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30 campgrounds and RV Parks near Chisholm, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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980 campsites
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From $26/night
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Best campgrounds near Chisholm, MN
Side Lake - McCarthy Beach State Park
Minnesota (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(58 sites)
+5
West Forty RV Park and Campground
Gilbert, MN (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+8
Bass Lake Campground
Effie, MN (32 miles away)
Fortune Bay Resort Casino and RV Park
Minnesota (34 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+4
Itasca County Fairgrounds Campground
Grand Rapids, MN (34 miles away)
Hoodoo Point Campground
Minnesota (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(85 sites)
+2
Owen's Place RV Park
Minnesota (38 miles away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
+3
Cabin Opines Resort
Minnesota (38 miles away)
Pine Acres Resort and Campground
Minnesota (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+6
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Minnesota (40 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+4
Sugar Bay Campground-Resort
Cohasset, MN (41 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
Bear Head Lake State Park
Ely, MN (43 miles away)
$$$$$
(73 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Showers Grills Dump station Pet friendly Firewood Internet Hiking Playground
Camping near Chisholm, Minnesota
Chisholm sits on Minnesota's Iron Range in St. Louis County, surrounded by lakes, mixed pine and birch forest, and the mining-heritage corridor along U.S. Highway 169. RV travelers use it as a base for the Sturgeon Lake chain, the Mesabi Trail, and the wider Superior National Forest region to the north.
The closest full-service state park camping is at McCarthy Beach State Park, a short drive northwest of town via County Road 5. The park sits on the Sturgeon Lake chain and covers roughly 2,500 acres of forest, wetlands, and lakeshore, with two drive-in campgrounds and an equestrian camp at Stony Brook.
Private options within the region include Side Lake - McCarthy Beach State Park for state-run sites, plus West Forty RV Park and Campground, Cabin Opines Resort, Pine Acres Resort and Campground, and Bass Lake Campground. These fill the gaps for travelers who want longer stays, full hookups, or lakeside cabin-and-RV mixes rather than the more rustic state-park experience.
Things to do around Chisholm
Water recreation drives most trips. The Sturgeon Lake chain of five interconnected lakes, plus Side Lake and other nearby waters, supports swimming, boating, fishing for walleye and northern pike, and paddling. McCarthy Beach State Park has a long sandy beach on Sturgeon Lake, and the park office seasonally rents kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboats, and paddleboards from May through September.
On land, the park connects to the Taconite State Trail and offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback trails, with equestrian access from Stony Brook Horse Camp. The Mesabi Trail runs through Chisholm itself for paved cycling.
Rainy-day options include the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm and mining-heritage viewpoints across the Iron Range.
Camping spots and RV parks near Chisholm, MN
When to visit Chisholm
- spring
March - May
46° / 27°F 45 mmIce-out in April; campgrounds ramp up in May
- summer
June - August
75° / 54°F 95 mmPeak season; state park sites fill weeks ahead
- fall
September - November
48° / 30°F 55 mmCool nights and fall color; some resorts close by October
- winter
December - February
18° / 1°F 22 mmDeep cold and snow; most RV services closed
Summer is the primary RV season. June through August brings warm days, long daylight near the solstice, and full staffing at state-park beaches, boat rentals, and interpretive programs. It is also the busiest window: weekends at McCarthy Beach State Park book out well ahead, and holiday weekends are the tightest.
Spring and fall are shoulder seasons. Ice-out on area lakes typically comes in April, and campgrounds ramp up through May. September brings cooler nights, thinner crowds, and fall color in the aspen and birch through early October. Some private resorts wind down operations after Labor Day or by mid-October.
Winter is cold and snowy. December through February stays well below freezing across the Iron Range. The state park remains open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, and campsites are reservable year-round through the Minnesota DNR, but most RV-specific amenities such as running water and the dump station shut down for the season.
How to book
Sites at Side Lake - McCarthy Beach State Park are reserved through the Minnesota DNR reservation system at mndnr.gov/reservations or by phone at 866-857-2757. Bookings open up to 120 days in advance, and a state park vehicle permit is required on top of the site fee.
For summer weekends, book as early as the 120-day window allows, especially for the 21 electric sites at Side Lake. Same-day reservations are also available with no reservation fee if sites remain open. Cancellations sometimes free up sites close to arrival, so it is worth checking back.
Private campgrounds such as West Forty RV Park and Campground, Cabin Opines Resort, Pine Acres Resort and Campground, and Bass Lake Campground are booked directly with each operator by phone or through their own websites.
What to expect on arrival
At McCarthy Beach State Park, the Side Lake Campground has 59 sites with 21 electric hookups (30-amp), drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station for RV waste. The maximum RV length is 40 feet, and interior campground roads are narrow with some tight turns. Sites are generally wooded and set among red and white pines. Beatrice Lake Campground offers 30 additional non-electric sites nearby.
Cell coverage across the Iron Range is inconsistent; expect weak service in wooded pockets and stronger signal near Chisholm and Hibbing. Firewood should be bought locally to comply with Minnesota's rules on moving untreated wood.
Private resorts in the area vary in setup, with some offering full hookups, cabins, boat rentals, and dock access. Confirm rig-length limits, pull-through availability, and pet policies directly with the operator before arrival.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Chisholm, MN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Chisholm, MN?
RV rental in Chisholm is one of the better values in northern Minnesota. Travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes run about $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A coaches generally fall in the $250 to $400 range. Because Chisholm sits off the main tourist corridor, you can often find a cheap RV rental in Chisholm compared to Twin Cities pricing. To save more, book midweek, target the shoulder seasons of May or September, and look for hosts who include generator hours or unlimited mileage. Bundling delivery to Redhead Mountain Bike Park or a Mesabi Trail trailhead can also be cheaper than towing a vehicle up yourself.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chisholm%2C%20MinnesotaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Chisholm, Minnesota?
Good news: a standard driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Chisholm, even for a 30-foot Class C motorhome or a fifth wheel headed up Highway 169. Minnesota does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special RV endorsement for personal recreational vehicles. On RVezy, approved drivers are generally 25 or older with a valid license, and identity verification is handled right on the platform when you book. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home license. That's it, you're cleared to roll toward the Iron Man Memorial or up to the Boundary Waters.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection and roadside assistance comes with my Chisholm RV rental?
Every RV rental in Chisholm booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Highway 169 with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers eligible damage to the vehicle and provides meaningful financial protection during your trip. You choose your protection level during checkout (not the host), with tiered options based on how much coverage you want. Roadside assistance helps with flat tires, lockouts, battery jumps, fuel delivery, and towing, which is reassuring when exploring quieter stretches near Side Lake or the Superior National Forest.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Chisholm RV trip?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy platform-wide, not individual hosts. Every booking includes a grace-period window where you can receive a full refund if plans change shortly after booking. After that, refund amounts depend on how far out from your trip you cancel. Because the policy applies to all bookings, you don't need to dig through listings to compare rules. If a major storm is forecast over your Iron Range RV trip dates, reach out to RVezy support before your trip start date to discuss your options, and if a host cancels on you, RVezy will help with a refund or rebooking credit.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Chisholm RV rental?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental options in Chisholm are plentiful since many Iron Range hosts cater to hunters, anglers, and families who travel with dogs. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to narrow the search, then message the host about any pet deposit or cleaning fee. Chisholm is dog-welcoming: the Chisholm City Campground allows leashed pets, and Longyear Lake's walking trail right in town is perfect for morning walks. You can also explore leashed trails at Redhead Mountain Bike Park and McCarthy Beach State Park about 20 minutes north. Pack a water bowl, tick prevention, and a long lead, and your pup is set for the trip.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00177Can the RV be delivered to my campground in Chisholm?
Yes, RV delivery in Chisholm is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's a game-changer if it's your first time renting an RV. Many hosts will tow the rig directly to the Chisholm City Campground next to the Minnesota Discovery Center, to McCarthy Beach State Park, or to a private cabin on Sturgeon Lake, then level it, hook up water and 30/50-amp power, and walk you through every system. You skip the stress of backing a 28-foot trailer into a wooded site and dive straight into mountain biking at Redhead or paddling Longyear Lake. Filter by Delivery on the listing page, then message the host with your campground address for an exact quote.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chisholm%2C%20MinnesotaHow far can I drive on a Chisholm RV rental, and is unlimited mileage available?
You have room to roam. Many Chisholm hosts offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, while others include a generous 100 to 150 free miles per day with a small per-mile fee beyond that. Each listing spells out the mileage policy clearly before you book, so there are no surprises. From Chisholm you're well-positioned for an RV road trip from Chisholm: Duluth and Lake Superior are about 75 miles south (around 90 minutes), Voyageurs National Park is roughly 100 miles north, Ely and the Boundary Waters are about 60 miles east, and Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi River begins, is around 130 miles west. Filter by Unlimited Mileage to lock in worry-free driving.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chisholm%2C%20MinnesotaWhere are the best campgrounds near Chisholm, MN for an RV?
You're spoiled for choice. The Chisholm City Campground offers full-hookup sites with 30/50-amp power, water, sewer, showers, and a dump station, all within walking distance of downtown and Redhead Mountain Bike Park. McCarthy Beach State Park, about 20 minutes north, has wooded sites on Sturgeon Lake with one of Minnesota's best swimming beaches. Side Lake's Sherwood Forest Campground is a classic family spot with full hookups. For RV camping near Chisholm, Bear Head Lake State Park near Ely (about 60 miles east) and Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park are stunning options. Book state park sites early through the Minnesota DNR reservation system, especially for summer weekends.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.htmlWhen is the best time to take an RV trip to Chisholm?
The sweet spot for a Chisholm RV trip is mid-June through mid-September, when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and the lakes are warm enough for swimming. Late September into early October delivers spectacular fall color across the birch and maple forests, with crisp 50 to 65-degree days that are perfect for biking the Mesabi Trail. July and August are peak for festivals like Doc Moonlight Graham Days. Winter (December to March) brings serious cold (lows of -10 to -20F are common) but also world-class snowmobiling and ice fishing if you book a four-season, winterized rig. May and late September are the smart-money shoulder seasons with fewer bugs and lower nightly rates.
weather.gov/dlh/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one in the Chisholm area?
You'll do great, and Chisholm is honestly one of the easier places in the country to learn. Roads like Highway 169 and Highway 73 are wide, lightly trafficked outside rush periods, and surrounded by forest rather than tight switchbacks. Every RVezy host provides a full orientation at pickup, walking you through the propane, slide-outs, leveling, water systems, and dump procedures before you drive away. If you're nervous, choose delivery and setup so the host handles parking entirely. First time renting an RV? Start with a Class C motorhome or a 22 to 25-foot travel trailer, plan shorter driving days (under 150 miles), and use the Mesabi Trail towns as easy stop-offs.
dot.state.mn.us/cvo/What happens if my RV breaks down near Chisholm?
You're never on your own. Every Chisholm RV rental on RVezy comes with 24/7 roadside assistance included with the renter protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. If something goes wrong on Highway 169 between Chisholm and Hibbing, on the way to Voyageurs National Park, or deep in the Superior National Forest, you call the roadside number, share your location, and help is dispatched. Your host is also just a message away in the RVezy app for quick questions about quirks of the rig. Cell service can get spotty north of Cook and around the Boundary Waters, so download offline maps and screenshot the roadside number before heading out.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Chisholm RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes for interstate travel, with a quick conversation for international. Almost every host welcomes trips across the US, so a classic RV road trip from Chisholm to Wisconsin's Apostle Islands, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, or south to the Twin Cities is no problem. Crossing into Canada (Thunder Bay is just 3.5 hours northeast via International Falls or Grand Portage) is sometimes allowed but requires explicit host approval and confirmation that insurance extends across the border, so message the host before booking. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance and protection coverage don't extend there. Bring your passport, vehicle paperwork from the host, and proof of insurance for any border crossing.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goHow much should I budget for fuel on a Chisholm RV trip?
Fuel is one of the more predictable line items. Class B campervans typically get 18 to 22 mpg, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 mpg, Class A coaches run 6 to 10 mpg, and a truck towing a travel trailer lands around 9 to 13 mpg. Minnesota gas prices generally hover near or slightly below the national average, and Chisholm has several gas stations on Highway 169 with diesel and easy RV pull-throughs. For a typical 4-night, 400-mile loop hitting Duluth, the North Shore, and back, budget roughly $150 to $300 in fuel depending on rig size. Pro tip: top up in Hibbing or Virginia where prices tend to run a few cents cheaper than smaller Range towns.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book campgrounds around Chisholm?
Plan ahead and you'll lock in the best sites. Minnesota state parks, including McCarthy Beach, Bear Head Lake, and Lake Vermilion-Soudan, open reservations 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR's online reservation system, and summer weekends from late June through Labor Day book up fast, often within hours of release. The Chisholm City Campground is first-come, first-served friendly midweek but fills on festival weekends like Doc Moonlight Graham Days. Private parks around Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake usually take reservations 6 to 12 months out. Pro tip: if a state park is full, check for cancellations daily at 9 a.m. on the DNR site, since plans change frequently.
dnr.state.mn.us/reservations/index.htmlWhat are driving conditions like around Chisholm year-round?
Chisholm driving is mostly relaxed and rural, with Highway 169 (the main artery through the Iron Range) being a well-maintained four-lane stretch ideal for motorhome rental Chisholm travelers. Watch for whitetail deer at dawn and dusk year-round, especially on Highway 73 and county roads near Side Lake. Summer means occasional thunderstorms and brief downpours, while late fall and winter can bring black ice, heavy snow, and frost heaves, so a winterized rig and slow speeds matter from November through March. Logging trucks share the roads, particularly on Highway 169 north of Chisholm, so leave plenty of following distance. Pro tip: check 511mn.org before you set off for real-time road conditions.
511mn.org/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Chisholm?
Iron Range campgrounds are well-equipped. The Chisholm City Campground offers full hookups (30 and 50-amp electric, water, sewer), clean showers, laundry, a dump station, free Wi-Fi, and even EV charging, all within walking distance of downtown. Most Minnesota state parks like McCarthy Beach have electric sites, potable water fill stations, vault or flush toilets, hot showers, and a centralized dump station near the entrance, though sewer hookups at individual sites are rare. Private parks at Side Lake and Sturgeon Lake usually offer full hookups, fire rings, and lake access. Pro tip: dump and fill your fresh tank at the Chisholm City Campground or the Pilot/Holiday station in Hibbing before heading to remote Boundary Waters-area sites.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/camping.htmlWhat features and amenities will be in my Chisholm RV rental?
You'll feel right at home. Most RV rentals on RVezy in Minnesota come fully equipped with a queen or king bed, bunks or convertible dinettes for kids, a full kitchen with fridge/freezer, stove, microwave and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, climate control (furnace plus rooftop air conditioning), seatbelts for every traveling passenger, and house batteries for boondocking. Many include a generator, awning, TV, and increasingly Wi-Fi boosters or Starlink, which is helpful north of Chisholm where cell signal fades. Campervan rental options in Chisholm (Class B vans) trade some space for excellent fuel economy and easier parking at Redhead Mountain Bike Park. Each listing photo-documents exactly what's included.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Chisholm%2C%20MinnesotaAre there popular add-ons and what should I know about pickup and drop-off?
Hosts in Chisholm typically offer thoughtful add-ons that take a family RV trip Chisholm from good to great: bedding and linen packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits, outdoor camp chairs and a propane fire pit, bike racks (perfect for the Mesabi Trail), kayaks or paddleboards for Longyear Lake, generator hours, and extra mileage bundles. Pickup is usually at the host's address in or near Chisholm, Hibbing, or Virginia, with a 45 to 60-minute walkthrough covering every system. Delivery, drop-off, and setup at a campground is available from many hosts for a flat fee based on distance. Pro tip: ask about a Mesabi Trail wheel pass for riders 18+, which you'll need to legally bike the paved trail.
mesabitrail.com/wheel-pass/How do payment and the security deposit work for a Chisholm RV rental?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card at the time of booking, never directly to the host in cash. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV's value) and is pre-authorized on your card before pickup, then released after the trip once the host confirms the rig came back in good shape. To avoid any hiccups, do a walk-around photo inspection at pickup and drop-off, return the RV with the agreed fuel and propane level, and empty the gray and black tanks at the Chisholm City Campground dump station before returning.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent a winter-ready RV in Chisholm for ice fishing or snowmobiling?
Yes, and it's one of the most underrated Iron Range experiences. Several Chisholm hosts list four-season, fully winterized RVs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, extra insulation, and reliable propane furnaces, perfect for ice fishing on Longyear Lake or Sturgeon Lake, riding the Taconite State Trail snowmobile system, or watching the northern lights from your dinette window. Plan to use shore power (30 or 50-amp) at a winterized site and bring a heated water hose. Daytime highs in January average around 18F with lows often near -3F, so dress in layers. Confirm winter readiness and any cold-weather instructions with your host before pickup.
weather.gov/dlh/