Glamping experiences around Virginia, Minnesota feature spacious sites with lake views and access to recreational trails. The region sits on the Mesabi Iron Range at about 1,400 feet elevation, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 50-80°F. Many campgrounds provide direct lake access for swimming and fishing, with most operating seasonally between May and October due to northern Minnesota's cold winters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Sullivan Lake Campground offers access to quality fishing waters. "The lake is very quiet and beautiful. Perfect place to get away and soak in the beauty," notes Melissa P. The rustic setting provides a peaceful backdrop for anglers.
Bike trail exploration: At Sherwood Forest Campground, campers appreciate the recreational path access. "Great spot right on the Mesabi trail and OHV trail," says Mark S., who adds that there are "incredible views of the lake" while enjoying the trails.
Wildlife viewing: The area's forests support diverse wildlife. A visitor at Echo Lake reported, "Located outside of Orr close to 20 miles, there are no people or towns to make noise or light. The stars are incredibly bright at night." Another camper mentioned the nearby Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, just 15 miles from some campgrounds, offers bear viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sand Lake Rustic Campground maintains good sanitation despite its remote location. A camper noted, "New clean pit toilet. No onsite trash. Overall pretty quiet, some fishing traffic, and the nearby cabin owners walk through a couple times a day."
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites. At Eveleth Veterans Park Campground, a visitor observed, "Sites are good sized not too crowded. Nice showers." Another camper called it "a great place for anyone and is especially great for those with young children."
Lake views: Pine Acres Resort and Campground offers waterfront camping with scenic vistas. "Lakefront, showers need updated, great for fishing," reports Angela S. The resort provides a mix of primitive sites with access to modern facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most glamping close to Virginia, Minnesota operates from May through October. Sullivan Lake Campground typically opens in May and closes in October, while Echo Lake runs from May 8 to September 3, and Sherwood Forest's season spans May 1 to October 31.
Varying amenities: Facilities range from rustic to full-service. A visitor to Finland State Forest Sullivan Lake Campground observed, "This is a campground for small campers only. My 16 foot travel trailer was about the limit for size. Very little access to the lake and river. Overall, this is a primitive site with pit toilets and a pump jack for water."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience periodic noise. At Echo Lake, one camper shared this insight: "Would recommend going to a site further from the sawmill, it can be quite loud in the AM. But honestly? Excellent alarm for a summer sunrise."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Families particularly enjoy the swimming options. At Eveleth Veterans Park Campground, a visitor noted the "direct access to a great beach, plenty of space to safely roam, and a park to play in."
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. LeRay S. mentioned that Sherwood Forest Campground has "great views" and is "within walking distance from Main Street," making it convenient for families to access town amenities.
Smaller campgrounds offer privacy: For families seeking quieter settings, Finland State Forest Sullivan Lake offers limited sites. "The campground was quiet and well kept. There are only 11 sites so it will never be packed," reports Julie A.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Aspen Resort & Campground accommodates bigger vehicles. Douglas O. describes it as "right on a large lake, family owned and well maintained." The resort offers full hookups and can handle larger RVs.
Hookup availability varies: Some campgrounds offer more limited RV amenities than others. At Sullivan Lake Campground, a visitor commented, "Lots of nice pull through sites. Excellent for truck campers. The lake views for sunsets were amazing."
Distance to services: RVers should prepare for remote locations. Regarding Finland State Forest Sullivan Lake Campground, one camper advised, "Town of Two Harbors is 26 miles (30 min) away, so don't forget anything."
