Iron Lake Campground

- Old Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking a truly authentic Northwoods experience without the crowds, Iron Lake Campground, nestled along the historic Gunflint Trail, represents a well-kept secret. This small, rustic U.S. Forest Service (USFS) facility offers a tranquil retreat deep within the Superior National Forest, far removed from the busy thoroughfare of Highway 61. It is a prized destination for local paddlers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts who value solitude and direct, easy access to one of the region’s pristine lakes.

Iron Lake Campground is unique because of its intimate size, featuring only seven designated campsites. This deliberate limitation on capacity ensures a quiet, low-impact experience, which is consistently highlighted by returning visitors. Situated on the banks of Iron Lake, the campground serves as an excellent jumping-off point for fishing and canoeing adventures, including routes that connect directly to the expansive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The simplicity of the campground—offering essential amenities without any unnecessary frills—allows the stunning natural surroundings to take center stage. For a modest fee, travelers can secure a comfortable and quiet spot that often feels like a private wilderness getaway, making it an exceptional value for a genuine Minnesota outdoor escape.

Location and Accessibility

Iron Lake Campground is positioned approximately halfway up the scenic Old Gunflint Trail, near the small, vibrant community of Grand Marais, MN 55604. While its address links it to Grand Marais, the campground’s location is remote and requires a significant drive inland from Lake Superior.

To reach this secluded spot, travelers must head north from Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) for approximately 36 miles. The final segment of the journey involves turning onto County Road 92 and traveling an additional two miles on a narrower, gravel road. This remote access is key to the campground’s tranquility and helps to screen out casual visitors, preserving the peaceful atmosphere for those willing to make the drive.

Accessibility within the campground itself is straightforward, as the seven sites are organized in a single loop near the water. Sites are generally large and well-spaced, accommodating both tents and Recreational Vehicles (RV) or trailers, though RV length is limited and no hook-ups are provided. Critically, the campground offers a carry-down boat access point, allowing campers to easily launch their canoes and small boats directly onto Iron Lake. While sites can be reserved through the national reservation system, a few may still be available on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during the shoulder seasons. Visitors should note the area was impacted by the 2007 Ham Lake Fire, providing a unique opportunity to witness post-fire ecology, with new growth and abundant wildlife.

Services Offered

As a USFS rustic campground, Iron Lake focuses on providing clean, essential services that support a comfortable yet minimalist outdoor experience. These amenities are designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing the enjoyment of the remote location.

• Potable Drinking Water: Hand-pump or piped drinking water is available at a central spigot. Campers are advised to bring some water for initial use, as the flow rate can be slow, but safe drinking water is provided on-site.
• Vault Toilets: Clean, non-flush vault toilets (latrines) are maintained throughout the camping season. Guests are strongly advised to bring their own toilet paper, as supplies can sometimes run out in this remote location.
• Fire Grates and Picnic Tables: Every one of the seven campsites is equipped with a heavy-duty fire grate for safe cooking and campfires, along with a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Garbage Collection: A centralized garbage canister is provided for waste disposal, which is a convenience not offered at all rustic campgrounds in the area.
• Canoe/Boat Access: The campground features a designated, carry-down access point, perfect for launching canoes, kayaks, or small boats directly onto Iron Lake for day trips or BWCAW entry.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted, provided they are kept under control and follow all standard USFS regulations.

It is important to emphasize that there are no electric or sewage hook-ups available at any of the campsites. The experience is intentionally rustic, promoting self-reliance and minimizing noise pollution.

Features / Highlights

Iron Lake Campground is cherished by locals for several distinct features that elevate it above typical camping grounds:

• Exceptional Lake Access: Unlike many large campgrounds, several sites have their own narrow trails leading directly down to the Iron Lake shoreline. This feature allows campers to easily launch watercraft or simply enjoy the lake view and sounds of the Northwoods from their site.
• Intimate and Quiet Atmosphere: With just seven campsites, the density is incredibly low. Reviews frequently praise the quiet environment and the feeling of seclusion, with neighbors rarely seen or heard, which is a significant draw for those looking to escape urban noise.
• Direct BWCAW Gateway: Iron Lake offers water access that connects to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This makes the campground an ideal and affordable option for a pre- or post-trip overnight stay, or as a basecamp for day paddling trips into the surrounding national forest.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Due to the remote location and the history of the Ham Lake fire, the area is a prime habitat for wildlife, including moose, bear, loons, and even uncommon birds like the black-backed woodpecker. The abundance of blueberries in late summer also attracts nature lovers.
• Taste-Tested Water: While all tap water in the wilderness should be treated with caution, customer reviews often note that the water from the campground’s tap is of excellent, refreshing quality, a small but appreciated convenience.

Contact Information

Iron Lake Campground is managed by the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest. For up-to-date information on reservations, current conditions, and rules, the following contacts are essential:

Ranger District Information Line:

Phone: (218) 387-1750 (This number is shared by the Gunflint Ranger District Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-387-1750

Official Physical Address:

Old Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

Reservation Information:

Reservations for sites are typically handled through the U.S. government’s official site, Recreation.gov, with reservations recommended due to the small number of sites, especially during the peak summer season.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Iron Lake Campground is perfectly suited for Minnesota locals who understand and appreciate the state’s deep-rooted tradition of wilderness travel. It represents the best of what the North Shore has to offer: profound quiet, stunning scenery, and direct recreational access, all at an affordable price point (around $26 per night as noted by past guests, subject to change). Its strategic location—at the heart of the Gunflint Trail—makes it an effortless overnight stop for those heading into the Boundary Waters or a peaceful, cost-effective basecamp for a week of fishing, canoeing, and hiking.

For the seasoned Minnesotan camper, this site's combination of large, flat tent spaces, lakeside trails, and clean (albeit rustic) facilities is a welcome alternative to the sprawling, noisy RV parks. It is a genuine piece of the Superior National Forest that invites you to reconnect with the natural world. From the great-tasting water to the abundant wildlife, Iron Lake Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a guaranteed return to the peaceful, quiet corner of the world that makes the Minnesota Northwoods so special. Locals often find themselves returning year after year, testament to its enduring charm.

Iron Lake Campground

Old Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA