Iron Lake
FSU.S. Forest Service — Grand Marais · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Superior National Forest |
| Location | Grand Marais · Minnesota · Superior National Forest · 48.06778, -90.61472 · Map |
| Sites | 7 public sites counted from the federal listing — 7 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 7 sites Water hookups at 0 of 7 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 7 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 7 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 6 sites · 30 ft: 6 sites · 35 ft: 4 sites · 40 ft: 4 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 7 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | (218)388-2212 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview Iron Lake Campground is located in a dense forest along the banks of Iron Lake in far northern Minnesota. The campground is unique due to its remoteness and small size. Fishing and canoeing are its biggest draws, as the lake provides access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The Ham Lake Fire passed through the campground in 2007. Visitors may be surprised at how the burned area has grown back up.
Recreation Iron Lake provides many boating opportunities. The campground offers plenty of canoeing and fishing opportunities. Walleye and northern pike fishing are usually good. Canoes, kayaks and small boats must be carried down to access the lake.
When portaging or paddling out of this lake and into another, visitors should find out if they will be entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Entry requires a permit (self-issued for day use) and visitors must follow wilderness regulations including group size.
**View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest. Facilities This campground is small and simple. Sites are organized into one loop near the water. There are no electric hookups. Campsite #1 is a first-come, first-served site. Effective January 24, 2025, Campsite #6 has been added to the list of reservable campsites. It is now currently available for reservation during the same reservation season as the other reservable sites.
Vault toilets, drinking water, and a garbage canister are provided. Conveniences are available at area lodges and resorts. A campground host from the concessionaire visits here every other day, and the facility is routinely patrolled by the County Sheriff and the concessionaire.
Natural Features Iron Lake is in a burn area, and visitors can see post-fire ecology including uncommon black-backed woodpeckers. Moose, bear, loons and other wildlife live in the area. Blueberries grow abundantly in the area and can be picked in mid to late summer. Nearby Attractions The BWCAW is by far the most popular nearby attraction. Over 1 million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extend nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Additional sites of interest Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (218) 387-1750.
Directions, from the listing
From Grand Marais, Minnesota, take Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) 36 miles north, turn left on County Road 92 and travel 2 miles on a narrow gravel road to Iron Lake Campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
10 mi straight-line · GRAND MARAIS MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceEast Bearskin Lake Campground
10 mi straight-line · Grand Marais MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceTrails End Campground
14 mi straight-line · Grand Marais MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceTwo Island Lake Campground
15 mi straight-line · MinnesotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceCrescent Lake (Mn)
18 mi straight-line · Tofte Minnesota
Trip Card — Iron Lake
Grand Marais · Minnesota · Superior National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Grand Marais · Minnesota · Superior National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 7 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232427 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.