Old Iron Campground, Ironton, MN

For Minnesota adventurers drawn to the state's rugged iron mining history and the thrill of world-class mountain biking, Old Iron Campground in Ironton provides the perfect basecamp. This small, thoughtfully managed campground offers a simple, safe, and incredibly convenient lodging solution just moments from the famed Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CRA). Unlike large, impersonal parks, Old Iron Campground focuses on providing a high-quality, comfortable experience for campers who spend their days exploring the great outdoors.

The philosophy here is clear: offer a clean, respectful, and peaceful environment where guests can relax and recharge. Customer reviews frequently highlight the excellent management, the feeling of safety, and the cleanliness of the grounds. It’s a favorite among mountain bikers and hikers for its accessibility, but also attracts general campers seeking a quiet, natural setting. One review humorously noted the high level of safety felt by all occupants, stating, "I felt safe here and so did the DEER!" This friendly atmosphere, combined with essential amenities and unparalleled access to the Cuyuna Lakes area, makes Old Iron Campground a compelling choice for a memorable Minnesota getaway.

Old Iron Campground boasts an exceptional location for accessing the most popular outdoor attractions in the Cuyuna Lakes region. The physical address is 21890 Wood Land Rd, Ironton, MN 56455, USA. This address places the campground directly on the edge of the small, historic town of Ironton.

Its true advantage for local users is its proximity to the vast Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The campground is situated roughly a mile from the CRA, which means guests are within a very short drive or, more importantly, an easy bike ride—approximately 10 minutes, according to one customer review—to the world-renowned mountain biking and hiking trailheads. Furthermore, the campground is only a short, five-minute drive from the heart of Crosby, offering convenient access to local shopping, dining, and the popular Music in the Park events held on Serpent Lake. The balance of being slightly removed for a quiet night's sleep, yet so close to all the action, is what makes the location so ideal for Minnesotans planning an active vacation.

Old Iron Campground offers a selection of necessary amenities tailored for an efficient and comfortable camping experience, whether arriving by tent or RV (less than 30 feet in length):

Campsites: The park offers dedicated sites that can accommodate both tents and smaller campers (less than 30 feet). Travelers with larger RVs should inquire about specific site availability.
Electric Hook-ups: Select sites (Sites 5-11, based on available data) are equipped with electric hook-up capabilities, a key convenience for many modern campers.
Firewood and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a designated fire ring, and management provides plenty of complimentary firewood, a highly appreciated service noted by happy campers.
Picnic Tables: Every site includes a picnic table, providing a convenient space for outdoor dining and meal preparation.
Planned Shower Facilities: The management has indicated that showers are "coming soon," demonstrating a commitment to upgrading amenities to further enhance camper comfort (guests are advised to check the park's Facebook page for the most current updates on facility status).
Attentive Management: Reviews highlight the frequent check-ins and helpfulness of the owners, ensuring needs are met, including practical actions like spraying for mosquitoes.

The main highlights of Old Iron Campground center around its environment and its role as a premier gateway to the Cuyuna Lakes experience:

Immediate Trail Access: The campground’s biggest selling point is its exceptional proximity to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (CRA). This mile-long distance makes it an unmatched launch point for mountain bikers looking to spend all day on the area's 50+ miles of world-class singletrack trails.
Reputation for Safety and Cleanliness: Campers consistently rave about the cleanliness of the campsite and the overall feeling of safety and peace, indicating a very well-managed property with respectful campers.
Natural Setting and Wildlife: The location on Wood Land Road puts the campground in a naturally wooded setting, offering a peaceful retreat where wildlife, including deer, are a common sight, contributing to the tranquil Northwoods ambiance.
Proximity to Ironton and Crosby: Beyond the trails, guests have easy access to the historic mining towns of Ironton and Crosby, offering unique local culture, dining options, and supply shopping that enhances the convenience of the stay.
Ideal for Trail Users: Whether biking, hiking, or even scuba diving the clear mine lakes in the CRA, the campground provides a clean, close, and affordable option specifically catering to active, outdoor-focused visitors.

To secure your reservation or inquire about group rates, please use the following contact information. Note that the best way to determine site availability and current amenity status (such as the planned showers) is to contact the friendly management directly:

Address:

21890 Wood Land Rd, Ironton, MN 56455, USA

Phone:

(218) 838-7071

Alternate Contact (Mobile):

+1 218-838-7071

For local Minnesotans, Old Iron Campground is the ideal choice for an adventure-centric vacation in the Cuyuna Lakes region. It eliminates the need for long drives to and from the trails, placing guests practically on the doorstep of the state's most exciting mountain biking destination. The fact that guests can "bike ride to the trails" in about ten minutes is a massive benefit, saving time and transportation effort, and allowing for maximum time on the red-dirt singletrack.

Furthermore, the park's focus on safety, cleanliness, and the availability of plentiful, complimentary firewood aligns perfectly with the values of a classic Minnesota camping trip. It offers a secure, peaceful, and amenity-supported place to rest after a challenging day of riding or exploring. For any Minnesota resident looking to fully immerse themselves in the world-class recreation of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Old Iron Campground provides the optimal blend of convenience, quality, and Northwoods charm.