Erin F.
Guide
GuideSpirit Mountain Campground
Great Basecamp
Mountain bikers and hikers will love this beautiful treed campground. Level sites that are spread out enough to offer some privacy. Bath house was old, but adequate.
Camping near Holyoke, MN
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Camping opportunities around Holyoke, Minnesota primarily center on the Nemadji State Forest area, where Garfvert Campground offers established sites for tent camping with basic amenities. The region includes several developed campgrounds within driving distance, including Bent Trout Lake Campground in Barnum and Pattison State Park Campground across the Wisconsin border. Most campgrounds provide a mix of tent and RV sites, with some locations like Jay Cooke State Park and Spirit Mountain also offering cabin accommodations. Primitive camping areas are interspersed throughout Nemadji State Forest, providing alternatives to more developed sites.
Access to camping facilities in the Holyoke area varies by season, with many campgrounds operating from May through early October. Nemadji State Forest remains open year-round but with limited winter facilities. Roads within the forest can become challenging during wet periods, particularly in spring and fall. "Excellent campground if you're into ATV use camping. Offers hundreds of miles of 4-wheeling and snowmobiling," noted one visitor about Garfvert in Nemadji State Forest. Both Bent Trout Lake Campground and Oak Lake Campground close seasonally, typically from October through mid-May. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays, while dispersed sites in Nemadji State Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campers frequently mention the recreational opportunities available near Holyoke-area campgrounds. Garfvert Campground draws outdoor enthusiasts specifically for its extensive OHV and ATV trail system, making it popular among motorized recreation users. Several reviewers noted the campground's proximity to a small lake adds fishing opportunities alongside trail access. For those seeking water recreation, Bent Trout Lake Campground, located about 30 minutes west of Holyoke, provides a private lake with swimming areas and boat rentals. Pattison State Park, meanwhile, attracts visitors with its waterfalls, including Big Manitou Falls, Wisconsin's highest waterfall. Most campgrounds in the region maintain toilet facilities, though amenities vary considerably from the basic vault toilets at Garfvert to more developed facilities with showers at locations like Moose Lake State Park and Bent Trout Lake Campground.
Best Campgrounds near Holyoke (157)
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. 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 $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability3. Spirit Mountain Campground
"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."
"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. "
4. Garfvert
"It was hard to find a campsite because it's first-come-first-serve, but we were able to find a spot closer to the trails."
"My family has stayed here many times to use the dirt bike and atv trails. There is a lot of variety for different levels of difficulty. It can get busy."
5. Moose Lake State Park Campground
"The trails are nice walking trails with picturesque views of the lake. Campsite fee was $23, vehicle registration $7 for the day, firewood $6 for the day."
"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."
from $24 - $75 / night
Check Availability6. 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.)"
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. 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!!"
9. Bent Trout Lake Campground
"The lake is privately owned so the wonderful fishing is only open to guests and there is very good fishing there."
"Bent Trout Lake Campground is a beauty. They have tent camping with hookups at times. There is a great, well-maintained lake which in turn makes the beach just as nice as the lake itself."
from $10 - $30 / night
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 $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 37 min from Duluth, MN
- 1 hr 50 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 3 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 51 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Holyoke, MN
137 Photos of 157 Holyoke Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Garfvert
Bent Trout Lake CampgroundJ
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Pattison State Park Campground
Fond du Lac CityD
The Backyard at Amnicon LakeH
Park Lake Campground
Moose Lake State Park Campground
Buffalo Valley CampingL
Spirit Mountain Campground
Willow River Campground — General C.C. Andrews State Forest
Anchor Inn CampgroundW
Recent Reviews near Holyoke, MN
542 Reviews of 157 Holyoke Campgrounds
- TTanya L.
TravelerJay Cooke State Park Campground
Crowded but lovely stop
A weekend in October...peak color but the campground is crowded and pretty noisy up until 8 pm ish when it does quiet down a bit. Would stay again, just when it's less crowded.
- DDiana K.
ScoutBrule River State Forest Backpacking Sites — Brule River State Forest
Overnight parking and camping prohibited
There is a sign that prohibits camping and overnight parking. No clear, level place to set up tent anyway.
- DDiana K.Scout
Afterhours Meadow
Perfect fall site
Really beautiful site especially for changing colors season. Had a fire pit and over 4 different areas.
- PPreston R.Guide
Carrol Truck Trail
Great tenting location!
Wayne and I found this spot while out on a motorcycle adventure, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. You really couldn’t ask for a better place to set up camp. We were tucked back in the woods right alongside the river, surrounded by trees with nothing but the sound of rushing water and a campfire.
It’s exactly what dispersed camping should be—quiet, peaceful, secluded, and away from the crowds. We had enough room to pitch our tents, build a fire, cook some food, and relax by the river after a long day of riding. The ride in on the back roads was part of the experience too.
No hookups, no fancy campground amenities, and that’s exactly why we loved it. Just motorcycles, tents, a fire, good company, and the river running beside us. If you enjoy getting off the beaten path and actually feeling like you’re camping in the woods, this place is hard to beat.
- AAndy S.Scout
Dago 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.
- TTimGuide
St 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.
Guide to Holyoke
Camping near Holyoke, Minnesota centers on the heavily wooded areas of east-central Minnesota where the climate features warm summers and cold winters with significant snowfall. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with sandy soil conditions that drain quickly after rain but can create challenging trail conditions for vehicles. Forest roads throughout the camping areas often require higher clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Both Amnicon Falls and Pattison State Park are within 40 minutes of Holyoke with different waterfall viewing opportunities. "The falls are so beautiful. Well taken care of park with wonderful hiking trails, pet friendly clean park and did I mention the beautiful falls? I can't wait to come back," notes a visitor to Pattison State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: Spirit Mountain offers direct trail access from campsites. "Heavily wooded and beautiful! Very close to Duluth. It is a mountain bikers paradise," wrote one camper at Spirit Mountain Campground. The trails connect to Duluth's extensive trail system with options for various skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer direct lake or river access for fishing. "Great place. Plenty to do. People that work there are friendly and helpful. A huge plus the Campground has a private boat landing to the St. Louis River," reported one camper at Fond du Lac City.
What campers like
Private lake access: Some campgrounds maintain private lakes with controlled access. A visitor to Bent Trout Lake Campground commented, "They have RV sites and tent sites a private lake with swimming area and fishing/boat/water toy area. There's a little store with all your basic supplies and where you can rent different boats and water things."
Secluded backpacking options: Jay Cooke State Park offers backpacking sites away from the main campground. "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 views of a little beaver pond," notes a visitor about the Lost Lake Backpack Site.
Well-separated campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at area campgrounds. "Every campsite seems to be well-treed and relatively private, providing a perfect atmosphere to just enjoy nature from your campsite," mentioned one visitor at Jay Cooke State Park.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect camping conditions in the Holyoke area. "We camped here mid-week and the place was not full so it was quiet and sites have trees and shrubs for some privacy. We saw a Baltimore Oriole which is something we don't see often in Northern MN," noted a visitor to Moose Lake State Park Campground.
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Holyoke experience regular train traffic. "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," reported one Jay Cooke visitor.
Shower facilities vary: Not all campgrounds provide showers, and some charge additional fees. "Large, rambling campground with clean port-a-johns all over the place. Would have given a 5 if we didn't have to pay for our showers. And that there were no coin changers at showers," explained a Buffalo Valley Camping visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly waterfalls: Several parks offer safe waterfall viewing for children. "A beautiful, smaller park. 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 in & out," reported an Amnicon Falls visitor.
Recreation facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities. A visitor to Buffalo Valley noted, "This park has a lot to offer. Nice woodsy spots, plenty of restrooms and showers, and a bar/restaurant!! Tents spots are also really nice. Close to downtown Duluth (10 mins)."
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Holyoke feature playgrounds. "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," mentioned a Spirit Mountain camper.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. "Sites are small and crowded with some road noise but has everything you need. Close to hiking trails and not far from towns to get things you forgot," noted a Fond du Lac City visitor.
Dump station logistics: "Dump station is conveniently located on your way out of the grounds but can get backed up at the end of a busy weekend and can make it difficult to exit the campground," explained a visitor to Cloquet-Duluth KOA.
Seasonal camping differences: RV sites vary significantly by season. "We have camped here multiple times in a tent and also in our RV. 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. Full hookup sites are only out in the in the open spaces," reported another Cloquet-Duluth KOA camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Holyoke Park located in Minnesota?
Where is Holyoke Park located in Minnesota?
Holyoke Park is located in northeastern Minnesota's Carlton County, situated in the Nemadji State Forest area. While not as well-known as larger parks in the region, it's positioned in a scenic area not far from Garfvert in the Nemadji State Forest. The park is approximately 30-40 minutes south of Duluth and is part of Minnesota's rich outdoor recreation landscape that includes the nearby Jay Cooke State Park Campground, which serves as a popular reference point for travelers in this region.
What camping facilities are available at Holyoke Park in MN?
What camping facilities are available at Holyoke Park in MN?
Holyoke Park offers basic camping facilities typical of smaller Minnesota parks. The area provides primitive camping options with minimal amenities, likely including pit toilets and possibly water access. For campers seeking more developed facilities nearby, Moose Lake State Park Campground offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities that accommodate both tent and RV camping. Alternatively, Banning State Park Campground provides another excellent option in the region with well-maintained facilities and historical points of interest along self-guided tours.
What camping is available near Holyoke, MN?
What camping is available near Holyoke, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Holyoke, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Holyoke, MN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Holyoke, MN?
Which is the most popular campground near Holyoke, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Holyoke, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 72 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holyoke, MN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holyoke, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Holyoke, MN.
What parks are near Holyoke, MN?
What parks are near Holyoke, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Holyoke, MN that allow camping, notably St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and Saint Croix National Scenic River.
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