Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

About

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is part of the Minnesota State Park and Recreation Area system and is located east of Brainerd, near the towns of Crosby and Ironton.

As one of Minnesota's newest State Recreation Areas, Cuyuna's 5,000 acres are mostly undeveloped. With over 50 miles of singletrack trail riding spread across 800 acres and skills challenge areas, Cuyuna is truly world-class mountain biking.

The Miner’s Mountain Rally Center, just north of Ironton, is a good place to start if you’re hitting the 50 miles of world-class mountain bike trails. The singletrack dirt trails have been designed in a variety of difficulty levels. For a smoother ride you can take the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail eight miles from Crosby to Riverton. From the Rally Center, you can also hike to Miner’s Mountain Overlook for spectacular views of the red rock landscape.

The site features a campground and 3 four-season yurts for overnight stays.

This area of former mining pits and rock deposit stockpiles now boasts regenerated vegetation and crystal-clear lakes that draw a wide range of recreation enthusiasts including kayakers and scuba divers. Twenty-five miles of natural shoreline can be explored by boat or canoe and anglers with a trout stamp can cast a line for trout, northern, bass, crappie, or sunfish in the park's dedicated trout lakes.

Off-highway vehicles are not permitted within the boundaries of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Motorized off-road vehicles are welcomed at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area near Gilbert and Virginia.

Drive-in Sites:
30 sites
Camping is available at the Portsmouth Campground. The campground is located on the northwest shore of Portsmouth Mine Lake. The campground has both shaded sites and open, grassy sites. 18 electric and 17 non-electric sites are available for camping during the regular camping season. All campsites require reservations. Campers need to self register at the campground.

Walk-in Sites:
5 sites, same as above, but without drive-in access.

Group Camp:
1 site - accommodates up to 25 people

Site is located in a wooded area within a short distance of restrooms/showers, swimming beach and mountain bike trails.

Yurts:
Located along Yawkey Mine Lake. Three 7-person yurts are located along Yawkey Mine Lake. Heating firewood is provided at no charge for the indoor woodstoves during the winter months. Electricity is not available, and pets, open flames, and cooking are not allowed inside the yurts. Binghamite and Manganese yurts have partial shade. Silkstone yurt is closest to water and restrooms. More information on yurts.

The campground is located on the Portsmouth Mine Lake. Mine lakes stocked with trout are excellent for fishing, scuba diving and canoeing. Canoes, kayaks, and bikes are rented locally.