McKinley Park Campground

🎣 Introduction / Overview: Lakeside Paradise on Lake Vermilion

For decades, Minnesotans have sought out the crystal-clear waters and deep-forest tranquility of the Northwoods for their summer escapes. Located on the majestic shores of Lake Vermilion, the McKinley Park Campground in Soudan, MN, stands out as a beloved, family-friendly destination. This isn't just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a full-service recreational hub offering a classic Minnesota camping experience, complete with stunning sunsets, world-class fishing, and community warmth.

Owned and operated by Breitung Township, McKinley Park Campground has evolved from a few rustic sites into a well-appointed facility with approximately 60 to 70 campsites that cater to all styles of campers. As one happy customer review mentions, "My family has been camping here for well over a decade & we love it!" This longevity and loyalty speak volumes about the quality and maintenance of the grounds. The campground is specifically noted for its clean, orderly facilities, friendly management, and spectacular access to the 40,000-acre expanse of Lake Vermilion—a premier destination for catching walleye, muskie, and northern pike.

Whether you're looking for a seasonal retreat, a weekend tenting trip, or a convenient spot with full amenities for your motorhome, McKinley Park Campground offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural serenity. It’s a true piece of North Star State camping heritage, providing the quintessential setting for making those lasting family memories, from hearing the calls of the loons at night to spending days on the water.

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Northwoods Retreat

McKinley Park Campground boasts a superb, easily accessible location right in the heart of the Lake Vermilion recreational area, just a short drive from the historic communities of Soudan and Tower. The area is a key gateway to the larger Arrowhead Region and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), making it an ideal basecamp for wider exploration.

The facility’s physical address is: 5563 Hoodoo Point Rd, Soudan, MN 55782, USA.

While one review noted the initial process of finding the campground can be "a bit confusing," the location itself, situated on Hoodoo Point Road, is well-known locally as a primary access point for the lake. It is located approximately 1.5 miles from the renowned Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, providing campers with a fantastic historical attraction nearby. Accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to the Mesabi Trail network, with a hiking/biking trail entrance near the park, allowing visitors to easily connect to regional multi-use paths without having to drive.

The campground operates seasonally, typically running from May 1st through September 30th or October 1st, perfectly covering the prime Minnesota camping, boating, and fishing seasons.

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🏕️ Services Offered

McKinley Park Campground provides a host of amenities designed to make both short-term and seasonal stays comfortable and convenient for every type of camper, from tenters to large RV owners:

• Diverse Campsite Options: Offers approximately 60 to 70 sites, including regular RV sites (many with electric and water hookups), tent sites, and popular seasonal camping spots for those who wish to stay all summer.
• RV Infrastructure: Features water hookups, electric hookups (including 30 and 50 amp service), and a sanitary dump station for motorhomes and travel trailers.
• Comfort Facilities: Includes well-maintained, clean bathroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay. As one guest commented, the bathrooms "didn't stink" and were "orderly, clean," which is a significant factor for any public campground.
• Convenience Store: A dedicated camp store selling essential items such as bait, tackle, ice, firewood, refreshments, and general supplies.
• Laundry: On-site laundry facilities for long-term campers.
• Recreation: Features a playground, a basketball court, and a sheltered pavilion with picnic tables perfect for group gatherings.
• Water Access: Provides docks and an easily accessible boat launch to Lake Vermilion, along with a dedicated fish cleaning building for anglers.

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🌟 Features / Highlights

The highlights of McKinley Park Campground center on its beautiful setting and its commitment to providing a top-tier Northwoods recreational experience:

• Direct Lake Vermilion Frontage: The campground is built around a fabulous, sandy swimming beach on Lake Vermilion, providing immediate, safe access to the water for swimming and sunbathing—a major draw for families. Note that swimming is restricted to the designated beach area for safety.
• World-Class Fishing Base: Lake Vermilion is famous for its exceptional walleye, muskie, northern pike, and bass fishing. The campground supports this with on-site bait/tackle sales, a boat launch, docks, and a fish cleaning station.
• Strong Community Atmosphere: The campground fosters a friendly atmosphere with "helpful and friendly" managers and seasonal 'regulars,' making newcomers feel welcome. It also hosts the annual Vermilion Range Old Settler's Picnic.
• Wooded Privacy: Many campsites are situated with natural "trees/foliage that give a bit of privacy," offering a more secluded feel than many open-field RV parks.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Direct access to nearby hiking and biking trails, including a connection to the Mesabi Trail, is perfect for guests looking to explore the land by foot or bike.
• Stunning Natural Sounds: Campers consistently highlight the experience of hearing the classic Northwoods sounds, such as the evocative calls of loons and owls at night, enriching the overall tranquility.

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📞 Contact Information

For current rates, reservation details, or questions about local conditions for your next camping trip to Lake Vermilion, please use the following contact information. Note that the phone is typically only monitored during the operating season (May 1st to late September/early October).

Address:

5563 Hoodoo Point Rd, Soudan, MN 55782, USA

Primary Phone (Seasonal):

(218) 753-5921

Mobile Phone (Seasonal):

+1 218-753-5921

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🌟 What is Worth Choosing: The All-in-One Lake Vermilion Family Experience

McKinley Park Campground is absolutely worth choosing for any Minnesotan seeking a premier, hassle-free Lake Vermilion experience. What sets it apart is the perfect combination of its spectacular natural location and its superior municipal amenities. It successfully caters to both the long-term seasonal resident and the short-term tenting family.

You should choose McKinley Park for the assurance of clean, modern facilities—clean bathrooms, hot showers, and laundry—that are essential for an extended family stay. Furthermore, the comprehensive water access package—the sandy beach, boat launch, docks, and fish cleaning building—means you have everything you need for a successful fishing or boating trip right on site. It’s the "all-in-one" convenience that wins over repeat visitors who appreciate the well-managed upkeep, the friendly local atmosphere, and the unparalleled access to one of Minnesota’s most treasured northern lakes. It is the ideal Northwoods basecamp where you can easily launch your boat, explore the nearby Mesabi Trails, and unwind to the sounds of the loons after a long day of adventure.