By:
Submission
The rugged land formations of Jay Cooke State Park enhance the beauty of the hardwood forests and make for great camping near Minneapolis. The water-eroded gorge, steep valleys, and massive rock formations are seen throughout the park. In some seasons, the water of the St. Louis River thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock. At other times, it slows to a gentle trickle. Visitors enjoy the scenic splendor of Jay Cooke State Park during all seasons.
Drive-in Sites 79 Sites:
Most are wooded sites. In winter, 12 sites are kept available for winter camping. Of these, five are electric sites.
Pull-Through Sites: One Site
Electric Sites: 21 Sites
Majority of sites are 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.
RV Length Limit: Variable by site up to 60 Feet
Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: 3 Sites
Located near drinking water. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.
Backpack Sites: 4 Sites
Sites are located from 1 to 4 miles from parking area. Each site has picnic table, fire ring and latrine. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Trail access to these sites has been restored after a 2012 flood, but a few nearby trails remain closed. Please register at the park office for details on how to get to these sites.
Walk-in Sites: 4 Sites
Sites are located 50 to 150 feet from parking area.
Group Camp: 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 25 people
Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area (limited parking). Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only.
Lodging
Camper Cabins: 5 Cabins
All cabins have a screened porch. Electricity and heat are available year-round. Agate and Basalt cabins are ADA accessible and sleep 5. Slate, Gabbro, and Shale Cabins sleep 6 people. Pets not allowed in cabins. More information on camper cabins.
Such a lovely park and a quick stop off the highway! The main attraction - the swinging bridge - is near the entrance so it's accessible to all. The rest of the park is lovely trails through the woods and by the river. It is a state park, so a daily or annual pass is required.
Great, well-kept camp sites, flat pads for tent camping. The bathrooms are clean, and they take care of them as well. There is also showers at the park if needed, as well as drinkable water.
The park is absolutely beautiful! The bridge is really cool. My kids will sometimes complain on a 10 min walk that their feet hurt. Yet on a 2.5 hour hike around Jay Cooke, they were just having an absolute blast! We have been here twice now for my daughter's birthday. I highly recommend it!
This is one of our favorite state parks and since Minnesota parks are the best in the nation, it is one of the best for sure!
The swinging bridge offers a great viewpoint of the St. Louis River. Because the river's look changes with different times of the year, stopping here several times gives unique views each time.
The campground is good and the Minnesota Parks online check-in site is one of the best in the nation as well. The sites are nicely spread out so that each camper has privacy along with a wilderness view.
The hiking and biking trails make this a park that can satisfy any outdoor adventurist's cravings. We've been here twice (once in the summer and once in the winter) and both times were great.
The ice on the falls is pretty cool. This is most definitely one of the most amazing river areas to visit. We will be back again.
Jay Cooke is somewhat overshadowed by the state parks further north, but anyone skipping the park is doing themselves a disservice.
The river feels every bit as wild and rugged as the rivers on the North Shore, plus there are many miles of hiking trails. It's easy to plan 10 mile (or more) loops where you'll rarely see another person.
Add in the excellent campground and the park is an easy 5/5.
