Camping near Wrenshall, Minnesota offers access to numerous small lakes and the St. Louis River watershed, with terrain characterized by mixed hardwood forests and wetlands. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with a typical frost-free season from mid-May to early October. Local campgrounds experience temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night during spring and fall seasons.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Jay Cooke State Park's water features include multiple cascades along rocky riverbanks. "I spent a day trip with friends at Jay Cook. The water levels were low, so we clambered around on the sculpted granite rocks that line the river and falls, dipping on and out of pools and up slick rock faces," shares Jared S.
Mountain biking trails: Spirit Mountain Campground provides direct access to extensive trail systems. "It is a mountain bikers paradise. Loved it!" notes Michelle P. The campground allows riders to "bike down the trails right from the campground," according to Beth W.
Rock collecting: Red Pine Campground offers unique geological activities not found at other sites. "Walked the grounds and had fun looking for agates in a rock pile. The small lakes or ponds around the campground were a nice touch," reports Sam C.
Kayaking access: Several campgrounds provide water craft access points. At Indian Point City Campground, visitors appreciate the "fishing dock, kayak launch, and bike trail right off the site," as Brook Jorgensen notes. The location offers "walking/biking trails around the grounds" with "few mosquitos," according to Michael K.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Pattison State Park Campground provides well-spaced sites with natural buffers. "Wooded sites are nicely spaced (but never far enough away). Facilities were clean and maintained," reports Lisa S., who especially appreciated the "trail path out of the campground to the most amazing water fall."
Family-friendly layouts: Amnicon Falls State Park earns high marks for its accessibility. "Adult & Kid Fun. A beautiful, smaller park. We tent camped with our littles (2 & under) & they had a blast walking & sitting in the water near the Falls," shares one reviewer who recommends "campsites 16&17 if available, private & short walk to sites."
On-site dining options: Buffalo Valley Camping stands out for its unique amenities. "This park has a lot to offer. Nice woodsy spots, plenty of restrooms and showers, and a bar/restaurant!! Tents sports are also really nice," states Lisa D. Another camper adds that "the bar & grill had great food and service. 10/10!"
Wilderness access: Many campgrounds provide direct trail connections to wilderness areas. "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," notes Tori K. about the Lost Lake backpacking site at Jay Cooke State Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds in the region experience railroad disruptions. At Knife Island Campground, one reviewer noted "the 4am horn blowing train" as a drawback. Similarly, at Jay Cooke State Park, a camper reported "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."
Seasonal variations: Water levels and ground conditions vary significantly throughout the camping season. "It had never occurred to me that a clothes line would be a problem for trees, but I'm glad that I know that now!" shares one Jay Cooke camper who appreciated the park's tree strap lending program.
Site selection importance: Many campgrounds have significant variations between sites. At Spirit Mountain, one camper advised "If we would stay again we would book site 50 or 52" after discovering their site had "a big slope to get down to our firepit which we didn't care for."
Firewood quality: Purchase locations matter for successful fires. At Buffalo Valley Camping, one reviewer noted "The only reason it's a 4 star and not a 5 star is because of the firewood. $8 per bundle for wet wood. We had to go to the gas station to get dry wood."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Buffalo Valley Camping offers multiple recreation options. "Nice woodsy spots, plenty of restrooms and showers, and a bar/restaurant!! Tents sports are also really nice. Close to downtown Duluth (10 mins.)," notes Lisa D. The grounds include "a small playground and sandbox for kids. Horseshoes, ladder toss, and bag toss provided by campground."
Swimming areas: Fond du Lac City Campground provides riverside recreation without designated swimming zones. As one visitor observed, "No designated swimming area. There was however Horseshoe and bag pits, a small game room and at least one cabin for rental."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wetland areas provide animal sighting chances. "Site offers great vies of a little beaver pond where you may get to see some wildlife!" reports Tori K. about backpacking sites at Jay Cooke.
Rain planning: Weather conditions change quickly in the region. One Spirit Mountain camper shared: "We had so much fun staying at Spirit Mountain, visiting Duluth and Gooseberry Falls. The campgrounds were very private due to tree cover but it rained every night and never dried out because of the tree cover so it's a plus and a minus."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varied terrain at most campgrounds. At Red Pine Campground, one RVer noted "Site was gravel and a a little un-level, but nothing extreme," while recommending "Stayed in back-in campsite#49 which was not shady but level."
Water quality considerations: Hard water is common in campground facilities. At Ogston RV Park (now Red Pine), one camper mentioned "Water is definitely hard but again, shower was clean."
Utility placement: RV sites may require extra hoses or cords. "We didn't have a long enough hose for the water hookup, so Darrel (the manager) brought one out immediately and we could keep it all night," reports a Buffalo Valley visitor. At Red Pine Campground, an RVer specified "Utilities: 20/30/50A electric in back. Sewer located in back and had a non screw-on fitting. Water was located in back, but on door side."
Space limitations: Some campgrounds have tight turning radiuses. At Knife Island Campground, "Roads are tight for 30+ rigs. Very rutted. Having a ground guide for the tight parking is a must," advises one RVer.
