Carlton's campgrounds sit along the transition zone between Minnesota's northern forests and the Lake Superior basin, creating varied terrain at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet. The St. Louis River watershed dominates the area, with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F during peak camping season. Mosquito activity typically peaks in July, often requiring campers to use repellent during evening hours.
What to do
Fishing access: Knife Island Campground offers direct river access with a wooden bridge to the island where visitors can fish from several spots. "The campground has an island you can take a wooden bridge over too that offers some fishing spots and a nice little walking trail," notes Tori K.
Rock climbing: Jay Cooke State Park provides natural rock formations suitable for scrambling along the river. "I spent a day trip with friends at Jay Cook. The water levels were low, so 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," shares Jared S.
Kayaking routes: The St. Louis River corridor offers paddling routes accessible from multiple campgrounds. "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," explains Lesley R. about Knife Island Campground.
What campers like
Private sites: Buffalo Valley Camping receives consistent praise for its wooded camping areas. "Grounds have a nice mix of RV spots out in the open as well as some RV and tent spots back in the trees with water and electric only sites," explains Sam C.
Clean facilities: Pattison State Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and camping areas. "Great campground! Most of the sites are perfect for tent camping or glamping. Clean and each site is well separated and lots of trees. Manitou Falls is a short walk away and is incredible," notes Jim H.
Backpacking options: Several parks offer backcountry sites for more secluded experiences. "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," shares Tori K. about Jay Cooke State Park's Lost Lake Backpack Site.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds report nighttime train disturbances. "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," notes Krista T. about Jay Cooke State Park.
Site spacing: Campground density varies significantly in the area. "Our site was gravel and a little un-level, but nothing extreme. 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," advises Sam C.
Reservation requirements: Spirit Mountain Campground and most established sites fill quickly during summer months. "Stopped in to check this out everyone said you have to go and do alpine slide as well. We didnt have the time to that day but plan on coming back in fall to do that," mentions Jordan L.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Carlton offer play equipment for children. "Nice Campsites mostly secluded in the woods. Campsites are not too close to each other giving you the privacy you want. They also have a spot where they have mini golf, mountain luge, and mountain biking," says Jennifer M. about Spirit Mountain.
Swimming options: Water access varies by campground, with some offering designated swimming areas. "We stayed at the campground as it was close to Duluth! We spent most of the time in Duluth in Canal Park! At the campsite they have information about renting canoes and kayaks as well," explains Anne G. about Indian Point Campground.
Kid-friendly trails: Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogston RV Park) features accessible walking paths. "Walked the grounds and had fun looking for agates in a rock pile. The small lakes or ponds around the campground were a nice touch. Water craft could be utilized by campers," notes Sam C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should research site dimensions carefully before booking. "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 Tori K. about Knife Island Campground.
Utility placement: Many campgrounds have inconsistent utility placement. "Utilities: 20/30/50A electric in back. Sewer located in back and had a non screw-on fitting. Water was located in back, but on door side," reports David B. about Red Pine Campground.
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. "Roads are tight for 30+ rigs. Very rutted. Having a ground guide for the tight parking is a must," warns Wayne W. about navigating Knife Island Campground's interior roads.
