OutReserve

Iron Lake

Iron Lake
  Site 2
Iron Lake
Site 6
Iron Lake

About Iron Lake

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. 

Number of accommodations: 6

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Canoeing

Fishing

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 8 to Oct 4

Campground Amenities

Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

6 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: IRON
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: IRON
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 004, Loop: IRON
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: IRON
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: IRON
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 007, Loop: IRON
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (70)

What Guests Are Saying

Iron Lake campground offers a serene and secluded experience with well-maintained sites and beautiful lake views. While some campers reported noise issues from generators and nearby sites, many appreciated the respectful atmosphere and proximity to hiking and paddling opportunities. Overall, visitors found it a charming getaway, noting its cleanliness and the convenience of amenities, although maintenance improvements were suggested.

Review Summary

4.1
70 reviews
5
48.6%
34
4
31.4%
22
3
5.7%
4
2
11.4%
8
1
2.9%
2

Shannon P

Verified

June 28, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: IRON

5

I didn't want to leave!

Shannon P

Verified

June 28, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: IRON

5

I didn't want to leave!

Beth P

Verified

January 22, 2020 Stayed at: 005, Loop: IRON

4

Very quite, small campground. Excellent location for waking up early to drive the Gunflint Trail for wildlife viewing. Also located near several hiking trails.

Beth P

Verified

January 22, 2020 Stayed at: 005, Loop: IRON

4

Very quite, small campground. Excellent location for waking up early to drive the Gunflint Trail for wildlife viewing. Also located near several hiking trails.

Tracy K

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 004, Loop: IRON

5

Great campsite if you are looking to get away from it all.

Tracy K

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 004, Loop: IRON

5

Great campsite if you are looking to get away from it all.

Mark P

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 003, Loop: IRON

3

Campsite was good. Level, plenty of space, privacy from other campers and the campsite road. The only drawback is there was no easy access to the lake directly from the campsite and definitely no way to launch a canoe from the campsite which I was hoping for based on pictures I saw and my experience at similar campgrounds. Also, the weather was windy and rainy but I can't blame the campsite for that. Still had an enjoyable trip but would probably check out other campsites at Iron Lake to see if any of them have direct access to the lake.

Mark P

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 003, Loop: IRON

3

Campsite was good. Level, plenty of space, privacy from other campers and the campsite road. The only drawback is there was no easy access to the lake directly from the campsite and definitely no way to launch a canoe from the campsite which I was hoping for based on pictures I saw and my experience at similar campgrounds. Also, the weather was windy and rainy but I can't blame the campsite for that. Still had an enjoyable trip but would probably check out other campsites at Iron Lake to see if any of them have direct access to the lake.

Gregory S

Verified

December 19, 2019 Stayed at: 007, Loop: IRON

5

Beautiful area. Lots of downed trees for firewood and easy lake access.
Lots 6 and 7 are the largest...we stayed on 7 and there was plenty of space for four tents, however be aware it is also the one closest to the dumpsters. While we didn't see any I expect the odd Bear will wander around that area.

Spent most mornings drinking coffee and watching a female moose and her calf swimming on the other side of the lake and the afternoons chasing enormous beavers away from the best fishing spots.

This lake has good size northern and really good Walleye fishing. You can also portage to another lake (aptly named Portage Lake) on the far eastern shore or paddle west into Little Iron Lake. Great experience and great fishing.

Gregory S

Verified

December 19, 2019 Stayed at: 007, Loop: IRON

5

Beautiful area. Lots of downed trees for firewood and easy lake access.
Lots 6 and 7 are the largest...we stayed on 7 and there was plenty of space for four tents, however be aware it is also the one closest to the dumpsters. While we didn't see any I expect the odd Bear will wander around that area.

Spent most mornings drinking coffee and watching a female moose and her calf swimming on the other side of the lake and the afternoons chasing enormous beavers away from the best fishing spots.

This lake has good size northern and really good Walleye fishing. You can also portage to another lake (aptly named Portage Lake) on the far eastern shore or paddle west into Little Iron Lake. Great experience and great fishing.

Location Iron Lake

Address:
Gunflint Ranger District
Grand Marais, MN, 55604
United States

Highway access

The nearest major road is Gunflint Trail (County Road 12), which connects to Grand Marais and provides access to Iron Lake Campground.

Latitude & Longitude: 48.0678 / -90.6147

Elevation: 573 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service