Alysia B.
Scout
ScoutMont du Lac Resort
Nice paved spots
Nice campground with flat paved spots and good facilities. Water park for extra charge, but a great free playground for non-swimmers
Camping near Moose Lake, MN
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Moose Lake, Minnesota include a variety of established sites with diverse accommodation options. Moose Lake State Park Campground provides both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, showers, and boat access along the shoreline. Other nearby options include Jay Cooke State Park Campground approximately 20 miles northeast, which supports tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Several smaller campgrounds like Bent Trout Lake Campground and Red Fox Campground offer additional choices within a short drive of the city center, with most operating from May through September.
Camping season in this region generally runs from May through October, with limited year-round options available. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly on summer weekends when waterfront locations fill quickly. "Jay Cooke is one of the better state park campgrounds with beautiful scenery and is close to Duluth. I would recommend checking out the fire museums in Hinckley and Moose Lake on your way up from the Twin Cities," noted one visitor. Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, though some of the more remote sites may have rougher entry points. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, especially at Willow River campground in the General C.C. Andrews State Forest, where more primitive amenities are available.
Several visitors mentioned the region's mixed-use campgrounds that balance natural settings with convenient access to nearby attractions. Water features are prominent throughout the area's camping options, with multiple sites offering boat-in access, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas. Campgrounds range from more developed sites with full hookups and showers to basic tent sites with minimal amenities. Mosquitoes are commonly reported as an issue, particularly in wooded areas and during early summer. While some campgrounds like Moose Lake State Park are closer to town amenities, others like Willow River offer more seclusion but fewer facilities. A review described the latter as "kind of off the beaten path" but noted it was "super nice and not a lot of people," highlighting the trade-off between convenience and solitude that characterizes the region's camping landscape.
Best Campgrounds near Moose Lake (155)
1. 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 Availability2. Jay Cooke State Park Campground
"Jay Cooke is one of the better state park campgrounds with beautiful scenery and is close to Duluth."
"Jay Cooke is really a must experience state park within easy driving distance to other parks in Minnesota and Wisconsin."
from $23 - $90 / night
Check Availability3. Banning State Park Campground
"Bawning park is a walk through the history of the area the self guided tour is both informative and entertaining and the hike along the river is one to remember featuring the only class 5 rapids in Minnesota"
"There are miles of trails to hike, including along the river and to a waterfall, all kinds of paddling and rafting possibilities(bring your own, or join a trip sponsored by a local outfitter), or go bouldering"
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability4. 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
5. Moose Lake City Park
"Only downfall was all the goose poop and bugs, but thats to be expected on the lake. The weekend host and his wife were very nice people!"
6. Willow River Campground — General C.C. Andrews State Forest
"Kind of off the beaten path. You have to take the Willow River exit and go through the town a little bit. There's a small sign next to the Squirrel Cage restaurant and bar."
"Located a few miles from the soo line trail. A little bit smaller of a location and traffic. Offers outhouses and water. In town amenities close by."
from $50 / night
Check Availability7. Red Fox Campground and RV Park
"Close to grocery store and parks. We hit Robinson Park and Bannon State Park. I was apprehensive after I found out that this was a big ATV campground."
8. Dago Lake
"Free dispersed camping off Dago Lake Road between Willow River & Sturgeon Lake. Quiet aside from the occasional car. Pitch black at night."
9. Bear Lake County Park
"It was very private and had nice trees surrounding it. So pleased with our stay here :) Visiting in the fall was ideal- I bet this place is packed during the summer months!"
10. Oak Lake Campground & RV Sales
"Spots were right by the lake and the lake was awesome"
Drive Time
- 34 min from Duluth, MN
- 1 hr 31 min from Minneapolis, MN
- 1 hr 45 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 2 hrs 38 min from Eau Claire, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Moose Lake, MN
133 Photos of 155 Moose Lake Campgrounds
Crystal R.
Moose Lake State Park Campground
Josh S.
Bent Trout Lake Campground
Tia H.
Willow River Campground — General C.C. Andrews State Forest
Alyssa M.
Park Lake Campground
Casie S.
Garfvert
Janet R.
Banning RV Park and Campground
Joanna B.
Banning State Park Campground
Lindsey H.
Robinson Park Camping
Fred S.
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Daryl L.
Fond du Lac City
Lisa D.
Buffalo Valley Camping
Casie S.
Snake River Campground
Recent Reviews near Moose Lake, MN
513 Reviews of 155 Moose Lake Campgrounds
Cari E.
RangerJay 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.
- RRebecca B.
GuideLucius Woods County Park
Great Little Park
Our van fit just fine, the bathrooms were good, and the lake and hiking trails provided plenty to do. Not necessarily a destination but so glad we stopped by.
- AAimee S.Scout
Off Grid Star Gazing
Private, secluded, perfect view of Stars!
Each site is completely private & secluded. Complete darkness to view the sky. Being able to drive right to campsite is a plus. Firepits are fully loaded with wood, such a nice perk.
- Stina M.Guide
Paint Rock Springs Campground — St. Croix State Park
Lots for kids to do, big place
Was a nice place. I didn’t see any truly private sites. All are stacked on top of each others. I didn’t look around too much, it was just a quick overnight stop.
- Crystal R.Guide
Jay Cooke State Park Campground
Great park! Will come again!
This is a favorite of mine. I have been here tent camping twice and will be staying at a camper cabin later this summer!
My favorite part of this park is the swinging bridge. I'm in awe of the view every time I come. I sometimes stop here on my way up to the north shore just to sit out on the rocks and enjoy the view.
The campground is huge. There's multiple loops for both primitive and electric hook up. There's a very nice shower building located very centrally. There's camper cabins too.
Beware last year there was a bear that frequented the campgrounds, but we didn't really have any major issues with him. Just keep your food secure.
Lots of great hiking. The superior hiking trail runs through this park as well. Close to Duluth where there are so many fantastic recreational activities. I had great cell service everywhere in the campgrounds too.
- Crystal R.Guide
Moose Lake State Park Campground
Cozy little campground!
I stayed here last minute because on my previous camping trip my gear was soaked, and I can't dry out my gear in my apartment. So I chose to come here and I'm so glad I did!
The park itself is smaller. The campground only has three loops. There's one loop that is primitive, while the other two have electric hook up.
My favorite part of this campground is the gorgeous trees.
I saw lots of deer and a turtle laying eggs!
It has a small beach and a fishing pier (i think a spot to launch boats too but I could be remembering wrong).
Campground host was super friendly and came by to say hi. At one point, there was a tornado warning and she literally drove to my campsite to let me know and made sure I got to the shelter. (there didn't end up being a tornado, just a gnarly storm).
- Crystal R.Guide
Father Hennepin State Park Campground
Cozy little state park right on the water!
I stayed here last summer (2025)and am planning on staying here this summer as well.
The park is smaller than it's sister park Mille Lacs Kathio, but it definitely has some things that are better about it!
I stayed in the Maplewood campground, which I recommend if you like quiet and privacy. The sites are further apart and give you a more "in the woods" feel. The other campground (lake view) is more traditional RV style camping where the sites are fairly close. However they have some sites (small and close together) that have views directly of the lake, if that's your thing.
I stayed at site 96 which was verrrrry deep and felt pretty private. It's backed up to the woods so you don't have anyone behind you. It has a nice tent pad, and plenty of space for canopies or other equipment. It's a short walk down to the water too, where there's a fishing pier really close by, and a large beach a little further down. I went in very early June and the mosquitoes honestly weren't terrible yet, but the caterpillars were everywhere! There were caterpillars all over my tent, in my sandals I left outside my tent, on my car, etc. When I found one I just relocated them to a safer area in the woods. Lots of deer, you can hear owls at night, squirrels etc. It is bear country, but I didn't see any bears. I kept my food locked up in my car.
One night it was kind if windy and you could hear the waves on the lake from the tent, so that was kinda cool.
I have t mobile and had decent service here as well.
Guide to Moose Lake
Moose Lake, Minnesota sits at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet in the transition zone between Minnesota's coniferous forest and deciduous woodland. The area features a mix of lakes, rivers, and forests with campgrounds operating primarily from May through October, though winter camping options exist at select locations. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 80°F with higher humidity levels in July and August.
What to do
Hiking along river bluffs: At Banning State Park Campground, explore trails with historical significance. "The Quarry Loop along the Kettle River has a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry. Seeing the drill holes in the cliffs was really cool and the remains of the old buildings were a highlight even to our small children," shared Jennifer H.
Agate hunting: The region is known for its agate deposits, especially at Moose Lake State Park Campground. "This is a beautiful state park. It's quite large and has nice hiking trails. Agates are common in this area. The park office has a wonderful display of agates set up in an interactive gallery," noted Liz H.
Fishing from shore: Multiple campsites offer fishing access without requiring a boat. "Good fishing right off shore," reported Ty J. about Moose Lake State Park. Lakes in the area contain walleye, northern pike, and panfish, with spring and fall typically offering the best fishing conditions.
Winter activities: For cold-weather camping enthusiasts, Banning State Park offers winter options. "This is a great place for winter camping! The campsites are large enough (despite the snow) to set up suitable winter tents, and each site has a picnic table and fire pit. In the park, there's a lot of ice climbing and cross country skiing," according to Alexa S.
What campers like
Private lake access: Bent Trout Lake Campground offers exclusive water access for guests. "The lake is privately owned so the wonderful fishing is only open to guests and there is very good fishing there," explained Jesse E. The campground operates from May 15 to October 1.
Spacious campsites: Campers frequently mention site size as a key feature. "We stayed in site 27 and it was perfect for our truck, 40ft fifth wheel camper, and utv trailer," commented Tonya B. about Moose Lake City Park. Similarly, at Willow River campground, "The campsites are large, beautiful tall trees, lots of trees for hammocks," noted Tia H.
Bird watching opportunities: The diverse habitat supports varied bird species. "We saw a Baltimore Oriole which is something we don't see often in Northern MN," reported Mary K. about Moose Lake State Park. Morning birdsong is particularly notable, as Scott M. mentioned: "Lots of birds here…not a bad thing but it was nice when they woke you up in the morning to their songs!"
Clean facilities: Despite being in rural settings, campgrounds maintain good facilities. "Men's bathroom was very clean and showers worked great," reported Tom about Moose Lake State Park, while TJ N. noted the helpfulness of staff: "The campsite host was helpful for local fire rules and helping to point out water spouts."
What you should know
Campsite reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular locations. Moose Lake State Park has "about 30 sites with electric and non-electric options" according to Scott M., who recommends "coming during the week not the weekend as it is a little slower."
Bug preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are common, particularly in early summer. "It was pretty buggy and ticks were bad, but that's to be expected," noted Lydia N. about Jay Cooke State Park. Katherine T. mentioned about Willow River: "There were mosquitoes a plenty due to the lake."
Weather variability: Late season campers should prepare for precipitation. "It did rain quite a bit while I was there," reported Lydia N. about her backpacking experience, while others mentioned unexpected weather: "As we were setting up our camp, it began to snow," noted Joanna B. about her October visit to Banning State Park.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds near Moose Lake operate seasonally. "The main cabin was closed for the season but they have a self service pay station," mentioned TJ N. about an October visit, noting campsite fees were "$23, vehicle registration $7 for the day, firewood $6 for the day."
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Jay Cooke State Park Campground offers geological features kids enjoy. "A River Runs Through it(specifically the St. Louis River)," notes Krista T., adding that "every campsite seems to be well-treed and relatively private, providing a perfect atmosphere to just enjoy nature from your campsite."
Choose campgrounds with recreation options: Family-friendly facilities matter for longer stays. At Bent Trout Lake Campground, "There's a little store with all your basic supplies and where you can rent different boats and water things and a rec area with pool table and games. Lots of campground activities to bring everyone together," according to Faith H.
Consider noise factors: Train noise affects some locations. Krista T. noted about Jay Cooke State Park: "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."
Select appropriate difficulty for trails: When hiking with children, trail selection matters. Joe N. mentioned Jay Cooke State Park has "nice hiking trails. Not too difficult. Family friendly," while at Banning State Park, the history-focused trails keep kids engaged with "a ton of history, allowing you to explore the remains of the 130+ year old sandstone quarry."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Availability varies between campgrounds. Jesse E. appreciated that Bent Trout Lake Campground "also has a dump station as you exit so we didn't have to make another stop when we left. This is such a big perk!"
Site dimensions: Check specific site measurements when booking. "If you are camping with multiple tents it might be a good idea to get multiple sites OR just do your research to make sure that the tent pad measurements listed on the reservation site are going to be sufficient," advised Krista T. about Jay Cooke State Park.
ATV/UTV access: For those traveling with recreational vehicles, Tonya B. noted Moose Lake City Park "allows utv/atv access," though cautioned that "if you are double pulling with a atv/utv trailer it is very challenging to use the dump station!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in Moose Lake, MN?
Where can I find campgrounds in Moose Lake, MN?
The Moose Lake area offers several camping options. Moose Lake State Park Campground provides drive-in and walk-in sites with water and toilet facilities, ideal for both tent and RV camping. For a city-based option, Moose Lake City Park offers convenient access with reservable sites and is big-rig friendly. Other nearby options include Red Fox Campground and RV Park, which provides boat access to Moose Lake, and Oak Lake Campground just outside town. The region also connects to the Soo-Line Trail, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding recreational opportunities in northeastern Minnesota.
Is there camping available at Moose Lake State Park?
Is there camping available at Moose Lake State Park?
Yes, camping is available at Moose Lake State Park. The park features reservable campsites with both drive-in and walk-in options. Facilities include water access and toilet facilities, and the campground can accommodate RVs. The park is situated near water recreation opportunities, similar to Savanna Portage State Park Campground, which is located near four lakes with excellent fishing and swimming options. For those looking to explore more of Minnesota's beautiful state parks, Jay Cooke State Park Campground is within driving distance and offers additional recreational opportunities with hiking trails and scenic views.
What amenities are available at Moose Lake City Campground?
What amenities are available at Moose Lake City Campground?
Moose Lake City Campground (Moose Lake City Park) offers a range of amenities for campers. The facilities include water hookups, toilet facilities, and sites that can accommodate big rigs. The campground is reservable and provides convenient boat-in and drive-in access, making it easy for visitors to enjoy water activities. While not directly mentioned in reviews, it likely offers similar basic amenities to Bergland County Park, which is described as small but beautifully maintained with easy access to fishing and boating. The campground's location in town provides convenient access to local services while still offering recreational opportunities. For RV campers seeking more extensive hookups, Red Pine Campground in the region offers full hookup sites.
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