Lake Vermilion-soudan Underground Mine Backpack Sites
The backpack sites are currently open and available for reservations. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance through mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 866-857-2757.
Red Flag Warning issued May 14 at 5:05PM CDT until May 15 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THIS AFTERNOON AND FRIDAY... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, North St. Louis, Central St. Louis, Carlton and South St. Louis and Pine. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 19 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Red Flag Warning issued May 14 at 5:05PM CDT until May 14 at 5:00PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS THIS AFTERNOON AND FRIDAY... * AFFECTED AREA...In Minnesota, North St. Louis, Central St. Louis, Carlton and South St. Louis and Pine. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 19 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Flood Advisory issued May 11 at 2:54PM CDT until May 15 at 3:45PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
* WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues. * WHERE...In Minnesota, northwest Cook, northern Lake and northeast St. Louis Counties. * WHEN...Until 345 PM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, rivers and around area lakes. Some low-water crossings may become impassable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 254 PM CDT Monday, elevated river and lake levels continue. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Moose River, Jeanette Creek, Horse River, Basswood River, Kawishiwi River, and Hustler River. Additional rainfall amounts up to two tenths to three tenths of an inch are expected over the area through mid-week. Expect high, fast moving water on area rivers and elevated lake levels. Water levels are near or above those seen during flood events in Spring 2022 and June 2024. Areas near the end of the Gunflint Trail and near Ely will continue to see slow decreases in elevated water levels this week. For areas near and on Basswood Lake, flows are peaking as of Sunday afternoon, May 10, and at Lac La Croix peak flows are expected this week. Those venturing into the Boundary Waters should prepare for high water and possible inundation of portages and campsites, as well as dangerous rapids and very cold water. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Gunflint Lake, Snowbank Lake, Basswood Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Fall Lake, Sea Gull Lake, Saganaga Lake, Ensign Lake, Disappointment Lake and Lac La Croix. - Flood safety information can be found at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
About
The five backpack sites at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park provide a low-commitment entry into backcountry camping in Minnesota's Iron Range. Located less than a mile from the trailhead on a ridgeline overlooking wooded valleys, these dispersed primitive sites offer the solitude of remote camping with minimal approach distance. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, tent pad, and access to primitive toilet facilities. The park spans over 3,000 acres along the rocky, island-studded shores of Lake Vermilion and is home to the historic Soudan Underground Mine. Beyond the backpack sites, the park offers diverse camping options including a modern campground, camper cabins, and boat-accessible backcountry sites on the lake. The new Pyrite Campground, designed for OHV users with 24 electric sites, opens June 12, 2026. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR reservation system online at mndnr.gov/reservations or by phone. Same-day reservations are also available without a reservation fee. Pets are permitted but must be leashed and attended at all times.
Directions
Located in St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota, off State Highway 169 near Tower and Soudan. Follow signs to Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The backpack site trailhead is within the park.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $23 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (218) 753-2245 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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