This is an incredible (but very busy!) state park. We camped at walk-in site 83, which was hands down the best site in the park. The walk-in sites in general are all amazing, you're secluded from everyone else but still close to the amenities. Site 83 is about a 4-minute walk from where you park your car. There are two tent pads and plenty of space. It's a beautiful site--book it early! The amenities at the campground were great, plenty of places to recycle, fill up water, and throw out trash. The bathrooms are also very nice, but they are some of the busiest bathrooms I've ever seen! There are plenty of hiking trails as well, a great visitor center and gift shop, and it is an all around lovely state park. read more

See all

We had an awesome camping weekend here - I'm so glad I got to see this state park! Here's the breakdown: CAMPSITES: 4/5 Lots of campsites here that we booked well in advance - I'd guess they fill up fast! I'm not super experienced at camping, but the campsites felt quite close together to me. Compared to other places we've been, the sites are much less private. AMENITIES: 5/5 The amount of water spickets and bathrooms around the site were great, and the showers/main bathroom facilities were nice! STATE PARK: 5/5 We loved walking a bit of the state park over the weekend! The suspension bridge is super cool, and it's really fun to walk on and explore the unique rock formations along the water. read more

See all

This State Park features the "Swinging Bridge" a 220-foot pedestrian bridge with a 126-foot main suspension span crosses the St. Louis River in Carlton County. The suspension superstructure is carried on massive stone-clad, reinforced-concrete pylons. The bridge is fun to walk on and it has a fascinating and beautiful view of the powerful river. There is also an adjacent resource center which is a beautiful building with great display. Definitely a stop when in Duluth! read more

See all

Wonderful state park and so close to Duluth and all the fun activities and outings awaiting you! We stayed here for 2 nights while my in-laws stayed an additional 2 nights. Absolutely wonderful facilities! Solo shower stalls that are the most gorgeous I've ever seen for a campground. Bathrooms are great too! The park rangers are super friendly. The swing bridge/hike is within walking distance from the ranger station/office. A must see if you're in the area. And if you missed anything you need the ranger station probably has it. We'll be back! read more

See all

Beautiful park for hiking. Don't follow your gps when you get into town or it will take to to some random dirt road. When you get downtown there will be signage. The seining bridge everyone talks about is fine but I just liked hiking the trails along the river. Get there just after sunrise if possible for some great photos. read more

See all

We took the silver creek trail. It was not very scenic and the path was not very well paved. But it was a good hike. The bathrooms were clean and store was fun to look around in. Parking was easy to find. read more

The swinging bridge is a gorgeous view of the river and the hiking trails are groomed and good for most hikers looking easy trails. read more

Jay Cooke State Park - View from swinging bridge - Campgrounds Near Me - Carlton, Minnesota

BEWARE: PLENTIFUL MUD AND RUTHLESS MOSQUITOS I love this state park. The views are beautiful! I would highly recommend this park to anyone who is up for a nature adventure. However, I have a handful of warning you adventurers: 1. the trails are very muddy. Do not wear shoes with socks unless you want to march around with squishy feet 2. the mosquitos are relentless in the summer months. No bug spray will deter them! 3. most of the hills you will encounter are rocky and very slippery. Take your time on them, there's no shame in having to slow down or take a break 4. parts of the trail may be underwater if there were recent storms leading up to your visit. Either you must be willing to trek through the water or turn around and take the long way back. 5. there are black bears in the jay cooke park. I have never personally witnessed any, but I have seen their scat. Be mindful and bring bear spray. Don't let this scare you away! Jay Cooke is the perfect place to spend a Minnesota summer day! read more

This is just a super beautiful park for picnicking, camping, and hiking, the latter of which can be enjoyed along a good gentle-to-extreme range. I came here in August 2021 for a night at one of the more remote backpacking campsites. My site ("Ash Ridge") was appropriately secluded and I was able to sleep to the lovely sounds of rocky waters from the St. Louis River as well as a nearby stream flowing into it. It's very close to Cloquet and quite convenient for anyone in the Duluth/Superior area. There are a lot of long hiking trails through the hilly woods; a significant amount of variation in elevation and hardly any paved trails make it a pretty active experience. A week of heavy rains left much of them pretty muddy for me when I was there, and some of the steeper stretches were problematic. I'm just saying those backcountry trails are not for a casual stroll. There are really, really cool places to set up for a picnic! In addition to the reservable picnic shelter on the eastern end of the park, that area has a smattering of little fields with picnic tables tucked into little nooks all over the place, many of which have barbecue pits. There are viewpoints nearby, dramatically overlooking the river, and I suspect there are people who have grown up only knowing that picnic area who have lifelong fond memories of spending time there. But there is also the main area with a Visitor Center, an Interpretive Center, a drive-up campground area, and a popular bridge with another spectacular set of views to behold. And if you really want to have a picnic in a secluded spot, there are shelters deep in the aforementioned backcountry hiking area if you're tough enough to haul a meal for a couple-few miles. There is so much to love about this park, and I can't wait to return! read more

See all

All the State parks I visited in MN are awesome. I especially liked this one because of the swinging bridge over the St. Luis River. It was only 7 dollars for a permit. There is a camp ground attached. Bring your bug spray. It is not too far from the highway so it is convenient to get to (less than 5 miles). There is a small but nice visitor center too. read more

I think I came here once upon a time back in high school for a field trip, but hadn't been back in about a million years until recently. What an absolutely beautiful park. It's beautiful just driving into the park and there are so many different areas to see. You can enter up by the dam and hike around, there is the entrance by the swinging bridge and then there is another entrance further down. We have entered in all three with each entrance giving a different view. Absolutely breath taking views all around. Wonderful hiking areas although towards the further entrance some of the trails were washed out, but we managed to make it down to the river anyway. Steep paths, but worth the challenge. Picnic shelters, fairly decent port a johns, very clean and beautiful park and not that long of a drive. I would definitely recommend a visit. read more

See all

We camped at site #12. This loop didn't have electric hook ups but the sites had a nice, very large spot for tents and enough room for our camper and truck to back into. Sites had plenty of thick wood area surrounding to give a bit of privacy and not feel on top of each other (although you can still hear and sort of see each other). Lots of trails for hiking around the area. Large modern shower house centrally located for use by entire campground and pit toilets located near camping sites. Beautiful park and would come here again. Firewood for sale on site for $6/bundle. read more

Jay Cooke State Park - View from the back of our site (#12) - Campgrounds Near Me - Carlton, Minnesota

This State Park is easily accessible from 35 and clearly marked to signs. Purchasing a day pass was easy, only $7 for the whole day until 10pm, which is valid for all MN State Parks! The trails hiking trails were clearly marked and the maps along the way were easy to follow. I've been to parks where this is not the case, so I was grateful for this and happy I didn't get lost! The views were pretty and there are benches and picnic tables along the trails for the nice views. Beautiful park and very well maintained. Even the bathrooms were clean, which is always a plus! Definitely would visit again, hopefully earlier in the fall to see the fall colors up here! read more

See all

Another great Minnesota Park. Super humid and buggy but we were prepared. We hiked the Superior Trail up for 2.5 miles and then hiked back adding the river trail for a total of 5.5 miles. Without the high buggy grass and humidity we would have tacked on a few more miles. The hanging bridge is worth the visit. The wooded trails are great as well. Worth the visit !!! read more

See all

We were lucky enough to visit this park when fall colors were filling up the trees. There's so much to do here--so many hiking trails and sightseeing around the St Louis River. One must-stop part of the park is the iconic Swinging Bridge. There is a rule at the bridge that only one household be on the bridge at a time. I don't know if that rule is Covid-related or if it's to limit the amount of weight on the bridge. Either way, be aware that the rule is ignored by many other visitors. If you politely follow the rule and wait for others to finish crossing before you cross, you're likely to see at least one other person ignore the rule and march right on past you (despite seeing you there waiting), so you end up waiting even longer. So prepare for that frustration. But it's still a very cool place to visit that won't disappoint. read more

Jay Cooke State Park - Swinging Bridge - Campgrounds Near Me - Carlton, Minnesota

See all

This park is well maintained and a wide attraction for many types of outdoor enthusiasts. My deal is hiking. There are hiking trails for the casual Sunday stroller advancing to more of an intermediate hiker and avid risk taker. The trails also provide backpack camps and can connect with other state trails, so the true adventurer could go for days along whats some of the most beautiful part of the state. I followed the more adventurist Summer Trail which goes through different phases. If you need water bring some along as there was no place to refill. There was one stop with a shelter and a picnic table, and there are no outhouses along the way, so you may have to water some plants so to speak. Many families hang around the main park area with plenty of shade and picnic tables and of course the famous swing bridge which leads to some great views of the waterfall and rapids and swirling kettles of stone with water bubbling on the surface. *Aw I had to greatly reduce the size of the pics to get accepted by Yelp's loader..ah c'mon guys. read more

See all

Stayed overnight in one of their 4- sleeper cabins while on a ski trip to Duluth! Close to Spirit Mountain Ski Resort. Easy check-in and out process and affordable price. Cabins are reasonably spaced out- hope to go back in March during Spring Break. Called the other day to see availability-- extremely booked out on the weekends as everyone is trying to get time outside of their house during the pandemic. Cabin is located next to the wider state park making it easy to take a hiking trip during the day. read more

Jay Cooke State Park - Cabin for the night - Campgrounds Near Me - Carlton, Minnesota

See all

This is one beautiful park. I've been in Jay Cook a bunch of times and today was another great visit. Trails all over, it's very well maintained, history is amazing. It's worth a visit! Check out the pictures! read more

See all

It's the most gorgeous MN state park, fairly accessible. The swinging bridge is scary, the opinion of a balance-challenged person. Outstanding views, the St. Louis River runs through the park. Small bit cute gift shop, staff are extremely helpful. read more

A very well maintained State Park with beautiful trails and campsites. One of the nicest we've had the pleasure to camp at in our small RV. read more

See all

Great park. River views are impressive. Not overrun with people. Ghhhhhhiiiioooohfryhctuijgjh read more

Beautiful park, worth the drive up from the cities. There were some very accessible views, just a short walk from the parking lot. I wish we would have had more time to do some longer hikes. Very busy the last weekend in September! The campground was completely full. Plan ahead if you want to camp in the park. read more

See all

Seriously one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. My boyfriend suprised me and took me to the swinging bridge.. What we didn't know is I would have a full blown panic attack on it! Lol... It was so beautiful but the swaying caught my off guard.. Even though, is called the SWINGING BRIDGE!!! That's on me! Don't let it "sway" you! I can't wait to go back and take in more views. The scenery is breathtaking. The sound of water is so calming. read more

See all

This state park is easy to access less than six miles from Interstate 35 on your way to/from Duluth. We missed it numerous times on our trips up north to Duluth or the North Shore. We finally included this state park experience as part of our North Shore trek. You don't want miss it. The beautiful banks and ravines of the Saint Louis River are the main attractions of this state park and easy to access from the park's parking lot. You can choose to spend an hour walking on the park's signature bridge and then through the park or several hours hiking its beautiful trails. read more

See all

Beautiful state park in Minnesota. Definitely worth the stop or even spending a day here. it's gorgeous

Great state park to stop at on your way to Duluth or the North Shore. The suspension bridge is right next to the park, and offers amazing views. There were a couple field trips in the discovery center, so it was too crowded to really read some of the information, but the natural beauty was spectacular. read more

See all

Hands down my favorite MN state park! Every time I find myself heading to Duluth I have to stop here for a hike. Where should I start with my praise? HIKING: There are trails for all levels of hikers. However, I strongly discourage hiking in flip flops here. Like most other Minnesota hiking trails there is no shortage of mud. PLANTS: Take the time to look at the forest floor. If you don't, then you'll miss some beautiful native flowers, mushrooms and more. Watch out for that poison ivy, too... ANIMALS: They're there, but you probably won't see them. Today I saw a couple of deer and some bear poop! PEOPLE: Outside of the campground and the information area, crowds are minimal. During my four hour Sunday hike I only came across two other hikers. Make a pit stop here and take in the fresh air! read more

See all

This is a great state park. The terrain is beautiful--spectacular in places, and surrounding the park, with a stunning view of a variety of elevations and of the St Louis R. Which empties into the southern part is Lake Superior. There are class four rapids here, which should only be attempted by expert kayakers, and extremely dangerous. Beautiful to view, and can be seen by trail, hiking or biking with a swinging suspension bridge near the main visitor center. This is one of the best camping areas, with friendly and helpful park rangers, who also patrol regularly, giving me peace of mind. It is open year around. There is electricity at many sites for RV camping, water is not at each campsite, but available centrally, when above freezing near the dump site for black water. The dump site Is available during the day, in the fall, closed at night in the late fall (mid-October) with freezing weather possible. The ranger station is open the longest hours of any state park I have visited, as late as 9 pm! It is located across the highway from the campsites, and an easy hike from the campsites for able-bodied campers. In my retro12ft-long RV, 30 amp campsite, the sites are designed so that you have maximum privacy. You can see other RVs--a glimpse of them--through the trees--but have a good sense of space and wilderness. The camping loop is designed for about twelve campsites, so the traffic past your site is minimal. I've been here before on a day trip, bicycling, this is my first time camping. I am sure I will want to come back! I just visited the restrooms--I don't know if they are open year round, but there are individual showers, and showers with toilets and sinks, very clean and clearly recently renovated with automatic sensors for toilets and sinks. The sink has a granite top! read more

Love it , the smell of the air and water, the nifty bridge, the breathtaking views 360 degrees around! Everything! Went here for the first time with my boyfriend traveling to Duluth for the weekend! So so glad we made this on our bucket list! You have to experience the views in person to really grasp the beauty. read more

Jay Cooke State Park - Rocks, blue skies, green trees, flowing water and my man - Campgrounds Near Me - Carlton, Minnesota

This is an excellent state park if you live in the Twin Cities and are looking for a nice Friday/Saturday night camping weekend. It's a little over 2 hours away so very manageable to cut out of work a little early to miss traffic (or at least try since summer "up north" traffic is notoriously slow on Fridays) and get your tent set up and relaxing before making dinner. The campsites are more private than most because of the abundance of trees so it's not your average wide open car/RV camping, which we like. I would rather hike in or go BWCA but my wife likes the comforts car camping allows...we compromise as any couple that wants to stay married :) The cabins are another way to go but even though they have 5 cabins, which is a decent amount for those parks that do offer them, they get reserved way in advance so start looking as soon as they are available, a year in advance. If you like to hike as we do, this park is excellent with 50 miles of trails. I would recommend starting at the Swinging Bridge and taking the Carlton Trail for great overlooks and up close views of the St Louis River! It basically ends at the Munger State Trail, so we took that back to the Thomson Trail with a stop at the Thomson Pioneer Cemetery with the deceased and their headstones from the mid 1800s. Next time we will for sure bring our bikes and ride part of the 63-mile segment of the paved Munger Trail that runs between Hinckley & Duluth. The historical town of Cloquet is your closest "civilization" in case you need to get supplies or want to "gasp"...eat out one of the nights. We did so we're not judging you. There are actually a number of cool places to eat like Mexico Lindo Restaurant and Gordy's Hi Hat Restaurant, but we'll save the details for another review. The two highlights of dog walk around the riverfront area was the posted information about the great fire of 1918 which is still the worst disaster in MN history in terms of lives lost, 453. On the positive side, Cloquet is internationally known for it's very own Frank Lloyd Wright designed gas station, the R.W. Lindholm Service Station. It's even on the National Register of Historic Places. Put Jay Cooke on your State Park short list and you will not be disappointed! read more

See all

Wonderful area to explore! Get your parking pass that can be used to park at all the state parks and then go explore. A must stop before heading up to explore the other state parks. This state park is known for their swinging bridge and near the center it does sway around! Went here a couple weeks ago and the weather and scenery was perfect. Definitely want to go back during the fall for some pretty fall changing trees! read more

Jay Cooke State Park - Someone was scared of the Swinging Bridge! - Campgrounds Near Me - Carlton, Minnesota

See all

This road through here just reopened after a storm caused mud slides and wash outs. This time of the year is full of Fall colors. I was able to capture many photos of the beauty in this park. This park is big and beautiful with lots of trails. The swinging bridge is the crown jewel of the park. The St Louis River is pretty violent in this area. Lots of jagged rocks too. It can be a blast or can get dangerous. If something happens out there, it will be a while until help arrives. Lot of bikes and dogs here. I grew up in Wrenshall, which is the city on the back side of the park. As kids we would bike, snowmobile and horseback through the trails on the far side of the river. Fishing was decent. There are several dams throughout this stretch. Many of them use the water to generate electricity. Green energy is the best kind. I hope that you get a chance to appreciate this place. read more

See all

Beautiful rapids and rustic hiking trails. The mountain biking trails also looked like a good adventure for another visit. read more

Jay Cooke State Park - Campgrounds Near Me - Carlton, Minnesota

Amazing park!!! Beautiful scenery!!! Campsites are great, restrooms and showers are very nice and clean. Very quiet and peaceful. Highly recommended. read more

There was something about Jay Cooke that we just loved. My husband and I are part of the State Park Passport and Hiking Clubs. We stopped at Jay Cooke on our way back from Duluth. Right away we were struck by how pretty the rapids were. It was amazing watching the river rush along as we crossed the swing bridge. The hiking here was great too. We loved the Hiking Club trail. It had a ton of variety and was quite scenic. We kept telling each other this was one of the best parks we have hiked at so far. In the visitor center they had some great information about different trails you can take. It was nice because it was laid out based on how long you wanted to hike for and your interests. Something about this park really spoke to both of us and we are planning on coming back fro some camping. 33/100 read more

There's a reason this is one of the most popular state parks in MN, and the landscape and trails around the famous swinging bridge are quintessential Minnesota. If you've never been to this lovely state park, put it on your list ASAP. Besides exploring the area around the bridge, be sure to check out the numerous other trails throughout the park. Most are in great condition, though they can get soggy at certain times of the year. Also make the drive to the lookout point on the eastern edge of the park for a great view of the St. Louis River valley and peep the panels detailing how the slanted rocks of the river were formed. It's a fascinating history! read more

Well, this park exceeded my expectations. Daily fee is $5 which you pay at the entrance by dropping your cash in an envelope and filling out info. Take off the stub at the end and post it on your car dashboard. Ranger station is open throughout the day for trail maps. There is construction going on so the visitor's center is not open-- only the park ranger's headquarters. There is a nice gift shop to get some nice postcards and stuff. The popular trail is across the swinging bridge and along the river. Water looks like root beer because it has alot of acid from the trees. Challenging silver creek trail which is partial submerged from some rainfall. I almost lost my balance on a partially supported wooden plank across a marsh. Fun time and my friend's GPS said we did 4.5 miles in about a couple of hours. read more

The first wife and I stayed here for 5 nights in a 32' fifth wheel. We had reservations a month in advance but somehow missed the fact that none of the camping sites have water hookups. I'm guessing the Minnesota winters makes running water to all the campsites cost prohibitive. Nonetheless, we adjusted our plans and used on-board water for cooking and minor stuff and walked over to the bathhouse for most of the essentials. It worked out just fine. The park itself is beautiful, lots of outdoor stuff to see and do. I'd love to come snowmobiling since there's trails all over the place. A motorcycle on ski's - kinda like Lieutenant Dan's magic legs! read more

We chose this park as a place to tent camp for a night on our cross country drive. I wish we had more time to explore while we were there. The camp site was clean and was nicely tucked away for a bit of privacy. Bathrooms were clean and close enough. Quiet hours were respected as well. We were able to check out the suspension foot bridge over the St. Louis River. Very cool! Would absolutely love to go back and explore more. read more

Great hiking. Loved jumping from rock to rock. You can either choose a smooth path or if you are brave and adventurous you can hop from boulder to boulder up and down river. Great bouldering near bridge read more