Map showing campground location near Esko, Minnesota

Camper submitted image from Knife Island Campground

Knife Island Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available at Knife Island Campground, and calling ahead is worth the effort, particularly for larger rigs. Roads through the campground are tight and rutted, and several sites involve maneuvering around trees, boulders, and structures that can make backing in a challenge for 30-foot-plus setups. A ground guide is strongly recommended. The campground runs from May 1 through December 31, with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer, plus showers, WiFi, and a dump station on site.

The campground sits alongside the Saint Louis River, making it a practical stop for paddlers running the river. A wooden bridge connects to a small island with fishing access and a walking trail. Anglers and kayakers tend to get the most out of this location. Campers have also noted old mines in the surrounding area as a reason to explore beyond the site. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Reviewers consistently describe the campground as quiet, though Wayne W. noted one important caveat: a train horn sounds around 4 a.m.

The owners live on site, which reviewers mention contributes to the upkeep and general responsiveness when issues arise. As Lesley R. put it, this works well as "a quiet snooze before heading down the Saint Louis River." Nearby alternatives include the Cloquet-Duluth KOA for those wanting a more developed setup, and campers exploring places to camp around Esko will find several options in the corridor. Knife Island makes the most sense for paddlers, anglers, and RV travelers who can accommodate the tight site access.

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Map & DirectionsKnife Island Campground is located in Minnesota near Esko

RV Park

Directions

From jct I-35 (exit 239) and Hwy 45; 1/2 mi N on 45, 1/2 E on Hwy 61.

Address

234 W Highway 61
Esko, MN 55733

Coordinates

46.7038403 N
92.41574036 W

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Connectivity

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Verified by 3 users
Last on 7/26/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 7/26/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+12188796063

Drive Time

14 min from Duluth, MN
1 hr 51 min from Minneapolis, MN
2 hrs 5 min from St. Cloud, MN
2 hrs 27 min from Eau Claire, WI

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Knife Island Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the unique island feature and attentive on-site owners as highlights. Several reviews noted access challenges for larger RVs due to tight, rutted roads requiring careful site selection.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Tori K.

Legend

Reviewed Feb. 9, 2025

Odd Practices

Very unique campground. Be mindful of your rig size and the site you pick (not that it really matters in the end per my disclaimer below). Some sites are going to be difficult for bigger rigs to get into so it may be worth calling ahead for site recommendations from the owner. The campground has an island you can take a wooden bridge over too that offers some fishing spots and a nice little walking trail. Fire ring and picnic table provided.

*I did not make the reservation. The person who did told me they paid extra to select a specific site, otherwise the owner picks. When they showed up they were told to go to a site other than what they had reserved (and paid extra for). This site did not work for the length of the 5th wheel (~32ft) and truck to be able to back in with how the trees were, a large boulder or 2, and a dumpster or outhouse (I forget which). So they told the office about this and they were luckily able to be moved to another site that worked. This was during Grandma's Marathon weekend so finding another place to stay would have been impossible and this was a 3 to 4 hour drive for them. I was camping close by and came for a visit to get me and my dog out of my tent while it rained all day.

Month of VisitJuly

(7) View All

Brooklyn S.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 3, 2025

Couple travel

My boyfriend and I went camping here in October. it was very peaceful the first night, got rained on the second night. We set up at night but our neighbors campers we supper friendly and helped us set up camp. Owners take very great care of the place and stay on site!

Month of VisitOctober

Tori K.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 1, 2025

Unique!!

very unique campground. Be mindful of your rig size and the site you pick. Some sites are going to be difficult for bigger rigs to get into so it may be worth calling ahead for site recommendations from the owner. The campground has an island you can take a wooden bridge over too that offers some fishing spots and a nice little walking trail. Fire ring and picnic table provided.

Wayne W.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2024

Tight

Overall a very nice camp for a 4 day. Roads are tight for 30+ rigs. Very rutted. Having a ground guide for the tight parking is a must. Reviews dont mention the 4am horn blowing train. Great time had here.

Site16

Month of VisitAugust

Scott M.

Legend

Reviewed Dec. 22, 2022

Location and accessible

This campground is ideal if you are coming down the river. A few full time rv folks here. Can get out and stretch your legs by seeing some old mines in the area as well. Nice area.

(7) View All

Lesley R.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 5, 2022

Great Location

Kayaking trips are great but sometimes finding a wilderness place to stay and keep yourself submerged, away from civilization can be tricky when traveling. This was a great place to plop the tent for a quiet snooze before heading down the Saint Louis River. Excellent experience, exhilarating rapids and tons of wildlife in this area. Clean and quiet.

Month of VisitJuly

(10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Knife Island Campground located and how do I access it?

Knife Island Campground is located along the Saint Louis River, making it a perfect stop for river paddlers. The campground features an actual island that's accessible via a wooden bridge. Access roads can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles, as they're described as tight and rutted. If you're exploring the area, there are old mines nearby that offer interesting hiking opportunities. For exact directions, contacting the campground directly is recommended.

What do visitor reviews say about Knife Island Campground?

Knife Island Campground is highly regarded as a unique and peaceful camping destination. Campers appreciate its quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for those wanting to escape civilization. It's particularly well-suited for kayaking trips along the Saint Louis River with exhilarating rapids nearby. Many visitors have had excellent experiences, though some mention early morning train noise with horn blowing around 4am. The campground owners are noted for taking great care of the property and staying on-site to assist guests.

What facilities and camping options are available at Knife Island Campground?

The campground offers both tent camping and RV sites, with some full-time RV residents. An island accessible by wooden bridge provides additional camping opportunities. For RVers, it's important to note that roads are tight for rigs over 30 feet and quite rutted in places. Site selection is crucial for larger vehicles, and calling ahead for owner recommendations is advised. Having a ground guide for navigating tight parking areas is highly recommended. The campground is suitable for multi-day stays, with visitors reporting enjoyable 4-day experiences.

Are there photos available to preview Knife Island Campground before visiting?

Yes, photos of Knife Island Campground are available online. These images can help you preview the unique island setting with its wooden bridge, camping areas, and the surrounding Saint Louis River environment. Photos are particularly useful for visualizing site layouts and accessibility, which is important given the campground's tight roads and varied site configurations. Check The Dyrt's campground page or the official campground website for current photos before your visit.

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