Moose Group Camp, Tower, MN

For Minnesotans planning large family gatherings, organizational retreats, or memorable trips for scout troops and youth groups, finding the perfect location that balances capacity, amenities, and authentic Northwoods atmosphere can be a challenge. Moose Group Camp, situated near the shores of the legendary Lake Vermilion, offers a solution that perfectly captures the spirit of a true northern Minnesota getaway. This dedicated group site is specifically designed to accommodate larger parties, providing the space and facilities necessary to host a significant number of people comfortably within the stunning backdrop of the state’s newest and most unique state park—the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

Moose Group Camp serves as a pivotal gathering spot on the Vermilion Ridge, offering a designated area where multiple families or a large organization can set up camp together without the limitations imposed by standard single-family campsites. This is more than just a place to pitch tents; it is a semi-secluded basecamp that facilitates communal activity, offering a private experience within the managed and secure environment of a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) facility. It is a vital resource for local groups looking to foster community, education, and appreciation for the state’s rich geological and natural history.

The environment is classic Iron Range country: rugged, heavily forested, and rich in history. Camping here provides direct access to the beauty and bounty of Lake Vermilion, often considered one of Minnesota’s most spectacular and extensive bodies of water. For local users, the convenience of a dedicated group site combined with proximity to world-class fishing, boating, and historic sites makes Moose Group Camp an unparalleled choice for their next group adventure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Location and Accessibility

Moose Group Camp is geographically nestled within the broader Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park complex, near the historic community of Tower, Minnesota. Its specific address, 4804 Vermillion Rdg Rd, Tower, MN 55790, USA, indicates its prime location on the Vermilion Ridge, a natural elevation providing scenic views and excellent access to the park’s main features.

Accessibility is one of the camp's key strengths for Minnesota travelers. Tower is readily accessible via major state highways, including U.S. Highway 169, which runs directly into the area. From the Twin Cities metropolitan area, the drive is a manageable trip straight up the Iron Range, transitioning from major interstate to scenic highway travel. Once in the Tower area, the site is reached via well-maintained roads, characteristic of state park infrastructure, ensuring that even large vehicles, RVs, and buses associated with group travel can navigate to the location without difficulty.

The camp’s position on the Vermilion Ridge means it benefits from a peaceful, elevated setting while remaining just a short drive from the major attractions of the state park, including the entrance to the Soudan Underground Mine State Park section, the Lake Vermilion Visitor Center, and the numerous boat launches on the lake. This centralized yet secluded location is perfect for local groups who need easy logistics for food, supplies, and itinerary planning, minimizing travel time and maximizing recreational time.

Services Offered

Moose Group Camp is a semi-developed site designed for high-capacity use, and as such, it offers an elevated level of amenities compared to standard individual campsites. These services are crucial for successful group management and safety.

Large, designated clearing space suitable for multiple tents, providing a communal core area for group activities.
Multiple picnic tables and fire rings/grills to accommodate large-scale group cooking and dining.
Access to potable drinking water, generally via a centrally located spigot or well, which is essential for large groups.
Modern or well-maintained vault toilets or restroom facilities, and often access to a dedicated shower building within the main park campground (Vermilion Ridge Campground).
Designated parking area capable of holding multiple vehicles, which is necessary for coordinating group transportation.
Often features a small gathering structure, such as an open-air shelter or covered pavilion, ideal for meetings, inclement weather, or centralized food service.
The site is reservable through the Minnesota DNR state park system, allowing groups to secure their date up to a year in advance—a non-negotiable service for coordinating a large event.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Moose Group Camp apart are its unique features and its proximity to the exceptional recreational and historical opportunities afforded by the surrounding state park and Lake Vermilion.

Direct Lake Vermilion Access: The camp serves as a perfect launch point for boating, fishing, and paddling on one of the largest and most scenic lakes in Minnesota, known for its extensive shoreline and excellent muskie and walleye fishing.
Soudan Underground Mine Tours: Proximity to the historical Soudan Underground Mine, where groups can descend half a mile below the surface to explore Minnesota’s oldest, deepest, and richest iron mine, is a unique educational highlight.
The Vermilion Ridge Trail System: Groups have immediate access to miles of hiking, biking, and snowmobiling trails (seasonal), ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
Ideal for Educational Groups: The entire park complex offers a rich context for learning about regional geology, logging history, and the natural ecosystem, making it a powerful site for school and scout groups.
High Capacity and Privacy: The main highlight is the ability to camp with an entire group (often up to 50 people or more, depending on park rules) in a single, dedicated area that remains private from the main campground loops.
Year-Round Recreational Opportunities: Beyond summer camping, the area is a hub for winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing, making the site suitable for shoulder-season and winter group events.

Contact Information

All reservations and site-specific inquiries for Moose Group Camp are handled through the official management body of the state park. Local users should contact the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Office for the most accurate booking and regulation details.

Address: 4804 Vermillion Rdg Rd, Tower, MN 55790, USA

Primary Contact: Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Phone: (218) 300-7000 (Check DNR website for current contact information as park management details may evolve)

Reservations are typically made through the Minnesota DNR state park online reservation system or by calling the park office directly, as group sites require special booking procedures often separate from individual campsites.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Moose Group Camp is perfectly suited for Minnesotans because it solves the logistical challenges of large group outings while delivering an authentic and memorable northern Minnesota experience. As a dedicated group site in a state park near Tower, it offers the essential combination of reservable capacity and modern amenities, which local community leaders, family organizers, and youth program directors rely on for planning successful, large-scale events. Furthermore, its location on the Iron Range and near the historic Lake Vermilion provides a tangible connection to the state's deep cultural and natural heritage, offering activities that appeal to every age group—from world-class angling to subterranean mine exploration. By choosing Moose Group Camp, local users are not just finding a place to stay; they are securing a reliable, high-quality venue for building community, educating future generations, and celebrating the unparalleled wilderness of their home state, ensuring that their Northwoods traditions continue in comfort and style.