Iron Lake

Location

GUNFLINT RANGER DISTRICT
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Policies

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Max stay

14 nights

Pets

Allowed (per listing)

About

Iron Lake Campground sits in a dense northern Minnesota forest right at the lake's edge, reached by a roughly 38-mile drive north from Grand Marais along the Gunflint Trail and a short, narrow gravel spur on County Road 92. The facility is small and quietly remote: there are exactly 7 campsites, and all 7 sites are set up for both RVs and tents but have no electric hookups. Sites are arranged in a single loop close to the water, with Site 6 designated first-come, first-served. Expect basic, low-impact amenities vault toilets, drinking water, and trash bins and no campground store; conveniences such as supplies, fuel or more services are available at area lodges and resorts. A campground host from another facility visits every other day, and the campground receives routine patrols by the County Sheriff and the concessionaire. Because the area is small and soils and seedlings are still recovering from the 2007 Ham Lake Fire, stick to established sites and routes, heed any closures, and be cautious around dead standing trees left for habitat which can be hazardous. The lake is prized for boating and fishing and also serves as an entry point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so paddlers should be prepared to carry canoes, kayaks or other small boats down to the water and to obtain the appropriate BWCAW permit (self-issued for day use) and follow wilderness group-size and regulation requirements if you portage or paddle into the boundary waters. Expect good walleye and northern pike fishing, the chance to hear loons, and wildlife sightings that can include moose, bear and species associated with post-fire forests such as black-backed woodpeckers; blueberries are abundant and ripe in mid to late summer. For planning maps, trail and route descriptions, and current rules or seasonal information, consult Superior National Forest recreation guides and maps before you go and check with the Forest Service on fees, reservation options and any temporary restrictions.