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."
