Openings · last 7 days
0
Availability is not tracked here yet
Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for Iron Lake. That is a gap in what Campsite Sniper tracks — it does not mean the facility is full, closed, or unavailable. Recreation.gov may well be showing open dates right now.
The site details and map below come from the public Recreation.gov record and are accurate. For current dates and to book, go to Recreation.gov.
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-232427
When Iron Lake reopens
Iron Lake's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
0
Openings · last 90 days
8
Only 8 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
About Iron Lake
Overview
Iron Lake Campground is located in a dense forest along the banks of Iron Lake in far northern Minnesota. The campground is unique due to its remoteness and small size. Fishing and canoeing are its biggest draws, as the lake provides access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The Ham Lake Fire passed through the campground in 2007. Visitors may be surprised at how the burned area has grown back up.
Recreation
Iron Lake provides many boating opportunities. The campground offers plenty of canoeing and fishing opportunities. Walleye and northern pike fishing are usually good. Canoes, kayaks and small boats must be carried down to access the lake.
When portaging or paddling out of this lake and into another, visitors should find out if they will be entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Entry requires a permit (self-issued for day use) and visitors must follow wilderness regulations including group size.
**View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
View recreation guides and maps of hiking trails and canoe routes in the national forest.
Facilities
This campground is small and simple. Sites are organized into one loop near the water. There are no electric hookups. Campsite #1 is a first-come, first-served site. Effective January 24, 2025, Campsite #6 has been added to the list of reservable campsites. It is now currently available for reservation during the same reservation season as the other reservable sites.
Vault toilets, drinking water, and a garbage canister are provided. Conveniences are available at area lodges and resorts. A campground host from the concessionaire visits here every other day, and the facility is routinely patrolled by the County Sheriff and the concessionaire.
Natural Features
Iron Lake is in a burn area, and visitors can see post-fire ecology including uncommon black-backed woodpeckers. Moose, bear, loons and other wildlife live in the area. Blueberries grow abundantly in the area and can be picked in mid to late summer.
Nearby Attractions
The BWCAW is by far the most popular nearby attraction. Over 1 million acres in size, the Boundary Waters extend nearly 150 miles along the United States-Canada border and contains over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails and over 2,000 designated campsites.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Additional sites of interest
7 monitored sites1 FCFS siteRVs up to 40 ftNo hookups7 shadedPets OKMax party 8
Getting there
From Grand Marais, Minnesota, take Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) 36 miles north, turn left on County Road 92 and travel 2 miles on a narrow gravel road to Iron Lake Campground.
Gunflint Ranger District, Grand Marais, MN 55604(218)388-2212
BoatingCampingCanoeingFishing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
02 · Field Photos · roll CS-232427 · facility + sites
Photo gallery
Roll CS-232427 · Iron Lake · Grand Marais MN12 frames · facility + sites
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Iron Lake?
Online reservations for this facility, where offered, are made through Recreation.gov. Campsite Sniper has also detected 8 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for Iron Lake, so there is nothing to date here. That is a gap in coverage — it does not mean the facility is full or closed. Check Recreation.gov for current dates.
How often do new openings appear at Iron Lake?
Campsite Sniper detected 8 site-date openings here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.
Which sites at Iron Lake fit a 35-foot RV?
4 of the 7 sites that support RV analysis have a recorded maximum of 35 ft or more; the longest recorded is 40 ft.
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When a match opens, you get a push with a Recreation.gov link so you can review and book it yourself.
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