109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Meadowlands, Minnesota provides a range of camping experiences with developed campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding region. Jay Cooke State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options about 40 miles southeast of Meadowlands. Floodwood Campground, situated along the St. Louis River approximately 15 miles from Meadowlands, provides electric hookups, showers, and tent and RV camping from early May through late September. Savanna Portage State Park Campground, located about 25 miles east, features tent, RV, and cabin camping from April to November with access to hiking trails and lakes.
Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operation, with limited year-round options. Electric hookups are common at established sites, while water and sewer connections vary by location. A visitor noted, "The campground is very quiet at night, and we heard a beautiful owl chanting in the night," highlighting the peaceful nature experiences available. Mosquitoes can be challenging, particularly in wooded areas and near water. As one camper commented about Savanna Portage: "Mosquitoes are brutal here, especially on the hiking club trail and to a somewhat lesser degree in the campground." Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds having no coverage while others offer reliable connections. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly.
Waterfront camping represents a key attraction in the region, with sites along lakes and rivers receiving positive feedback. The St. Louis River provides a picturesque backdrop at Floodwood Campground, which one visitor described as "a small campground in a really pretty location right on the banks of the wild St Louis River." Several campgrounds offer recreational amenities like fishing access, boat launches, and swimming areas. Campers frequently mention the region's quietness and natural setting as highlights. Red Pine Campground (formerly Ogston RV Park) receives praise for its cleanliness and lake access, with one visitor noting "beautiful lake, social hall, bathrooms" among its features. Sites with full hookups tend to be more developed with gravel pads, while forest campgrounds like Hay Lake provide more rustic experiences with pit toilets and well water.
"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 Availability"This is a small campground in a really pretty location right on the banks of the wild St Louis River."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"We were traveling with friends and the staff (owners I believe) made it work out for us to have sites next to each other. Park felt well cared for and attended too."
"It’s next to Duluth and looks like a city park. Many permanent residents. Very clean and comfortable. I’d stay again if I’m in the area. Now we’re driving north to find a moose."
"It’s situated near four lakes and loads of biking/hiking. There is a lot to do in the area from fishing, hiking, biking, and nature watching."
"There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite. I tried to hike around the lake but ran into several impassable spots bc of a recent rain."
from $22 - $120 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The park has a beautiful private lake with swimming beach, a few cabins available for rental, plenty of space for tent camping."
"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!!"
"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.)"
ScoutIt was a beautiful spot, many different sites to stay at. Some of them are a little close to each other but if you drive around a bit you can find some hidden spots! I took my bike out and got DESTROYED by biting flies, the mosquitos were also fairly hungry! I’d say bring repellent, know that there is no service out there, and enjoy the scenery!
ScoutThe info on Dyrt is wrong. Day use picnic tables only. No overnight camping.
GuideCelebrated my 26 birthday at the group site with friends and family. Awesome site for a group, played a lil 3v3 football with the guys in the site area, parents pulled up with the camper. Plenty of space for everyone and a short walk to the lake! Would recommend
ScoutI love this spot, technically there are two campsites. I assumed that each spot was marked by one fire pit like in the UP/Michigan but after I got here someone else pulled up in the same space I was. It IS a larger area but I was hoping to be alone, as I came here by myself. Now I’m worried about encroaching on the family’s space by starting a fire…
TravelerI sent them an email a few days before needing a site and they didn't get back to me until I already had another site booked. They told me that it is always better to CALL instead of emailing., so I thought I would let be known.
TravelerPrivate 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.
RangerIf 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.
TravelerMost people know about the sugar sand beaches on both lakes, but the real treasures are the hiking trails! The campsites are generous. Some are tricky for bigger rigs. Plenty of vegetation between sites compared to most campgrounds. Lots t o see and do! Paddle boards, kayaks, boats, swimming, fishing piers…a local shop for necessities…within walking distance. The scenery is lovely.
ScoutNice campground with flat paved spots and good facilities. Water park for extra charge, but a great free playground for non-swimmers
Meadowlands camping areas sit within Minnesota's northern forest region where average summer temperatures reach 75-80°F with occasional thunderstorms. The area spans the continental divide between Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds, creating diverse water features throughout local camping destinations. Most campgrounds near Meadowlands maintain operations from May through October with limited winter accessibility.
Hiking on continental divide trails: At Savanna Portage State Park Campground, visitors can experience the physical continental divide separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi watersheds. "This park is a nice one but we went in Mid-July and the bugs were terrible! So bad that we actually went into town to eat dinner at dusk to avoid the worst of it," notes camper Amber S., emphasizing the importance of timing your visit.
Paddling on small lakes: The park system offers multiple lakes for kayaking and canoeing. "The campground has an island you can take a wooden bridge over too that offers some fishing spots and a nice little walking trail," explains Tori K. about Knife Island Campground, highlighting water access options beyond the more crowded locations.
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds close seasonally, some areas remain accessible for cold-weather activities. "Stayed at campground. Nice and well maintained. Family camping," states Nichole K. about Jay Cooke State Park, one of the few year-round facilities in the region where winter trails remain accessible.
Natural wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to spot native species. "We saw a fox and a deer which was cool. Then spent the evening canoeing one of the lakes listening to Loons," writes Branden W. about his stay at Savanna Portage State Park Campground, noting wildlife encounters common throughout the area.
Historical education: The region contains significant historical sites. "This state park is definitely off the beaten path, with the Savannah Portage itself almost as it was 200 years ago when Americans explorers came trekking through," shares Janet R., describing the educational aspects available to visitors at Savanna Portage.
Privacy between sites: Many Cloquet-Duluth KOA campers appreciate the layout. "There are a lot of trees and wooded areas so our site felt semi-private. Our Pomeranian, who loves to camp, loved the woods!" reports Glenda D., contrasting with more open campground designs found elsewhere.
Seasonal bug conditions: Insect activity varies greatly by season and location. "Lost Lake backpacking site was 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," reports Lydia N. about Jay Cooke State Park Campground.
Train noise disruptions: Several best places to camp near Meadowlands, Minnesota are affected by nearby railroad activity. "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," warns Krista T. about Jay Cooke.
Reservation importance: Peak season availability becomes limited, especially for specific sites. "Very unique campground. 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," advises Tori K. about Knife Island Campground.
Playground availability: Not all indicated play areas match expectations. "We were frustrated as a family with 2 young kids to find that the 'playground' on the map is just a green (actually weed) space with no playground, no volleyball net, literally nothing," warns Amy K. about her Savanna Portage State Park experience, suggesting families verify amenities before booking.
Beach access for children: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with various facilities. "Loon lake has a nice little 'park' with a beach so that is great for families. The campground itself sits next to the lake which is nice and while no site has true waterfront claim several can see the water," notes Scott M. about Spirit Mountain Campground.
Family-friendly trails: Look for accessible hiking paths suitable for younger children. "Nice hiking trails. Not too difficult. Family friendly," states Joe N. about his experience at Jay Cooke State Park, indicating terrain appropriate for various ages.
Site selection for larger rigs: Many campgrounds have limited space for bigger vehicles. "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," cautions Wayne W. about his stay at Knife Island Campground.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven parking pads at some locations. "Our site was gravel and a little un-level, but nothing extreme," shares Sam C. about his experience at Red Pine Campground, providing insight for RV campers needing to bring leveling equipment.
Off-season availability: Shoulder seasons offer less crowded camping. "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 open spaces," notes Sam C. about Cloquet-Duluth KOA, highlighting different site options throughout the camping season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Meadowlands, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Meadowlands, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Meadowlands, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Meadowlands, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Meadowlands, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 71 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Meadowlands, MN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Meadowlands, MN.
Keep Exploring
