Minnesota's Iron Range near Hibbing provides RV camping opportunities in a northwoods setting where lakes and forests dominate the landscape. Located approximately 75 miles northwest of Duluth, the area sits at elevations between 1,400-1,500 feet above sea level. Seasonal campground closures typically run from late October through early May, with summer temperatures ranging from 70-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Fishing on multiple lakes: At Trout Lake Campground, anglers report excellent catches. "We spent many hours paddling the lake and had great luck catching bass and walleye. Apparently, the lake is well-known for its fishing in the area," according to one camper who visited the lake.
Mountain biking nearby trails: The region offers accessible trail systems for biking enthusiasts. "Stayed here for two nights in tents. Used it as a base camp while me and some friends were mountain biking RedHead Mountain and Tioga over the weekend," reports a Trout Lake visitor who appreciated the convenient location.
Paddle sports: McCarthy Beach State Park offers exceptional paddling experiences across multiple lakes. "We had easy water access for our kayak off the campground loop. And it was easy enough to carry the kayak across to the other lake to explore out there," notes one visitor who enjoyed exploring both Sturgeon Lake and Side Lake.
Frisbee golf and reservoir exploration: West Two River Campground features on-site recreation options. "Frisbee golf is on site. The lake is large enough for some long and interesting kayaking, and there are multiple kinds of fish (from bullheads to northern pike)," describes a visitor who appreciated the diverse activities.
What campers like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Many RV parks maintain well-kept restroom facilities. "The bathhouse was clean. With in walking distance from Main Street," reports a camper at Sherwood Forest Campground, where clean facilities enhance the camping experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Side Lake Campground offers natural encounters with iconic Minnesota wildlife. "Nothing says Minnesota like the call of the Loon and that's what greeted me upon arrival at my site!" notes one enthusiastic visitor who appreciated the authentic northwoods experience.
Lakefront views: Scenic water views rank high in camper satisfaction. "We awoke to a wonderful view of the lake. Friendly people all around," shares a Sherwood Forest Campground visitor who enjoyed the waterfront setting.
Beach access and swimming: McCarthy Beach State Park receives high marks for its 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, new beautiful bath house," describes one visitor impressed with the facilities.
What you should know
Cell coverage varies by location: While most campgrounds offer reasonable connectivity, service quality depends on proximity to towns. "We had strong service on T-mobile and Verizon, so we used our hotspots for media connectivity," notes a West Two River camper who found adequate service despite the rural setting.
Hard water in some facilities: Water quality issues affect some campgrounds. At Red Pine Campground, "Water is definitely hard but again, shower was clean. There are a couple of ponds at which people fish and a couple of small playground areas," according to one visitor who noted the mineral content.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain at several campgrounds requires leveling equipment. "The site was gravel and a a little un-level, but nothing extreme. Full hookups and everything worked as expected," reports a Red Pine Campground camper.
Seasonal campers occupy many sites: At Prairie Lake Campground, "The only reason I gave 4 stars is because the long-term residence aren't very friendly. This location cost $44/night for full hookups," notes one visitor who found the permanent residents less welcoming than expected.
Tips for camping with families
Beach facilities for children: McCarthy Beach State Park provides ideal swimming conditions for younger campers. "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," shares a repeat visitor who has camped there for over ten years.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. "The park is beautiful and right next to a lake. Very green and full of trees. Park is clean," reports a Prairie Lake visitor who noted the family-friendly amenities.
Rental equipment availability: Water craft rentals expand recreation options. "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," according to a McCarthy Beach State Park visitor.
Group camping options: For family reunions or larger gatherings, specialized sites offer advantages. "The Group campsite, which is located in between the beach and the boat access on Sturgeon Lake, is probably the best camping option in the park, with its own indoor shelter and tent sites for groups up to 40," recommends a McCarthy Beach State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric placement considerations: At some campgrounds, hookup locations require longer cords or hoses. "We loved that we were able to pull right onto the gravel pad and it was level so we didn't need to take extra time to level out the camper. The 30 amp electrical and water hookups were nice however they were on the wrong side of the pad which we thought was odd," notes a Trout Lake camper.
Pull-through site availability: For easier setup, West 40 RV Park offers convenient access. "Great place to camp quiet and plenty of camp sights," reports a visitor who appreciated the spacious layout.
Off-season flexibility: Some campgrounds accommodate late-season visitors with reduced services. "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," shares a Trout Lake Campground visitor who traveled during shoulder season.
Water access points for larger rigs: Campgrounds vary in their water supply systems. "There are no water hookups per site, but there are a few water spigots around the grounds to fill fresh water tanks," explains a West Two River camper who made the system work despite limitations.
