Iron Lake
Closed for the season. Operates May 6 through October 21. The campground road is not plowed during winter. Five sites are reservable via Recreation.gov and two sites are first-come, first-served.
Flood Advisory issued May 1 at 9:54AM CDT until May 2 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
High water continues across portions of the far eastern Rainy River watershed due to the effects of runoff from heavy rains and snowmelt from earlier this week. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. * WHAT...Flooding caused by runoff from rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, Cook and Lake Counties. * WHEN...Until 700 PM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. River or stream flows are elevated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 948 AM CDT Friday, automated river gages and the public reported flooding in the advisory area. Minor flooding is occurring. - Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or just surpassed those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Further water level increases are possible through this weekend after which slow declines should begin. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Forest Center, Little Saganaga Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Snowbank Lake, Alpine Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Isabella, Saganaga Lake, Basswood Lake, Fall Lake, White Iron Lake, Birch Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness North of the Gunflint Trail, Pine Lake, Alice Lake, Malberg Lake, Lake Polly and Thomas Lake. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
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, featuring just 7 sites organized in one loop near the water. Fishing and canoeing are the biggest draws, with the lake offering excellent walleye and northern pike fishing opportunities. Canoes, kayaks, and small boats must be carried down to access the lake. The campground provides access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through portages from Iron Lake. Visitors entering the wilderness must obtain either a self-issued day use permit available at the campground or an overnight permit, and follow wilderness regulations including group size limits. The area was burned over in the 2007 Ham Lake fire, and visitors can observe post-fire ecology including uncommon black-backed woodpeckers, moose, bear, and loons. Blueberries grow abundantly and can be picked in mid to late summer. Soils and seedling trees remain delicate, and some dead trees left standing for habitat may be hazardous. The campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets, solar-powered drinking water faucets, fire rings, tent pads, and picnic tables. There are no electric hookups. Sites are pull-in and designed for moderately sized vehicles, though some may not be suitable for RVs. The campground road is not plowed during winter months.
Directions
From Grand Marais, take Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) north for 36 miles to the western end of County Road 92 (Old Gunflint Trail). Turn left and travel east on CR 92 for 2 miles to the campground entrance on the right. Note: signs may be confusing at the CR 12/CR 92 intersection.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (218) 388-2212 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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