Best Camping near Esko, MN

Searching for the best camping near Esko, MN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Esko, MN (112)

    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    280 Photos
    334 Saves
    Carlton, Minnesota

    The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests and make for great camping near Minneapolis. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons.

    Drive-in Sites 79 Sites: Most are wooded sites. In winter, 12 sites are kept available for winter camping. Of these, five are electric sites.

    Pull-Through Sites: One Site

    Electric Sites: 21 Sites Majority of sites are 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.

    RV Length Limit: Variable by site up to 60 Feet Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.

    Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 3 Sites Located near drinking water. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.

    Backpack Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located from 1 to 4 miles from parking area. Each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Trail access to these sites has been restored after a 2012 flood, but a few nearby trails remain closed. Please register at the park office for details on how to get to these sites.

    Walk-in Sites: 4 Sites Sites are located 50 to 150 feet from parking area.

    Group Camp: 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 25 people Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area (limited parking). Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only. Lodging

    Camper Cabins: 5 Cabins All cabins have a screened porch. Electricity and heat are available year-round. Agate and Basalt cabins are ADA accessible and sleep 5. Slate, Gabbro, and Shale Cabins sleep 6 people. Pets not allowed in cabins. More information on camper cabins.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground

    2. Spirit Mountain Campground

    24 Reviews
    49 Photos
    150 Saves
    Proctor, Minnesota

    Nestled in a forest on the western high point of Duluth, Minnesota, Spirit Mountain Campground offers walk-in tenting as well as 73 campsites equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and electricity.  Easy access to our award-winning Mountain Bike Trails, our Adventure Park and Superior Hiking Trail.  

    Thirty-nine sites have water hook-ups, and two shower buildings offer 24-hour convenience. 

    Spirit Mountain overlooks majestic Lake Superior and the St. Louis Bay. Natural beauty abounds in the area– you can quickly and easily access water, hiking and biking trails and much more. The trailhead for the Superior Hiking Trail is within walking distance of the Campground. And near the Campground, there is an overlook area of Lake Superior, the bay, the St. Louis River, and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground

    3. Pattison State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    85 Photos
    125 Saves
    South Range, Wisconsin

    Pattison State Park features the highest waterfalls in Wisconsin and the fourth highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Big Manitou Falls is 165 feet high and Twin Little Manitou Falls is 31 feet high. This 1,400-acre park also has a lake with a beach, a nature center, camping and scenic hiking trails. Pattison State Park has 59 regular (family) campsites, 18 of them with electric hookups and three backpack sites. There is a sanitary dumping station but no sewer or water hookups. Showers and flush toilets are available during the summer. Pattison State Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Amnicon Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Amnicon Falls State Park Campground

    4. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    131 Photos
    198 Saves
    South Range, Wisconsin
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Point City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Point City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Point City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Point City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Point City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Point City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping

    6. Buffalo Valley Camping

    10 Reviews
    13 Photos
    54 Saves
    Esko, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloquet-Duluth KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloquet-Duluth KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloquet-Duluth KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloquet-Duluth KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloquet-Duluth KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Cloquet-Duluth KOA

    7. Cloquet-Duluth KOA

    9 Reviews
    6 Photos
    15 Saves
    Carlton, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Pine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Pine Campground

    8. Red Pine Campground

    9 Reviews
    18 Photos
    37 Saves
    Proctor, Minnesota

    Located just minutes outside of Duluth, just off Hwy 53, Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogstons RV Park) offers something for everyone. We have 100 roomy, full hook-up sites situated around several beautiful water bodies. Our ten new sites will be ready to book starting mid June. Fish for Northern Pike, Bass, Walleye or panfish. Get together with family and friends under the large covered pavillion for a picnic, yard games, or just to relax. Explore the local wilderness on some of our beautiful hiking trails. Our clubhouse offers full bath and shower facilities, coin operated laundry, vending, books, movies, a pool table, and more. Looking for something more rustic? Try one of our brand new tent sites, set back in the peaceful north woods. We are close to Duluth and all it has to offer, but far enough away to remain a quiet north country retreat. And yes, we are pet friendly! Come see us this season. Book your stay today!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Fond du Lac City
    Camper-submitted photo from Fond du Lac City
    Camper-submitted photo from Fond du Lac City
    Camper-submitted photo from Fond du Lac City
    Camper-submitted photo from Fond du Lac City
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Bay Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Bay Campground

    10. Burlington Bay Campground

    32 Reviews
    154 Photos
    172 Saves
    Two Harbors, Minnesota

    Located at Highway 61 and Park Road, the Burlington Bay Campground has 66 sites with water and electric hook-ups; 36 sites with water, electric and sewer hook-ups; and 34 sites with water, sewer and 50 amp electric hook-ups. In addition, there are 10 primitive tent sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $26 - $60 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 112 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Esko

Recent Reviews in Esko

452 Reviews of 112 Esko Campgrounds


  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Great backpack site!

    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. Site offers great vies of a little beaver pond where you may get to see some wildlife! Site was able to fit 4 backpacking tents, most of which were 2 person size tents, so it is good for a small group. Private latrine a short walk into the woods.

    Be sure to check trail conditions as one of the forks that could be taken to the campsite was flooded and closed.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlington Bay Campground
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Burlington Bay Campground

    North shore gem

    Nestled along the North shore of beautiful Lake Superior in the City of Two Harbors, Minnesota. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards or bicycles from local vendors or hike on our paved and unpaved City trail system as you explore the area. You can pick agates, go fishing, or boating or visit one of our local shops and museums. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Campground has bathrooms, shower facilities, and Wi-Fi.

  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Woods 'n Rapids RV Park
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Woods 'n Rapids RV Park

    This Campground is closed!

    I follow the directions to the spot for this campsite. When I got there there was no indication that it was an RV park or Campground. I called the number listed here and got the owner of the former Campground. He told me that it's no longer open.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose Lake State Park Campground
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Moose Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful & Quiet

    Very well laid out campground with large sites. Unbelievable AGATE MUSEUM at the main entrance. Men’s bathroom was very clean and showers worked great. Nice well groomed trails, well maintained campsites and campgrounds. Tall pines trail is beautiful, not real long. Nice picnic area on the trail across the blacktop road.

  • Briana H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Valley Camping
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Buffalo Valley Camping

    Clean, amazing staff, great bar & grill!

    We loved this campground! We didn’t have a long enough hose for the water hookup, so Darrel (the manager) brought one out immediately and we could keep it all night. All the staff was so nice and welcoming. Campground was so clean and nice trails to walk around. The bar & grill had great food and service. 10/10!

  • Amy G.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise Brule Campground — Brule River State Forest
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Boise Brule Campground — Brule River State Forest

    Five stars for the location and campsite, two stars for the price, equals four stars

    I 100% agree with Legend Laura about the price of this campground. If it was simply about the location, this would get five plus stars because it's so beautiful! But if you're from out of state, the prices are even more expensive than she indicated previously, so they must have updated them.

    The campsite itself is only $16 which is a bargain! But, if you are out of state like we are, there's also a $15 charge for that. And then, that doesn't include admission to the area, so you pay $11 and change for that. It ended up being about $50 total. That said, we paid it and fully enjoyed it but not sure we would do it again unless we had a Wisconsin sticker. At least to alleviate the $11 charge to get in.

    All of that out of the way, the site itself is absolutely gorgeous. This park has lots of very mature trees and lots of very mature pine trees, making it very quiet. The spaces are quite distant from one another and we didn't hear our neighbors at all. We were at one of the walk-in campsites which I chose on purpose because it was literally on top of the river, we could sit by the river and wade our toes if we wanted to. It had a fire ring, a very short walk to the bathroom, and only a short distance to the car from the site. Maybe 100 ft plus about 30 stairs to get up to the parking level.

    The walk-in sites also double as canoe campsites, so the river is something you can paddle if the water is sufficient to do so. There is a beautiful little picnic area near the bathrooms that sits on the river as well. Vault toilets seemed as clean as they could be, and they are a little fancier than your single vaults. They have stalls and toilet paper!

    I highly recommend if you live in Wisconsin visiting this site as it wouldn't cost much at all. Out of towners, it's a bit more pricey.

  • Wayne W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Knife Island Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Knife Island Campground

    Tight

    Overall a very nice camp for a 4 day. Roads are tight for 30+ rigs. Very rutted. Having a ground guide for the tight parking is a must. Reviews dont mention the 4am horn blowing train. Great time had here.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Minnesota National RV Park
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Minnesota National RV Park

    Golf is the Thing Here

    As this was our second time here at Minnesota National, we had no problem finding the course or RV park. The RV navigation in our new Ford 450 was also spot on. When you turn in at the golf course, drive all the way to the club house/lodge parking lot and there’s a road to the right that takes you into the campground (CG). As you check-in online prior to arrival, you simply proceed to your camp site. As you turn down the short road to the CG, there’s a sign to help you identify your site location. We proceeded to back-in site 25 with full hook ups. The utilities are in the back of pad in this CG, so you may need 20+ feet of electric, sewer, or water cord/hose depending on your rig’s configuration. The sewer grade is a bit up hill. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon and no CG WiFi. There is only a vault toilet/out house in the CG. We came here to golf for two weeks. The 18 hole course is quite challenging where the 9 hole Savannah is shorter and a little bit easier. The golf course restaurant has decent food and a good deal on draft beer during their Sunday to Thursday Happy Hours.There is not much more to do here except golf. McGregor is about 15 minutes away and is where we did laundry and got our groceries.

  • Bjoern C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spirit Mountain Campground
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Spirit Mountain Campground

    Good site to explore duluth

    The camp site was big enough for our car and our 6 person tent. The office had weird opening ours. I would recommend getting ice and wood at the nearby gas station. Overall a quiet campground. Was a pleasant experience

  • Carissa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Danger
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Castle Danger

    Well hidden dispersed spot

    This area is definitely off the beaten path. Super skinny road with lots of rocks/hills and puddles coming in. I would recommend a car with 4WD for it and would not suggest pulling a camper unless you have experience bringing it over rough terrain. The sites themselves appeared to not be visited often. I went in early August and a lot of the places were over grown with plants! It was nice to be right by the north shore but in a spot that felt very much secluded. There was also no bugs here which was amazing! Great spot to hang out by a campfire without getting swarmed. You’ll be able to find plenty of wood from the nearby trees for a fire as well.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Hike in site: Highland

    The campsite was perfectly good: nice and spacious over looking the river. It is well off the main hiking trail and quite private. The view of the river is heavily obstructed and there really is no easy and safe way down the cliff to the river. Still it is nice to hear the river. You need to bring on drinking water, otherwise you need to go about 1/8 of a mile to a small creek to get filterable water.

    The hike in is easy, but once you are off the main trail (the first mile) the trail is grass—be prepared for lots of ticks.

  • Lindsay T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Savanna Portage State Park Campground
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Savanna Portage State Park Campground

    Savanna Portage Long Weekend

    Lovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private. Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail and to a somewhat lesser degree in the campground. We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit. No Verizon cell service at the campground. Surprisingly good cell service at the Loon Lake area of the park, which also has a beautiful short hike!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from The Backyard at Amnicon Lake
    Aug. 4, 2024

    The Backyard at Amnicon Lake

    Lovely couple of nights

    A last-minute change in our travel plans found us in the Lake Superior area with no camping reservations. We secured a tent site (T-1) here and were quite pleased. The site was private and level, and close to a shower area and laundry, both of which we sorely needed. As an added plus, the restaurant offered an opportunity for a hearty meal and drinks. The pizza here was great, as were the cheese curds, and the hospitality was wonderful. The owner gave us good advice on a drive up the North Shore of Superior.

    If we found ourselves in the area again, we'd return here for sure.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Lake
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Sandy Lake

    Small clean park with active host and rangers

    Base camp for fishing Big Sandy. Stayed here several times in a tent and a trailer. Nice sites but surrounded by swampy areas so mosquitoes are thick.

    Very clean, pay attention to north or south entrance. Have to drive on either end can’t cross the dam with a vehicle.

    But firewood before hand as well.

  • Stacey N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pattison State Park Campground
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Pattison State Park Campground

    Lovely!

    The only drawback for us is the 6 hour drive! Huge, wonderful pull thru sites. Wooded for privacy. Easy access to bath and shower rooms from most anywhere. Lots of places to fill water bottles, too. Highly recommend and one of the smartest laid out campgrounds we’ve seen.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Peaceful corner

    As a tent camper, i prefer quiet and private sights. The circle this site was part of, was just that. The walk to the updated bathrooms (with showers) is pretty pretty. It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable. The pit toilet next to site 18 had an occasional waft of smell but nothing too lingering or bad.

  • Emelia O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Banning State Park Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Banning State Park Campground

    Average State Park

    Nice campground well maintained. The water and subsequently bathrooms were not available but this information was available ahead of time of the state park website. The vault toilets were in great shape

  • Emelia O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay Cooke State Park Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Beautiful Hiking

    The site was nice a secluded but still close to water and bathrooms. The downside to this specific site is that it is close to the group camp so it was pretty noisy.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carrol Truck Trail
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Carrol Truck Trail

    Arrived after dark

    Easy to access, trails are all obvious, and near a water supply. We decided to go off the cuff, and the only thing we weren’t ready for was the damn mosquitos! Will be bringing repellent next time. BEAUTIFUL SPOT.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washburn County Totogatic Park
    May. 25, 2024

    Washburn County Totogatic Park

    Nice Family Campground

    Camped at site #34 on Oct 24, 2023. Camping is permitted from May 1-November 30. Electricity and all water systems, including shower buildings and flush toilets, were still turned on during our visit, even though the campground begins winterizing in mid-October. This county campground and its facilities are very well maintained & clean. We were able to reserve and pay online for our a site on the evening of our arrival. Did not come across a campground host. This is a large, wooded campground, and we were the only campers here. Our site had a nice view of Cranberry Lake; there was a deck behind our site. Our site was large with a dirt surface with electricity; not level, but doable in our van. Had a peaceful night. Two tables and a metal fire ring were at our site. I bet this campground is busy during the summer. I would camp here again. Pretty cool place!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castle Danger
    Jan. 18, 2024

    Castle Danger

    Great dispersed camping!

    This spot is pretty well hidden in the woods with a tight trail in. There are a few spots you could camp with stone firepits. Didn't look to be visited often, but I came in winter. There are low sites, and if you have 4x4, you can drive up to another plateau of sites. There's plenty of wood, but depending on location, you'll have to walk for it.



Guide to Esko

Camping near Esko, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and biking: The trails around Jay Cooke State Park Campground are perfect for both hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "The park has excellent mountain bike courses and is linked to the paved Gitchie-gumi bike trail."
  • Water activities: At Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground, you can enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the river. A camper shared, "There were multiple hiking trails accessible by the camping area."
  • Exploring waterfalls: Amnicon Falls State Park Campground is known for its beautiful waterfalls. One reviewer said, "Trails around the Amnicon River and at least three waterfalls make it a must-see."

What campers like

  • Spacious sites: Campers at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground appreciate the large, private sites. A happy camper noted, "All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features and vegetation that adds to the privacy."
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors enjoy the well-maintained facilities at Banning State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The vault toilets were in great shape."
  • Pet-friendly options: Campers love that several campgrounds, like Burlington Bay Campground, allow pets. A visitor remarked, "Clean showers and located close to Two Harbors."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Indian Point City Campground, have limited facilities. A camper pointed out, "The bathrooms and showers are new but poorly designed."
  • Noise levels: Campers at Burlington Bay Campground noted the noise from the nearby highway. One reviewer said, "Very noisy from highway traffic."
  • Seasonal closures: Be aware that some campgrounds, like Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground, may have limited services during the off-season. A visitor mentioned, "Water and restrooms/showers in the campground were shut down for the winter season."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground, where families can spread out. One camper said, "The loop with the '300’s' sites are the most spacious and interesting."
  • Bring bug spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially at places like Jay Cooke State Park Campground. A visitor advised, "It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "Hiking trails and walking paths lead to great views of the lake."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site accessibility: Some sites may be tricky for larger RVs. A reviewer at Banning State Park Campground noted, "Some sites (12e) are hard to back a trailer into because the main road is VERY NARROW."
  • Bring your own water: Many campgrounds, like Amnicon Falls State Park Campground, recommend bringing your own drinking water. A camper shared, "You need to bring on drinking water."
  • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric hookups, such as Spirit Mountain Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The camp site was big enough for our car and our 6 person tent."

Camping near Esko, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions