Camping in Jay Cooke State Park

100% (14 reviews)

Top camping in Jay Cooke State Park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Jay Cooke Campground

100%

(14)

79 sites · RVs, Tents · 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

100% (14 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Jay Cooke State Park

Snag reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Get notified the instant a site becomes available, for free.

Find all the best options

Access 12k+ public and private campgrounds—from public parks to blueberry farms.

Book with confidence

Reserve community-vetted spots reviewed by 62k+ happy campers.

Stories from the community

2 nights at Nóatún Community Wooden Boat Works

Great place if you’re looking for somewhere to camp and just relax in the north shore! Very friendly and fun environment! Beach is very close by so you can cold plunge in Lake Superior!

1 night at Whispering Pines

I enjoyed how peaceful my stay was. I didnt hear anything except the birds and bugs. Was affordable quick getaway from the city. Thank you Jared!

1 night at Whispering Pines

Fantastic spot tucked away from everything. Clean, nice fire pit, and a wide open camp spot. I enjoyed it, I’m fairly sure the deer weren’t pleased I was there though! Awesome spot.

4 nights at Floodwood Municipal Campground

The campground was clean and quiet. Scott (the campground host) came to greet us on arrival and was very friendly and welcoming. We had a strong storm Sunday night/ early Monday morning that woke us out of a dead sleep. Scott was up in his truck at 3:30 in the morning, in the middle of the storm moving branches from the road and checking on the campers. We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back soon.

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

We enjoyed "roughing it" in the tent at Amnicon. Checking in and out was easy. The tent was as advertised, so we just made a decision to be okay with no electricity, running water, and a few bugs, and we had a positive experience. You do have to be prepared to walk 15-20 minutes out to the tent site, but the camp provided hand carts to transport supplies from the parking lot to the campground. We followed the sounds of the waves through a short path in the woods and found the view of Lake Superior on the shoreline, it was very peaceful and quiet, we LOVED it! You can't quite see the shoreline from your campsite, but you can hear the waves crashing on the shore from your tent, a great way to fall asleep and wake up. This was BY FAR the most affordable option for our trip in the Duluth area, so we were happy to do a little extra walking in order to make our trip to the area attractions possible for our family. If you have a budget and want to see Duluth, Gooseberry Falls, and Split Rock Lighthouse, check out Amnicon's Glamping tent!

Weekend Trip to Hidden Pines

The campsite was roomy and even came with a very thoughtful bug torch to help keep the bugs away (of which there unfortunately was many, given the time of year). Plenty of space around the firepit, a nice picnic table to set up on, and multiple good spots to put a tent up with room for a much larger tent. The only downside is that it does face directly south, so during the day it is full sun!

Weekend Trip to Hidden Pines

Well maintained and cute campground. Aric & Beth were very kind and gracious hosts - woodshed had miscellaneous odds and ends for items you may forget to bring with you as well! We will be coming back :)

Weekend Trip to Floodwood Municipal Campground

The sites are spacious and well maintained. The campground is situated along a river and the view is nice.

Nathaniel

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to KJ|eventyr

Excellent site and friendly hosts. Five stars, would recommend

3 nights at Sunset Bay Getaway

If you’re looking for a loud cramped campground with trailers and tents on top of each other and you can hear the neighbors talking then you won’t enjoy this site. But if you want a true slice of paradise in God’s country with privacy and solitude then this is the place. Not having WiFi, TV, or phone service for a couple of days was truly remarkable relaxing experience. We played games, talked, watched the Bald Eagles and listened to the loons. Sheila our camp host was very accommodating and made us feel welcome and at home. We hope that we have the opportunity to revisit “Sunset Bay”

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

We enjoyed our time, how private the camp sites were, the maintained trails, access to toilets and showers. Our kids want to go back for a week the next time (and there will be a next time) we go up. We also liked that we could find our own fire wood or go to the wood shed to get some.

Weekend Trip to Odessa :.

Easy to find, great communication. Nice area with nice fire pit and plenty of wood that was there for our stay.

Couch turns into a bed (full size)
Clean linens/blankets and pillows available.

Jessica

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Homestead Hideaway

The Pasture Perch was even better than we had expected! Niccole was very accommodating and the camper itself was very clean and put together. The animals were an added treat. We would absolutely book here again in the future.

William Zachariah

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Bundo's Cabin

Had a great time, the cabin is beautiful and cozy. Unfortunately she made me sleep on the couch but that's my fault, nothing to do with the cabin! Beautiful night view of the fireflies! Wish there was a washing bin, or maybe there was and we just didn't find it. Dog loved it also. Make sure to pack bug spray.

1 night at Superior Beach Camp

This camp site was amazing! We loved the open grass area for camping and the short walk to the beach. The private beach was a huge selling point- and it didn’t disappoint. It was perfect for our dogs! The owners were super communicative and had great instructions.

1 night at Pondside Clayworks

Pleasant setting, quiet and peaceful. We heard a train, not a big deal. Had a good night’s sleep after a long drive. And got to meet the dogs!

Weekend Trip to Floodwood Municipal Campground

The Floodwood Campground was in a convenient location for anyone wishing to visit the Sax Zim Bog Visitor Center. The City of Floodwood has all the necessary services. The campsite was adequate. Water, electricity, and showers were available. A fishing dock is on the St. Louis River. I felt safe. I tent camped so didn't use all of the offerings. At $40 a night it was overpriced. The campground is brand new. The lights from the neighboring houses was annoying, I felt like I was camping in someones backyard. Perhaps some plantings of shrubs could improve the view for campers and neighboring house. I camped on a Saturday night in early June- only 3 of the 15 sites were occupied. Even though the campground is right next to the St Louis River, it wasn't very attractive. The area seems to have a shortage of accomodations. There is the Starlite Motel. Floodwood is on major US 2 which runs from Duluth to Grand Forks, ND

Weekend Trip to Floodwood Municipal Campground

Really impressed with how clean and well-kept this campground is. The grounds are spotless, the bath house is well-maintained, and the dump station is super convenient. We especially loved the easy access to fishing—made for a peaceful and fun way to spend our time. The only thing keeping this from being a full five stars is the lack of privacy. Sites are pretty open and close together, so you don’t get much space to yourself. That said, if you don’t mind being near your neighbors, it’s a fantastic spot with great amenities and a beautiful, relaxing setting.

Gillian

3 weeks ago

3 nights at KJ|eventyr

Kyle and Kelcie were very kind and accommodating hosts. The camper was very clean and comfortable and it was so fun waking up surrounded by the trees. Even though it was chilly, we also enjoyed the swimming pond (right after the amazing sauna!). Would highly recommend!

Weekend Trip to Nóatún Community Wooden Boat Works

We stayed two nights over the weekend. John welcomed us & showed us around. He is a great resource & has a wealth of knowledge regarding folk & indigenous traditions as well as the surrounding area. The space is great for straightforward tent camping. The tent site is on the lakeside of the property, quiet & protected from the wind. We were able to park in the driveway & use a wagon to cart our gear to the back. The beach & river are both in quick walking distance, which was amazing! Come prepared to be self-sufficient including drinking water. We utilized the portapotties at the beach access parking lot next door as well as the restroom at the marina, which also has a shower that we didn’t use. Both bathroom options are walkable & convenient. The resident goats are a hoot & so friendly. They even did well with our dogs over time. We would certainly camp here again!

Top-rated campgrounds near Jay Cooke State Park

94%

(24)

Moosehorn Campground

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

Discover a serene woodland campsite with hookups for RVs and expansive trails perfect for ATVs, Side by Sides, biking, and hiking adventures. With ample space for you and your companions, relish breathtaking stargazing views and seize the opportunity to paddle in the nearby Kettle River with your kayak or canoe. Access the campground via the southern entrance, where you'll find a spacious gravel road tailored for your vehicles' convenience, complete with a secure gate to ensure your privacy. Upon arrival, you'll receive a lockbox code for added security.

88%

(56)

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.

90%

(399)

Floodwood Municipal Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Floodwood, MN

Floodwood Municipal Campground: A Hidden Gem in Northern Minnesota Nestled along the scenic St. Louis River, Floodwood Municipal Campground is one of the Northwoods’ best-kept secrets. Conveniently located on the outskirts of the city in a quiet residential neighborhood, this city-owned and operated campground offers a peaceful retreat with modern amenities. Exciting Recent Upgrades! Floodwood Municipal Campground has recently undergone a major renovation to enhance your camping experience, including: ✅ Remodeled and upgraded shower house for added comfort. ✅ Newly widened roads for easier access throughout the campground. ✅ New camping pads and electrical pedestals, with all sites offering water and electrical hookups. ✅ On-site septic dump station for added convenience. ✅ Brand-new ADA-accessible fishing pier, made possible by a grant from the Minnesota DNR. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Originally secured by the City of Floodwood in the 1970s to preserve outdoor recreation for future generations, the campground continues to be a welcoming haven for campers, hunters, anglers, and boaters alike. Whether you're looking for a base camp for your next outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway in nature, the City of Floodwood is ready to welcome you! Book your stay today and experience the charm of this beautifully upgraded campground. Firewood available for sale on-site. Staying several nights? Save on booking fees by booking directly with our Camp Host, Scott Condra, at 325-253-7538. Scott is also happy to answer any other camping questions you may have!

Booked 1 time

RV Camp Duluth - Reel Rest Retreat

1 site · RV1 acre · Duluth, MN

Tucked in the quiet woods of Pike Lake, this private RV site offers a peaceful, level gravel pad perfect for your summer getaway. Back in and unwind with full RV hookups (water + electric), a cozy fire pit, and optional firewood available for purchase. Enjoy a rustic setting without the crowds—no bathroom or dump station onsite, so self-contained units only, please. 🌲 Location Highlights: 1 mile to Pike Lake Public Boat Access and Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club 3 miles to Caribou Lake Public Access 15–30 minutes to Downtown Duluth, Miller Hill Mall, Island Lake, Fish Lake, Boulder Lake, and Grand Lake Easy day trip to the North Shore and Lake Superior’s scenic wonders Enjoy your morning coffee under the trees, spend the day exploring nearby lakes, or take a relaxing evening drive along the shoreline. Whether you're fishing, golfing, hiking, or just recharging—Pike Lake RV Retreat is your home base for it all.

96%

(151)

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.

86%

1 site · Tent2 acres · Knife River, MN

Wooden Boat Building shop site with camping property very near Lake Superior beach-

Camping in 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.

100%

14 ratings · 2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2017

Jay Cooke Campground

River Inn Campground is often times really noisy, so if you're looking for a more secluded experience, look for a backcountry site. They are only 1/4 mile away!

Patrick O.

7 years on Hipcamp

July 2015

Jay Cooke Campground

This state park is beautiful with the roaring St. Louis river...the campgrounds are pretty wooded and suggest some bug spray! But for being so close to Duluth, it sure seems pretty secluded still! Great family camping!