The best camping near Jay Cooke State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Jay Cooke adventure.

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Hiking, rafting, and a swinging bridge provide the fun.

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Community favorites near Jay Cooke State Park

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Stay at a public campground in Jay Cooke State Park

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Jay Cooke Campground

79 sites · RVs, Tents In Jay Cooke State Park

from

$23

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Jay Cooke State Park

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, MN

Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

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Woods and Meadows Farm

3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Wrenshall, MN

"All are welcome here." We love sharing our beautiful space with you. There are forty acres with woods, trails, meadows, ponds and a creek. It is peaceful and private. Each cabin has its own special ambiance. We will help you with suggestions of things to do and see in the area if you like. We want our guests to feel welcome, safe and comfortable, so please ASK us if you have questions before you "instant book." If you have a couple of extra people or need more elbow room, ask us for more information. Please read the following through: It helps us to know your ETA in advance and to update us so that we can plan our own day as well! Once you are in the area send us a message just before your arrival so we can meet you and set you up properly! Thanks in advance! We raised kids and host international students here, and always enjoy meeting other travelers. We are now retired but still traveling and exploring. While living and teaching internationally we looked for adventure, staying in a wide range of hostels in developing countries around the globe. We have enjoyed staying in everything from bamboo long-houses in Borneo and Thailand to adobe shelters in the Andes to rondavel huts in South Africa. There are free range chickens and a friendly farm dog here, and there are sometimes dogs staying at the other cabin. There are also all kinds of wildlife in the area, so we require that dogs be supervised and leashed, for their safety and the safety of our chickens and our wild animal neighbors. No dogs may be left unattended on our property while you go out and about... take your canine pals with you! Quiet hours are dusk to 7am. If you choose to bring a dog, we want you to consider your dog's inclination for barking. We keep the peace and quiet of all of our guests in mind. We hope that you (and your pet) will have fun at our northern Minnesota retreat. Burnell and Ann enjoy having company, and hearing about your travels and adventures (if you feel like sharing) and want you to feel safe and secure. All people are welcome here, as long as you follow our reasonable rules! When you come into our driveway you will see our house and barn. One of us will meet you and take you down to your site. -We ask that people check in before ten at night your first evening, so as not to disturb other guests... ;) It is very difficult to find your way in the dark. DRAGON LOFT cabin has one double bed in a loft with a ladder. Great for two people. Very little extra sleeping space except for a dog bed or kennel below the loft. This space has a nice reading/coffee room, a private "and a deck with table and chairs and patio with a fire ring. You can cook on a grill we provide, outside. You have access to a dock on the pond, and full use of the trails in our wooded acres or play frisbee in the hayfield! RAVEN WATCH cabin is comfortable for up to four people (two full size beds) A bed upstairs overlooking the pond and downstairs by the wood stove. The little kitchen comes with a nice propane stove and wash area. There is space for sitting at the table and playing cards or reading on the sky-chair swing. Wood supply is right outside your door, the picnic table and fire ring are next to the creek, nearby. Sitting outside on the benches by the pond, you can enjoy a raised fire ring and roast some marshmallows. Price based on two adults. Small fee for up to two more people. Sad to say we have to say this again: NEVER leave a dog alone at the site while you are out and about. We/you do not want to deal with damages from doggies who feel left behind. Keep in mind the number of pets and limited in the space there is. Write to me if you have questions. We love our dog, too, but please, no animals are allowed on human beds. Bring your kennel or dog bed and leashes. We also love and respect our wild critters' space so keep yours on a leash and pick up all poop. :) No firearms, off-roading, fireworks, or other items or activities deemed to be dangerous by the hosts. No unregistered guests.

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Superior Beach Camp

2 sites · Tents15 acres · South Range, WI

Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty of 15 private wooded acres abutting an endless sand beach on the world’s greatest lake. We have a beautiful, private and spacious site which we call Agate that you have all to yourself. The site is situated on an 80' bluff overlooking Lake Superior, with lake views and surrounded by birch and aspen trees. A path within your campsite gives you access to a sandy beach on Lake Superior. Superior Beach Camp is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Or, if you choose, stay put and have a beach day! Set up your chair in the sand (or up above at the overlook) and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 10 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the city’s amazing tap room and cocktail scene – only a 20-25 minute drive away. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp? (ask about our fishing guide!) Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). The options are plentiful year round. Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Please note this is a new offering and primitive in nature as we begin our journey to share this special place with others. Please treat this as your own and remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can be greeted by the pristine beauty of Superior Beach Camp.

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Pondside Clayworks

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Esko, MN

Discover our private property in Esko, MN, offering a peaceful retreat. Please note that there are no water or electric hookups, and there is no onsite public restroom or facilities. Situated near Jay Cooke Park, Lake Superior, and the Lake Superior Hiking Trail, you'll find an abundance of outdoor activities nearby. The city of Cloquet, where you can access essentials like Walmart and grocery stores, is conveniently close. As this is our family's home and property, we kindly ask for quiet and respectful behavior. Be aware of a nearby train track, and be prepared for occasional train sounds. Feel free to share the space with our two friendly dogs – Bernice, a large Bernedoodle, and her sister/sidekick, Selena, a small Yorkie Bichon. They roam freely on our property, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to hosting you in our family-friendly environment!

Booked 9 times

Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

8 sites · Lodging, Tents600 acres · South Range, WI

At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.

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Allure Of The Woods Rustic Retreat

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Carlton, MN

When we purchased the parcels over twenty years ago from a family member it had been vacant for over 60 years. The first time we walked the acreage was on snowshoes and we spotted a porcupine snacking on a poplar tree. I thought, what a great name, Porcupine Trail. I knew then we were meant to share this with others. Over the years many friends and family have walked these woods saying the same, that we need to share this great spot. Once the City of Thomson, our little community is now Carlton and known as “The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park”. We just call it home and look forward to sharing it with you. Learn more about this land: John Muir said everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike. Allure of the Woods Rustic Retreat invites you into the possibilities of experiencing this kind of rest and play. We are located just 20 miles south of Duluth MN nestled between Jay Cooke State Park and the Willard Munger State Trail. Close yet private, this 12x14 wall tent for two is perfect for those who appreciate privacy with the assurance that we're close by just in case. Your tent doors will open to a covered porch and five acres of mixed woods. The off grid tent is something between glamping and roughing it. The site includes a cart to transport your gear and supplies, privy, personal fire ring, picnic table, brick rocket stove and first bundle of firewood. You can bring your own MDA or USDA certified firewood or extra firewood is available for a reasonable cash purchase. Bundle includes wood, kindling and fire-starter. Or gather it on the forest floor for free. Inside your wall tent you'll find simple furnishings; a full size futon with linens, (you may prefer to bring your own pillow) rocker, table, chairs, a few basics for cooking over a campfire or your own camp stove and a wood stove for heat in cooler/cold seasons. There is no electricity or running water so come prepared. Artesian well water is tested every three months and provided for drinking and cooking. This is a ready to hit the woods or stay put campsite for adventurous or contemplative souls. Although welcome and open to anyone, this may not be for everyone. Keep in mind you'll be sharing the woods with a wide variety of wildlife including mice, skunks, coyotes and insects, including ticks and mosquitoes, so bring appropriate repellent and an adventurous soul. Our northern MN woods weather can vary from one day to the next. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and bring appropriate gear. Attractions Close By: A few minutes walk will put you on The Willard Munger State Trail. A short walk to an access trail or drive down the road will put you in Jay Cooke State Park. There you may enjoy 50 miles of historical and recreational trails of all kinds during all seasons. Some are designated for specific activities. An entrance fee applies if driving in. A few minutes drive in the opposite direction you'll see Swiftwater Adventures. Check out their website for offerings and online booking. Or, bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle board and a brief drive brings you to UMD's Kayak and Canoe Center Outpost. A short uphill portage to the access point and you'll be on the 339 acre Thomson Reservoir. A mile and a half away, downtown Carlton has The Street Car Kitchen and Pub, Red Dog drive thru coffee, Magnolia Cafe, Third Base Sports Bar, Carlton Meats and Grocery and a gas station with an ATM. Come and immerse yourself in what the north woods has to offer! A beautiful night sky, bird songs, coyote yips, and even the rumbling sounds and horn of a distant train that says Welcome to Carlton "The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park". We just call it home and we’ll be happy to see you!

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Hidden Pines

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Kerrick, MN

Come get away in our grove of balsam pine trees in a rural area with lots of wildlife to see and hear. We have 5 primitive campsites, one for large groups and three for smaller more private camping and one drive in site for camping out of vehicle or tent . We offer un mapped hiking trails onsite and there is plenty of activities to do within 10 to 15 miles from camp. Activities include swimming at local beaches, Nemadji State Forest, General CC Andrews State Forest, ATV riding, lots of great fishing lakes, several rivers for kayaking and canoeing, local restaurants, coffee houses, movie theater, general store, shopping, antiques/craft, grocery, gas, local brewery, agate center, fire museum. The land was purchased by the Sway family in the late 70's from a farmer and has been in the family since. We are one of the 4 current land owners of this property and plan to keep the land in the family as long as we can. Our home was built in 2011 on part of the property. Since living here we have used the land for hiking, gardening, wood harvesting, selling Christmas trees, and now we are excited for our new adventure of opening a small part of our land for camping. We are excited for you to enjoy our land as much as we do.

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Trembling Gardens

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Rice Lake, MN

PRIMITIVE - HIKE IN CAMPSITE About the campsite: Camp Palustria is on the edge of a beautiful marsh within 75 feet of a trout stream. It is about 1000ft off of the Superior Hiking Trail. The campsite is primitive which includes fire pit with grill, table, and composting outhouse. The site is about a 600ft hike from the road where you'll park. The first 400ft of the trail is a swamp with a simple elevated boardwalk through most of it. 95% of the time is it passable with hiking boats or street shoes, but there might be some muddy spots. Dispersed winter camping is also available. This campsite was featured on NPR Marketplace Campsite is closed during hunting season. About the property: Trembling Gardens is my 10 acre swamp camp paradise in the rural suburb of Rice Lake. I am currently developing the land as a personal off-grid vacation home with a tent cabin under construction. The property is about 20 minutes away from downtown Duluth and Canal Park and has easy access to the North Shore. “Oh the swamp is a mystical place all right. It's sacred. You think you're any different from me or your friends or this tree? If you listen hard enough, you can hear every living thing breathing together. You can feel everything growing. We're all living together, even if most folks don't act like it. We all have the same roots and we are all branches of the same tree. In the swamp, we see visions of people we've lost, people we loved, folks we think are gone. But the swamp tells us they're not. We're still connected to them. Time is an illusion and so is death.” -Avatar, The Last Airbender, Book Two: Earth, Chapter 4: The Swamp

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KJ Eventyr

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Duluth, MN

Located 14 miles outside of Duluth’s Canal Park area, we have the perfect location for privacy, as well as, being close enough to enjoy Duluth’s many tourist attractions. We are also near multiple popular hiking areas and state parks, such as Jay Cooke State Park. Our private apartment offers a deck overlooking our pond and forest area, with all the amenities of home and the natural atmosphere of camping. KJ Eventyr is glamping at its finest.

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Moosehorn Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents330 acres · Kettle River, MN

A nice wooded campground, miles of beautiful trails wide enough for Trucks and RVs, traversable by 2WD cars and fit for ATVs, Biking and Hiking. 4 pads available for RVs and Campers There is plenty of space for you and your friends. Bring your Kayak or Canoe to nearby Kettle River and don’t forget your ATV, this property has access to a great ATV trail with access located on the back of the park. Use the south entrance for the campground, this has a nice wide gravel road for your vehicles. The entrance is locked, send a text for the code. The north entrance grants access to the wide amount of roads and trails available for biking, hiking & ATVs.

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Stargazer On Superior

1 site · Tent1 acre · Port Wing, WI

We have two properties on the beautiful South Shore of Lake Superior in Port Wing, WI. At our lakefront property, we have 700' of shoreline and access to our private sand beach, perfect for swimming and bonfires! At our forest property, we have 68 acres of private trails weaving through the woods. Over the next few years, we'll be building more sites throughout our property to offer private, secluded lodging in a natural setting. We are planning to open up our first few sites in July 2024. The South Shore offers a bounty of activities and is much less crowded than the North Shore. Nearby, there are hiking trails, waterfalls, skiing, kayaking, paddling, ATV trails, and much more. Port Wing is halfway between Duluth/Superior and Bayfield, so it's the perfect spot to stay and visit all the South Shore sights!

Booked 1 time

Zenith Basecamp

3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Duluth, MN

Zenith Basecamp is a place for the adventure inspired community to gather with other like-minded explorers. We provide indoor glamping for outdoor enthusiasts. The property also has an elevated cocktail bar, unique retail, indoor and outdoor community space, and unique retail. Recharge amidst your adventures or launch your North Shore excursions directly from Basecamp in the Lincoln Park Craft District in Duluth, Minnesota! The outdoor activities surrounding Duluth are endless! Book a guided hike or paddle tour directly on-site with the help of Zenith Adventure. All rooms include a full cooler and camping chairs that you can take with you on your daily excursions. While we call ourselves a hostel, all rooms are private.

The best camping near Jay Cooke State Park guide

Overview

About

Rocky ravines and forested valleys sweep the banks of the St. Louis River in Jay Cooke State Park. With more than 50 miles of hiking trails, there’s a challenge to suit all abilities, plus options for biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Admire views along the St. Louis River from the Swinging Bridge, visit the 19th-century Thomson Pioneer Cemetery, or take to the water to tackle the rapids and waterfalls in your kayak or canoe. Campers can choose from electric hookups and camper cabins at the main Jay Cooke Campground, or one of four hike-in/ski-in sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve one of the park’s 79 campsites (20 available year-round) in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website.
Campsite reservations open 120 days in advance, and same-day bookings are possible.
Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book your spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Peak season at Jay Cooke State Park runs from early May through October. Camping is possible year-round, but limited sites are available through the winter season, and some park facilities are closed. Summer weekends bring the crowds, but the most impressive time to hike is in spring or fall, when vibrant wildflowers and fall foliage transform the landscapes.

Know before you go

Jay Cooke State Park is about a 25-minute drive southwest of Duluth.
Vehicle permits are required for all Minnesota state parks, in addition to camping reservation fees. Permits can be purchased in advance via the Minnesota State Parks website.
Park facilities include a visitor center, gift shop, restrooms, and picnic areas. Camping facilities, including showers and the dump station, are open in high season only.
Cell phone service is patchy, but the picnic shelter does feature a public phone.
There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Jay Cooke State Park. The Swinging Bridge is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.