonal campers who take advantage of the amazing fishing in the lake, but, there are some sites for transient RVers and tent campers," explains Nancy W. West Two River offers "very large sites. Lots of trees and couldn't even see the neighbors!"
Water considerations: Some campgrounds have seasonal water issues. "There is currently a water issue--testing has found contamination in the campground wells, so there isn't potable water and you have to get drinking water from other locations," notes Janet R. about McCarthy Beach State Park. Always check current water status when booking.
Management quality: Dog-friendly campgrounds near Hibbing have varying management styles. "The woman in charge works very hard to keep these grounds as perfect as possible," writes Frank G. about West Two River. In contrast, some visitors report less oversight at Stubler Beach: "There's no one on site that maintain sites or park."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Eveleth Veterans Park Campground offers excellent facilities for children. "This campground is a great place for anyone and is especially great for those with young children. Direct access to a great beach, plenty of space to safely roam, and a park to play in," shares Cassandra F.
Nature programs: McCarthy Beach State Park provides educational opportunities. "There are canoe rentals available if you don't have a craft of your own. There are also naturalist programs, and regular outdoor performances by local music ensembles," mentions Janet R., making it ideal for family learning experiences.
Tent-friendly options: Family tent campers find specific areas more accommodating. "This campground actually has some really nice tent sites set right on the lake in some trees," notes Nancy W. about Trout Lake. At McCarthy Beach, "The non electric sites were much more private. All sites had nice shady trees."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal options: Most Hibbing-area pet-friendly campgrounds operate May through October. "The season runs May 1 to October 31," according to Sherwood Forest Campground's listing. However, some RVers report successful late-season camping: "I came in late October. As are most of the campsites in upper Minnesota this time of year, the owner told me they were closed. But he was happy to let me stay overnight for a reduced off-season fee."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require extra attention to leveling. "Leveling took me a bit, but I found just the right angle to jack up the front of my RV for leveling," reports Frank G. about West Two River. However, other reviewers note, "We were happy that we were able to pull right onto the gravel pad and it was level."
Hookup access: Check hookup placement before setup. "The 30 amp electrical and water hookups were nice however they were on the wrong side of the pad which we thought was odd," explains one RVer at Trout Lake Campground. Some campgrounds offer full hookups while others provide electric-only with communal water spigots.
