102 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Tower, Minnesota area provides a mix of established campgrounds and more remote sites spanning the shores of Lake Vermilion and extending into the Superior National Forest. Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers electric hookup sites for RVs and tent camping, while HooDoo Point Campground, located directly in Tower, provides lakefront access with boat-in options. Several campgrounds feature cabin accommodations, including the state park and Bear Head Lake State Park, approximately 15 miles east of Tower. Most established campgrounds in the region have a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities.
Camping seasons in the area generally run from May through October, with some sites remaining open year-round. "The campground was very quiet and the cell service was top rate. If you are looking for a state park campground to work remotely, this would be a great choice," notes one Lake Vermilion visitor. Winter camping is available at select locations, particularly in cabins at state parks. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months. The region experiences significant mosquito activity in late spring and early summer, making bug protection essential. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups, but full RV hookups are limited. Roads throughout the area are generally well-maintained, though some forest service roads may require higher clearance vehicles.
Many campers cite fishing access as a primary draw to the Tower area campgrounds. HooDoo Point Campground, situated directly on Lake Vermilion, receives consistent praise for its fishing opportunities. "Clean and animal friendly. Provides top fishing for walleyes," mentioned one reviewer. Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, while not directly on the water, offers spacious sites with modern facilities. Campers frequently mention the excellent trail systems and nearby attractions like the Soudan Mine tour. Bear Head Lake State Park provides a more secluded wilderness experience with sites that feel private despite the presence of other campers. The entire region benefits from proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, making it an excellent base camp for day trips or as preparation for longer wilderness excursions.
"Minnesota does a nice job with their state parks. The campsites are varied in types, sizes and layouts. Ours works great for our 26’ travel trailer and truck, and includes electrical."
"Tower and Ely are near to get bait or items if needed. Our most visited favorite park!"
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Lake Vermilion is a large multi-purpose recreational lake at the edge of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness."
"We had a few big rocks on the border of our campsite that our kids played on. The campsites were a really nice size. The day use area is great. The picnic shelters were really nice."
from $23 - $300 / night
Check Availability"This is a campground with good access to Lake Vermilion and excellent fishing, so that would be a main draw."
"Driving a dually w a truck camper. Road in was ok - few washout spots that can be avoided. Campground was clean and plenty of spots open midday on a Saturday in summer."
"Its a small lake so recreational boating is a little hard but there are larger lakes nearby for that sort of fun. New camp host and excellent work on the grounds. It looks fantastic. "
from $18 / night
Check Availability"It was there last on the loop and right next to a short trail. A vault toilet is about 30 feet away.
This campground had wifi throughout the campground and cabins."
from $90 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Camping in October in Northern Minnesota is a great time of year and the fall colors are out of this world! Fall Lake is on the edge of the Boundary Waters and has easy access to it."
"The campground is fairly small, has plenty of towering trees for shade and privacy, and sits right on Fall Lake."
from $30 - $130 / night
Check Availability"Great spot to camp away from everyone. Available spots last minute Labor Day weekend 😎. Thr gravel road is a maintained gravel road. Easy for any type of car."
"Very easy to pull our 20’ nobo through the loop (yes…the road access loops around and puts you out by the boat landing… so, no worries about getting in and out) and backing into the site was a breeze"
"Very buggy this time of year next to water but bug spray helps. Vault toilet. Quiet. No trash bins."
"There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night. The road to drive in is gravel but very smooth."
"Fenske Lake Campground, MN: Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4 - Great place for a canoe trip, I am told."
"Next time we made sure to snag a site along the lake!"
from $22 - $65 / night
Check Availability
TravelerMost people know about the sugar sand beaches on both lakes, but the real treasures are the hiking trails! The campsites are generous. Some are tricky for bigger rigs. Plenty of vegetation between sites compared to most campgrounds. Lots t o see and do! Paddle boards, kayaks, boats, swimming, fishing piers…a local shop for necessities…within walking distance. The scenery is lovely.
GuideFrom the website, this place looks amazing. It checked all the right marks for our trip across the northern Midwest. When you pull in to the “resort,” it looks more like the set of a horror movie. The buildings are run down, the campsites are parking spots with no shade, a land of rich, lush forests. How is that even possible? We messaged the day before arrival and no one mentioned the raging wild fires just north of town about 10 miles, or the fire ban. Seems like something to mention. WiFi is only in the main building (hardly what can be called a lodge) and the restaurant/facilities aren’t even open on mondays when we arrived. We were grossly disappointed and with the state of the property and left to find anything somewhere else.
GuideLong gravel road but easily drivable. Very buggy this time of year next to water but bug spray helps. Vault toilet. Quiet. No trash bins.
TravelerEasy drive in pulling a 21’ trailer. We came in on a Thursday and were the only people here. Lots of flies and mosquitoes, but that is the only negative.
TravelerWe took a chance on this campground. It was a great option. Driving a dually w a truck camper. Road in was ok - few washout spots that can be avoided. Campground was clean and plenty of spots open midday on a Saturday in summer. Only two negatives - the QR codes to pay via rec.gov are missing from most sites. Most sites are listed in rec.gov as first come first served yet only a few have this signage (it’s been removed from many sites). We went to check with camp host but he was…let’s just say not available for questions. Otherwise a nice campground with sites in the woods on one row and a small lake on the other. Really clean pit toilets and well tended sites. It is clearly well cared for. Good signage off the highway too.
TravelerThis is a lovely campground. If youre looking for a family getaway its nice here. From my site the showers/toilets with dish washing sinks were right around the corner as well as the outhouse. The beach is large and has a beautiful view at sunset. This site is also close to a landing and the beach trail. The trails are well groomed and maintained with signs every so often. The sites are average size. They have picnic tables and fire pits.
Lots of wildlife here. We've seen a fox, just missed a big black bear, birds, and snapping turtles. The lake is quite large and has good fishing from the dock.
We camped on July 1st. The campground was not all the way full but definitely busy with the kiddos.
Guidewe were there and there was dogs running around our truck and I said to kennel the dogs or wolfs will kill them.. they did not listen.. two days later they lost one dog and I said your in the wilderness watch out wolfs do not like dogs!!
TravelerThis campground is a great place for RV dry camping. We have a 28’ camper and squeezed it into site 11. Sites 8-10 would have been better for us. The depth of the site wasn’t the issue, but rather the narrow road and tight entrance to the site. The neighbors ran their generator and had their music loud until well after midnight.
The Little Isabella River was just down a short trail from our site. The bugs were as to be expected this time of year. We brought a screen tent and were able to enjoy the cool evenings. There is one bar a mile and a half away, but you are about 50 minutes from anything else.
Good spot.
ScoutNice and quiet, friendly atmosphere
Tower, Minnesota sits at the edge of Superior National Forest in the Vermilion Range, with an elevation around 1,400 feet above sea level. The area is known for its boreal forest ecosystem where red and white pine, spruce, and birch trees create a mix of dense woods and open waterways. Winter temperatures often drop below -30°F, making summer and fall the primary camping seasons when daytime temperatures reach 70-85°F.
Hiking trails: Bear Head Lake State Park has several well-maintained paths ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "The hiking trails are fantastic and they have many hike in sites that appear to be in super cool locations. We are definitely making a return trip here!" notes Stephanie K. about Bear Head Lake State Park Campground.
Underground mine tours: The historic Soudan Mine provides unique underground tours where visitors descend into iron ore mines from the early 1900s. "Soudan Mine tours were awesome! Travel down in the mine and ride cars to see the way iron ore was mined in early 1900s," shares Sara P. about Lake Vermillion-Soudan Mine State Park.
Canoeing and portaging: Fenske Lake Campground provides direct access to multiple lakes via portages. "We brought a canoe and portaged from the lake we were on to a few others!" explains Anne G. at Fenske Lake Campground. The campground features small coves along the shoreline where canoeists can store their boats.
Star gazing: Clear nights offer exceptional views of the stars due to minimal light pollution. "I would recommend seeing the sunrise out on one of the many boulders they have along the lake, and star gazing from their dock!!" suggests a visitor to Fenske Lake.
Fishing opportunities: HooDoo Point Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. "The camp ground was great place for families. Beach, playground, boat landing, and most sites are on Lake Vermillion," writes Brian K. about HooDoo Point Campground. Walleye, northern pike, and muskie are popular catches.
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites separated by trees and natural barriers. "Campground is quite busy, but there is enough foliage in the summer to make it more private. Sites are good sizes and a good distance from each other," shares Gina G. about Bear Head Lake State Park.
Water recreation: Multiple lakes provide swimming, paddling, and boating options. "I really enjoyed this Campground for the water activities! We rented paddle boards everyday we were here. The lake is so relaxing to paddle board around and the water is so clear and fun to look at," explains Tegan C.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently spot deer, turtles, and various bird species. "Best part was a quiet Sunday morning watching a deer drink from the lake while we were out there!" reports one visitor to Bear Head Lake. The Wolf Center and Bear Center in nearby Ely offer educational opportunities to see wildlife up close.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season generally runs May through October, with peak mosquito activity in June and early July. "Medium amounts of mosquitoes," reports a visitor to Big Rice Lake. Winter camping is available at cabins in state parks.
Firewood policies: Some campgrounds offer all-you-can-use firewood for a daily fee rather than per-bundle pricing. "Firewood was a good deal - all you could use for $6/day," notes Makayla B. about Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park. Outside firewood is typically prohibited.
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from excellent to non-existent depending on the campground. "Verizon cell reception of 2 bars. I was able to stream YouTube video," reports Scott K. about Big Rice Lake. Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park offers free WiFi throughout the campground.
Reservation needs: Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months. Fall Lake Campground offers both reservable and walk-up sites, with lakeside spots being most desirable.
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches ideal for children. "The lake and beach were beautiful. We caught lots of sunnies and bass plus a northern and small walleye," shares Lisa H. about Bear Head Lake State Park.
Playground facilities: HooDoo Point includes a playground for younger campers. "Beach, playground, boat landing, and most sites are on Lake Vermillion," mentions a reviewer, making it suitable for families seeking built amenities.
Cabin options: For families new to camping or visiting during shoulder seasons, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "Camper cabins are nice. They have bunk type beds. The beds on bottom are FULL size (can sleep 2 each) and the ones on top are singles. So 6 could sleep here," explains Amy G. about Bear Head Lake State Park.
Natural play features: Many sites include natural features kids enjoy. "Our friends stayed in #402 and their site was similar but with more boulders on the site perimeter," reports Makayla B. about Lake Vermillion-Soudan State Park, where children frequently play on the rocks.
Site surfaces: Most RV sites feature gravel pads rather than grass. "Campsites are very pretty but sites are mostly gravel not ideal for tents more aimed at the rvs. 100-200 campsites seem better for tents over 300 sites," notes Stephanie K. about Lake Vermilion-Soudan State Park.
Site sizes and access: Some campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs, while others have limitations. "Some sites take large rigs. Check rec.gov for each site before making your reservation," advises Roger W. about Fenske Lake Campground.
Dump stations: Limited dump stations exist in the area. "There is a water fill-up station by the camp office and a dump station in town at the Chamber of Commerce," notes one reviewer about Fall Lake Campground.
Electric service: Many sites offer 50-amp electrical service, but full hookups are rare. Sites with utility connections typically book first, especially during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Tower, MN?
Tower, MN offers exceptional camping experiences with several standout options. Bear Head Lake State Park Campground is highly rated for its varied campsites that accommodate everything from tents to 26' travel trailers, complete with electrical hookups and proximity to a canoeing lake. Closer to town, HooDoo Point Campground provides convenient drive-in access with water and toilets. For those seeking a more remote experience, campgrounds in the surrounding area like Echo Lake and West Two River offer peaceful settings with fewer crowds and excellent water access for kayaking and fishing.
What amenities do Tower, MN campgrounds offer?
Tower area campgrounds provide diverse amenities to suit different camping styles. Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground offers electric hookups at select sites, water fill stations, picnic tables, fire rings, and a small store at the office. Fenske Lake Campground features basic amenities with hand pumps for water access. Many campgrounds include vault toilets, while state parks typically offer more developed facilities like shower buildings. For those seeking minimal amenities but maximum solitude, Button Box Lake Campground provides primitive camping with no cell service, no hookups, and first-come, first-served sites with hand pump water access.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Tower, MN?
Late summer through mid-fall offers prime camping in Tower, MN. September-October showcases spectacular fall colors with significantly fewer insects, as noted at Indian Lake Campground. Summer (June-August) provides warm temperatures ideal for water activities on the area's numerous lakes, though this is peak season with higher visitation at popular spots like Side Lake Campground. Early October can bring dramatic weather – campers report both rain and snow at Fall Lake, but the trade-off is breathtaking autumn scenery and peaceful campgrounds. Most facilities begin closing in mid-October, with limited winter camping options for experienced cold-weather enthusiasts.
Keep Exploring
