Fishing enthusiasts will find Iron Lake Campground provides direct access to a lake that recovered from a 2007 fire, with a carry-down boat launch suitable for canoes adjacent to the sites. The campground sits along the Gunflint Trail with six sites total, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet on gravel pads that drain well during rain.
Dense saplings from post-fire regrowth create natural privacy barriers between sites, though campers can still hear neighbors through the vegetation. Site 3 offers the most direct water access with a steep path down to the lake, while maintaining enough space for both RVs and additional tent setups. The regrowth means limited options for hammock setup, but the young forest supports abundant wildlife including turtles, foxes, beavers, and dragonflies.
Basic amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and trash service, with no electrical hookups available. Jennifer H. notes the campground has "close and convenient drinking water, double pit toilets, and dumpster" within easy walking distance of all sites. Mosquitoes can be heavy during summer months, and the Trail Center down the road provides supplies and fuel when needed.
Campers planning extended stays in the region can explore additional camping near Superior National Forest for variety during longer trips through this recovering forest ecosystem.
Description
Overview
Iron Lake Campground is located in a dense forest along the banks of Iron Lake in far northern Minnesota. The campground is unique due to its remoteness and small size. Fishing and canoeing are its biggest draws, as the lake provides access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.The Ham Lake Fire passed through the campground in 2007. Visitors may be surprised at how the burned area has grown back up.
Recreation
Iron Lake provides many boating opportunities. The campground offers plenty of canoeing and fishing opportunities. Walleye and northern pike fishing are usually good. Canoes, kayaks and small boats must be carried down to access the lake. When portaging or paddling out of this lake and into another, visitors should find out if they will be entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Entry requires a permit (self-issued for day use) and visitors must follow wilderness regulations including group size. **View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Facilities
This campground is small and simple. Sites are organized into one loop near the water. There are no electric hookups. Campsite #1 is a first-come, first-served site. Effective January 24, 2025, Campsite #6 has been added to the list of reservable campsites. It is now currently available for reservation during the same reservation season as the other reservable sites.Vault toilets, drinking water, and a garbage canister are provided. Conveniences are available at area lodges and resorts. A campground host from the concessionaire visits here every other day, and the facility is routinely patrolled by the County Sheriff and the concessionaire.
Natural Features
Iron Lake is in a burn area, and visitors can see post-fire ecology including uncommon black-backed woodpeckers. Moose, bear, loons and other wildlife live in the area. Blueberries grow abundantly in the area and can be picked in mid to late summer.
Nearby Attractions
The BWCAW is by far the most popular nearby attraction. Over 1 million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extend nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Additional sites of interest
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (218) 387-1750.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSuperior National Forest Iron Lake Campground is located in Minnesota
Directions
From Grand Marais, Minnesota, take Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) 36 miles north, turn left on County Road 92 and travel 2 miles on a narrow gravel road to Iron Lake Campground.
Coordinates
48.0677778 N
90.6147222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 10 min from Duluth, MN
- 5 hrs 26 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 5 hrs 30 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 6 hrs 37 min from Wausau, WI
