Best Campgrounds near Carlton, MN

Camping opportunities surrounding Carlton, Minnesota center around established state park campgrounds and mixed-use recreation areas. Jay Cooke State Park Campground serves as the primary destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations within a densely wooded setting along the St. Louis River. Additional developed campgrounds in the vicinity include Cloquet-Duluth KOA, Spirit Mountain Campground, and Knife Island Campground, each providing varying levels of amenities for both tent campers and RV travelers.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak accessibility from May through October, though Jay Cooke State Park remains open year-round with limited winter services. "Winter camping is available with great hike-in sites and terrific snowshoeing opportunities," according to one visitor who recommended the Grand Portage Trail during colder months. Reservation requirements vary by location, with many sites requiring advance booking, particularly during summer weekends. Roads throughout the region remain well-maintained, though some walk-in and hike-in campsites require short treks from parking areas. Electric hookup availability differs significantly between campgrounds, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads with water, sewer, and 50-amp connections.

The camping experience near Carlton features extensive recreational opportunities centered around the St. Louis River and surrounding forested landscape. Trails connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks, river access points, and the iconic swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park. A camper noted, "The campground has tent, hook-up, and cabin sites. The facilities, while somewhat dated, have always been in good condition and clean on my visits." Visitors consistently mention the quality hiking trails, with over 50 miles available throughout the park system. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting sightings of various woodland species during early morning hikes. Sites tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly those with electrical hookups or proximity to water features. The region's developed campgrounds typically provide modern amenities including shower facilities, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations for RVs.

Best Camping Sites Near Carlton, Minnesota (123)

    1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 384-4610

    "Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin."

    "North east Minnesota has some very beautiful country. Highly recommend this spot. "

    2. Spirit Mountain Campground

    25 Reviews
    Proctor, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 628-2891

    "The downhill mountain biking is awesome (the kids still want to go back) and the Adventure Park was a lot of fun too - and a short walk from camp. "

    "We were pleasantly surprised with the campground when we rented one of their walk-in areas. The tent areas are pretty secluded and surrounded by woods with minimal neighbor friends."

    3. Pattison State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    South Range, WI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 399-3111

    "The hike-in sites are great, not too far to walk but you have privacy. One thing to note about the hike-in sites is that the trails aren't well marked."

    "Heavy storm and food damaged washed out the main freeway to the park, destroyed the river side trails from Little Manitou to Big Manitou falls and shut down the public beach and campgrounds for some time"

    4. Buffalo Valley Camping

    10 Reviews
    Esko, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 624-9901

    "Campground was so clean and nice trails to walk around. The bar & grill had great food and service. 10/10!"

    "Close to downtown Duluth (10 mins.)"

    5. Cloquet-Duluth KOA

    9 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 879-5726

    "Nice campground...a little rural but close to town. Helpful staff, decent size sites and hookups. Pool area was nice but busy on our stay. Great family camping."

    "The camp is close to Duluth but still far enough away to get you completely out of the city and, while exploring, we came across Jay Cook State Park (only about 15 min away) which is beautiful!!"

    6. Indian Point City Campground

    14 Reviews
    Proctor, MN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 628-4977

    "You are so close to the downtown area in this hidden cove. There are walking/biking trails around the grounds. There are few mosquitos and the staff is very friendly."

    "Near city and bike path. Quiet and friendly folks."

    7. Fond du Lac City

    9 Reviews
    Wrenshall, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 780-2319

    "Great place.Plenty to do.People that work there are freindly and helpful.Great mountain bike trails across the road,and hiking trails only right down the road about 6 blocks.Lots of Canoe and kayak rentals.Bath"

    "kind campground hosts with quiet but well-used atvs

    -easy lake access with docks and shoreline

    -free wifi

    -this is a good day-of campsite if you’re looking for an adventure or a fun story to tell!"

    8. Knife Island Campground

    7 Reviews
    Esko, MN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 879-6063

    "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. "

    "Kayaking trips are great but sometimes finding a wilderness place to stay and keep yourself submerged, away from civilization can be tricky when traveling."

    9. Red Pine Campground

    10 Reviews
    Proctor, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 481-9210

    "We were traveling with friends and the staff (owners I believe) made it work out for us to have sites next to each other. Park felt well cared for and attended too."

    "It’s next to Duluth and looks like a city park. Many permanent residents. Very clean and comfortable. I’d stay again if I’m in the area. Now we’re driving north to find a moose."

    10. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    South Range, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 398-3000

    "The campsites are fairly close together and the highway can be heard, but they are tucked away from the main attraction a decent bit. However, you can easily hike to the trails and falls easily."

    "Enjoy a short walk from the camping sites to the water and hiking trails. Bring your camera for sure! Don’t miss this Northern Wisconsin park just Southeast of Duluth Minnesota."

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Recent Reviews near Carlton, MN

519 Reviews of 123 Carlton Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Wonderful Spot

    Hands down the best spot i have ever camped at, especially here in the midwest. someone who camped here before me left it a bit messy, but other than that it was amazing.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Barnum City Park

    This entire section of the dirt needs to be cleaned up

    There's a sign that says no camping, and there are no rv spots. Or camp spots at this park. Some things in this area are listed twice the g. PS takes you to the wrong place. And something like the city park doesn't allow camping.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Carlton County Bear Lake Campground

    Very small park on freeway

    I believe I only saw 3 full R. V electric spots. It is literally right beside the freeway. I would not personally feel comfortable camping here as a female traveler alone. I also think this is listed twice and I will try to correct that.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Dago Lake

    God's Country

    Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Penmarallter Campsite

    Nice campground close to Two Harbors

    The campground owner/hosts were very friendly and helpful during our five night stay. Two Harbors is a good provisioning and jumping off point for exploring the North Shore area south of Grand Marais. Some shade but mostly sunny pull through camp sites worked well in the cool Minnesota evenings. You can save $5 a night if you only need 30-Amp electric and water.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    North Country Campground

    Expensive but nice

    Owners are very nice, greet you upon arrival, very helpful. Bathroom/shower is very nice. Trampoline & playground on site. Close to the highway so a lot of traffic noise until about midnight. People fly down the road even though the speed limit is 20mph. 3 minutes from Willow River, 45 minutes to Cloquet & Pine City.

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Burlington Bay Campground

    Good base camp for the area

    Large campground run by the city of Two Harbors.

     It has 4 areas of RV camping & 12 primitive tent sites.

     The tent sites by the David Dill area were shady with trees Willow is near the dump station.

     Burlington sites 1-66 have water & electric. There's a row that has lakeside camping. The sites are mostly sunny with some shade. All are close together. There is a lake view. Apparently there's a path with lake access, but not sure which site this was by. 

    The playground is here. Dumpster, dump station & restrooms with showers.

     Agate sites are 67-91. is a loop with full hookup. 73-75, 77, 79,81-84, have beautiful views of the lake, but difficult lake access. Most of this loop is full sun& very close together sites. 

    We were at site 70 & at first I was bummed out not having a lake view. This is my own fault for dithering about what campground I wanted. I was lucky- this was the last site for my dates. I have later found out that someone must have cancelled for this site & I was lucky enough to get it. Reservations fill up quick a year in advance. 

    This site is narrow, but shady. There's foliage to the left separating it from Site 72 (which has a partial lake view) & the back separating it from the Burlington sites. There was a white tail doe walking thru it the first day we were there.

     Sites 67/68 & 70 are close. Our fire pit was only a few feet from site 68's. There's more shade here though.

    Site 69 is somewhat secluded & has shade & easy access to the bathroom. 

    The site across from us was a long site parallel to the road. It was empty the 2 nights we were here.

    Sites 92 to 102 are a little down the road in rows on both sides of the road. Again close together. Full hookup. Just a few feet away from Hwy 61.

     David Dill sites are 1B to 34B These are full hookup sites terraced on a hill. Big rig friendly. There's a bathhouse by the visitor center for David Dill & the tenters.

    Very close together & sunny. They have a pretty good view of the beach & lake. 

    24B to 34B have the best being lowest on the hill. There's a road- then a rocky beach.

     All parts of this campground were full on a Friday/Saturday night. The office has a small gift shop. Open 8am to 8pm during the season. Check in's at noon- which is great! Check out at 11am.

    We did see police patrol occasionally. Hwy 61 is only a few feet away & is VERY loud. There's no Jake brake ordinance for Two Harbors & the truckers are always doing it. 

    This is a busy town!

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Afterhours Meadow

    Quiet but rough terrain

    Nice little field. Would be great if the groud wasn't all sticks and thorns. Good place to sleep. Not for extended camping

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Secluded! But nothing else

    It's a fine place to go to get away from everything. No reason to drive all the way out unless you're trying to camp. There are 3 campsites at the end of the road where the GPS takes you. There are a few other pull offs along the way. I'm guessing all the forest roads around here have sites so even if this one is occupied, there are others close.

    BRING BUG SPRAY! the mosquitoes are no joke


Guide to Carlton

Camping sites near Carlton, Minnesota range from rustic tent areas to full-service campgrounds with options in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The area sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the St. Louis River Valley where wooded terrain transitions between northern hardwoods and conifer forests. Camping facilities within a 20-mile radius typically receive 31 inches of annual precipitation with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping months.

What to do

Explore waterfalls and geological features: Amnicon Falls State Park Campground in South Range, Wisconsin offers direct access to multiple waterfalls within walking distance from campsites. "One of them you cross has a very old bridge that is just gorgeous! It's a wooden bridge with a very unique suspension that crosses over the water that creates Amnicon Falls," notes a visitor who enjoyed the geological formations.

Paddle the St. Louis River: Multiple access points let campers experience the area's primary waterway. Fond du Lac City provides direct river access with convenient boat launching facilities. "The campground has a private boat landing to the St. Louis River," reports one camper, making it a practical option for kayaking and canoeing.

Rock climbing opportunities: The riverside rock formations at Jay Cooke State Park Campground provide natural climbing challenges on sculpted granite. "We clambered around on the sculpted granite rocks that line the river and falls, dipping on and out of pools and up slick rock faces," explains a visitor who found enjoyable climbing areas during low water periods.

What campers like

Private sites with natural separation: Buffalo Valley Camping earns praise for wooded sites that provide actual privacy. "Sites are nice size, with trees. Trees all around," describes a camper who appreciated the natural buffers between camping spaces that create a secluded forest setting.

Walk-in tent sites for secluded camping: Some campgrounds maintain special tent-only areas away from RV sections. "I stayed at Site 16, one of the two walk-in sites... The site was nice, partially shaded with a perfect spot to put up my hammock to read a book," notes a visitor to Amnicon Falls State Park who preferred the walk-in location.

Backpacking options for wilderness experience: Jay Cooke State Park Campground maintains remote backpacking sites that require hiking in with gear. "Such a fun backpack site! The hike in was muddy and buggy as there was quite a bit of rain in the weeks prior to our camping trip. Picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker provided. Site offers great views of a little beaver pond where you may get to see some wildlife," reports a backpacker who stayed at the Lost Lake site.

What you should know

Train noise affects several campgrounds: Multiple campgrounds in the region have railroad tracks nearby with frequent train traffic. "One of the only things that was obnoxious about this park is that there is a frequently used train track nearby- and the trains really lay on whistle. I slept with earplugs in because of this, but I was still woken up around 4 times that night," explains a Jay Cooke visitor.

Variable shower facilities: Spirit Mountain Campground provides shower buildings, but quality and availability differ between campgrounds. "Very clean and organized place... Bathrooms were very clean," notes a camper, though other campgrounds may charge for showers or have limited facilities.

Seasonal road access limitations: Winter camping requires preparation for snow-covered access roads. "Sites tend to fill quickly during summer weekends," particularly at campgrounds with electrical hookups or proximity to water features. Reservation systems typically open 120 days in advance for peak season.

Tips for camping with families

Water play areas for children: Indian Point City Campground offers designated water access points suitable for supervised children. "We have camped here multiple times in a tent and also in our RV. Grounds have a nice mix of RV spots out in the open as well as some RV and tent spots back in the trees," notes a regular visitor.

Recreation amenities: Buffalo Valley Camping maintains play areas specifically for younger campers. "Nice campground with a variety of delicious meals and the best chocolate fudge cake I've ever had," reports one visitor who enjoyed the on-site bar and grill with family-friendly menu options.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Pattison State Park Campground offers structured nature programs during summer weekends. "Wonderful campground with waterfalls and hiking opportunities for families and adventures. Some mosquitoes but that comes with the adventure of being outdoors. Most sites are pretty isolated with foliage and trees," explains a family who visited with children.

Tips from RVers

Site access challenges: Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogston RV Park) offers spacious RV sites but access can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Stayed in back-in campsite #49 which was not shady but level. It was a dirt/gravel site with grass on either side. There was just enough parking for my 34 ft TT and truck," reports an RV camper who noted specific site dimensions.

Limited pull-through availability: Most campgrounds near Carlton feature primarily back-in sites requiring maneuvering skills. "Red Pine is a great private RV park near Duluth, MN. We stayed 2 nights. Most of the sites are not shady. The campground streets are gravel," notes an RV camper, highlighting the surface conditions.

Electrical hookup variations: Knife Island Campground offers electrical service but site layout affects accessibility. "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," advises an RV owner who needed to change sites upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find campgrounds near Carlton, Minnesota?

Carlton, Minnesota is surrounded by excellent camping options. Jay Cooke State Park Campground is just minutes from Carlton, offering beautiful sites with amazing hiking trails and water features. For RV travelers, Red Pine Campground provides full hookups with gravel sites that accommodate larger rigs. Other nearby options include Spirit Lake RV and Marina for waterfront camping, the Cloquet-Duluth KOA for family-friendly amenities, and Amnicon Falls State Park Campground just across the Wisconsin border. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Indian Lake Campground in Cloquet Valley State Forest and Savanna Portage State Park offer more secluded nature experiences within 30-45 minutes of Carlton.

What amenities are available at Carlton, MN campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Carlton offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Minnesota National RV Park provides 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer hookups, all situated on a golf course. Spirit Lake RV and Marina offers waterfront RV sites with direct water access. Many state park campgrounds in the area feature clean restrooms, showers, hiking trails, and water access. The Cloquet-Duluth KOA includes a playground for children, while Savanna Portage State Park Campground provides access to four lakes with fishing opportunities, hiking and biking trails, and beach areas. Most campgrounds offer fire rings and picnic tables, with many providing firewood for purchase on-site.

When is the best season for camping in Carlton, Minnesota?

The prime camping season in Carlton runs from late May through early October. Summer (June-August) offers warm days perfect for water activities and hiking at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. Fall is particularly spectacular, with Indian Lake Campground offering outstanding views of northern Minnesota's fall colors, typically peaking in late September to early October. Spring camping (May-early June) can be beautiful but prepare for cooler temperatures and potentially muddy conditions. Winter camping is available at select sites for hardy adventurers but requires proper cold-weather gear. Many campgrounds in the region are seasonal, closing from late October through April due to harsh Minnesota winters.