Vermilion Ridge Campground

Star4.50
106 reviews
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
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,470 ft

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

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Vermilion Ridge Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Advance reservations carry a non-refundable reservation fee (call center $10, web $8).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
218-300-7000
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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 106 reviews

113 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Reviews are largely very positive, praising new/modern facilities, cleanliness, large/private sites and free Wi‑Fi; a minority of reviewers report reservation frustrations or isolated negative experiences."

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Campground Map

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

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

Driving directionsGPS units may not provide correct directions to the mine entrance. Once in the Tower area, ignore your GPS and follow street signs to the mine entrance.
Lake Vermilion Unit Entrance accessible from U.S. Highway 169.

Best Time to Camp at Vermilion Ridge Campground

The park welcomes visitors year-round, with cozy camper cabins available even during Minnesota's snowy winters. During the main season (May through September), stop by the ranger station daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for maps, advice, and local knowledge. Off-season visitors (October through April) can find staff available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Be sure to check ParkFinder for current camping season dates and any seasonal updates before your visit.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Lake activities, trails, and quiet nights make summer a strong season here.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

North-woods setting implies good fall color and scenic hikes though not explicitly detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Average

Should be pleasant with trails and lake access but no spring-specific reviews provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5
Above Average

No winter specifics; services likely reduced and few winter reviews present.

Planning Tips

    About Vermilion Ridge Campground

    Discover where Minnesota's mining heritage meets pristine wilderness at Lake Vermilion–Soudan Underground Mine State Park. This unique destination combines miles of stunning Lake Vermilion shoreline with fascinating historic mine features, offering camper cabins (including eight available year-round) and developed campground areas. A vehicle permit is required to explore most areas of the park.
    Campground sites include 32 sites with 30/50‑amp electric hookups (most accommodate up to 50‑ft RVs; three pull‑through sites and three accessible sites reported). The unit also offers eight year‑round camper cabins and has group sites available nearby. Tent and primitive campsite status not specified in the available sources.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Electricity hookups
    WiFi
    Flush toilets
    Dump station
    Fire rings

    Activities you can enjoy

    Outdoor recreation includes hiking on several park trails, boating and lake recreation on Lake Vermilion, fishing, biking on nearby trail sections, and birding/wildlife viewing. The park is also home to the historic Soudan Underground Mine (tours currently closed until 2026 per the park).
    HikingTrails mentioned include the Hiking Club Trail (to the banded iron formation), Vermilion Ridge Trail and Crosscut Trail; sections of the Mesabi Trail are nearby for biking and multiuse.
    FishingLake Vermilion access is available via Cable Bay boat launch or Armstrong Bay Day Use area for fishing and other lake recreation.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsWhite-nose syndrome has been confirmed at the park (a threat to bats). GPS units may provide incorrect directions to the mine entrance. Vehicle permits are required throughout the park except the main visitor center parking lot.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Vermilion Ridge Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    106 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Vermilion Ridge Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are largely very positive, praising new/modern facilities, cleanliness, large/private sites and free Wi‑Fi; a minority of reviewers report reservation frustrations or isolated negative experiences.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 106 reviews

    What Campers Love

    New, well‑maintained restrooms and showers; roomy, private campsites (many suitable for large RVs); free campground Wi‑Fi; convenient firewood purchase via Yodel; close proximity to Soudan...
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    Based on 106 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Make reservations in advance (reservations required); use the Yodel app to purchase firewood; plan to visit the Soudan mine tour; bring insect repellent during mosquito season; expect quiet,...
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    Based on 106 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Free WiFi. Big and private sites.” | “The newest and nicest Minnesota State Park we've visited so far!” | “Couldn't book in on line very frustrating, then rang in to book and they couldn't do it...
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    Based on 106 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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