Sherwood Forest Campground

Nestled in the picturesque Iron Range region of Minnesota, Sherwood Forest Campground in Gilbert stands as a premier destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience. For Minnesotans, the call of the wild is a familiar one, and this campground answers with a unique blend of natural beauty, adventurous opportunities, and comfortable amenities. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen cyclist, a daring scuba diver, or simply looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, Sherwood Forest Campground offers something truly special. This article provides a detailed look at what makes this Gilbert gem a highly desirable spot for local users, highlighting its location, diverse services, and unique features that set it apart.

Sherwood Forest Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to exploration and relaxation in one of Minnesota's most distinctive landscapes. The campground's commitment to providing a clean, well-maintained, and friendly environment is evident, even with some past concerns about specific charges. The general consensus from many visitors points to a peaceful and family-oriented atmosphere, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. From the unique underwater park to direct trail access, Sherwood Forest Campground is designed to maximize your outdoor enjoyment and create lasting memories for all who visit from across Minnesota.

Sherwood Forest Campground boasts an exceptional location at 301 Ore-Be-Gone Dr, Gilbert, MN 55741, USA. This address places it directly on the shores of Lake Ore-Be-Gone, a prominent former mining pit transformed into a beautiful lake, and within the vibrant community of Gilbert. For Minnesotans, this location offers remarkable accessibility from various parts of the state, making it a convenient choice for weekend getaways or extended vacations without the need for extensive travel. Gilbert itself is a small, charming town that provides easy access to local conveniences, dining options, and other attractions, ensuring that campers have everything they need within reach.

The accessibility of Sherwood Forest Campground is further enhanced by its position within the Iron Range, an area known for its rich history and abundant recreational opportunities. The campground is easily reachable via well-maintained roads, including its proximity to major routes like Highway 53. This makes navigating to Sherwood Forest Campground straightforward for campers driving from Duluth, the Twin Cities, or other parts of Minnesota. The prime location on Lake Ore-Be-Gone also ensures direct water access, a significant advantage for those interested in aquatic activities. Furthermore, its immediate vicinity to the Mesabi Trail and the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area underscores its exceptional accessibility for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a seamless transition from road to trail or water.

Sherwood Forest Campground provides a wide array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all types of campers. Drawing from available public information, the campground offers:

• Diverse Campsite Options: Approximately 57 to 62 sites are available, including full-service RV pads with water, electric, and sewer hookups, water and electric-only sites, electric-only sites, and rustic tent sites.
• Electrical Hookups: Available at most RV sites, catering to both 30-amp and 50-amp needs.
• Water Hookups: Convenient access to fresh water at many designated sites for RVs and trailers.
• Sewer Hookups: Full hookup sites provide direct sewer connections for maximum convenience.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: Well-maintained and regularly cleaned flush toilets are available for guest comfort.
• Hot Showers: Accessible hot showers provide a refreshing way to clean up after a day of outdoor activities.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a designated fire ring for outdoor dining and campfires (subject to local fire regulations and availability of firewood).
• On-site Management/Staff: Friendly and helpful staff are available at the campground office during specified hours (e.g., Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) to assist with check-ins, inquiries, and ensure a pleasant experience.
• Online Reservation System: Guests can easily book and pre-pay for campsites online 24/7, with options for managing reservations, pre-ordering firewood, and automated waitlists.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, with a strict policy against bringing outside firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are generally welcome on campsites, provided they are leashed and not left unattended (maximum of 3 pets per site, per city ordinance).
• Waste Disposal: Designated areas for trash and recycling are provided to maintain cleanliness throughout the campground.
• Early Check-in/Late Check-out: Available for an additional fee upon request and subject to availability.

Sherwood Forest Campground stands out with several unique features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional camping destination in Minnesota:

• Lake Ore-Be-Gone Access: The campground's prime location on Lake Ore-Be-Gone offers unparalleled opportunities for swimming at the sandy beach, boating, and fishing. This large, deep former mining pit provides clear waters.
• Ore-Be-Gone Mine Pit Aqua Park (Scuba Diving Paradise): This is arguably one of the most distinctive features. Lake Ore-Be-Gone is renowned for its unique underwater park, featuring intentionally sunken attractions for scuba divers, including a Huey helicopter, a school bus, cars, a US army plane, rail cars, and more. It's considered an excellent training ground for new and experienced divers, making it a truly unique highlight in the Midwest. Separately, there is an inflatable aqua park called Splash Town on Lake Ore-Be-Gone, which is a great attraction for families with children aged 6 and up.
• Direct Access to Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area: For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, the campground offers direct trail access to Minnesota's first and only Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) State Recreation Area, providing miles of trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other OHVs.
• Mesabi Trail Proximity: The Mesabi Trail, Minnesota's premier paved bike trail, runs directly through or is immediately adjacent to the campground, offering fantastic opportunities for biking, walking, and running amidst scenic landscapes.
• Family-Oriented Environment: Many reviews and descriptions highlight the peaceful and family-oriented atmosphere, with a playground available for children.
• Walking Distance to Gilbert Downtown: The campground is within walking distance to Gilbert's downtown area, providing convenient access to restaurants, bars, and local businesses.
• Scenic Views: Campers can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Ore-Be-Gone from many campsites, contributing to a serene and visually appealing experience.

For inquiries, reservations, or further information regarding Sherwood Forest Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 301 Ore-Be-Gone Dr, Gilbert, MN 55741, USA

Phone: (218) 748-2221

Mobile Phone: +1 218-748-2221

For the most up-to-date information, including online reservation links, specific policies, and current office hours, it is highly recommended to visit the official website for Sherwood Forest Campground, often managed through the City of Gilbert's parks and recreation department, or to call them directly.

Sherwood Forest Campground is an exceptional fit for Minnesota locals, offering a diverse array of activities and amenities that cater to the unique preferences of residents across the state. Its prime location in Gilbert, directly on Lake Ore-Be-Gone, means that a multitude of outdoor adventures are literally at your doorstep. For Minnesotans, who cherish their lakes and outdoor spaces, the direct access for swimming, boating, and especially the renowned scuba diving in the unique underwater park of Lake Ore-Be-Gone, provides an unparalleled recreational opportunity not easily found elsewhere. This lake, a fascinating result of land reclamation from former mining pits, offers crystal-clear waters and an intriguing underwater landscape for exploration.

Beyond the water, the campground's immediate connection to the Iron Range OHV State Recreation Area is a significant draw for the growing number of ATV and off-road vehicle enthusiasts in Minnesota. This eliminates the need for transporting vehicles long distances, allowing for more time on the trails. Similarly, the Mesabi Trail, a crown jewel of Minnesota's paved trail system, running right by the campground, makes it an ideal hub for cyclists and walkers eager to explore the scenic Iron Range. This seamless integration of diverse recreational opportunities within one location makes Sherwood Forest Campground a highly efficient and rewarding choice for locals looking to maximize their outdoor time.

The blend of rustic charm with essential modern amenities, including various hookup options for RVs, clean facilities, and a user-friendly online reservation system, ensures a comfortable and convenient stay. While one review mentioned a dispute over a cleaning fee, the overall feedback from many visitors points to a generally positive, friendly, and well-maintained environment, often highlighting the beauty of the lake views and the helpfulness of the staff. This balance of convenience and natural immersion, coupled with the family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to Gilbert's downtown for local services and dining, positions Sherwood Forest Campground as an outstanding local choice. It's a place where Minnesotans can easily connect with the outdoor activities they love, create new memories, and experience the unique natural and historical landscape of the Iron Range without venturing too far from home.

Sherwood Forest Campground

301 Ore-Be-Gone Dr, Gilbert, MN 55741, USA