Best Campgrounds near Holyoke, MN

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 Camping Sites Near Holyoke, Minnesota (143)

    1. Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    13 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. Pattison State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    South Range, WI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 399-3111

    "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"

    3. Spirit Mountain Campground

    25 Reviews
    Proctor, MN
    19 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."

    4. Garfvert

    4 Reviews
    Holyoke, MN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 485-5420

    "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. Fond du Lac City

    9 Reviews
    Wrenshall, MN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 780-2319

    "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!"

    6. Cloquet-Duluth KOA

    9 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 879-5726

    "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. Buffalo Valley Camping

    10 Reviews
    Esko, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 624-9901

    "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.)"

    8. Bent Trout Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Hillside Terrace Homes, MN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 389-6322

    $10 - $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Moose Lake State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Moose Lake, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 485-5420

    $30 / night

    "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."

    10. Amnicon Falls State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    South Range, WI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (715) 398-3000

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Holyoke, MN

502 Reviews of 143 Holyoke Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Pattison State Park Campground

    Love the sites, little expensive

    The sites are great, spacious and not to close. They are flat and grassy, which I like. Open sky at our site, so our Starlink worked. Parked with friends at a double site, it was huge! It was off-season so showers were off. And with no electric, $100 for one night at a double site seemed like a lot. The facilities look great though, and the falls was a short (10 minute) walk from our site. And they were beautiful!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Jay Cooke State Park Campground

    Great spot

    Went to a tent site. But our rv fit, wouldn’t take anything big to the sites in the 30s. Little distance between sites, but you can see people. Trails around. Nice staff

  • 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.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Dago Lake

    God's Country

    Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night.

  • 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.

  • Christine H.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    North Country Campground

    Expensive but nice

    Owners are very nice, greet you upon arrival, very helpful. Bathroom/shower is very nice. Trampoline & playground on site. Close to the highway so a lot of traffic noise until about midnight. People fly down the road even though the speed limit is 20mph. 3 minutes from Willow River, 45 minutes to Cloquet & Pine City.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Afterhours Meadow

    Quiet but rough terrain

    Nice little field. Would be great if the groud wasn't all sticks and thorns. Good place to sleep. Not for extended camping


Guide to Holyoke

Camping near Holyoke, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Jay Cooke State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The site was nice and secluded but still close to water and bathrooms." The park has miles of trails that are perfect for hiking.
  • Fishing: The St. Louis River is a great spot for fishing. A visitor at Amnicon Falls State Park Campground said, "Big sites. Trails around the Amnicon River and at least three waterfalls."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Banning State Park Campground enjoyed seeing various wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We had lots of wildlife visitors."

What campers like:

  • Seclusion: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at sites like Boulder Campground. A happy camper said, "The campsites were all pretty secluded."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Buffalo Valley Camping praised the cleanliness, with one stating, "Clean port-a-johns all over the place."
  • Friendly Staff: Visitors often mention the helpful staff at campgrounds. A reviewer at Cloquet-Duluth KOA said, "Staff here very helpful. Provided good information for our day trip to Lake Superior."

What you should know:

  • Water Access: Some campgrounds, like Indian Point City Campground, have limited water access. A camper mentioned, "Shower and bathroom are showing their age."
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Spirit Mountain Campground noted that noise can be an issue. One said, "Our site was directly across from the playground and the kids playing at the playground were all pre-teens who screamed non-stop."
  • Site Size: Some sites can be small and crowded. A visitor at Fond du Lac City Campground remarked, "Sites are small and crowded with some road noise."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Pattison State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "The only drawback for us is the 6-hour drive! Huge, wonderful pull-thru sites."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A camper at Banning State Park Campground mentioned, "It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Jay Cooke State Park Campground said, "Spend a few days at Jay Cooke, there is much to see."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be tight 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 Drinking Water: Many campgrounds recommend bringing your own water. A camper at Amnicon Falls State Park Campground said, "The water is VERY RUSTY!"
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Cloquet-Duluth KOA mentioned, "Dump station is conveniently located on your way out of the grounds."

Camping around Holyoke, MN, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to check the campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Holyoke, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Holyoke, MN and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

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 67 reviews.

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?

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.