Near Woodrow, Minnesota, camping options span the former mining pits of the Cuyuna Iron Range, which have filled with groundwater to create unique, deep lakes with depths over 200 feet in some areas. These lakes feature unusual clarity due to their mineral composition and depth. Most campgrounds operate May through October, though some facilities like Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area offer year-round camping opportunities.
What to do
Mountain biking access: True North Basecamp provides direct trail connections to Cuyuna's renowned mountain biking system. "Close enough to town to bike in, trail access from the campground, a lake/beach area in camp & clean, quiet campsites makes this a favorite spot," notes one visitor who appreciates the strategic location. The campground includes hot showers and a beach area for post-ride relaxation.
Fishing opportunities: Crow Wing Lake Campground offers fishing docks, boat rentals, and lake access. "You can bring your boat to fish or fish off the dock," explains a camper. For trout fishing, Cuyuna Country Recreation Area stocks its mine pits with trout. A visitor mentions: "The yurts are set on a beautiful only mine pit that is stocked with all kinds of trout." Fishing licenses with trout stamps are required.
Paddling the mine pits: Clear water visibility reaches hundreds of feet in the former mine pits, making them popular for paddling. Local outfitters deliver rental equipment to campgrounds. "There is a shop in town that will deliver kayaks and pick them up when you are done for a small fee, like 50$ for the day," notes a camper at Cuyuna Country Recreation Area. Camp Holiday Resort also offers on-site rentals of "water toys, boats and pontoons" according to visitors.
What campers like
Campsite privacy levels: Cuyuna Range Campground receives praise for its spacious sites: "The sites are wide to give you space. Picnic table and fire ring provided in each site. It's hidden in the woods but close enough for you to go adventure." Another camper adds, "The campsites are very spacious and more spread out than other campgrounds we've been to." This contrasts with Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area's more open layout where "the outer ring has some foliage but the central ring is wide open with very few trees."
Water clarity for swimming: The former mine pits offer unusually clear swimming. Visitors to Red Rider Resort mention "Beautiful views of the lake (mine pit) and swimming off of the private dock," noting that "Most people come here to ride the red dirt mtb trails of Cuyuna so the showers are a great amenity!" The water clarity allows for unique experiences, with one camper stating: "There is a very nice kitchen with running water and showers were large, private, and clean."
Downtown access: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to nearby towns. Crosby Memorial City Park provides "walking distance to downtown shops and brewery" and has "Full hookups. On park, next to playground and beach." One visitor appreciates that it's "A little city campground in the heart of Crosby, MN" with "Easy trail access to the Cuyuna MTB trails and paved bike paths."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: The camping season typically runs May through October with limited winter options. Gull Lake Recreation Area operates "May 1 to October 31" and Lum City Park is open "May 1 to October 15." For off-season camping, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area operates "All year" according to its listings.
Water access varies: Not all waterfront sites offer equal access. At Gull Lake Recreation Area, the "Beach area is small and no where the dogs can get in," notes one camper, while others mention the "Nice picnic area by the river" at Crow Wing State Park. Some lakefront sites can be uneven, requiring preparation: "Most of the lake side sites were pretty uneven, bring plenty of leveling blocks," advises a Camp Holiday Resort visitor.
Hookup availability: Services vary significantly between campgrounds. At Red Rider Resort, "The sites are rustic but have fire rings and some have charcoal grills in them," while at Crow Wing Lake Campground, "Each campsite has electrical hookup, picnic table and fire pit." True North Basecamp offers more limited services with "no electric or sewer hookups, but there are a couple of tent sites than can accommodate small campers."
Tips for camping with families
Playground and swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature kid-friendly amenities. Crow Wing Lake Campground is "perfect for families with the heated pool, swimming beach, super playground and activities like horseshoes, shuffleboard, basketball, ladder golf, disc golf, and more." One family notes: "We had a great time there with our grandkids. I highly recommend it."
Group camping considerations: For larger family gatherings, Crow Wing State Park offers dedicated group sites. "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," notes one visitor, adding that "For the group site there is tons of space and very secluded which was great. Also right on the river!!"
Safety facilities: Families with young children appreciate campgrounds with reliable facilities. Lum City Park provides "Shower and restrooms" with "Water and electricity" hookups while being convenient to town amenities. Crow Wing State Park visitors mention that "The rangers stopped and talked to me night one, and remembered me—which made me feel very safe as a solo female camper."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many lakefront sites require additional preparation. Camp Holiday Resort visitors advise: "Most of the lake side sites were pretty uneven, bring plenty of leveling blocks." Conversely, Cuyuna Range Campground receives praise for being "Easy to get into with plenty of room to spare. Each lot has full hook-ups, that was a huge bonus!!"
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer on-site dump stations. Gull Lake Recreation Area charges for dumping: "If I were to knock anything it would be the 5$ dumping charge." At Crow Wing State Park, there is a "sanitary dump" available, but some campgrounds require using facilities in nearby towns.
