Vermilion Ridge Campground

- Old, MN-169, Tower, MN 55790

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans who appreciate the timeless experience of state park camping but desire the comfort of modern, spacious facilities, Vermilion Ridge Campground is quickly becoming the North Star State's premier destination. Located within the expansive Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, this relatively new campground offers a next-generation approach to outdoor recreation. It has earned a reputation among local campers as one of the top campgrounds in the state park system, a testament to its thoughtful design and immaculate upkeep.

Vermilion Ridge Campground is intentionally situated inland from the lakeshore to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Lake Vermilion's five miles of protected shoreline. This ensures a tranquil, wooded setting while still providing excellent access to the lake's recreational opportunities. The campground is characterized by large, well-spaced sites that offer a welcome mix of shade and sun, allowing for a sense of privacy often missing in older camping loops. It caters to a wide variety of users, featuring everything from traditional tent sites to big-rig-friendly electric hookup sites and brand-new, modern camper cabins. Its incorporation into the state park system means campers are not just booking a site, but securing a gateway to Minnesota's mining history and one of its most beautiful lakes.

Location and Accessibility

Vermilion Ridge Campground is located in a prime position in the northeastern part of Minnesota, nestled within the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park near the town of Tower.

Address: Old, MN-169, Tower, MN 55790, USA

The location on 'Old MN-169' places the campground centrally for anyone looking to explore the Iron Range, Lake Vermilion, or even the nearby attractions of Ely, including the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. While the campground itself is set back from the main highway—a feature that ensures peace and quiet, as noted by happy campers—it is easily accessible by paved roads.

As part of the state park, visitors must purchase a vehicle permit upon entry. For Minnesotans who frequent the state parks, this is a standard and worthwhile investment. The park has two main access points: the historic Soudan Underground Mine entrance and the Lake Vermilion Unit Entrance on US Highway 169, which is the closest approach for campground access. Once inside the park, clear signage directs users to the Vermilion Ridge Campground. For those arriving in large RVs, the generous site dimensions and wide interior roads make navigation and setup a stress-free experience, a significant benefit in state park settings.

Services Offered

The Vermilion Ridge Campground focuses on providing essential, high-quality services with a modern, environmentally conscious touch.

• Electric Hookup Sites: The main Vermilion Ridge loop features 32 drive-in campsites equipped with 30/50 amp electrical service, accommodating both tents and large RVs.
• Modern Bathroom Facilities: Campers consistently praise the brand-new shower and restroom buildings, which feature modern, updated facilities, flush toilets, and warm water for clean, comfortable use.
• Potable Water Access: Drinking water is available at central locations and at a sanitary dump station, where RVs can fill their tanks upon arrival.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A designated dump station is available for RVs before they exit the park.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access is provided throughout the developed areas of the campground, a rare and valued amenity in a state park setting.
• Firewood Policy: The park has a unique and highly praised firewood policy, often allowing for unlimited use per day for a reasonable fee, with firewood provided by the park.
• Group Camp Areas: Three large group campsites—Ojjig, Maang, and Mooz—are available, featuring screened picnic shelters, fire rings, and large capacity (up to 50 people).
• ADA Accessibility: The campground includes several accessible campsites and facilities to ensure all visitors can enjoy the park.

Features / Highlights

The key attractions of Vermilion Ridge are its thoughtful integration of camping with high-quality recreation and historical exploration.

• Modern Camper Cabins: Eight beautifully designed, year-round camper cabins are available for rent, offering heat, electricity, Wi-Fi, and a comfortable sleeping area for up to six people, all while being close to the flush toilets and shower facilities.
• Direct Trail Access: A wooded trail, the Vermilion Ridge Trail, leads directly from the campground to the stunning Onamani Outlook, offering a spectacular view over Cable Bay on Lake Vermilion. The park also connects to the paved Mesabi Trail, excellent for cycling and hiking.
• Lake Access and Recreation: The park offers a newly constructed boat access and launch in Cable Bay, a fishing pier, and the Armstrong Bay Day Use area for picnicking and relaxing by the water.
• Historic Soudan Underground Mine: While tours of the deepest portion of the mine may be temporarily suspended, the state park's unique highlight is its historic iron mine. Visitors can explore the surface facilities and learn about Minnesota's rich mining heritage.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Unlike many older state park loops, the sites here are intentionally large and spread out, often with trees and bushes providing excellent privacy from neighboring campers.
• Nature and Wildlife: As a new state park unit, the area is rich in natural resources, offering opportunities for birding, wildlife watching, and exploring old-growth forests and unique geological formations like the banded iron formation.

Contact Information

As a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) managed facility, the primary contact for reservations and detailed park information is the state park system.

Address: Old, MN-169, Tower, MN 55790, USA (This address is for the general park area; for mailing, use the park's official P.O. Box address in Soudan, MN, or contact the park office.)

Phone: (218) 300-7017 (Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 218-300-7017

Reservations are typically handled through the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Vermilion Ridge Campground represents the best of Minnesota State Parks, offering local residents a perfect blend of pristine Northwoods wilderness and cutting-edge convenience. This location is particularly suitable for Minnesotans because it combines a spectacular natural setting on Lake Vermilion—a lake revered by anglers and boaters statewide—with a world-class camping experience that is both modern and accessible. The new infrastructure, from the large, private electric sites to the immaculate, eco-conscious shower buildings and the inclusion of Wi-Fi, directly addresses the demands of today's camper, whether they are tenting or maneuvering a big RV.

For families and outdoor enthusiasts in Minnesota, Vermilion Ridge acts as an ideal hub. It offers endless opportunities for hiking (including the scenic trail to Onamani Outlook), biking (with a direct link to the Mesabi Trail), and boating on a vast, beautiful lake. Furthermore, the chance to explore the historic Soudan Underground Mine adds a layer of unique cultural and educational value that elevates it beyond a typical campground. Given the high standard of the facilities, the quality of the surrounding natural environment, and the convenience of being part of the state park system, Vermilion Ridge Campground is a must-visit destination that will quickly become a cherished favorite for generations of Minnesotans.

Vermilion Ridge Campground

Old, MN-169, Tower, MN 55790, USA