Camping opportunities near Ironton, Minnesota cluster around former iron mining areas, with many sites perched on the edges of abandoned mine pits now filled with water. The region sits at approximately 1,250 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging 65-80°F. Mine pit lakes in the area feature exceptional water clarity due to their depth and minimal sediment.
What to do
Mountain biking trail exploration: Access Cuyuna's renowned trail system directly from True North Basecamp, where campers can connect to miles of purpose-built singletrack. "I've stayed in both the cabins and the camping area. The campground is nice but only has a primitive toilet adjacent to the campsites. There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers," notes one visitor.
Fishing in trout-stocked mine pits: Cast for trout in the deep, clear mine pit lakes throughout the region. "We stayed in site #18 and it either isn't very level or I just did a poor job of setting up my tent because we were slanted all night. Great stargazing at both the cabins and the tent sites," reports a camper about True North Basecamp.
Kayaking between connected lakes: Explore multiple lakes on a single paddling trip at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground where "Turtle lake channels over to another lake. Makes a great boat or kayak trip. Boat kayak paddle board and paddle boat rentals available." The resort sits on a quieter lake away from the busier recreation areas.
Biking into town for dining: Pedal directly from camp to restaurants in Crosby. "Great campground right near town and World Class Biking. A great little campground right near the town (easy to bike in for coffee or beer) but it feels like you're deep in the northwoods!" comments a True North visitor.
What campers like
Convenient trail connections: Glamping close to Ironton, Minnesota provides immediate access to trails. "The campground is nice but only has a primitive toilet adjacent to the campsites. There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers," notes a visitor to True North Basecamp.
Secluded yurt accommodations: Luxury camping options include private settings away from typical campgrounds. A camper at Cuyuna Country State Rec Area states: "The yurts are set on a beautiful only mine pit that is stocked with all kinds of trout. The have a wood burning stove, bunk beds, table, chairs, bear locker, fire ring and picnic table. There is a pergola style shelter with a full roof for outdoor cooking."
Private lake access: Many sites offer direct water views and dedicated docks. At Camp Holiday Resort, "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. Was quiet and peaceful, we very much enjoyed our stay, and will be back."
Proximity to town amenities: Easy access to restaurants and shops within biking distance. "Super convenient to excellent restaurants and Cuyuna Brewery in downtown Crosby. Very clean bathrooms/showerhouse. Connected by trail to Cuyuna Rec Area world class mountain bike trails. Owners are very responsive," reports a visitor to True North Basecamp.
What you should know
Limited hookups at trail-adjacent sites: Many prime locations near trails offer limited or no RV services. "The campground is nice but only has a primitive toilet adjacent to the campsites. There are no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers," notes a True North Basecamp visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare with leveling equipment for some uneven terrain. "I camped in site #18 and it either isn't very level or I just did a poor job of setting up my tent because we were slanted all night," reports a True North visitor.
Reservation systems vary: Most glamping accommodations near Ironton require advance booking with specific check-in procedures. "Check-in information is shared via email (key codes for the bathhouse and the cabin locks). The emails are very informative and the owners have been prompt to reply when I had questions," explains a True North Basecamp visitor.
Seasonal popularity: Book well ahead during peak mountain biking season (May-October). At Crosslake Campground, just north of Ironton, visitors note it "feels more like a city/county park. No foliage between the many, many sites. Lots of big RVs and boats crowded in a small space."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Choose sites with structured swimming areas for safer water play. At Crow Wing Lake Campground, "Everything was clean and a great family rv campground. Fully stocked store, pool, games, outdoor activities, etc. Only drawback was the lake was too mucky and weedy to swim in but has to be a great fishing lake."
Playground access: Some resorts feature dedicated play areas close to camping sites. A visitor to Camp Holiday Resort notes, "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."
Group sites for larger families: Look for designated group camping areas to accommodate extended family. At Crow Wing State Park Campground, "We loved the group camp site except for the fact the people would walk through it. There was a main hiking trail and lots of people came through. Our dogs did not care for that surprise. Otherwise fairly clean."
Recreation rental options: Many sites offer equipment rentals on-site. "They have paddleboards and funyaks to rent, you can bring your boat to fish or fish off the dock. The grounds and bathrooms were clean. Every RV site had a cement pad to use for lawn chairs or a camp picnic table," says a Crow Wing Lake Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup availability: Call ahead to confirm specific utility connections. "Full hookups are very limited. Only 4 site near the back," reports a Camp Holiday Resort visitor.
Site leveling requirements: Bring extra leveling blocks for lakeside sites. "Most of the lake side sites were pretty uneven, bring plenty of leveling blocks. That was really the only negative we had, but it wasn't really a big deal because we came prepared with just enough leveling blocks," advises a Camp Holiday Resort camper.
Campground navigation challenges: Some areas have narrow access roads requiring careful maneuvering. A visitor to Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area warns, "We camp frequently in Minnesota state parks. This had to be one of the hardest parks to find. The lack of signage is really a problem here... The roads are very bumpy and narrow."
Electric site locations: At many campgrounds, electric sites are positioned differently than non-electric. "The electric site area isn't super awesome, as it gets crowded and is more like a huge group camp. But the rest are way more private," notes a Crow Wing State Park camper.
