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Best Campgrounds near Cotton, MN

541 Reviews

Campgrounds near Cotton, Minnesota range from rustic state forest sites to developed RV parks with full hookups. Visitors can find a mix of tent camping, RV sites, and cabins at locations like Jay Cooke State Park Campground and Whiteface Reservoir. Carrol Truck Trail offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. The area's campgrounds are situated among lakes, rivers, and forested areas, providing access to water recreation and hiking trails. Several sites accommodate various camping styles, including glamping options at Spirit Mountain Campground about 45 miles southwest of Cotton.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this northern Minnesota region. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited year-round options like Jay Cooke State Park. Summer brings ideal conditions for water activities on area lakes, while fall offers spectacular foliage viewing. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, requiring adequate preparation. Many campgrounds recommend advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak season. Winter access may require specialized equipment for snow-covered roads and trails. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage near larger towns. A visitor noted, "Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin."

Waterfront campsites receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. Several campgrounds offer sites with lake views or direct water access, including Whiteface Reservoir and Eveleth Veterans Park Campground. The area's natural features include waterfalls, hiking trails, and excellent fishing opportunities. Wildlife viewing is commonly mentioned in reviews, with loons, bears, and various bird species frequently spotted. Some campgrounds provide boat launches or rental equipment for water recreation. Road noise can be an issue at campgrounds located near highways, with several reviewers mentioning this drawback. A camper wrote, "Yes it is buggy but it's Minnesota so you deal with it. There is lots of nature. We saw a bear while hiking." Campgrounds near Cotton strike a balance between accessibility and wilderness experience, with options ranging from basic tent sites to fully-equipped RV parks.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cotton, Minnesota (96)

    1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    36 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. Red Pine Campground

    10 Reviews
    Proctor, MN
    22 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."

    3. Carrol Truck Trail

    8 Reviews
    Knife River, MN
    21 miles

    "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."

    "Upon reaching the end of the trail, there is a small dirt road that leads to a public Canoe/Kayak launch. No amenities, but you can filter your water."

    4. Whiteface Reservoir

    4 Reviews
    Biwabik, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 229-8800

    $26 - $1810 / night

    "The one down side is that this campground is really not very close to many hikes."

    "However, the campground is near excellent, with water access near by and at some sites.
    Overall Rating: 4.7 Price 2023: $13 and &14 per site with the Lifetime Senior Pass."

    5. Sherwood Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Virginia, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 748-2221

    "Can be a bit loud during the day on the weekends with the OHV vehicles pulling through but quiet at night and incredible views of the lake. Clean. Large spots not stacked on top of each other."

    "With in walking distance from Main Street."

    6. Eveleth Veterans Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Eveleth, MN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 744-7491

    "Direct access to A great beach, plenty of space to safely roam, and a park to play in."

    "Nice beach fun lake to boat on. Sites are good sized not too crowded. Nice showers."

    7. Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Beaver Bay, MN
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 595-7100

    "Well-spaced, secluded sites with convenient access to restrooms, water access, and hiking trails Steps away from the magnificent lake."

    "Stopped at Gooseberry on our way up the coast of Lake Superior on a long weekend."

    8. Spirit Mountain Campground

    25 Reviews
    Proctor, MN
    34 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."

    9. Whispering Pines

    Be the first to review!
    Cotton, MN
    4 miles
    +1 (218) 248-2225

    $13 - $75 / night

    10. West 40 RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Virginia, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 248-7362

    "Close to the off road vehicle park. Definitely camping here again next summer!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Cotton, MN

136 Photos of 96 Cotton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cotton, MN

541 Reviews of 96 Cotton 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Big Rice Lake

    Great spot to unwind

    We rolled in at night and spent the first night in our camper by the boat landing. The next day we scoped out the sites and picked the perfect one. Very easy to pull our 20’ nobo through the loop (yes…the road access loops around and puts you out by the boat landing… so, no worries about getting in and out) and backing into the site was a breeze

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Castle Danger

    Awesome extremely private and primitive camping

    DO NOT COME HERE UNLESS YOU HAVE A HIGH CLEARANCE 4x4. The “road” up to the campsite is basically a jeep trail. But if you can get to it I recommend taking the first right if you have a pickup truck or going immediately left if you have anything else. The spot on top of the hill is a great spot.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Sherwood Forest Campground

    Great spot right on the Mesabi trail and OHV trail

    Can be a bit loud during the day on the weekends with the OHV vehicles pulling through but quiet at night and incredible views of the lake. Clean. Large spots not stacked on top of each other. Lake offers swimming and a small water park. Great little town nearby (Gilbert) with an amazing Caribbean themed restaurant that features outstanding food and cocktails taking you from the Iron Range of Minnesota to the sunny sandy beaches of the ocean

  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Sullivan Lake Campground

    Wilderness Campground

    This is a campground for small campers only. My 16 foot travel trailer was about the limit for size. Very little access to the lake and river. Overall, this is a primitive site with pit toilets and a pump jack for water.

  • 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!

Guide to Cotton

Dispersed camping spots near Cotton, Minnesota provide access to the Superior National Forest with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet. Many camping areas sit alongside the region's numerous mine pit lakes formed from former iron ore excavations. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with high humidity, while winter temperatures can drop below -20°F with significant snowfall from November through April.

What to do

Explore river rocks and pools: At Jay Cooke State Park Campground, the rocky riverbed creates unique opportunities for exploration. "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," explains Jared S.

Hike wooded trails: Camping areas around Cotton feature extensive trail networks through northern hardwood forests. A visitor at Jay Cooke notes, "Awesome views from the Swingbridge. Make sure you do some climbing on the craggy rocks near the river!" The park offers trails suitable for various skill levels.

Mountain biking: Spirit Mountain Campground offers direct access to downhill mountain biking trails. "The best part was being able to bike down the trails right from the campground! The trees were just starting to turn so it was beautiful!" shares Beth W. The area attracts mountain bikers from across the region during summer and fall.

Wildlife viewing: Beaver ponds and quiet forest areas provide wildlife watching opportunities. A backpacker at Jay Cooke reports, "Site offers great views of a little beaver pond where you may get to see some wildlife!"

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Many camping areas near Cotton feature well-spaced sites among thick forest cover. At Whiteface Reservoir, a camper notes, "This is a great campground, basic facilities, but the campsites are far enough apart, and are fairly large." The natural separation creates a more secluded camping experience.

Lake access: Waterfront camping receives high marks from visitors. "Myself, my wife and one of my best buddies came here after looking on The Dyrt. It's a beautiful spot, we are currently here in warmer weather, but surrounded by snow," explains a camper at Carrol Truck Trail.

Clean facilities: Campgrounds with maintained amenities receive positive reviews. "The bathroom/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," describes Krista T. about the facilities at Jay Cooke State Park.

Winter access: Unlike many regions, some camping areas remain accessible during winter months. "Winter camping at state park campsites is still possible at most state parks for those who choose to do it," notes Janet R. about Gooseberry Falls State Park.

What you should know

Bug preparation essential: Mosquitoes and ticks are significant concerns from May through September. "Very buggy (mosquitos, ticks), no cell service. Approx three spots for tents or cars/trucks/vans, not suitable for larger vehicles," warns Anna P. about Carrol Truck Trail. Bug spray with DEET and proper clothing coverage is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is cotton not recommended for camping in wet conditions?

Cotton becomes problematic in wet conditions because it absorbs and retains moisture rather than wicking it away. Once wet, cotton loses its insulating properties, becomes heavy, and takes an extremely long time to dry - creating potentially dangerous conditions in cooler weather. This can lead to hypothermia even in mild temperatures. At Bear Head Lake State Park Campground, campers enjoying activities like canoeing should avoid cotton clothing, as unexpected splashes can leave you uncomfortable for hours. Jay Cooke State Park Campground visitors particularly benefit from moisture-wicking fabrics when exploring the park's diverse hiking trails in variable weather conditions.

Is Cotton a good material for camping gear?

Cotton is generally not recommended for most camping gear due to its poor performance when wet. While comfortable in dry conditions, cotton absorbs moisture, dries slowly, and loses insulating properties when damp - a potentially dangerous combination in outdoor settings. However, cotton can be appropriate for casual summer camping in reliably dry climates. Campers at Spirit Lake RV and Marina often enjoy cotton clothing during warmer months when staying near water activities, but experienced campers typically opt for synthetic or wool alternatives for critical items like base layers and hiking clothes.

Are cotton sleeping bags suitable for camping?

Cotton sleeping bags are generally unsuitable for most camping situations. While they may feel comfortable initially, they offer poor insulation when damp, absorb moisture from the air and body, and become dangerously cold if wet. Additionally, they're bulky, heavy, and dry extremely slowly. Synthetic or down-filled sleeping bags are far superior options for outdoor use. At Side Lake Campground — McCarthy Beach State Park, where the evening call of loons signals potentially cool, damp conditions, a quality synthetic or down sleeping bag is essential for comfort and safety throughout the night.

What cotton alternatives are best for hiking and camping clothes?

The best cotton alternatives for camping and hiking clothes are synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) and natural wool. Synthetics offer excellent moisture-wicking, quick-drying properties, and durability at affordable prices. Merino wool provides superior temperature regulation, moisture management, and odor resistance, though at a higher cost. Many campers at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground prefer lightweight synthetic or wool-blend hiking clothes for exploring the park's magnificent trails near Lake Superior. For paddlers at Grand Rapids Library Park Watertrail Watercraft Campsite, quick-drying synthetic layers are essential for comfort during Mississippi Headwaters adventures.

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