Camping near Hill City, Minnesota offers access to numerous pristine mine pit lakes formed from former iron ore operations. Located within the Cuyuna Range, these lakes provide water clarity that makes them popular for fishing, paddling, and swimming during summer months. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal considerations important for planning your glamping near Hill City.
What to do
Mountain biking: Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area provides miles of dedicated single-track trails. "The mountain biking trails were in great shape and were great for all skill levels. The lake was super clear and the small beach was wonderful," notes one visitor at Cuyuna Country State Rec Area.
Lake activities: The crystal-clear waters of former mine pits create unique swimming and fishing opportunities. "The lake is clean but dark with ore. Loons frequent. Turtle lake channels over to another lake. Makes a great boat or kayak trip," reports a camper at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.
Golf getaways: Several campgrounds cater to golf enthusiasts with on-site or nearby courses. "The 27-hole golf course was in good shape and fun to play. McGregor is about 15 minutes away and has grocery, gas, hardware store, and restaurants," shares a visitor at Minnesota National RV Park.
What campers like
Proximity to trails: Many campers choose sites specifically for direct trail access. "Loved the proximity of True North to both Crosby restaurants and bars and the incredible trails of Cuyuna Country," writes a reviewer at True North Basecamp.
Water recreation options: The region's numerous lakes provide popular swimming and boating opportunities. "Nice campground for a family experience. Camping with two toddlers can be a lot, it helps when there are two nice playgrounds here, a slide, water trampoline, nice beach, and nice, clean bathrooms," notes a camper at Camp Holiday Resort.
Scenic views: Many sites offer waterfront locations with direct lake access. "We had site 4, lake side access. The site was amazing, with a dock to the lake. Has a picnic table with a lean to shelter, and a fire ring," reports a visitor at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options than others. "I've stayed in both the cabins and the camping area. The cabins are my favorite because of the lake views, proximity to the bathhouse, and heat/AC units," shares a camper at True North Basecamp.
Seasonal considerations: The area transforms with the seasons, offering different experiences year-round. "We stayed in a cabin for a week of biking. Excellent location with all the trails. It has a great swimming area, though it did get deep fast for little kids," notes a visitor at True North Basecamp.
Amenities differ significantly: From primitive sites to luxury glamping, options vary widely. "Clean bathrooms, nice people. Sites right on the lake and a little beach to sit at. Seems small but a lot of big rigs fit just fine," reports a reviewer at Sunset Pines Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "The kids loved the heated pool and tether ball! We all had a great time riding 4 wheelers on the Spider Lake trails a few miles away," shares a visitor at Sunset Pines Campground.
Consider beach safety: Water depth can change quickly at some swimming areas. "We brought our paddleboard and had a great time on the quiet lake. We did hike up to the top of the camp area and were glad we stayed in the cabins," notes a family staying at True North Basecamp.
Seek out playgrounds: Some campgrounds feature multiple play areas. "We tent camped and appreciated the clean facilities, activities for kids to do, and close to great fishing lakes (Bay Lake & Borden Lake)," reports a family at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Several campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. "Most of the lake side sites were pretty uneven, bring plenty of leveling blocks. That was really the only negative we had," advises an RVer at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.
Note utility locations: Hookup placement varies between campgrounds. "The utilities are in the far back of the site. I needed about 20' of sewer, electric, and water hose to reach my rig," shares an RVer at Minnesota National RV Park.
Consider size limitations: Not all glamping near Hill City accommodates large rigs. "Gravel pads, some a bit out of level. All 50 amp water and sewer. Some great options in here for group camping as there are several loops you could be placed in that have sites near one another," notes a reviewer at Minnesota National RV Park.
