One of our favorite places in Minnesota during the summer is “up north.” People in this state always argue about what “up North” exactly is. Living in Central Minnesota, anywhere above Brainerd, is “up North,” in my opinion. On this trip, we visited a campground near Cloquet called Knife Island Campground in Esko, Minnesota.
This campground had recently switched ownership since we had started frequenting it. We have noticed improvements this summer and heard that they plan to do even more in the future!
I love all the signage everywhere, and the potable water stations are in multiple locations. As you enter, there are a few little log cabins and full hook-up sites, but the downside is that there is no shade for those locations.
As you drive in, you immediately see the lodge and the newly remodeled bathhouse. The bathhouse is gorgeous inside, with 12 x 24 tiles and penny-round accent tiles—each bathroom in its specific style. The owner planned to add a window to one, as it needed some ventilation, especially in the hot summer. Across from the bathhouse is a small playground area.
Driving behind the lodge, you see the small cabins and the full hook-up area. Going further beyond that area, you go into the woods. That is where most campsites are. They have electricity and water but no sewer. They are a mix of campers and tents. I love that they also have a mixture of different elevations available!
“Knife Island” gets its name from the amount of slate in the ground that is so sharp it can cut you like a knife. There are signs stating that people should stay off the slate for safety. My son cut his finger, messing with a piece of slate. So much for listening!
There used to be an old slate quarry on the campground site. Many slates pulled from the area are now in downtown Duluth and the surrounding area. One man even died in a dynamite explosion in 1896. A marker in the campground commemorates his life.
There are multiple activities to do in and around the campground, including fishing, kayaking, biking, hiking, and whitewater rafting, as we did on the Saint Louis River right next door. I spent one morning at the campground just walking around with my camera. It was so peaceful and tranquil. People were cooking outside, enjoying nature and the time they had left of summer.
I always cherish the time camping. It takes a day or two to relax fully. Getting away from the screens, the fast pace of house demands, and the schedule of everyday life. Something about being in nature draws one in; maybe it’s the trees- their silence and majesty as they stand as sentinels and beacons of gratitude to their maker. Or, maybe it’s the water. The calmness of being near it calms one’s spirit and creates peace within what we all desperately search for and seek all the time.
I came upon the wooden bridge, flowing with broken slate pieces below, wildflowers, and this little wooden building—abandoned but cute. It is a perfect place for photos or to decorate for Christmas as a shed. Of course, it was probably a fishing or hunting cabin at one time. Or maybe it was used during the quarry times. I don’t know. It made me wonder about how many stories this place held, though.
Knife Island Campground also has a whole field area to play volleyball, which we did! With the Paris 2024 Olympics just happening, we were inspired to do our Olympic-style volleyball, guys versus gals. Although, not very good! We managed to get a couple of good volleys in!
I’m interested in returning to Knife Island Campground and seeing what improvements the owners have made. Will they add more full hookup sites? Will they expand the campground? Time will only tell.
We enjoyed our time that weekend, had a lovely bonfire, and ate at the local bar, River Inn Bar & Grill. The guys played pool as we relaxed after our escapades of fighting the rapids on the Saint Louis River through a terrible thunderstorm!
To hear more about that adventure, read my blog post link below:
We had a great adventure with our best friends, the Bertschs family! I highly recommend taking a whitewater rafting expedition with Minnesota Whitewater Rafting.
Collin and his crew are great at what they do and extremely knowledgeable at keeping you safe at every moment of the adventure. This was our second time going, and we had a blast.
Another place to check out near Knife Island is Jay Cooke State Park.
Along with exploring the North shore of Duluth, Two Harbors and beyond!
Until Our Next Adventure!
Lizzie❤️