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.
Glamping near Knife River, MN
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Spirit Mountain Campground and Penmarallter Campsite both house elevated glamping accommodations within Minnesota's northern wilderness region. These year-round glamping campsites provide electricity, water hookups, and resort-style amenities like clean shower facilities, picnic tables, and firewood. The canvas-walled structures maintain natural surroundings while offering comfortable bedding and climate-controlled interiors to protect against Minnesota's seasonal weather. "Super sweet kind owners. Facilities are nice," wrote one visitor about Penmarallter Campsite. Jay Cooke State Park Campground similarly offers premium glamping options with thirty-amp hookups, showers, and toilets, all within an eco-friendly camping environment that blends comfort with natural surroundings.
Located at the top of a ski mountain, Spirit Mountain glamping accommodations provide immediate access to downhill mountain biking trails and the Superior Hiking Trail network. The elevated position offers views of Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor, with additional adventure activities including zip lines, alpine slides, and chairlift rides. According to a camper, "We had so much fun staying here overall. The downhill mountain biking is awesome and the Adventure Park was a lot of fun too - and a short walk from camp." Beyond the glamping sites, visitors can explore Canal Park in Duluth or take day trips to Gooseberry Falls. The area maintains a resort-style camping atmosphere with reduced crowds during shoulder seasons, while still maintaining full amenities from May through October. For those seeking glamping campsites near Knife River, this stretch of Minnesota's North Shore delivers consistent amenities alongside genuine wilderness access.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Knife River (21)
1. Penmarallter Campsite
"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."
"If there was laundry available, it would be five stars."
2. Jay Cooke State Park Campground
"I stayed at two sites, the second being 41E, which has electric."
"Another oddity is that some fire pits are on the opposite side of your doors, but no biggie. The bathrooms are wonderfully new and central to all the camping loops."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability3. 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. "
"Nice Campsites mostly secluded in the woods. Campsites are not to close to eachother giving you the privacy you want. Great views by the ski lift of Duluth!"
4. Sullivan Lake Campground
"Nice campground in upper Minnesota. I thought the best site was 4 as it was closest to the river, but really anything was pretty good. Site 7 had the best set up for us but 5 and 6 were good as well."
"The lake views for sunsets we're amazing. Vault toilet across from site 6 must be new as it was very nice for what it is. Our firepit tipped over with the weight of the grill swung out."
5. Anchor Inn
"It is less than a mile to Lake Michigan. We would stay there again if we were in the area."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability6. Nemadji Mobile Home and RV Park
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. Bois Brule Campground — Brule River State Forest
"If it was simply about the location, this would get five plus stars because it's so beautiful!"
"Cost for non-residents is $21 for the campsite and another $11 daily state park entrance fee. So, $32 for the same type of campground as a USFS at about $15."
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Northland Camping & RV Park
10. Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping
"It is close to the ferry dock, restaurants, parks and beaches. All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. There are cabins and tent sites as well. "
"There is bike rental at Howl bike shop which is walking distance. Howl also has a brewery with outside seating. The camp ground itself is quiet and clean."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 22 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 28 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 2 hrs 42 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 46 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Glamping Photos near Knife River, MN
13 Photos of 21 Knife River Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Knife River, MN
201 Reviews of 21 Knife River 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.
- AAnita L.Guide
Spirit Mountain Campground
Spirit Mountain Campground
Private sites, W/E, Close to downtown Duluth. Our site was just big enough for our 38' 5th wheel with slides on both sides. They delivered wood which was $9 for 5 pieces. RR and showers close to this site. Toilets fairly new, but showers paint peeling and could use remodeling.
Kimberly K.TravelerApostle Islands Area Campground
Crowded but nice!
We had two nights here in two different spots. Price is a little high but it does include utilities which is nice. Most spots are 2 night minimum unless you’re filling a gap between reservations which is what we did and it was great. Staff really friendly and helpful. Nice trees around sites. Sites were close but we still found it pretty quiet. Good location to go in to town. Would definitely return.
Kelly M.TravelerApostle Islands Area Campground
Great family campground
This campground was very clean and beautiful. It's a great place to stay with a family. We stayed in site 36 and found it to be spacious and close enough to the playground and bathrooms for our kids to run down on their own. The staff was kind and helpful.
Cari E.
RangerSpirit Mountain Campground
Convenient when the SP are booked
If you’re hopping between state parks in the north shore area and need something near Duluth, this campground is a solid option if there’s nothing else available. Time has not been overly friendly and the park and campground are somewhat run down, but there are still upsides. It’s close to local stores and the sites are shaded and actually quite lovely, but beware that MANY of the sites on the far west loop (45-70) will not be level. Most also do not have a dedicated space for a tent, but there is usually ample space on the gravel drives (bring extra padding). This loop is also not ideal for larger RVs. Verizon cell service was manageable and if you scout the site images online, you can find spots with northern-facing openings in the trees for Starlink if needed. Water spigots in this loop are also well placed and the water was quite chilly. Now for the ugly…the bathrooms in this loop are serviceable, but if you touch the wall or floor while showering, you might want to star over. If you forgot your shower shoes, you won’t be showering. Older bath houses are acceptable, but this one was plain filthy beyond simple age.
- Cari E.Ranger
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Everything is convenient
I stayed at two sites, the second being 41E, which has electric. This loop is perhaps the most central to the bath house, but all are conveniently located nearby and the dump station isn’t too far (but far enough to stay out of sight, out of mind). The bath house is fully handicap friendly and the shower heads can all the raised and lowered, and there are wheelchair ramps up to the facility. The dirt roads are miraculously pothole free and the drinking water spigots are blissfully cold if you’re here during a heatwave. Site 41E, like quite a few actually, has the fire pit behind/on the wrong side of your rv door, but no biggie. The biggest downside is that the site is rather unlevel, but if you are able to scoot all the way to the right (closest to the electrical tower), it’s not so bad. The bridge/park office/store is a quick 7 min walk, and the bath house is less than a 2 min walk.
When I was staying, we were hit with hazardous levels of wildfire smoke, and I was so impressed that the park staff opened visitor’s center early so that campers would have a place to escape the smoke. I’ve never stayed at any park where the staff goes so far above and beyond.
- Cari E.Ranger
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Woodsy Perfection
Every site is nestled into the woods, which is cozy and adds the added benefit of privacy. That said, the extra big rigs wouldn’t be a good fit—one loop only allows for rigs under 25’ in length due to a tight corner. Another oddity is that some fire pits are on the opposite side of your doors, but no biggie.
The bathrooms are wonderfully new and central to all the camping loops. There are men’s and women’s sides for toilets/sinks and independent shower rooms—all handicap friendly. The park really outdid themselves here, even the building is beautifully designed.
Firewood is for sale at the camp office along with your typical camping goods and souvenirs, and the park staff is wonderful to interact with. There are black bears, but no bear boxes, so be smart with your food. I had 1-2 bars of LTE on Verizon, and if you need Starlink access, try to find a site that runs north/south more than east/west because there are obviously trees everywhere.
Site 5 is near a small dumpster, which turned out to be rather convenient—there is a line of trees/brush for privacy, so don’t let that stop you. There is also an ice cold water spigot behind the site, which was even better—again, trees/brush for privacy. Mostly level, with just the smallest tilt toward the fire pit. 2 minute walk to the bathrooms, conveniently located near a walking path to the park office/bridge.
Andre I.GuideWanoka Lake Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Super clean restrooms
The sites are fairly close but most offer privacy. Laundry and market in Ironwood are decent.
Guide to Knife River
Glamping near Knife River, Minnesota offers varied accommodations positioned along Lake Superior's North Shore, where weather patterns can shift rapidly with average summer temperatures ranging from 55-75°F. The area features a mix of boreal forest and rocky shoreline terrain, with seasonal camping options typically available from May through October at most established sites.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Sullivan Lake Campground provides direct access to forest trails. "Been a long time user of Sullivan lake campground. Love the rusticity of it and the quietness of it. So quit you can feel the grouse Drumming's deep within your soul," notes Jacob G.
Winter activities: While most campgrounds focus on summer, Jay Cooke State Park Campground remains open year-round for cold-weather adventure. "Stayed at campground. Nice and well maintained. Family camping," reports Nichole K., making it suitable for those seeking luxurious camping during colder months.
Water exploration: The region offers multiple paddling opportunities along rivers and Lake Superior. At Fond du Lac City, "We had a nice site on the corner, very close to the river to drop in our kayaks, clean bathrooms and showers," shares Laurie K.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Sullivan Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its peaceful environment. "We came here after a day of diving in Lake Superior. The trees are just starting to turn. Beautiful drive from Silver Bay. Small campground with a narrow road in," mentions Scott S.
Convenient base camp: Many visitors appreciate Penmarallter Campsite's location for exploring the North Shore. "Penmarallter Campsite is located just outside the infamous Duluth, Mn and just before you get to Two Harbors, Mn. This is a very open campground that would be premier for RV camping," writes Allison K.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention the tree coverage at many campgrounds. "Nice Campsites mostly secluded in the woods. Campsites are not to close to eachother giving you the privacy you want," says Jennifer M. about Spirit Mountain Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most luxury glamping options in the area have limited availability. "Been a long time user of Sullivan lake campground... Highly recommend," shares Jacob G., but note most sites operate only from May through October.
Accessibility issues: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges. At Boise Brule Campground, "We had a walk in site here. There was another walk site somewhat near us but they were very quiet. It was a nice wooded spot and a nice base camp for our nearby exploring," explains Zack H.
Reservation requirements: Many popular glamping sites require advance booking. For Jay Cooke State Park, one camper noted about a specific 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."
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate repellent as insects can be prevalent. At Jay Cooke State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Very pretty and secluded! It was pretty buggy and ticks were bad, but that's to be expected. Bog/marsh was beautiful with some wildlife."
Site selection for kids: Choose locations with appropriate amenities. "This is a campground for small campers only. My 16 foot travel trailer was about the limit for size. Very little access to the lake and river," warns Daniel C. about Sullivan Lake, which might not suit all family setups.
Activity planning: Fond du Lac City offers family-friendly recreation options. "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," reports Crosby W.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Check campground specifications before booking luxury glamping or RV sites. "Small campground with a narrow road in. It's fine for our tiny camper but bigger rigs would have trouble getting in and out," notes Scott S. about Sullivan Lake Campground.
Hookup availability: Apostle Islands Area RV park and Camping provides various options for those seeking upscale accommodations. "All sites are electric and water and some are full hook up. There are cabins and tent sites as well. The office/store is very clean and stocked with things you may need," shares Debra M.
Seasonal access: RV glamping options have weather-dependent availability. "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," reports Grant B. about Penmarallter Campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Knife River, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Knife River, MN is Penmarallter Campsite with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 21 glamping camping locations near Knife River, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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