Knife Island Campground

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty at nearby Jay Cooke State Park, venture on a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the St. Louis River, or explore the myriad of hiking and biking trails all within a quick 10-minute drive. Knife Island Campground is more than a place to stay—it’s your gateway to unforgettable outdoor adventures.

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About US

Discover the tranquil retreat of Knife Island Campground, nestled in the charming Esko community and only a short drive from the lively city of Duluth, Minnesota. Embrace the beauty of nature while enjoying the convenience of our strategic location, just off Interstate 35. Situated a mere 20-minute drive from the vibrant happenings at Bayfront Festival Park, Canal Park, and the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), our campground provides the perfect balance of relaxation and accessibility. Plus, with stunning campgrounds near Duluth, MN, you’ll find yourself immersed in the natural splendor of the Northwoods while still being within reach of urban excitement. Our amenities include convenient access to propane filling for your camping needs.

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A wooden footbridge surrounded by a lush, green forest. The path leading to the bridge is covered in dirt, and the trees above create a dense canopy. The scene is peaceful and inviting, suggesting a nature trail or forest walk.

Amenities

At Knife Island Campground, we blend the raw beauty of nature with exceptional comforts to enhance your stay.

  • Hiking Trails
  • Fishing Holes
  • Kayak/Canoe Launch
  • Playground
  • Gaga Ball Court
  • Horseshoe Pits
  • Pet Friendly
  • Propane
  • Laundromat
  • Picnic Tables
  • Luxury Shower House
  • Laundry Machines
  • Flush Toilets
  • Electricity
  • Sewer
  • Firewood for Sale w/ delivery
  • Recreational Field w/ equipment

Ways to Stay

  • Your Cozy Retreat Amidst Nature

    For a blend of comfort and adventure, Knife Island Campground's bunkhouses are the perfect choice. Equipped with modern amenities such as heating/AC, a television, microwave, charcoal grill, and mini-fridge, each bunkhouse can accommodate up to six guests.
A lush, green pathway in a forest leads to a wooden picnic table surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage under a bright sky.

RV & Tent Sites

Our campground caters to all camping preferences with a wide range of RV & Tent sites that accommodate fifth wheels, travel trailers, pop-up campers, motorhomes, truck campers, and vans.

  • 30/50 AMP
  • Overnight Sites
  • Fire Ring
  • Dump Station
  • Warm up Hiking Trails
  • Pull Thru Sites
  • Picnic Tables
  • Pump Out Services
  • Potable Water
  • Full RV Hookups
Book Your RV Site
A gravel path leads through a grassy area with a picnic table to the left and a trash can to the right. The path is bordered by trees and shrubs under a clear blue sky.

Our Site Map

Download a map of the campground below to see our amenities and their locations. To the right is a map of the area if you need driving directions to the campground.

Download Site Map
A wooden footbridge surrounded by a lush, green forest. The path leading to the bridge is covered in dirt, and the trees above create a dense canopy. The scene is peaceful and inviting, suggesting a nature trail or forest walk.
A sunlit forest path surrounded by lush green trees and undergrowth, with a clear blue sky overhead. The trail is covered with fallen leaves, leading into a shaded area further ahead.
A serene wooded path covered in fallen autumn leaves, surrounded by tall trees with green and yellow foliage. Sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating the trail, and a glimpse of a river is visible in the background.
A lush, green pathway in a forest leads to a wooden picnic table surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage under a bright sky.
A grassy field with a small soccer goal and a volleyball net. Dense trees border the area, and a clear blue sky is overhead. A few black benches are scattered near the field's center.

Contact Us

A wonderful spot along the river with great tree coverage. We had spot 26 and it felt nice and secluded. The person running the campground was extremely friendly and helpful. We had just met him and it was our first time here but he treated us like we had known him for years. They delivered wood right to our site as well.
Alysia Coffield
Fun and relaxing place. Spot 18 is biggest and best for tent camping! Staff is super nice and even delivers wood when needed. Walked in the woods and looks like they’re working on expanding…would be awesome to come back and see! Only complaint would be location…right off 35, but it does get quiet at night.
Susan Ramsey
Nice private wooded campsites, friendly staff and a modern shower facility. Not to mention pets welcome and a great location. Will definitely be staying here again.
Laura Schmidt
Awsome place to get away. Owners are awesome to deal with. Great camp sites with good fishing right on the river. It's kid friendly they have volleyball bad mitten, a few other games. The only downfall was one bathroom with shower, but they're working on adding more! Great pricing. I will definitely be going there in the future!
Nick Hamlin
Very welcoming and attentive managers. Camper cabins have awesome amenities and are very clean! Several nice little hikes within the campground with some interesting history and geography included. The location right next to the St Louis river brings a variety of wildlife as well as good fishing spots from shore. We will definitely be returning! we had an awesome time in the quite family oriented environment.
Danette Rohloff
Logo for Knife Island Campground featuring green pine trees and a light blue lake. The text "Knife Island" is in the center with "Campground" below it.
  • Open May 1st - Closed October TBD
  • Check In: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  • Check Out: 11:00 am

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