Jay Cooke State Park
Also known as Cooke State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Camping
- 100 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(218) 673-7000
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 6
Alert Trail UpdatesAll trails we are able to mow have been mowed as of Mid-October.
Posted by the park 2026-10-20. Official alert
Alert CampfiresThere are currently no campfire restrictions in effect, but please use common sense while having a campfire: monitor when it's lit and extinguish… (more)
There are currently no campfire restrictions in effect, but please use common sense while having a campfire: monitor when it's lit and extinguish when leaving the campfire area.
Posted by the park 2026-10-20. Official alert
Partial closure Ogantz Trailat Oldenburg Point past the main overlook 1/3 mile from the Oldenburg Point parking lot is closed until winter 2026-2027.
Posted by the park 2026-10-20. Official alert
Partial closure Seasonal Water and Campground Bathroom UpdateThe main campground bathroom and shower building is closed until May 2027. Outhouses are available throughout the campground. Trailer/RV dump… (more)
The main campground bathroom and shower building is closed until May 2027. Outhouses are available throughout the campground. Trailer/RV dump station/water fill-up station will remain open until overnight freezing temperatures persist. We may close it down overnight to keep pipes from freezing. The nearest drinking water faucet is a frost-free faucet between the Shale, Gabbro and Agate cabins in the campground. There's also a frost-free faucet in front of the River Inn. Seasonal water faucets in the campground are off until spring.
Posted by the park 2026-10-20. Official alert
Alert No Swimming Allowed in Jay Cooke State ParkSwimming and cliff/bridge jumping are not allowed in any part of Jay Cooke State Park due to the potential for dangerous currents.
Posted by the park 2026-10-20. Official alert
Water quality RemindersThe park does not have vending machines. Remember to bring a refillable bottle for water. Drinking water is available throughout the visitor area and… (more)
The park does not have vending machines. Remember to bring a refillable bottle for water. Drinking water is available throughout the visitor area and campground. Some snacks are sold inside our gift store, but no beverages.
Posted by the park 2026-10-20. Official alert
Overview
Jay Cooke State Park is a 7,834-acre park in Carlton County, about 7 miles southeast of Cloquet.
The park supports winter sports, historic sites, wildlife watching, ranger programs, and hiking. Camping is available: 100 campsites across 6 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, and showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Not stated | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
| Park | Bathrooms: The main campground bathroom and shower building is closed until May 2027. Outhouses are available throughout the campground. Programs: Check the events calendar for upcoming park programs. Programs are offered almost daily in summer and regularly the rest of the year. Water: Seasonal water faucets in the campground are off until spring. The nearest drinking water faucet is a frost-free faucet between the Shale, Gabbro and Agate cabins in the campground. There's also a frost-free faucet in front of the River Inn. Rentals: Snowshoe rentals are available to rent in the winter. Seasonal campsite rentals are not available at this location. Dump station: Trailer and RV dump station, water fill-up station will remain open until overnight freezing temperatures persist. We may close it down overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Campgrounds: • Camping is available year-round. The park has 81 campsites, including electric sites. There is a 14-night maximum stay; this park does not have any seasonal campsites. Drive-in, walk-in and backpack and group sites are available. Group sites are open for groups of 25 or fewer from late spring through the end of October. Winter camping: The park plows 15-20 sites, including some electrical campsites. We do not shovel fire rings, tent pads or picnic tables. Please bring a shovel for potential snow removal in your campsite. Camper cabins: Camper cabins are open year-round and have a maximum 14-night stay. RVs: Most sites will not accommodate very large rigs. This campground has lots of trees and tight corners, and is most suitable for smaller units. Site 46 is the only pull through site in the campground. | ||
| Other — Buildings | Daily | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
The office and River Inn buildings are typically open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There may be times when they are not open during those hours due to staff limitations. If you are arriving after hours for camping, you will need to check in using the reservation website or call center. Call ahead if you need to make sure the office is staffed during your visit- 218-673-7000, ext. 0. The office will sometimes be closed if staff are unavailable or need to briefly leave to attend to other needs.
Camping is available year-round. The park has 81 campsites, including electric sites. There is a 14-night maximum stay; this park does not have any seasonal campsites. Drive-in, walk-in and backpack and group sites are available. Group sites are open for groups of 25 or fewer from late spring through the end of October. Winter camping: The park plows 15-20 sites, including some electrical campsites. We do not shovel fire rings, tent pads or picnic tables. Please bring a shovel for potential snow removal in your campsite. Camper cabins: Camper cabins are open year-round and have a maximum 14-night stay.
Bathrooms: The main campground bathroom and shower building is closed until May 2027. Outhouses are available throughout the campground. Programs: Check the events calendar for upcoming park programs. Programs are offered almost daily in summer and regularly the rest of the year. Water: Seasonal water faucets in the campground are off until spring. The nearest drinking water faucet is a frost-free faucet between the Shale, Gabbro and Agate cabins in the campground. There's also a frost-free faucet in front of the River Inn. Rentals: Snowshoe rentals are available to rent in the winter. Seasonal campsite rentals are not available at this location. Dump station: Trailer and RV dump station, water fill-up station will remain open until overnight freezing temperatures persist. We may close it down overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Campgrounds: • Camping is available year-round. The park has 81 campsites, including electric sites. There is a 14-night maximum stay; this park does not have any seasonal campsites. Drive-in, walk-in and backpack and group sites are available. Group sites are open for groups of 25 or fewer from late spring through the end of October. Winter camping: The park plows 15-20 sites, including some electrical campsites. We do not shovel fire rings, tent pads or picnic tables. Please bring a shovel for potential snow removal in your campsite. Camper cabins: Camper cabins are open year-round and have a maximum 14-night stay. RVs: Most sites will not accommodate very large rigs. This campground has lots of trees and tight corners, and is most suitable for smaller units. Site 46 is the only pull through site in the campground.
Buildings: The office and River Inn buildings are typically open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There may be times when they are not open during those hours due to staff limitations. If you are arriving after hours for camping, you will need to check in using the reservation website or call center.
Electric sites: The campground is currently open. During the regular camping season the park has 20 electric sites available. In winter, 10 electric sites are available.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Camping
- Required
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
Reservations are required before occupying any campsite in any season.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
No dogs
No pets.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites 79 sites, mostly wooded — 12 sites stay open for winter camping, five with electricity. | 79 | ShowersRVs up to Varies between sites - up to 60 feet | — |
| Pull-Through Sites One site | — | Showers | — |
| Electric Sites 21 sites — Mostly 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp. | 21 | ElectricShowersRVs up to Varies between sites - up to 60 feet | — |
| Backpack Sites Four sites — Each has a picnic table, fire ring, latrine and bear box. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Gathering of dead and downed firewood near the backpack sites is allowed.
Distances from park office/swinging bridge area parking lot to site:
Silver Creek - 2 miles
Ash Ridge - 2.7 miles
High Landing - 2.4 miles
Lost Lake: 3.3 miles | — | Showers | — |
| Walk-in Sites Four sites, located 50-150 feet from parking | — | Showers | — |
| Group Camp Two sites, each accommodates up to 25 people — Tents only! Sites share a water spigot and vault toilets. Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area. Parking is limited. Carts are provided to carry in camping gear. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites — 79 sites, mostly wooded: 12 sites stay open for winter camping, five with electricity.
Pull-Through Sites — One site
Electric Sites — 21 sites: Mostly 20 and 30 amps, some 50 amp.
RV Length Limit — Varies between sites - up to 60 feet: Distance is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites — Three sites, near drinking water: The campground has three accessible drive-in sites. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.
Backpack Sites — Four sites: Each has a picnic table, fire ring, latrine and bear box. Campers must haul water or treat water on site. Gathering of dead and downed firewood near the backpack sites is allowed.
Distances from park office/swinging bridge area parking lot to site:
Silver Creek - 2 miles
Ash Ridge - 2.7 miles
High Landing - 2.4 miles
Lost Lake: 3.3 miles
Walk-in Sites — Four sites, located 50-150 feet from parking
Group Camp — Two sites, each accommodates up to 25 people: Tents only! Sites share a water spigot and vault toilets. Remote, wooded camp with walk-in sites approximately 150' from parking area. Parking is limited. Carts are provided to carry in camping gear.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins: 5 unitsYear-round — Five camper cabins with screened porches, heat and electric, available year-round. No pets. Slate, Gabbro and Shale each sleep six. Agate and Basalt are accessible and each sleep five. More information on camper cabins.
Accessible Lodging — 2 accessible camper cabins: The Agate and Basalt camper cabins are accessible.
Camper Cabins — Year-round: Five camper cabins with screened porches, heat and electric, available year-round. No pets. Slate, Gabbro and Shale each sleep six. Agate and Basalt are accessible and each sleep five. More information on camper cabins.
Things to do
CampingHikingWinter sportsHistoric sites and toursWildlife viewing and birdingRanger and interpretive programsPicnicking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic (winter) | 32 mi | — | 32 miles — Trails range from easy to difficult, with the easiest trails located the closest to the visitor center. The park grooms up to 20 miles of ski trails, plus an additional 12 miles as conditions and time allow. A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic |
| Snowmobile (winter) | — | — | Less than one mile — The park's trail is short, but connects with the Willard Munger State Trail system.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | 9 mi | — | Nine miles — Trails range from easy to difficult, and are packed and marked for snowshoeing and hiking. Snowshoers may also explore any off-trail areas of the park, but must keep off groomed ski trails. Snowshoe rentals are available at the River Inn visitor center.Snowshoe |
| Accessible (summer) | 0.5 mi | — | 0.5 milesAccessibleAccessible |
| Hiking (summer) | 50 mi | — | 50 miles — Great scenic views! Trails take you through wooded areas and along the river.Hiking |
| Paved Bike (summer) | 8 mi | — | Eight miles — The trail connects Carlton with the park.Paved Bike |
| Unpaved Bike (summer) | 13 mi | — | 13 milesUnpaved Bike |
| Horse (summer) | 6 mi | — | Six milesHorse |
Trail descriptions from the park
Winter — Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic — 32 miles: Trails range from easy to difficult, with the easiest trails located the closest to the visitor center. The park grooms up to 20 miles of ski trails, plus an additional 12 miles as conditions and time allow.
A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.
Winter — Snowmobile — Less than one mile: The park's trail is short, but connects with the Willard Munger State Trail system.
Winter — Snowshoe — Nine miles: Trails range from easy to difficult, and are packed and marked for snowshoeing and hiking. Snowshoers may also explore any off-trail areas of the park, but must keep off groomed ski trails.
Snowshoe rentals are available at the River Inn visitor center.
Summer — Accessible — 0.5 miles
Summer — Hiking — 50 miles: Great scenic views! Trails take you through wooded areas and along the river.
Summer — Paved Bike — Eight miles: The trail connects Carlton with the park.
Summer — Unpaved Bike — 13 miles
Summer — Horse — Six miles
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Accessible Sites — Three sites, near drinking water: The campground has three accessible drive-in sites. Two sites are electric, one is non-electric.
Accessible Lodging — 2 accessible camper cabins: The Agate and Basalt camper cabins are accessible.
Camper Cabins — Year-round: Five camper cabins with screened porches, heat and electric, available year-round. No pets. Slate, Gabbro and Shale each sleep six. Agate and Basalt are accessible and each sleep five. More information on camper cabins.
Showers — Accessible, available seasonally in the campground
Flush Toilets — Accessible: Available year-round in the visitor center and River Inn Interpretive Center. Available seasonally in the campground.
Accessible — 0.5 miles
All-Terrain Track Chair: The park has an all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park.
- Reserve the chair
- Map of designated trails
- Learn more about track chairs
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 780 Highway 210
Carlton, MN 55718 - Nearest town
- Cloquet — about 7 mi southeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 46.6616, -92.3991
- Phone
- (218) 673-7000
- jaycooke.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From the town of Carlton go three miles east on State Highway 210 to use the west park entrance.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 20, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology