A
Andy S.
Scout
ScoutDago Lake
Nope
Have to balance out the last review. Right off the road, you can’t drive very far in. Looks like a squatter camping from the road. Also feels like squatting on the corner of someone’s property off the road.
Camping near Esko, MN
122 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Esko, Minnesota ranges from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping, with options including cabin rentals and glamping accommodations at campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Notable campgrounds in the area include Knife Island Campground and the nearby Jay Cooke State Park. Most campgrounds in this region are situated near water features, particularly along Lake Superior's shoreline to the east and the St. Louis River to the south. The Cloquet-Duluth KOA, located just a few miles from Esko, serves as a convenient base for families exploring the region, while Buffalo Valley Camping offers year-round access for both tent and RV campers.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in this northern Minnesota region. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with only a few locations like Buffalo Valley Camping maintaining year-round operations. Travelers should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly during summer months. Facilities range from rustic to full-service, with many campgrounds offering electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the region, though it may be spotty in more remote areas of Jay Cooke State Park. As one camper noted about Jay Cooke State Park, "The campground has 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."
Campers report high satisfaction with sites near water features, especially those with views of Lake Superior or river access. Jay Cooke State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its hiking trails, suspension bridge, and waterfalls. Several visitors mentioned that the park offers a good balance of natural attractions and well-maintained facilities. The park's backpacking sites along the St. Louis River provide more secluded experiences for those seeking greater privacy, though highway noise can sometimes be heard. Public campgrounds typically fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, making advance reservations essential. According to one review, "Sites are mostly level and are some are a bit tight and close to your neighbors. They have recently added some additional RV spots and some other upgrades as well."
Best Campgrounds near Esko (122)
1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground
"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. "
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability2. Spirit Mountain Campground
"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. Buffalo Valley Camping
"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.)"
4. Indian Point City Campground
"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."
5. Pattison State Park Campground
"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"
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Cloquet-Duluth KOA
"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!!"
7. Fond du Lac City
"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. Red Pine Campground
"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."
9. Knife Island Campground
"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."
10. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
"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."
from $21 / night
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Drive Time
- 12 min from Duluth, MN
- 1 hr 53 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 7 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 25 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Esko, MN
142 Photos of 122 Esko Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Esko, MN
534 Reviews of 122 Esko Campgrounds
- TTim
GuideSt Croix River Resort
Great Family Campground
Many activities throughout the day for the family. Kids enjoyed the pool. The store has a nice selection of items for sale. Firewood is $8 a bundle.
The campsites are close but there is enough trees between sites to make it seem like you are not so close.
There are atvs and utvs but at night they are not moving around.
- CCarmen S.Scout
DECC/ Amsoil Arena RV Parking
Be aware of theft/vandalism
We stayed here for a couple of nights for a festival at Bayfront although the location was excellent be aware of theft and vandals in this lot Another camper had all four of there tires slashed and were individuals walking through sites at early am hours looking for items to take The lot attendant had advised us when we came in to make sure we locked up and left no items laying out Police that came for tire slashing said was an issue in this lot and others close by.
Amy B.
TravelerLakehead Boat Basin
Fun RV Camping at a Marina
They have Full Hookups if you want. See the Duluth Lift Bridge right from your campsite and all the boats in the marina. Lake Superior is pretty during the day and night with the City lights in the background. Is only .3 of a mile from the famous Canal Street in Duluth. You can walk or bike like we did.
- CCheryl M.Scout
Saginaw Campground
Harvest host
Great harvest host in a horse campground. There is a bar/ restaurant with the best fries the wife and I have ever had and burgers are excellent. The staff are absolutely amazing and very friendly. Dog friendly with a back patio.
- mmickScout
Saginaw Campground
Nice place
Nice young couple runs this place. Very helpful, very accomodating. Bathrooms are very nice and clean.
- MMelissa S.Scout
Pardun’s Jack Pine Campground
This is for Pardun’s Tube Rental. Don't give this man your business!
If I could give this company negative stars I would. I would never recommend this company to even my worst enemy. This was our second experience with them. The first time took a long time but we knew it wasn’t their fault because the river was low and that’s out of their control. Our tubes were also good. The owner’s dad(Jerry?) picked us up and was so nice and sweet. We laughed at all our hiccups along the way.
This time around, it was just my friend and I and we were having a wonderful time for the first 2.5-3 hours. Then we realized we weren’t moving and the wind was blowing us upstream. We kept trying to go, waiting to see the landing. By the 5 hour mark we kept trying to call Pardun’s to mention that we were trying to come back and to let them know that we’d probably be later than expected and to see if they had any tips. Since the cell service is almost non existent, the calls would not go through. By that time, we didn’t know what to else to do but call 911. By the time we were able to get a hold of someone to ask for help, we were nearing 6 hours on the river. They called Pardun’s to let them know and the owner(Guy?) and his son were waiting to pick us up. As soon as they saw us, the snarky disrespectful remarks started and they began making fun of us. The owner was relentless. It was one rude remark after another. This was at about 9pm. When I started crying and asking him to stop talking to me, the a-hole dug in even more and had to get the last word in. It kept on until I screamed at him to shut the F up. I couldn’t take it anymore. He then stopped and started trying to kick us off the bus. I was sitting in the seat, sobbing while my friend was nicely asking him to just please go and please stop with the comments. He wouldn’t. Once we got back to Danbury, he stopped the bus and walked away. His son helped us get our stuff out and his wife eventually came out to make sure that we had our keys and let us know she had called the other people involved to let them know we were back. The son was initially being kind of a jerk when we got on the bus but he apologized to us soon after. His waste of a human father didn’t.
Please do not give this man your business. I have never been so humiliated and made to feel as awful as he made me feel. The blatant disrespect and language from the minute he saw was unbelievable. This man is the most awful human I have ever encountered. I sure hope he treats his wife and his mother with a little more compassion and empathy.
Dana D.GuideEagles Landing Campground
Clean and pretty. But some traffic noise.
This is a well taken care of and pretty campground. The staff in the office is very nice. It's very small. Nice view of a running creek with wildlife. But there is traffic noise, you are very near the road. There is a nice little laundromat, clean showers and good drinking water here also. Great T-Mobile access.
Melody J.GuideRed Fox Campground and RV Park
Very quiet during the week
We stayed here during the week. Host Peggy was very friendly. Had to make our reservation by phone as their website is very outdated. Most sites are for seasonal guests and it most campers were empty so it was very quiet. Our site was great. $40 for electric and water hook ups. Dump station right on the way out. :) would stay again
Guide to Esko
Camping spots near Esko, Minnesota provide access to the St. Louis River watershed with elevations ranging from 600-1200 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer high temperatures averaging 75-80°F and winter lows frequently dropping below 0°F. Most campgrounds in the area sit along river corridors with clay or sandy soil, creating varied drainage conditions depending on recent rainfall.
What to do
Water activities on the St. Louis River: At Knife Island Campground, campers can access fishing spots via a wooden bridge. "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 one visitor. This location provides direct river access for anglers.
Mountain biking trails: The Cloquet-Duluth area offers extensive trail systems. Buffalo Valley Camping connects directly to mountain bike trails, making it convenient for cyclists. As one reviewer mentions, "This campground is perfectly located. The grounds are beautiful and it is connected to a Mt. Bike trail."
Waterfall exploration: Several state parks within 30 minutes of Esko feature impressive waterfalls. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground offers "beautiful river with multiple waterfalls and little pools you can soak in if it's warm enough out," according to a recent visitor. The park includes hiking trails that follow the river, providing various viewing points.
Backpacking opportunities: For those seeking more solitude, backpacking sites are available at several nearby parks. A camper at the Lost Lake site noted, "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."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature tree cover that creates natural separation between sites. At Spirit Mountain Campground, "Campsites are not too close to each other giving you the privacy you want. Great views by the ski lift of Duluth! They also have a spot where they have mini golf, mountain luge, and mountain biking."
On-site amenities: Several campgrounds offer unexpected conveniences. Buffalo Valley Camping features a "bar and grill had great food and service," according to one reviewer, while another praised the "very friendly owners and great campsites, pet friendly!"
Waterfront camping: Sites along rivers or lakes are particularly popular. A camper at Indian Point City Campground shared, "We stayed at a site that backs up to the river. There is canoe access via a dock and also a fishing dock. Site was gravel leveled out with a table and fire ring."
Four-season access: Unlike many northern Minnesota campgrounds that close after October, select facilities remain open year-round. Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogston RV Park) receives praise for its "lovely weekend" opportunities and notes that "paddle boats and kayaks for use. Well maintained. Easy in and easy out."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Esko experience railroad disturbances. One Red Pine Campground visitor mentioned, "Reviews don't mention the 4am horn blowing train," which can disrupt sleep for light sleepers.
Variable shower availability: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between locations. At Fond du Lac City, "Bathrooms are so so..No camp store. We were here during busy mayfly hatch...but we were on a waterfront site."
Site sizing concerns: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger setups. A visitor to Red Pine Campground noted, "Most of the sites are not shady. The campground streets are gravel. There was just enough parking for my 34 ft TT and truck."
Seasonal insects: Mosquitoes and mayflies can be particularly intense during certain periods. One camper at Indian Point City Campground observed, "Lots of mosquitoes at night. Showers are low pressure kinda hurt the back. Low water pressure. Very nice trails. Overall it was a fun time."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly play areas. At Indian Point City Campground, there's a "small playground and sandbox for kids. Horseshoes, ladder toss, and bag toss provided by campground. Nice city park across the street with short walking trail through the woods and a larger playground."
Swimming opportunities: While formal beaches are limited, several locations offer water access suitable for children. At Amnicon Falls State Park, families appreciate that "we tent camped with our littles (2 & under) & they had a blast walking & sitting in the water near the Falls. There are countless locations on the Falls for your family to get cozy & enjoy the water."
Distance considerations: When planning activities, note driving times between attractions. Spirit Mountain Campground is "very close to Duluth" while Red Pine Campground provides "Easy access to Duluth. Would definitely stay here again."
Kid-friendly hiking: Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty. A visitor to Amnicon Falls State Park reported "lots of walks and hikes directly from the campsite. The waterfalls are incredible. Overall clean area with very little litter."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At several campgrounds, RVers note uneven terrain. One camper at Red Pine Campground mentioned their "site was gravel and a little un-level, but nothing extreme."
Length restrictions: Be mindful of your rig size when booking specific sites. A Knife Island Campground visitor cautioned, "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."
Hookup locations: Position at some sites can make connections challenging. At Cloquet-Duluth KOA, "Full hookup sites are only out in the open spaces" while one Red Pine Campground visitor noted "Sewer located in back and had a non screw-on fitting. Water was located in back, but on door side."
Advance reservations: Popular spots fill quickly during peak season. A KOA visitor suggested, "Make reservations early in the session because things fill up quickly. Great family campground with a lot of young kids running around, riding bikes, and playing."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there camping available in Esko, Minnesota?
Is there camping available in Esko, Minnesota?
Yes, there are several camping options near Esko. Jay Cooke State Park Campground offers clean sites with both private and open options for group camping, located just a short drive from Esko. For RV travelers, Spirit Lake RV and Marina provides waterfront sites. Additionally, Knife Island Campground is located very close to Esko with drive-in access, water, toilets, and accommodations for big rigs. These options provide a range of experiences from state park camping to RV-specific facilities within easy reach of Esko.
What outdoor recreational activities are available near Esko?
What outdoor recreational activities are available near Esko?
The Esko area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. At Savanna Portage State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching across four lakes with beach access at Loon Lake. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground provides excellent hiking trails and photography opportunities around its picturesque waterfalls. Other popular activities in the region include kayaking, paddleboarding, agate hunting along Lake Superior, golfing at Minnesota National Golf Course, and exploring the extensive trail systems throughout the area's state parks and forests.
When is the best time of year to camp near Esko, MN?
When is the best time of year to camp near Esko, MN?
The best time to camp near Esko is from late spring through early fall (May-September) when temperatures are mild and facilities are fully operational. Fall is particularly spectacular at Indian Lake Campground, which offers prime viewing of northern Minnesota's vibrant autumn colors, typically peaking in late September to early October. Burlington Bay Campground provides an excellent Lake Superior experience throughout the summer months. Winter camping is available at some locations but requires preparation for cold conditions. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, closing their water systems and some facilities during winter months.
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