Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- 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.
Jay Cooke State Park
Hiking, rafting, and a swinging bridge provide the fun.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Jay Cooke State Park
Hikers and backpackers, Jay Cooke State Park Summer Campground is a great place to set up camp for the night! Many trails in the park link to the renowned Willard Munger State Trail, accessible whether you’re traveling by boot, mountain bike, horse, or even skis! Head across the swinging suspension bridge above the roaring St. Louis River, and sto Read more...
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Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Public campgrounds (book externally) —