Jay Cooke Campground

Star4.68
59 reviews
Jay Cooke Campground
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

1,010 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota State Parks) site

Official Website
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Jay Cooke Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
A vehicle permit is required for park access; reservations are available through the state parks reservation system.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Minnesota State Parks
Provider
888-646-6367; 651-296-6157
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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 59 reviews

57 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomswater

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors consistently praise the park's scenic river gorge, the Swinging Bridge, well‑spaced private campsites, clean modern restrooms/showers, and helpful staff. Overall sentiment in reviews is highly positive."

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Campground Map

Jay Cooke Campground

Jay Cooke Campground

46.6571, -92.3722


Best Time to Camp at Jay Cooke Campground

Jay Cooke shines in every season, though autumn transforms the hardwood canopy into a breathtaking explosion of reds, oranges, and golds that rivals any fall destination in the state. Summer campers should pack mosquito repellent and enjoy the lush greenery, while those visiting in late spring and early summer will want to check for ticks after hiking. Winter adventurers will find the snow-covered gorge equally magical, with the park welcoming year-round visitors ready to experience the river's moods in all their seasonal variations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Clean facilities, trails and river scenery make summer camping appealing (positive reviews).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 11% in MN

Hardwood forests and gorge setting imply excellent fall color and scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MN

Review signal positive for spring; river flows vary and facilities receive praise in spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5
Above Average

No explicit winter use details; MN winter may limit access and services; info absent.

Planning Tips

    About Jay Cooke Campground

    Perched along the dramatic St. Louis River gorge, Jay Cooke State Park campground invites you to sleep beneath towering hardwoods while the river rushes over ancient rock formations below. Whether you choose a wooded campsite or cozy cabin, you'll find yourself minutes from the park's iconic swinging bridge and countless trails that wind through one of Minnesota's most striking landscapes.
    A developed state park campground with drive‑in sites, cabins, and day‑use recreation nearby.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Dump station
    Fire rings
    Vault toilets
    Cabin Lodging

    Activities you can enjoy

    River- and forest-focused recreation with extensive trails, viewpoints and nearby multi-use trail access.
    HikingExtensive marked hiking trails through hardwood forest and along the St. Louis River, including longer hikes such as the Carlton route and overlooks like Oldenburg Point.
    FishingFishing on the St. Louis River and its shoals/cascades is mentioned as available and popular, though conditions vary by season.
    Biking
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsCommon issues include mosquitoes and ticks; terrain is rugged with steep valleys, cliffs and exposed rock near the river that present fall hazards. Some access roads and campground lanes can be narrow.

    Weather at Jay Cooke Campground

    Reviews

    4.7
    59 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Jay Cooke Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Visitors consistently praise the park's scenic river gorge, the Swinging Bridge, well‑spaced private campsites, clean modern restrooms/showers, and helpful staff. Overall sentiment in reviews is highly positive.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 59 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Scenic river views and rock formations, extensive and varied trails, clean/upgraded restrooms and shower house, well‑spaced and private campsites, convenient potable water and dump station,...
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    Based on 59 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring insect repellent and check for ticks; bring sheets for cabin mattresses if desired; be aware of vehicle permits/checkout procedures (check with ranger station); generators are...
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    Based on 59 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Beautiful, serene, quiet, clean.” — “The showers and bathrooms were top quality.” — “Campsites are well spaced out and private.”
    Based on 59 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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