Sherwood Forest Campground, Gilbert, MN

gilbert campground mn

For Minnesotans seeking the ideal blend of lakeside relaxation and thrilling outdoor adventure, Sherwood Forest Campground in Gilbert, Minnesota, stands out as a premier destination. Nestled on the edge of the picturesque Lake Ore-Be-Gone, this campground offers a unique and engaging experience for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to truly embrace the beauty of Minnesota's Iron Range. It’s more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a vibrant community hub where memories are made, and the spirit of Minnesota’s great outdoors comes alive.

Sherwood Forest Campground prides itself on being a family-oriented, peaceful haven. As one delighted visitor perfectly articulated, "Sherwood Forest is an awesome Campground on the edge of tiny Gilbert Minnesota. It's a beautiful little town and Sherwood Forest Campground and its aqua park has something for everyone." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the campground – a place where diverse interests converge, offering everything from serene moments by the water to exhilarating aquatic adventures. Whether you’re an avid scuba diver, a keen kayaker, a casual swimmer, or simply someone who enjoys "laying in a hammock… taking in the fresh air," Sherwood Forest provides the perfect backdrop.

The campground’s crown jewel, the Aqua Park, combined with the unique underwater park, elevates the camping experience to an entirely new level. Imagine starting your day with a peaceful paddle across the lake and ending it by exploring a submerged bus or helicopter! This commitment to providing varied and exciting activities is a testament to Sherwood Forest Campground’s dedication to ensuring every guest, young or old, finds their ideal way to enjoy Minnesota’s natural wonders. The welcoming atmosphere and accommodating staff, often described as a "nice, family-oriented, very peaceful campground," further enhance the overall appeal, making it a truly exceptional choice for your next Minnesota getaway.

Location and Accessibility

Sherwood Forest Campground boasts an exceptional location at 301 Ore-Be-Gone Dr, Gilbert, MN 55741, USA. This prime address places it directly on the shores of Lake Ore-Be-Gone, providing campers with immediate access to one of the region's most popular bodies of water. The town of Gilbert, though "tiny" as one reviewer described it, is a charming and welcoming community in the heart of Minnesota's historic Iron Range. Its accessibility is a significant advantage for locals, as it's conveniently located near State Highway 37, making for an easy drive from various points across Minnesota, including the Quad Cities area (Eveleth, Virginia, Mountain Iron) and Duluth.

The campground's direct proximity to Lake Ore-Be-Gone means that water-based activities are literally steps away from your campsite. This man-made lake, created from a former open-pit mine, offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, boating, paddle sports, and notably, scuba diving. Its unique geological history provides an intriguing underwater landscape that fascinates divers from all over. Beyond the lake, Sherwood Forest Campground offers direct access to the Mesabi Trail, a premier paved multi-use trail stretching for over 135 miles across the Iron Range. As a reviewer noted, there’s "nice biking on Mesabi Trail," making it ideal for cyclists, walkers, and rollerbladers looking to explore the beautiful surrounding scenery.

Furthermore, Gilbert's location within the Iron Range provides easy reach to other regional attractions, including the vast trail systems for ATVs and snowmobiles, various mining historical sites, and other charming small towns. This blend of lakeside tranquility, trail access, and regional attractions makes Sherwood Forest Campground a highly convenient and appealing basecamp for exploring all that northeastern Minnesota has to offer. The ease of access, combined with its central position relative to key recreational assets, solidifies its suitability for local Minnesotans seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Services Offered

Sherwood Forest Campground is designed to provide a comprehensive and comfortable camping experience, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs. Their array of services ensures that guests have everything they need for an enjoyable stay:

Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of sites to accommodate different camping styles, including full hook-up RV sites (electric, water, sewer), electric-only sites, and primitive tent sites. This flexibility allows both large RVs and traditional tent campers to find their ideal spot.
Modern Bathhouse Facilities: Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of the bathhouse facilities. As one reviewer mentioned, there's a "clean bathhouse," providing comfort and convenience for all campers.
On-site Aqua Park: A major draw, the Aqua Park on Lake Ore-Be-Gone features inflatable obstacles, slides, and other water attractions, providing hours of fun for families and children. This unique amenity sets Sherwood Forest apart.
Scuba Diving Access and Underwater Park: The campground provides unparalleled access to Lake Ore-Be-Gone's famous underwater park, a true highlight for scuba enthusiasts. This submerged playground includes intriguing features like a bus, helicopter, Jeep, and other submerged objects, making it an exceptional training ground and recreational dive site.
Direct Mesabi Trail Access: Campers can step directly from the campground onto the paved Mesabi Trail, perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Iron Range.
Watercraft Rentals: For those who want to explore Lake Ore-Be-Gone, the campground offers rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft, making it easy to get out on the water.
Campground Store: A well-stocked store on-site provides essential camping supplies, snacks, beverages, ice, and firewood, ensuring you don’t have to leave the campground for basic necessities.
Wi-Fi Access: Stay connected with available Wi-Fi, allowing guests to share their adventures or keep up with important tasks.
Pet-Friendly Environment: Sherwood Forest Campground welcomes furry family members, with policies in place to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests and their pets.
Dump Station: Conveniently located for RVers to empty their tanks before heading home or continuing their journey.
Accommodating Staff: Reviewers consistently highlight the helpfulness and accommodating nature of the campground hosts and staff, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience.

Features / Highlights

Sherwood Forest Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination:

The Aqua Park: This is arguably the most exciting feature, offering unique and active water recreation directly at the campground. It’s a fantastic way to cool off and have fun on Lake Ore-Be-Gone.
World-Class Scuba Diving: Lake Ore-Be-Gone is renowned for its clear waters and incredible underwater park, making Sherwood Forest Campground a prime spot for both experienced divers and those looking to learn. The submerged attractions create a one-of-a-kind diving experience in Minnesota.
Direct Mesabi Trail Connection: The immediate access to the Mesabi Trail is a huge bonus for cyclists, walkers, and runners, providing miles of paved scenic pathways for exploration.
Beautiful Lakeside Location: Being situated directly on Lake Ore-Be-Gone offers stunning views, easy access to water sports, and a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The campground consistently receives praise for its peaceful and family-oriented environment, making it a safe and enjoyable place for all ages.
Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The positive feedback regarding clean bathhouses and well-kept sites reflects the campground's commitment to guest comfort and satisfaction.
Accommodating and Friendly Staff: The "accommodating campground host" and friendly staff contribute significantly to the positive guest experience, making visitors feel welcome and cared for.
Proximity to Gilbert Town: While offering a tranquil escape, the campground’s location on the edge of Gilbert means easy access to local amenities, dining, and other town attractions.
Variety of Activities: From swimming and sunbathing to scuba diving, kayaking, biking, and simply relaxing, the sheer diversity of activities available on-site or immediately nearby ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, time-sensitive promotions can vary throughout the camping season, Sherwood Forest Campground often focuses on providing value through its comprehensive amenities and unique offerings rather than just discounted rates. However, it's always recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information on any potential special offers, seasonal packages, or discounts. Common types of promotions at campgrounds might include:

Off-Peak Season Rates: Reduced rates for stays during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when demand is slightly lower.
Extended Stay Discounts: Potential discounts for weekly or monthly bookings, which are ideal for those planning a longer vacation or seasonal residency.
Themed Weekend Packages: Some campgrounds offer special packages for holiday weekends or events, which might include activities or slight discounts on multi-night stays.
Group Booking Incentives: For large groups or family reunions, there might be specific arrangements or minor discounts available when booking multiple sites together.

Given the popularity of their Aqua Park and scuba diving facilities, Sherwood Forest Campground's primary "special offer" is the unparalleled access and experience provided by these unique features, often included in the standard camping rates, delivering significant value for entertainment and recreation.

Contact Information

To plan your next unforgettable camping adventure at Sherwood Forest Campground, or for any inquiries, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 301 Ore-Be-Gone Dr, Gilbert, MN 55741, USA
Phone: (218) 748-2221
Mobile Phone: +1 218-748-2221

It is recommended to call during business hours for reservations or detailed questions, especially during peak season, as sites can fill up quickly due to the campground's popularity and unique attractions.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, Sherwood Forest Campground truly embodies the spirit of our state's recreational offerings, making it an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination. Its prime location directly on Lake Ore-Be-Gone offers immediate access to a wealth of water-based activities, from tranquil kayaking to the exhilarating Aqua Park and world-class scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the former mine pit. This unique aquatic playground sets it apart from many other campgrounds in the region, providing diverse entertainment for all ages.

Furthermore, the direct connection to the Mesabi Trail means that outdoor adventures extend far beyond the water. Locals who enjoy biking, walking, or running will find endless opportunities to explore the beautiful Iron Range scenery right from their campsite. The consistently positive reviews highlighting the "beautiful location, clean bathhouse, nice sites, accommodating campground host" all speak to a commitment to quality and guest satisfaction that resonates deeply with Minnesotans seeking a reliable and enjoyable getaway.

Ultimately, Sherwood Forest Campground is ideal for locals because it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation, tailored to the unique natural landscape of our state. Whether you're a family looking for a fun-filled vacation, a couple seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, or an adventurous individual keen on diving or cycling, this campground provides all the elements for an unforgettable Minnesota experience, all within a convenient drive from home.