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.
Air Quality Alert issued July 15 at 3:46PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Maroon or Hazardous category. * WHERE...Northeast Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 11 AM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Everyone will be affected by wildfire smoke in these concentrations. Minor trace amounts of ashfall are likely and have been observed with the dense smoke. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Dense smoke continues across northern Minnesota. AQI values have already been observed in the Maroon/Hazardous concentration and will continue through the alert period. The smoke will persist until at least Friday, but this alert may need to be extended.
Air Quality Alert issued July 14 at 12:07PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Maroon or Hazardous category. * WHERE...Northeast Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 11 AM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Everyone is more likely to be affected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Very heavy smoke is expected across the Arrowhead today, as large wildfires continue to spread. Hot temperatures, when combined with the air pollution, will exacerbate health impacts. A frontal boundary will then spread heavy smoke further south this evening into Wednesday morning, as it moves across northern and central Minnesota. The onset of smoke will be rapid. This boundary eventually passes through the Twin Cities and into southeastern Minnesota on Wednesday or Wednesday evening, bringing heavy smoke even further south. Additional rounds of heavy smoke are possible from Thursday through Friday morning across the alert area.
Air Quality Alert issued July 13 at 3:05PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Purple or Very Unhealthy category. * WHERE...Northeast Minnesota. * WHEN...From 7 AM CDT Tuesday to 11 AM CDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy smoke from several large wildfires across northeast Minnesota and Canada will move south behind a frontal boundary across much of northeast Minnesota beginning on Tuesday. High temperatures will be in the 90s across the alert area Tuesday, and the combination of wildfire smoke and extreme heat amplifies health risks. Heavy smoke may move further south into Minnesota Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, so the air quality alert may need to be expanded. Additional rounds of heavy smoke are possible across the region through at least Thursday morning.
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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