Jay Cooke State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Jay Cooke State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It contains 8,000 acres of rugged Minnesota land. The terrain is varied, with a gorge covering nearly 13 miles of the park's western side. The St. Louis River winds through the park, and a dense hardwood forest provides plenty of scenery for hiking the trails. For fans of organized exploration, Minnesota park rangers hold more than 400 events each year.
Spring 20-63 F
Summer 50-75 F
Fall 24-65 F
Winter 5-26 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Jay Cooke State Park
The Jay Cooke State Park Campground has 73 wooded drive-in sites and one pull-through site. Each site varies in length, with the longest being around 60 feet. However, the park roads are often narrow and winding, which can make it difficult for bigger rigs to maneuver. Electric hookups are available at 21 sites. Keep in mind that during the winter months, only 12 sites stay open. Potable water, a dump station, and showers are available during warmer months, but they are closed from November until mid-May.
What to Do at
Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park is one of the most popular parks in Minnesota for good reason. Its rugged terrain along the St. Louis River offers miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails as well as opportunities for boating and fishing. When winter comes, the park turns into a wonderland of snow that's perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. At the visitor center, you can learn more about the park's history. You can also join one of the hundreds of yearly events, such as guided snowshoe walks and birdwatching hikes.
Jay Cooke State Park offers a buffet of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and more.
Fishing
Along with the St. Louis River, Jay Cooke State Park has several small streams and reservoirs, including designated trout streams. You can fish in any of these with a Minnesota fishing license. Common catches are smallmouth bass, trout, panfish, and walleye.
Geocaching
Geocaching is available at this park. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails division hosts regular geocaching events.
Nature Watching
With more than 8,000 acres of wild terrain, Jay Cooke State Park is perfect for those who want to get closer to nature. Traversing the Swinging Bridge offers unique views of the river, and you are likely to see small and large animals while exploring the hiking trails.
Flora and Fauna
More than 173 types of birds nest in Jay Cooke State Park. The hardwood forest is home to various creatures, such as rabbits, chipmunks, and deer. You'll also find rare, endangered eastern hemlock trees.
Hiking
Around 50 miles of hiking trails meander through the forests and along the St. Louis River. The 3.2-mile Silver Creek Trail is rated as an easy hike and starts at the Swinging Bridge and travels along the waterway before looping back to where you started. If you are looking for a more challenging outing, the 6.5-mile Carlton and Tompson Loop takes you by the historical commentary and back to the picnic area.
Boating
Kayaking is a popular activity on the St. Louis River. The park has a boat launch for anyone interested in boating with personal watercraft.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
This park is one of Minnesota's premiere spots for cross-country skiing because once the snow flies, the park grooms over 20 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy. Snowshoeing is also popular, and you are allowed to go off-trail as long as you avoid the groomed ski areas.
Biking
Most of the hiking trails are also open to mountain biking enthusiasts. Many campers also peddle the park roads to exercise and get around.
How to Get to
Jay Cooke State Park
Coming from the south, you'll take Interstate 35 north until you reach exit 235 for MN-210. You'll turn right onto MN-210 East and drive until you reach the park entrance. From the west, simply take US-10 east until it becomes MN-210.
Entering Jay Cooke State Park
When you enter the park, you'll find ample parking north of the St. Louis River. The park itself is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., but the office closes at 4 p.m.
Daily : $7.0
Yearly : $35.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park is gorgeous year-round. If you plan to hike or bike in the park, visit during the summer when the trails are less muddy. If you're a fan of cross-country skiing, though, you'll want to visit during the winter months to take advantage of the many groomed trails in the park.
The park shelters a variety of animals, reptiles, and amphibians. Black bears and timber wolves live in the hardwood forests. Coyotes, white-tailed deer, and marsh hawks also make their homes in Jay Cooke State Park.
Jay Cooke State Park has 79 drive-in spots and a single pull-through site designated for RVs. During the winter months, only 12 of these stay open. Three sites are wheelchair accessible.
You don't need to reserve a camping spot, but this is a popular state park. Spaces fill up quickly, especially during the off-season when there are fewer RV campsites available. It costs $25 to $35 per night, depending on the campsite you choose. There's an additional $7 fee for making an online reservation. This fee is nonrefundable.
You can bring your pets to any Minnesota state park, including Jay Cooke. You must keep them leashed and are responsible for cleaning up after your furry companions.