Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park - Vermilion Ridge Campground

For Minnesotans who cherish the state's natural beauty and rich history, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers a unique and highly acclaimed destination. Within this remarkable park lies the Vermilion Ridge Campground, a standout in the Minnesota state park system. Heralded as a "brand new campground," it redefines the modern camping experience with its thoughtfully designed sites, state-of-the-art facilities, and seamless integration with the park's diverse attractions. It's a place where pristine wilderness meets contemporary comfort, creating an ideal setting for unforgettable outdoor adventures.

The Vermilion Ridge Campground is not just another place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a testament to superior park planning and development. With a focus on spaciousness, privacy, and accessibility, this campground offers a truly elevated experience for all types of campers. From large, well-spread-out sites to beautifully maintained, modern amenities, it consistently receives high praise from visitors. Its appeal is further amplified by its location within a state park that seamlessly blends natural recreation with significant historical and scientific exploration, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking to discover the best of Minnesota's northern treasures. It's a destination that promises relaxation, adventure, and a deep appreciation for both the environment and the past.

Vermilion Ridge Campground is located within the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park at Old, MN-169, Tower, MN 55790, USA. This address places it strategically in the scenic Lake Vermilion region, just outside the charming community of Tower. The location offers a perfect balance: the tranquility of a natural setting combined with relatively easy access via Minnesota State Highway 169, a major route through the Iron Range.

While the address indicates proximity to a main highway, visitors should be aware that the park itself is quite expansive. Upon entering the park area, clear signage will guide you to the campground. For those driving from the Twin Cities or other parts of Minnesota, the journey north on Highways 35, 53, or 169 offers picturesque views and a gradual immersion into the Northwoods landscape. The campground's design, with large, spread-out sites, ensures easy navigation even for larger RVs. Its integration with the broader state park means that once you've arrived, a wealth of activities and attractions are readily accessible within the park boundaries, often reachable by foot or a short drive. The park also features multiple entrances (e.g., Summer mine entrance at 1302 McKinley Park Road, Lake Vermilion Unit entrance on U.S. Highway 169), so following specific park signage once in the Tower area is crucial, as GPS units may sometimes direct to the older mine entrance rather than the campground specifically. Its strategic placement allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the Lake Vermilion experience while still having convenient access for arrivals and departures.

As a flagship campground in the Minnesota state park system, Vermilion Ridge Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed for comfort and convenience.

• Electric Campsites: The campground features 32 electric sites with 30/50 amp hookups, accommodating both tents and RVs. Each site typically includes a picnic table and fire ring with a grate.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Described as "brand new, modern and updated," the flush toilet and shower buildings are a significant highlight, renowned for their cleanliness and excellent condition.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground.
• Group Campsites: There are three dedicated group campsites (Ojjig, Maang, and Mooz), designed to accommodate larger parties (up to 30-50 people) with amenities like screened picnic shelters, tables, fire rings, and Wi-Fi.
• Camper Cabins: Eight modern camper cabins are available for rent, offering a more comfortable "glamping" experience with heat, electricity, Wi-Fi, outdoor food prep counters, campfire rings, and tables.
• Hike-in and Boat-in Sites: For those seeking a more secluded experience, there are 5 hike-in campsites and 2 boat-in campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Free Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is available throughout the developed areas of the campground, including the group camps and camper cabins.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host, and the park has a daily firewood permit policy that includes unlimited use for a reasonable fee.
• ADA Accessible Sites & Facilities: Several campsites and park facilities are designed to be accessible, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.
• Park Office/Visitor Center: Provides information, permits, gift shop, and assistance.

Vermilion Ridge Campground boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as a top-tier camping destination.

• New and Modern Facilities: A key highlight is that the campground is "brand new," meaning all facilities, especially the bathrooms and showers, are modern, updated, and meticulously clean.
• Spacious and Well-Spaced Sites: Campsites are notably large and "spread out," offering a good degree of privacy and a natural feel, with a nice mix of sun and shade.
• Accessibility: The inclusion of accessible sites and facilities ensures that visitors with diverse needs can comfortably enjoy the park.
• Variety of Accommodation Options: From traditional tent and RV sites to modern camper cabins and group camps, the campground caters to a wide range of preferences and group sizes.
• Integrated with State Park Attractions: Campers have direct access to the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park's primary attractions, including guided tours of Minnesota's first iron mine (Soudan Underground Mine tours are a major draw, though check for current operational status as they can be suspended due to events like flooding).
• Excellent Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi and good cell phone service are available, which is a significant convenience in a state park setting.
• Recreational Opportunities: Direct access to Lake Vermilion for fishing, boating, and swimming (at designated areas), plus numerous hiking and biking trails (including connection to the Mesabi Trail).
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Surrounded by the stunning Northwoods, campers can enjoy abundant wildflowers, berries, and the sounds of loons and owls.
• Thoughtful Design: The campground's design minimizes environmental impact by locating sites inland from the shoreline to protect the lake's ecosystem.

For information, reservations, or assistance, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park and its Vermilion Ridge Campground can be contacted directly.

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

Phone: (218) 300-7017

Mobile Phone: +1 218-300-7017

Reservations for campsites and camper cabins are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (summer, holidays) as this is a very popular destination. You can typically make reservations online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails reservation system or by calling the park office. It's always a good idea to check the Minnesota DNR website for the most current information regarding park conditions, tour availability (especially for the mine), and any alerts or seasonal updates before your visit.

For Minnesotans, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park's Vermilion Ridge Campground stands out as a premier local destination, offering an unparalleled blend of modern camping amenities and rich natural and historical experiences. Its status as a "brand new campground" with spacious, well-maintained sites and immaculate facilities means that locals can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free camping trip right in their backyard. The easy access to Lake Vermilion, one of Minnesota's most beloved lakes, provides endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the serene Northwoods environment.

Beyond the camping itself, the unique integration of the historic Soudan Underground Mine offers a fascinating educational component rarely found at a state park campground. This allows families and individuals to combine their love for the outdoors with an engaging dive into Minnesota's mining heritage. For residents across the state, from the Twin Cities to the Iron Range, this campground offers a truly rewarding escape that is both accessible and deeply enriching. It perfectly encapsulates the essence of a Minnesota getaway: pristine nature, engaging history, and top-notch facilities, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of their home state's outdoor offerings.

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park - Vermilion Ridge Campground

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