Best Cabin Camping near Carlton, MN

Jay Cooke State Park Campground offers five cabin accommodations set in a wooded landscape near Carlton. These camper cabins are equipped with bunk beds, a small table with chairs, and baseboard heating systems for year-round comfort. "The cabins are pretty basic with bunk beds and a small table with chairs. The cabin we stayed in was heated with base board heaters that you have control of the temperature," noted one visitor. Additional cabin accommodations can be found at Woods and Meadows Farm, which maintains three cabin units, and Mont du Lac Resort across the Wisconsin border, providing water and electrical hookups with private bathroom facilities.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Most state park cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months when occupancy remains high. Several campgrounds including Spirit Mountain and Big Lake Shores & The Lounge accommodate pets in their cabin units with specific policies. Reviews indicate popularity varies seasonally with one camper mentioning, "I have grown to really enjoy coming here in the winter. Yes water is shutoff and you don't get to use the awesome shower house but there are hardly any people here!" Park Lake Campground and Anchor Inn also provide cabin options, with varying levels of amenities from basic to more fully-furnished units.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary significantly between locations—some provide only outdoor fire rings while others include basic kitchen setups. Jay Cooke State Park sells firewood on-site, and their market offers essential camping supplies. Big Lake Shores features a market for basic provisions as well. Several locations like Fond du Lac City Campground provide water hookups and electrical service for added comfort. Bathroom facilities range from shared campground restrooms with showers to more private arrangements depending on the specific cabin location and price point.

Best Cabin Sites Near Carlton, Minnesota (28)

    1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

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

    "The tent camping is great, the park is amazing for hiking and geology study, and there are camper cabins that I have often stayed at as well."

    "We have stayed in a camper cabin in the winter and RV site in the summer."

    2. Spirit Mountain Campground

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

    "You ride across the road to acsess the trails. We stayed for a week and it helped that the weather was perfect."

    "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. "

    3. 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!"

    4. Woods and Meadows Farm

    1 Review
    Wrenshall, MN
    5 miles
    Website

    "This is the perfect place to get away from it all. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love 💕"

    5. Mont du Lac Resort

    1 Review
    Wrenshall, MN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 626-3797

    "This was my first time at this location and we decided to do a cabin (package) so that we could stay and ski (well, they skied I snowshoed)."

    6. Big Lake Shores & The Lounge

    1 Review
    Cloquet, MN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 879-1819

    "We always stay in the cabin. It’s a remote paradise! The price is right. Refrigerator, microwave, queen bed along side a bunk; double on the bottom bunk and a twin up top."

    7. Park Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cloquet, MN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 389-6935

    8. Anchor Inn Campground

    2 Reviews
    Superior, WI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 774-3658

    $12 - $60 / night

    "You can't beat the price ($14/night for electric up to 50 amps). The woman I booked the reservation through was really nice and laid back. The campground is quiet, chill and safe."

    9. Banning State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Sandstone, MN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 245-2668

    $24 - $34 / night

    "The campsites are large enough (despite the snow) to set up suitable winter tents, and each site has a picnic table and fire pit. In the park, there's a lot of ice climbing and cross country skiing."

    "Nice well maintained State Park."

    10. Oak Lake Campground & RV Sales

    2 Reviews
    Moose Lake, MN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 496-5678

    "Spots were right by the lake and the lake was awesome"

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Cabin Reviews near Carlton, MN

214 Reviews of 28 Carlton Campgrounds


  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Mont du Lac Resort

    Winter camping was cozy in the cabin

    This was my first time at this location and we decided to do a cabin (package) so that we could stay and ski (well, they skied I snowshoed). The cabin was nicely located close to the slope but not in the way of the action.

    Cabin 1 was an RV Cabin (as they call it) which is sort of RV shaped but not on wheels.  Wooden cabin, 2 bedrooms and a loft with plenty of space for sleeping. It was carpeted with outlets and windows and lights .  We had three teenage boys up there and could easily have slept 2 to 3 more.  A mini kitchen with fridge, stove, pots, pans, dishes, soap and microwave as well as full bathroom with shower.  All linens provided. Ah yes - and it's heated/cooled too! Not with a wood stove, but an actual thermostat adjustable heater. Bedrooms have mini plug in ceramic type heaters for extra warmth.

    If you stay in a cabin or campsite (they are open in summer) you get a discount on lift tickets. During the summer, there is a lazy river, mini water slide type of platform and a summer tubing area that runs through the trees!

    While I can not speak for the actual campsites since they were snow covered, I can say that they do have them.

    Additionally, all sites have a fire ring, picnic table and the cabins have BBQ grills. Firewood available for purchase.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2019

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Winter cabin camping

    I love Jay Cooke year round! The tent camping is great, the park is amazing for hiking and geology study, and there are camper cabins that I have often stayed at as well. This was my first time staying in winter, the camper cabins are cozy and fully heated and really nice. People use them when coming here in winter for the terrific cross country skiing or snowshoeing. The cabins are very simple and have beds, table, heat, and electricity, but no water inside (water punps are nearby, so bring a bucket ir canteen) and no bathroom (but you can use the outhouse nearby, and the campground will have a new bath house by early summer, it is inder construction and almost finished!) . You can use the facilities at the visitor center during the day but they arent open in the evening and are a bit of a trek from the campground. But, it you want to camp in warmth and relative comfort, and want to explire this amazing state park, the camper cabins are a great way to go year round! You can reserve campsites too if you have an RV or dont mind winter camping

  • Becky F.
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    The Views

    We have stayed in a camper cabin in the winter and RV site in the summer. We have explored so many trails on our snowshoes and cross country skis in the winter and have enjoyed many hikes and mountain bike rides in the summer months. The accommodations were well maintained with very clean campground area. The shower room is very new and the bathrooms were very clean. The cabins are pretty basic with bunk beds and a small table with chairs. The cabin we stayed in was heated with base board heaters that you have control of the temperature. We have also brought our canoe to explore the river and went fishing. There are so many trails to explore so we plan on camping here again and again!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Swinging Bridge and Lots of Hiking

    The main reason we wanted to come to this park was to hike the trails and experience the famous swinging bridge that takes you over the St. Louis River and the rushing rapids below and rocky gorge below. The park dates back to the early 1900’s and its historic character comes from the influence of the Civilian Conservation Corps who made improvements to the park in the 1930’s and 40’s. The park has an 82-site campground and LOTS of activities to keep adults and kids busy.

    The campground is what you would expect in a state park with tall trees, shady sites, lots of activities, and popular with families. Roads and sites are gravel and each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Some campsites are long and suited for large RV’s while others are more rustic tent sites and there are 5 cabins for rent. Twenty-one sites have electric hook-ups. If you are looking for more rustic, remote tent sites there are some hike-in sites. Four sites are located 1 to 4 miles from parking area where each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine but water must be hauled in.  About half of the sites are reservable online with the others being first come, first served. What we liked was that this park was very well cared as sites and facilities were very clean. Tall trees provided nice shade and campsites were well-spaced so you didn’t feel like you were on top of your neighbor. 

    There is lots to do in this park and we were sorry we didn’t have more time to spend. Activities include hiking (over 50 miles of trails including a stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail), 8 miles of biking trails, 30+ miles of cross-country ski trails, kayaking and fishing. The park offers hundreds of naturalist programs including nature walks, evening campfire talks, fishing programs, and geocaching.  Just a short drive north of the state park is Gordy’s High Hat which is a famous hamburger joint that has been around for years and still draws a massive crowd. There is a big enough parking lot to pull your RV into if you need to. Food was great and cheap!

    Even if you don’t camp in this park, I think it is well worth the $7/daily admission fee to spend a day enjoying all this place has to offer.

  • W
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Anchor Inn Campground

    Great price for a quiet campsite near the Apostle Islands

    Had a lovely stay here on August 18th. You can't beat the price ($14/night for electric up to 50 amps). The woman I booked the reservation through was really nice and laid back. The campground is quiet, chill and safe. The woman's restroom was clean, despite some mildew on the shower ceiling (no big deal). Dog-friendly and free WiFi. Great option if you're looking for something near the Apostle Islands that's inexpensive and includes electricity. I stayed in spot 2, which is near the bathrooms and has a picnic table and fire pit.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park

    No service

    Felt nice to spend a weekend without cell service about an hour away from home. Forgot to take my usual photos and video of the site all set up but had a few random to share. Nice campground. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are flush toilets and showers and the office has a store for any last minute needs.

  • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2022

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Jay Cooke destination

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

    • Amazing hiking and water play
    • photogenic
    • Some open site options for camping with other families or friends and many private sites
    • Very clean and large shower/restroom facilities
    • 15 min to small town grocery store
    • Standard fire rings that you can grill on too
    • lots of bird watching Negative:
    • MOSQUITOS!!!! Bring bulk bug spray or extra blood.
  • B
    Jun. 7, 2016

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    great stop on the way north

    site: wooded. walk-in sites available. camping cabins available. amenities: very clean. attractions: geocaching. historic sites. nature programs. biking. hiking. I would go camping here again.

  • Krista T.
    Jul. 1, 2020

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Gorgeous

    A River Runs Through it(specifically the St. Louis River)- and a train runs through somewhere nearby. We stayed at this campground on our way back from the North Shore, we almost decided to just skip it and head home and I’m so glad that we didn’t! I knew as soon as we pulled into the campground that we made the right decision to stay. We did do a little hiking along the river, but we didn’t do any longer hikes since my brief park research led me to believe that the river is the best feature. It is a very popular campground- we stayed on a Monday night and less than 5 campsites were vacant.

    Pros

    -Every campsite seems to be well-treed and relatively private, providing a perfect atmosphere to just enjoy nature from your campsite.

    -Tree straps are available to borrow at the ranger station. This was the first time I have ever been asked if I’m hanging anything from trees- even a clothes line. It had never occurred to me that a clothes line would be a problem for trees, but I’m glad that I know that now!

    -The restroom/shower facility is very new and has my favorite layout where there is one main area with toilets and sinks and separate rooms accessible from the outside for private shower rooms. Not only is the shower privacy nice, but it keeps the water contained to that individual room. This was great in comparison to Whitewater State park which had constantly wet floors in the shared shower, toilet, sink space. The pit toilets are also nice(for a pit toilet). The outhouse near my site had a hook for hanging things(nice) and a hand-written note explaining that in order to keep smells to a minimum you need to close the lid AND the door when you leave. So while it wasn’t the newest pit toilet I’ve ever used, I didn’t mind using it at all. 

    Cons

    -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.

    -The layout of most campsites is kind of tight. If you are camping with multiple tents it might be a good idea to get multiple sites OR just do your research to make sure that the tent pad measurements listed on the reservation site are going to be sufficient. Most sites did not have enough space for your car, your tent, the fire ring, and a bug house. Our site would have had enough space for all of them had we chosen to move our picnic table into the car area, but we weren’t planning on a fire so we just left the picnic table by the fire pit and put our bug house over it. We DID see a campsite with their bug house literally 2 feet from an active fire- do not do this.

    -Our tent pad was really well graveled and made me realize that the standard stakes that came with our tent and bug house need to be upgraded. I was able to get most anchor points secure, but I gave up on one particularly resistant spot.

    -The Hiking Club trail is probably the most used, I considered the CCC hike which is accessible from the loop I was staying in- but I’m tick phobic and the grass trail looked a bit overgrown. The Hiking Club trail wasn’t super well marked and based on the markers I went on the rocky side trail to the river assuming that that was the Hiking Club trail- it wasn’t.


Guide to Carlton

Cabin camping near Carlton, Minnesota offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Cabin campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails at Jay Cooke State Park Campground, where you can also take in stunning views of the St. Louis River.
  • Experience the thrill of downhill mountain biking and other outdoor adventures at Spirit Mountain Campground, which is just a short drive from Carlton.
  • Spend a relaxing day fishing or kayaking on the St. Louis River from the convenient access at Fond du Lac City.

Explore the beauty of local attractions

  • Visit the historic swinging bridge and visitor center at Jay Cooke State Park Campground, where you can learn about the area's rich history while enjoying breathtaking views.
  • Discover the vibrant city of Duluth, just a short drive from Spirit Mountain Campground, where you can explore local shops, restaurants, and the beautiful waterfront.
  • Take a scenic drive along the North Shore, stopping at various viewpoints and attractions near Cloquet-Duluth KOA for a memorable day trip.

Enjoy these unique features at nearby campgrounds

  • Experience the pet-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities at Fond du Lac City, making it a great choice for families traveling with pets.
  • Relax in the serene environment of Park Lake Campground, where you can enjoy fishing and direct access to the lake.
  • Unwind at Mont du Lac Resort, which offers cozy cabins and a variety of winter activities, including skiing and snowshoeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Carlton, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Carlton, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 66 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Carlton, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 cabin camping locations near Carlton, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.