McKinley Park Campground

- 5563 Hoodoo Point Rd, Soudan, MN 55782

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Minnesota families, a true Northwoods getaway means finding that perfect spot where nature meets convenience—a place where the loons call at night and the lakeshore is just a short walk away. McKinley Park Campground, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Vermilion near Soudan, is precisely that destination. This long-standing, township-run park has evolved from a few simple tent sites in the 1960s into a comprehensive, family-friendly camping haven that is consistently praised by local users for its friendly atmosphere and exceptional upkeep.

McKinley Park Campground prides itself on being a paradise for the fisherman, boater, and general outdoor enthusiast. It boasts over 60 campsites, catering to all styles of camping, from non-electric primitive tent sites to fully serviced RV spots. What truly sets this campground apart is its setting: it is built directly around a fabulous, sandy swimming beach on one of Minnesota’s most spectacular and largest lakes, offering stunning sunset views. The management team and the community of seasonal campers are known for fostering a welcoming environment, ensuring that both first-time visitors and 'camp regulars' feel right at home. It’s an ideal spot for Minnesotans looking for a quintessential lake camping experience without sacrificing modern comforts.

Location and Accessibility

McKinley Park Campground is ideally situated in the heart of the Iron Range on the shores of Lake Vermilion, a massive body of water known for its spectacular scenery and world-class fishing. The campground is located near the historic community of Soudan, Minnesota, which places it conveniently close to other major attractions, including the nearby Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

Address: 5563 Hoodoo Point Rd, Soudan, MN 55782, USA

The campground’s address places it directly on the desirable Hoodoo Point peninsula, a short, accessible drive from US Highway 169. While some first-time visitors may find the final turn a bit confusing, the park is well-known locally, and a quick query in the nearby towns of Tower or Soudan will provide easy directions. The proximity to Lake Vermilion is a major draw, with the campground sitting right on the water's edge.

For those traveling from the Twin Cities, the drive is approximately three to four hours, making it an excellent long-weekend getaway. Once you arrive, the central location allows for easy excursions to surrounding Northern Minnesota highlights. Moreover, the campground is strategically located near the entrance to established hiking and biking trails, including a short trail that connects the City of Tower to the public beach, allowing campers to explore the region without having to move their vehicle. This excellent accessibility, combined with the tranquil lakeside setting, makes it a favored spot for Minnesota locals.

Services Offered

McKinley Park Campground offers a host of practical amenities designed to make your stay comfortable, convenient, and truly feel like a lakeside resort experience.

• Campsites with Hookups: The park features over 60 total sites, including electric and water hookups for RVs and trailers, as well as several primitive tent-only sites. Some sites offer 50, 30, and 20 amp electrical service.
• Seasonal Camping Options: A significant portion of the campground is dedicated to seasonal sites, fostering a tight-knit community of summer residents who return year after year.
• Modern Bathroom and Shower Facilities: Campers benefit from well-maintained, orderly, and clean ceramic tile bathrooms with coin-operated hot showers, eliminating a common pain point of state park camping.
• On-Site Convenience Store: The camp store sells essential items like ice, firewood, bait, tackle, refreshments, and snacks, ensuring you don't have to leave the park for forgotten supplies.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry machines are available on-site, a highly useful service for long-term or seasonal campers and families.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A dump station is provided for RVs, and the park has been known to offer a unique pump-out service for black and gray tanks.
• Trash Service: The campground provides a convenient trash collection system where campers can purchase special 'purple bags' and have their trash picked up directly from their site twice a day, promoting a clean environment.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of McKinley Park Campground extends far beyond its basic utilities, offering a wealth of recreational features that ensure a memorable family vacation.

• Fabulous Swimming Beach: The campground is famous for its sandy, shallow swimming beach on Lake Vermilion, which is perfect for children and a great spot for sunbathing. It includes a water slide and mat, adding to the fun.
• World-Class Fishing Access: Lake Vermilion is a premier fishing lake in Minnesota, known for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and muskie. The campground provides docks, a boat launch, and a dedicated fish cleaning building.
• Family Recreation Amenities: A playground and a basketball court are located on-site, providing entertainment options for all ages. There is also a pavilion with picnic tables, ideal for group gatherings.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Nearby trails, including a connection to the Tower Multiuse Trail, are easily accessible from the park entrance, offering opportunities for both hiking and cycling.
• Community Atmosphere: The blend of daily and seasonal campers creates a unique, friendly, and family-oriented atmosphere, often hosting community events like the Vermilion Range Old Settler’s Picnic.
• Breathtaking Sunsets and Wildlife: The location on the lake's shores offers spectacular sunsets. Campers frequently report enjoying the authentic Northwoods sounds, such as the calls of loons and owls at night.

Contact Information

McKinley Park Campground is managed by Breitung Township, ensuring local management and a community focus. Note that the office and email are typically monitored only during the operational season, which runs approximately from May 1st to September 30th.

Address: 5563 Hoodoo Point Rd, Soudan, MN 55782, USA

Phone: (218) 753-5921 (Campground Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-753-5921

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and the prime summer season, due to the campground’s popularity.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

McKinley Park Campground is an outstanding choice for Minnesotans seeking an authentic, yet comfortable, Northwoods vacation because it provides immediate, unrivaled access to Lake Vermilion. Unlike many remote or rustic campsites, McKinley offers the dual benefit of a stunning, wilderness-adjacent location combined with highly convenient, modern amenities. This is a campground built for families: the sandy, shallow beach is a safe and fun place for kids, the on-site store minimizes the need for supply runs, and the clean, modern bathhouse facilities are a welcome luxury after a day on the water.

For Minnesota anglers and boaters, the easily accessible boat launch and docks are invaluable, providing immediate entry to Lake Vermilion's expansive, fish-rich waters. For those who love the consistency and camaraderie of the camping lifestyle, the established seasonal sites create a warm, familiar community feel. The campground's proximity to the historic Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers a unique cultural and historical element to complement the natural recreation. McKinley Park Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it is a full-service, family-focused gateway to the best of Northern Minnesota's lake life, ensuring a quality experience that keeps local campers returning for well over a decade.

McKinley Park Campground

5563 Hoodoo Point Rd, Soudan, MN 55782, USA