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- Knife Island Campground
Knife Island Campground










Knife Island Campground Overview
Rating
Phone (218) 428-7752
Address 234 W State Rte 61, Esko, MN 55733, USA
Website http://www.knifeislandmn.com/
Hours
Monday, 12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, 12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, 12:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Knife Island Campground Location & Map
MinnesotaCarlton CountyEskoWest State Route 61
Knife Island Campground About
Are you a Minnesotan yearning for a camping experience that offers the perfect blend of serene natural beauty and convenient access to vibrant attractions? Imagine unwinding in a peaceful setting, surrounded by the quiet hum of nature, yet just a short drive from the exciting activities of Duluth. Look no further than Knife Island Campground, ideally situated in Esko, MN. This highly recommended destination promises a remarkable stay, whether you're a seasoned RVer, a tent camping enthusiast, or a family looking for a relaxing and engaging outdoor escape.
Knife Island Campground consistently earns high praise from visitors for its welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. Guests rave about the "amazing" experience, often highlighting the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. This dedication to customer service immediately sets a positive tone for your visit, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. The campground prides itself on being "clean and peaceful," offering a tranquil environment where you can truly relax and recharge amidst the beautiful Minnesota landscape.
One of the standout features of Knife Island Campground is its generous layout. Reviewers frequently mention the "good amount of space between" campsites, providing a sense of privacy and room to enjoy your outdoor living area. This thoughtful design ensures that even during busier periods, you can still experience a quiet retreat. For those with RVs, the "super easy to access" hookups are a significant convenience, making setup a breeze. And for our four-legged family members, the "great amount of space to walk our dogs and go then to run around by our space" is a testament to the campground's pet-friendly nature, ensuring everyone in the family can enjoy the outdoor adventure.
For local Minnesotans, Knife Island Campground offers an accessible and deeply satisfying option for their outdoor getaways. Its strategic location near Duluth means you can easily transition from a serene campsite to city exploration, providing the best of both worlds. It's a place where you'll want to return, year after year, to create new cherished memories in the heart of Minnesota's beautiful Northwoods.
Knife Island Campground is strategically located at 234 W State Rte 61, Esko, MN 55733, USA. This address places it in an exceptionally convenient position for local Minnesotans, offering a gateway to both natural serenity and urban excitement. Situated just off Interstate 35, the campground provides remarkably easy access, minimizing travel time and maximizing your leisure at the campsite.
The campground's proximity to Duluth is a significant advantage. It's described as "only a short drive from the lively city of Duluth, Minnesota" and a mere "20-minute drive from the vibrant happenings at Bayfront Festival Park, Canal Park, and the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)." This means campers can spend their days enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Knife Island Campground, engaging in fishing or relaxing, and then easily venture into Duluth for dining, shopping, cultural events, or waterfront attractions. This blend of tranquility and accessibility is a key draw for many.
Furthermore, the location provides excellent access to other popular outdoor destinations. Knife Island Campground is "on the banks of the scenic St. Louis River," offering direct opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. It is also "only a quick 10-minute drive" from natural wonders like Jay Cooke State Park, renowned for its hiking and biking trails, and potential whitewater rafting on the St. Louis River. This makes Knife Island Campground an ideal base camp for exploring the diverse recreational opportunities of the region.
For Minnesotans, the balance of being "immersed in the natural splendor of the Northwoods" while still being "within reach of urban excitement" makes Knife Island Campground a truly practical and appealing choice for anything from a spontaneous weekend trip to a longer, activity-filled vacation.
Knife Island Campground offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all types of campers. Their commitment to visitor satisfaction is evident in the thoughtful provisions available:
- Variety of Campsites: They cater to diverse camping preferences with a wide range of RV and tent sites. RV sites include full hookups (water, electric, sewer) with 30-amp and 50-amp options, and varying lengths. They also offer pull-through sites for easier access.
- Clean & Well-Maintained Facilities: The campground is consistently praised for being "clean" and "very well kept." This extends to their "clean shower rooms with flushable toilets," ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Visitors consistently highlight the "nice and super helpful" hosts and staff, noting their willingness to "deliver wood or ice if needed to your campsite," providing excellent on-site service.
- Pet-Friendly Environment: Campers appreciate the "great amount of space to walk our dogs and go then to run around by our space," indicating a welcoming atmosphere for pets, with rules for leashing and cleanup.
- Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and a picnic table for outdoor dining, enhancing the classic camping experience.
- On-site Store/Concessions: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, amenities listed online (like "General Store" and "Ice" delivery) suggest a convenient on-site store for essentials like firewood, ice, and possibly light groceries or snacks.
- Propane Filling: Easy access to propane filling is available for camping needs, adding to convenience.
- Laundromat: On-site laundry facilities are provided for campers' convenience, especially for longer stays.
- Dump Station: A readily available dump station for RV waste disposal.
- WiFi Connectivity: WiFi is available at the campground, allowing campers to stay connected if desired, though some areas may have better reception than others.
Knife Island Campground stands out with an impressive array of features and highlights that contribute to its high recommendations and loyal visitor base:
- Exceptional Staff and Hospitality: Consistently praised for "nice and super helpful" hosts and "very welcoming and attentive managers," the friendly staff create an inviting and positive atmosphere that significantly enhances the camping experience. Their willingness to "deliver wood or ice" directly to your site is a notable convenience.
- Impeccable Cleanliness and Maintenance: Reviewers repeatedly emphasize that the campground is "clean," "peaceful," and "very well kept," including "clean shower rooms with flushable toilets." This dedication to upkeep ensures a comfortable and pleasant environment for all guests.
- Spacious Campsites: Sites offer a "good amount of space between them," providing privacy and room for campers to relax, set up their gear, and enjoy their surroundings without feeling overcrowded.
- Easy Access RV Hookups: For RV campers, the "super easy to access" hookups (including 30-amp and 50-amp power, water, and sewer) simplify the setup process, allowing for more time to enjoy the trip.
- Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground provides "great amount of space to walk our dogs and go then to run around by our space," making it an excellent choice for campers who wish to bring their furry companions along.
- Direct Lake/River Access for Fishing: With the "lake is right there," guests have immediate opportunities for "fishing," making it a prime spot for anglers to enjoy the St. Louis River's offerings.
- Versatile Accommodation Options: Beyond RV and tent sites, the campground also offers rustic bunkhouses and cabins equipped with modern amenities like heating/AC, TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves, providing options for different comfort levels.
- On-Site Island Exploration: The campground boasts a unique two-acre island accessible via a wooden bridge, offering additional "fishing spots and a nice little walking trail," adding an intriguing element to the natural landscape.
Knife Island Campground demonstrates a commitment to providing value to its guests through various offers and discounts. While specific flash sales might change, the campground consistently offers several types of promotions that are appealing to different groups of campers. Based on available public data, these can include:
- Veteran Discount: A 10% discount is offered for veterans. Campers typically need to call or email the office to receive a promo code and show military ID at check-in.
- UKB Tribal Member Discount: A 10% discount is available for UKB Tribal Members, also requiring contact with the office for a promo code.
- Campers Card Discount: A 10% discount is offered for Campers Card holders, valid for up to two nights, requiring the card to be shown at check-in.
- Military & First Responders Discount: A 10% discount is offered for active duty and retired military service members, as well as fire, police, and EMT members. This usually requires a promo code (e.g., THANKYOU10) and valid ID at check-in, applicable for stays less than a week long.
- Good Sam Member Discount: Good Sam members can receive a 10% discount on their daily rate, often with a promo code (e.g., GOODSAM10) and applicable for stays less than a week.
- Seasonal Offers: While not always explicitly detailed, campgrounds often have special rates for booking seasonal sites, which can represent significant savings for long-term stays.
It's important to note that discounts typically apply to daily rates and may have restrictions on duration or blackout dates. To get the most current and accurate information on specific promotions, or to confirm applicability for your planned stay, it is always recommended to contact Knife Island Campground directly. You can inquire about these listed discounts and any other seasonal or last-minute offers they might have available.
To plan your relaxing and adventurous getaway at Knife Island Campground or to inquire about specific site availability and amenities, please use the following contact details:
Address: 234 W State Rte 61, Esko, MN 55733, USA
Phone: (218) 428-7752
Mobile Phone: +1 218-428-7752
Their official website, www.knifeislandcampground.com, is also an excellent resource for detailed information, online reservations, campground maps, and visual tours of the sites and facilities. It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or for holiday weekends, as this popular campground tends to fill up quickly. Their friendly staff will be delighted to assist you with any questions and help you book the perfect spot for your Minnesota camping adventure.
For Minnesotans seeking a truly exceptional and conveniently located camping experience, Knife Island Campground in Esko stands out as an ideal choice. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its unique combination of peaceful natural surroundings, comprehensive amenities, and its strategic proximity to beloved regional attractions.
Firstly, the consistent praise from visitors for its "clean and peaceful" atmosphere, coupled with "good amount of space between" sites, directly addresses the Minnesotan desire for a genuine outdoor escape that still offers comfort and privacy. This balance ensures that locals can truly unwind and recharge, away from the hustle, without feeling overcrowded.
Secondly, the campground's dedication to service, highlighted by the "nice and super helpful" hosts and staff who "deliver wood or ice," speaks to a level of hospitality that fosters a welcoming and reliable experience. This personalized touch builds trust and encourages repeat visits, making it a go-to spot for many Minnesotans. The pet-friendly nature is also a significant plus for many local families who consider their furry friends part of the adventure.
Crucially, its location off Interstate 35, "only a short drive from the lively city of Duluth" and near natural gems like Jay Cooke State Park and the St. Louis River, offers unparalleled flexibility. Locals can easily pop over for a weekend of fishing and relaxation, or use it as a basecamp for exploring the vibrant urban offerings of Duluth, all within a reasonable commute. This blend of accessibility to both nature and city life is a compelling factor for a diverse range of Minnesotan campers.
In essence, Knife Island Campground provides a high-quality, well-maintained, and user-friendly camping experience that perfectly aligns with the preferences of Minnesota residents. It's a place where relaxation meets recreation, ensuring memorable and hassle-free getaways that locals will want to return to again and again.
Customer Reviews
This place was so amazing. Would 10/10 recommend. The host that greeted us was so nice and super helpful. The campground was clean and peaceful. You can go fishing because the lake is right there. The spots had a good amount of space between them. We got a space for our rv and the hook ups were super easy to access. The campground had a great amount of space to walk our dogs and go then to run around by our space. We will be back.
Great campground to relax and recharge. We rented a campsite for a couple nights, 30a power and water hook up. Campground is very well kept, clean shower rooms with flushable toilets. The staff will deliver wood or ice if needed to your campsite.
Beautiful, private campsite. Clean restrooms, wood delivery to each site convenient and affordable. kind staff with a camp store with everything needed including ice cream treats! 5 star review
We loved it here! The staff were absolutely amazing. They were super kind upon arrival. Their greeting was warm. They even left us a little painted pumpkin on our last day. They worked with us on a late check out. Besides the staff, the little island was gorgeous! The park was perfect for the dogs. We will definitely be back!
My husband and I stayed at Knife Island camp-ground in one of their bunk houses in October 2024. We arrived on a Friday and left on Sunday. We both would highly recommend staying here. It was peaceful, beautiful, and we had such an enjoyable time! The owners are kind, the shower house is very nice and clean, and the campground is kept up well. If you have children there is a playground and outdoor activities they will surely enjoy! It is also pet friendly which is great for fur baby owners!
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