Big Rice Lake offers three free campsites within a forested setting near Virginia, Minnesota at an elevation of 1,440 feet above sea level. The lake sits within the Mesabi Iron Range region, characterized by its mixed forest ecosystems and mining heritage. Gravel road access remains suitable for most standard vehicles, though the final approach includes a short two-track section requiring slightly higher clearance.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Rice Lake provides habitat for multiple fish species, with easy shore access from the camping areas. "We caught a few fish as well" notes one visitor at nearby Pfeiffer Lake, which offers similar fishing conditions.
Kayaking and canoeing: The calm waters make for excellent paddling experiences. At Pfeiffer Lake, campers report "Beautiful little lake. Awesome kayaking. Caught a few fish."
Biking the Mesabi Trail: Access parts of this 132-mile paved trail system from several area campgrounds. One camper at Vermilion Trail Campground notes: "You are in the heart of the Mesabi Trail, a 132 mile bike/hike trail system. The trails are very well marked."
ATV riding: The region has extensive trail networks accessible from multiple campgrounds. A visitor to West 40 RV Park states: "Close to the off road vehicle park. Definitely camping here again next summer!"
What campers like
Quiet, uncrowded settings: The campgrounds in this area typically provide peaceful experiences away from crowds. A camper at Big Rice Lake notes: "Great spot to camp away from everyone. Available spots last minute Labor Day weekend."
Turtle watching: The area provides opportunities for wildlife observation. "We saw turtles nesting in the mid-part of the 2-track so watch out for them in the evenings," reports a Big Rice Lake visitor.
Lake views and access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access or views. At Sherwood Forest Campground, one camper appreciated the "Cool view looking over a nice lake, has a playground for the kids."
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain clean amenities. A camper at Fisherman's Point City Campground observed: "The bathrooms and showers were neat and clean. Easy to checkin online either on-site or before you get there. Very few bugs of any kind."
What you should know
Bug conditions vary by location and season: While the existing description notes minimal mosquitoes at Big Rice Lake, conditions can change. A visitor mentioned: "Medium amounts of mosquitoes" at Big Rice Lake, while another camper at Fisherman's Point reported "Very few bugs of any kind."
Pet policies are consistent: Most campgrounds near Virginia maintain pet-friendly policies. At Bear Head Lake State Park Campground, dogs are "allowed but only on leash" on all trails.
Some campgrounds have seasonal limitations: Most facilities in the region operate seasonally. West Two River Campground runs from "May 9 to September 20," while Sherwood Forest Campground operates from "May 1 to October 31."
Cell service information: Coverage can be important for planning. At Big Rice Lake, one visitor reported: "Verizon cell reception of 2 bars. I was able to stream YouTube video."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Virginia include play areas. One visitor to Sherwood Forest Campground noted it "has a playground for the kids."
Consider beach access: Swimming opportunities enhance family camping experiences. At Pfeiffer Lake, a camper shared: "excellent swimming areas and playground for kids, caught a few fish as well."
Seek out spacious sites: Larger campsites provide room for activities. West Two River received praise for having "very large sites. Lots of trees and couldn't even see the neighbors!"
Check for bathroom facilities: While Big Rice Lake has vault toilets, families might prefer campgrounds with more amenities. A visitor to Vermilion Trail Campground mentioned: "They do have nice bathrooms and showers. We do love the area and the beautiful lake the campground and some sites overlook."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions matter: Access roads vary by campground. For Big Rice Lake, a camper noted: "The gravel road is a maintained gravel road. Easy for any type of car."
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. At Big Rice Lake, one RVer shared: "Very easy to pull our 20' nobo through the loop... and backing into the site was a breeze."
Alternative parking options: When designated sites won't work, some areas offer alternatives. A camper with a 40-foot fifth wheel at Big Rice Lake reported: "We decided not to stay in the 'formal' campground. There is an open spot near the lake where we set up for the night."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely. At Sherwood Forest Campground, visitors can find "full hook-ups and overlooks a lake," while Big Rice Lake offers no hookups of any kind.
