4.50106 reviewsSelect a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$8 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
No Pets
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$8 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
No Pets
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Learn more about alerts →Vermilion Ridge Campground
Summer mine entrance: 1302 McKinley Park Road; Winter mine entrance: 1379 Stuntz Bay Road; Lake Vermilion Unit Entrance: U.S. Highway 169; Mailing address: P.O. Box 335, 1379 Stuntz Bay Road, Soudan, MN 55782
RVers who want electric hookups (30/50-amp) and clean facilities without paying much. Sites run large and private, Wi-Fi actually works, and Lake Vermilion fishing via Cable Bay launch is minutes away. Book early online to save $2 on the reservation fee.
Tent campers are out entirely, the site list is RV-only. Families expecting a playground or direct waterfront sites will also be disappointed, and if the Soudan Underground Mine tour is your main draw, it's closed until 2026.
Context for the broader area surrounding Vermilion Ridge Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=118">Heron Dam</a> and reservoir are part of the <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=521">San Juan Chama Project</a>. The reservoir is on Willow Creek just above the point where Willow Creek enters the Chama River. Recreation at Heron Reservoir is managed by New Mexico State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. The Park is open 24 hours. There is a visitor center containing interpretive exhibits. The recreation area is a fee area. No food service or lodging within park. Lodging available in Chama. Sailing club concessionaire. Year-round fishing for rainbow and lake trout. Kokanee salmon season is Nov. 1 - Jan. 31. West end of lake closed 6:00pm - 12:00pm in winter when Department of Game and Fish employees gather kokanee spawn. There is stream fishing downstream from dam. State fishing license and trout stamp required. Boating must conform to New Mexico regulations. Boating restrictions limit motors to "no wake" speed.
Heron Lake State Park is 11 miles west of Tierra Amarilla via US highways 64 and 84 and NM 95.
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The campground opens early May through late October. Summer delivers daytime highs of 65-80°F and nights in the 40s-50s, with full access to boat ramps and interpretive programs. Spring and fall visits also get positive reviews. The ranger station operates daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the main season, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. off-season. Bring insect repellent during mosquito season. Expect moderate to high crowds on holiday weekends.
Summer has full boat-ramps, interpretive programs and pleasant temps (65–80°F).
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Modern restroom and shower building; electric hookups (30/50-amp) on all 32 sites; three vault toilets; on-site dump station; free campground Wi‑Fi reported by visitors; fire rings and picnic tables at sites; firewood available for purchase via a vendor app (Yodel). Eight year‑round camper cabins and group sites are available nearby.
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