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McKinley Park
Overview
McKinley Park provides a serene lakeside retreat on the shores of Lake Vermilion in Soudan, Minnesota. As a public park managed by Breitung Township, it offers a welcoming environment where travelers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Northwoods. The park serves as an excellent basecamp for those who want to experience the legendary fishing and boating of the area while enjoying the simple pleasures of a well-maintained community campground that emphasizes the great outdoors over commercial frills.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated in the heart of the Iron Range, surrounded by dense forests and the sprawling, island-dotted waters of Lake Vermilion. Its location in Soudan provides a quiet, secluded atmosphere that captures the essence of northern Minnesota living. Guests are treated to picturesque sunsets over the water and are only a short distance from the rugged terrain and geological wonders that define the Vermilion Range landscape, making it a prime spot for nature photography and wildlife viewing.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility accommodates a variety of campers with RV sites featuring electric and water hookups, as well as primitive spots for a more traditional experience. On-site amenities include clean restroom and shower buildings, a dump station, and a playground for children. For water enthusiasts, the park boasts a sandy swimming beach and a boat launch with available dock rentals, ensuring that your time on the lake is convenient. The park also features picnic pavilions that are perfect for gathering with fellow travelers after a day of exploration.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure awaits just outside the park gates at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park, where visitors can descend into Minnesota's first iron ore mine for a unique historical tour. Nature lovers can explore the Mesabi Trail, a premier paved cycling and walking path that winds through the region’s scenic vistas and connects several local communities. Additionally, the vast waters of Lake Vermilion offer world-class fishing for walleye and muskie, providing endless opportunities for boaters and paddlers to explore its many hidden coves.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for outdoor-oriented families and fishing enthusiasts who value direct access to the water and a peaceful, unpretentious setting. It is perfect for RVers who prefer a rustic park experience over a luxury resort, offering plenty of space for relaxation and genuine recreation. If your ideal vacation involves quiet evenings by a campfire and days spent exploring the waterways or historical landmarks of the Iron Range, McKinley Park provides the perfect northern escape.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jacee
My family has been camping here for well over a decade & we love it! There are seasonal camping spots for those who come and stay every summer, as well as regular RV & tent sites to rent for however long you’d like to stay. Many of the sites have trees/foliage that give a bit of privacy, and I think most sites have electric and water (at least for RVs). There’s a public beach, a camp store with food and supplies, a well-maintained bathroom with showers, playground, basketball court, pavilion with picnic tables, nearby biking/hiking trails, and of course an easily accessible boat launch to Lake Vermilion. The managers do a wonderful job with upkeep and they along with the camp ‘regulars’ are helpful and friendly. Great campground and I highly recommend!
Joanna Boyer
Love this beach. Absolutely amazing silky sand bottom
Rhiannon Martineau
We were just there for labor day and it was HOT! The campground power grid could not keep up with the demand. We lost power several times. When we asked for a discount we were brushed off. The campground is in desperate need of clearing and leveling in the sites. The tree branches are low and encroaching on driving lanes and camp sites. The sites are full of stumps and even our 28ft camper struggled to get far enough in to be level in our site. The power and water supply is installed on the wrong side in many of the sites. The campground is supposed to be seasonal on one side and daily/weekly on the other. There were so many seasonal campers with boats and equipment overflowing into the driveways that we actually had to ask neighbors to move vehicles to get into our site. The amount of semi permanent decks and sheds in the temporary camping side of the property made it very obvious they were there for the whole summer. We enjoyed the lake and beach and the location is great but navigating in and out around the overflowing sites of the seasonal campers was a real challenge and the power outages and overgrown sites showed the need for a real overhaul of the maintenance in this park. The cost was higher than many of the parks we visit and we still had these issues.
Brody Lafond
We had a great time here, the location was pretty convenient for us and the campground was quite,clean and had nice dock and beach. Also the host was amazing . 10/10 would go again
Judith Martin
A bit confusing to find the campground, so we stopped and asked for help. Very clean campsite, the bathrooms/showers were orderly, clean, and didn't stink. Fishing was good, canoeing went well! No swimming allowed except at designated areas. 🤷♀️ We enjoyed our stay although we didn't make it down to the beach area. Useful facilities, plenty of clean water and the pavilion at our campground was perfect. We were very thankful for the electric lights in the evening. Was great hearing the loons and owls at night. Disappointed we didn't see any wildlife tho. Berries and flowers were plentiful this time of year! Overall, our tenting experience was worth it!