RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Carlton, MN
66 campgrounds and RV Parks near Carlton, MN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
66 campgrounds
2850 campsites
34 RVs available for delivery
From $17/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Carlton, MN
Main - Jay Cooke State Park
Carlton, MN (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(79 sites)
+5
Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey
Cloquet, MN (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+8
Knife Island Campground
Esko, MN (3 miles away)
Buffalo Valley Camping
Duluth, MN (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(63 sites)
+4
Mont du Lac Resort
Superior, WI (5 miles away)
$$$$$
+8
Fond du Lac Campground and Boat Landing
Duluth, MN (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+4
River Place Campground and Dockage
Duluth, MN (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Spirit Lake Marina and RV
Duluth, MN (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+4
Indian Point Campground
Duluth, MN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(51 sites)
+9
Big Lake Shores Campground and The Lounge
Cloquet, MN (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+9
Bent Trout Lake Campground
Barnum, MN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(102 sites)
+8
Head of the Lakes Campground
Superior, WI (14 miles away)
Most common amenities
Showers Tables Toilets Pet friendly Grills Playground Dump station Firewood Internet Laundry
Camping near Carlton, Minnesota
Carlton sits in northeastern Minnesota just off Interstate 35, about a 25-minute drive southwest of Duluth and directly adjacent to Jay Cooke State Park. The park entrance is on Highway 210, a short drive east of the town of Carlton. That geography makes the town a practical base for RV travelers who want state-park hiking on the St. Louis River paired with easy access to Lake Superior, the Willard Munger State Trail, and downtown Duluth.
Campground options within a short drive range from full-service private parks to state-park sites. Main - Jay Cooke State Park anchors the area with reservable drive-in sites and camper cabins, while Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey offers pull-through RV sites and full hookups a few minutes north. Knife Island Campground sits near the St. Louis River corridor in the Esko area, and Buffalo Valley Camping and Mont du Lac Resort round out the nearby choices on either side of the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line.
Larger rigs are accommodated at several area campgrounds, though certain state-park loops feature tighter turns, so travelers with big rigs should call ahead to confirm site fit.
Things to do around Carlton
Jay Cooke State Park is the primary draw. The park is known for dramatic tilted slate and greywacke rock formations along the St. Louis River, and the Swinging Bridge provides views of the river cascading over these ancient formations. The park has an extensive trail network for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, with connections to the Willard Munger State Trail.
Beyond the park, the St. Louis River corridor supports paddling and guided whitewater rafting, and the bike-friendly Munger Trail runs from Carlton toward Duluth. Duluth itself, less than 20 miles away, adds Canal Park, the Lakewalk, and Lake Superior harbor tours to a family trip itinerary.
Mont du Lac Resort operates as a year-round activity hub, with downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter and disc golf, mountain biking, and hiking the rest of the year.
Camping spots and RV parks near Carlton, MN
Seasonal patterns and when to visit
- spring
March - May
48° / 30°F 62 mmLate thaw; private parks reopen in May
- summer
June - August
75° / 55°F 100 mmPeak season; June is wettest and buggiest
- fall
September - November
52° / 36°F 63 mmFall color drives a second booking surge
- winter
December - February
25° / 7°F 24 mmDeep cold and snow; state park services closed
The camping season around Carlton is defined by long, cold winters and a short, busy summer. Summers are comfortable, winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, and skies are partly cloudy year round. Peak RV demand runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with fall color adding a second, shorter surge in late September and early October. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and the fall color window.
Shoulder-season travelers should plan around limited facilities. At Jay Cooke State Park, showers and the dump station operate seasonally and are typically closed outside the main camping season. Private parks generally run a similar window: the Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey open season runs from May through mid-October.
Winter camping is viable for cold-weather travelers, but expect reduced services. The park stays accessible year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for snow-packed roads and reduced campground availability. June tends to bring the wettest weather and heavy mosquito pressure near the river, while July and August deliver the warmest, driest camping conditions.
How to book campgrounds near Carlton
Public and private sites use different systems, so build a plan around both. For Main - Jay Cooke State Park, use the Minnesota State Parks reservation system at mndnr.gov/reservations or by phone at 866-857-2757. Camping and lodging reservations, including camper cabins, can be made up to 120 days in advance. A state-park vehicle permit is required in addition to the camping fee.
Private parks book directly. Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey reservations are made through the KOA website or by phone, and Knife Island Campground, Buffalo Valley Camping, and Mont du Lac Resort take direct bookings through their own sites. Summer weekends and the fall color window sell out first, so lock in dates as soon as the 120-day window opens.
All campsites in Minnesota state parks require a reservation year-round, so travelers cannot rely on first-come, first-served access at Jay Cooke and should book online or by phone before arriving.
What to expect on the ground
Sites in the area lean wooded and rustic, with mixed hardwood and conifer cover. Cell coverage varies, and service can be patchy inside Jay Cooke State Park. Roads inside the state park are mostly paved near main areas and transition to gravel within the campground loops.
For full-hookup RV travel, private parks are generally the better fit. Mont du Lac Resort offers full-hookup RV sites with 30 and 50-amp service and room for larger rigs, with back-in sites featuring water, sewer, and electric. The Cloquet / Duluth KOA Journey provides standard KOA amenities including restrooms, showers, a camp store, pool, and dump station.
Expect some ambient noise near the interstate and rail lines at Knife Island Campground, plus abundant wildlife across all area campgrounds. Bring bug protection in June and early July.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Carlton, MN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Carlton, MN?
RV rental in Carlton, MN is affordable, with most rentals on RVezy ranging from about $125 to $275 per night depending on RV type and season. Travel trailers are typically the cheapest RV rental option around Carlton, while Class C motorhomes and larger fifth wheels sit at the higher end. You will save the most by booking midweek, traveling in May or September shoulder season, and choosing a host with generous mileage included. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and compare delivery fees side by side. Some Duluth-area hosts offer delivery within a short radius of Jay Cooke State Park, which can offset the nightly rate.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carlton,MinnesotaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Carlton, MN?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Minnesota, with no commercial driver's license (CDL) or special endorsement required for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers. You'll just need to be at least 25 years old to book through RVezy, and we'll verify your ID directly in the app before your trip. Visiting from outside the US? Pair your home license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto club before you fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH). That's it. Most first-time renters in Carlton are surprised how straightforward the paperwork is compared to traditional rental agencies.
dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspxIs my RV rental in Carlton, MN protected if something goes wrong?
Yes. Every RV rental in Carlton, MN booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance. During checkout you choose your preferred level of coverage, and the plan helps protect you financially against most damages to the RV during your trip. It is not traditional auto insurance, but it gives renters real peace of mind whether you are parked at Jay Cooke State Park or driving the North Shore Scenic Drive. Pro tip: review the protection options carefully before confirming so you pick the level that matches your itinerary. For longer trips into remote areas, the higher tier is worth a closer look.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Carlton RV trip?
Booking your Carlton RV trip is low risk. RVezy sets the cancellation policy (hosts do not), and every booking includes a grace period after you book where you can cancel for a full refund, with additional refund tiers depending on how far in advance you cancel. If your plans shift, just open your RVezy dashboard and start the cancellation flow, or message support directly. The full cancellation policy details are available in the RVezy Help Center, so you can review the specifics before you confirm and book with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip from Carlton, MN?
Yes, pet-friendly RV rental in Carlton, MN is easy to find. Use the Pet-Friendly filter when browsing RVezy listings and you will see hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Jay Cooke State Park allows leashed pets on hiking trails including the Swinging Bridge area, and the Willard Munger State Trail running through Carlton is great for dog walks. Cloquet's Pinehurst Park and Duluth's Park Point Beach (about 25 minutes east) are also popular stops. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and any size or breed notes, so your pup is set up for a happy Minnesota adventure.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Carlton?
Yes, RV delivery in Carlton is a popular option, especially for first-time renters. Many RVezy hosts in the Carlton, Cloquet, and Duluth area will drive the RV directly to Jay Cooke State Park, Cloquet/Duluth KOA, or your private property, then level it, connect power and water, and walk you through every system before leaving. That means no towing, no backing into a tight wooded site, and no stress on day one. Use the Delivery filter on RVezy and enter your destination address. Delivery fees vary by distance, but for a stationary base-camp motorhome rental Carlton trip, it is often the best value going.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carlton,MinnesotaHow far can I travel on a Carlton RV trip?
You have huge range from Carlton, and many RVezy hosts offer rentals with unlimited mileage or generous daily allowances. Carlton sits at the crossroads of I-35 and Highway 210, putting Duluth just 20 minutes northeast, the full North Shore to Grand Marais about 2.5 hours up Highway 61, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area around 3 hours north via Ely, and the Twin Cities roughly 2 hours 15 minutes south. A classic RV road trip from Carlton loops the western tip of Lake Superior through Wisconsin's Bayfield Peninsula in about 4 hours. Check each listing's mileage policy before booking, and message the host if your route runs longer than the included miles.
dot.state.mn.us/maps/gdma/Where are the best campgrounds near Carlton, MN?
You have great options near Carlton. The headliner is Jay Cooke State Park Campground (780 Highway 210), with wooded drive-in sites, electric hookups, a seasonal dump station, and room for larger RVs right above the St. Louis River. Cloquet/Duluth KOA Holiday, about 10 minutes north, offers full hookups, a pool, and family amenities. Indian Point Campground in west Duluth puts you riverside with 30/50 amp service and easy access to Canal Park. Moose Lake State Park, about 25 minutes south on I-35, is quieter and easier to book last minute. Pro tip: Jay Cooke fills fast, so reserve as soon as the 120-day booking window opens through the Minnesota DNR system.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.htmlWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Carlton, MN?
The sweet spot for RV camping Carlton is late May through early October, with daytime highs ranging from the mid-60s in May to the upper 70s in July and back to the 60s in September. July and August are warm, green, and busy. Mid-September through early October delivers the legendary North Shore fall color along the St. Louis River gorge, and crowds thin out dramatically. Spring snowmelt (late April to mid-May) makes the waterfalls at Jay Cooke roar, but pack layers since overnight temps can still dip into the 30s. Winters are genuinely cold, often well below zero, so most renters target the May-October window for full hookup comfort.
weather.gov/dlh/Can I rent an RV in Carlton in the winter?
Yes, winter RV rental in Carlton, MN is possible for snowshoers, ice anglers, and Northwoods adventurers. Jay Cooke State Park keeps a limited number of campsites open year-round, including some with electric hookups, and the Willard Munger State Trail becomes a groomed cross-country ski route right through the park. Look for RVezy listings with heated holding tanks, an enclosed underbelly, and a working furnace, then message the host to confirm winterization. Pro tip: plan for shore power so you can run the furnace without draining batteries, and bring a heated water hose if you want to keep fresh water flowing when temperatures plunge below zero, which is common in January and February.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.htmlI've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay on a Carlton trip?
You'll be just fine, and Carlton is actually a great place for first time renting an RV. Roads around Carlton, Cloquet, and Highway 210 toward Jay Cooke are wide, well-paved, and low-traffic compared to a big city. Your RVezy host gives you a full pre-trip orientation covering the generator, slides, water systems, hookups, and dash controls before you drive away. If parallel parking a motorhome sounds intimidating, choose delivery and the host will set everything up at your campsite. Pro tip: take a 15-minute practice loop in a quiet lot like the Carlton County Fairgrounds before merging onto I-35, and you'll feel like a pro by the time you reach Duluth.
dot.state.mn.us/safety/What happens if something breaks down during my trip?
You're covered. Every RV rental in Carlton, MN booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package, so help is one phone call away whether you have a flat near Moose Lake, a dead battery at Jay Cooke, or a propane issue on Highway 61. Start by calling roadside through the RVezy app, and then message your host, who often knows the rig best. Cloquet has full-service RV repair shops just 10 minutes from Carlton if anything needs a deeper look. Pro tip: snap a quick photo of the tire pressures and fluid levels during your walkthrough so you have a baseline if anything seems off on the road.
dps.mn.gov/divisions/msp/Pages/default.aspxCan I take my Carlton RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Crossing into Wisconsin is no problem and a popular RV road trip from Carlton, with Bayfield and the Apostle Islands just over 2 hours east via Highway 2. Travel into Canada (Thunder Bay is about 3.5 hours north on Highway 61) may be allowed, but it depends on the host's policy and insurance, so message the host directly before booking to confirm. Important: travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: if you are crossing into Canada, bring your passport, the host's written permission, vehicle registration, and proof of your RVezy protection plan to keep the border crossing smooth.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Carlton RV road trip?
Fuel is one of your bigger trip costs, but it's predictable. Class C motorhomes around Carlton average 8 to 10 miles per gallon (MPG), Class B campervans get 15 to 18 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. Gas prices in Carlton County typically run a few cents below the Twin Cities average, with stations in Cloquet (Holiday, Kwik Trip) usually offering the best rates within 10 miles. For a 4-night loop to Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and back (about 350 miles), budget roughly $150 to $200 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: top off in Cloquet before heading up Highway 61, since stations get sparser past Two Harbors.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Carlton?
Book early, especially for summer weekends. Jay Cooke State Park reservations open 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR reservation system, and prime Friday-Saturday sites for June through August often disappear within hours. Cloquet/Duluth KOA and Indian Point Campground in Duluth typically take reservations up to a year out and fill fast around Grandma's Marathon (mid-June) and peak fall color (late September). For midweek stays, 2 to 3 weeks ahead is usually plenty. Pro tip: if you strike out at Jay Cooke, check Moose Lake State Park 25 minutes south or Banning State Park about 45 minutes south on I-35. Both are quieter and easier to grab last minute.
reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/What are driving conditions like around Carlton, MN?
Driving around Carlton is generally relaxed and RV-friendly. I-35 runs right past town with wide lanes and gentle grades, and Highway 210 east toward Jay Cooke is a beautiful, low-traffic two-lane through forest. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk year-round, and be alert for logging trucks on rural county roads. In late fall and winter, black ice can form on bridges over the St. Louis River, so slow down on Highway 210 between October and April. Summer thunderstorms occasionally bring strong crosswinds on I-35 north toward Duluth, where the descent into the city includes a noticeable downhill grade. Pro tip: use engine braking on the Thompson Hill descent into Duluth to save your brakes.
511mn.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Carlton?
Most campgrounds around Carlton are well-equipped for a comfortable RV stay. Jay Cooke State Park offers 21 electric sites (20/30/50 amp), modern flush-toilet restrooms with hot showers, drinking water spigots, a free seasonal dump station, and firewood for sale at the office. Cloquet/Duluth KOA adds full hookups (water, electric, sewer at each site), Wi-Fi, a pool, and a camp store. Indian Point in Duluth has full hookups and laundry. For dumping and water fills between campgrounds, the Jay Cooke dump station is free for registered campers, and the Cloquet KOA accepts non-guests for a small fee. Pro tip: fill fresh water before heading north of Two Harbors, where services thin out considerably.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00187What's included inside a typical RV rental in Carlton?
Carlton RV rentals come ready to roll. Expect a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, stovetop, microwave, sink, pots, pans, and dishes; a private bathroom with toilet and shower; comfortable sleeping for 2 to 8 people depending on the rig; and seatbelted travel seats for everyone on board. Most listings include a furnace, air conditioning, propane, and a house battery, and many add a generator, outdoor awning, TV, and Bluetooth stereo. Wi-Fi is often available through the host's hotspot or your own phone since cell coverage is solid in Carlton, Cloquet, and Duluth, though it weakens deeper into Jay Cooke's gorge. Pro tip: scan each listing's amenities list and message the host about linens, cookware, and camp chairs.
fcc.gov/general/broadband-deployment-data-fcc-form-477What add-ons and pickup options can I expect when I rent an RV in Carlton?
RVezy hosts in Carlton make customizing easy. Popular add-ons include camping chairs and tables, kitchen and linen kits, generators, propane fire pits, bike racks, kayaks, and Starlink Wi-Fi, usually priced from $10 to $50 each. Pickup is typically at the host's home in Carlton, Cloquet, or Duluth, with most offering delivery within 30 to 60 miles for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies vary: some include 100 free miles per night, others offer unlimited miles for local trips. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and pickup into one package if you're basing at Jay Cooke. It often costs less than the fuel you'd burn driving the rig yourself, especially for first-timers.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.htmlHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. When you book your campervan rental Carlton or motorhome rental Carlton on RVezy, you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host. A refundable security deposit is placed as a hold on your card before pickup, and the amount depends on the RV and protection plan you select. As long as the rig comes back in the same shape it left, the hold is released after your trip. Pro tip: take dated photos and a short video of the interior, exterior, and mileage at both pickup and dropoff. It is the easiest way to keep your deposit return quick and hassle free.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
Minneapolis, MNDuluth, MNApple Valley, MNHopkins, MNPrior Lake, MNRice, MNLong Lake, MNHudson, WIChamplin, MNAntigo, WIDurand, WIMaplewood, MNAitkin, MNSaint Anthony, MNCoon Rapids, MNSandstone, MNBecker, MNSaint Francis, MNSavage, MNBelle Plaine, MNOtsego, MNLake Wissota, WIGlenwood, MNRichfield, MN