High Landing Camp

For Minnesota locals seeking a deeply immersive and uniquely rewarding camping experience, High Landing Camp in Jay Cooke State Park, near Carlton, is an exceptional choice. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; instead, it offers a premier hike-in site that rewards your effort with unparalleled seclusion, stunning natural beauty, and a true sense of wilderness. If you're someone who loves to camp, truly loves to feel connected to the outdoors, and perhaps feels like it's been "years" since you've experienced that pure camping joy, High Landing Camp is calling your name.

High Landing Camp is celebrated by those who have discovered its charm as an "excellent large pine covered hike in site." It provides a perfect blend of rustic adventure and thoughtful amenities, ensuring a comfortable yet authentic outdoor escape. Imagine waking up to the tranquil sounds of the St. Louis River, surrounded by towering pines, and enjoying your morning coffee with a breathtaking view. This site is designed for those who appreciate the quietude and natural splendor that only a truly remote camping spot can offer, making it a favorite among backpackers and nature enthusiasts alike.

High Landing Camp is nestled within the magnificent Jay Cooke State Park, located near Carlton, MN 55718, USA. While the general address is Carlton, it's crucial to understand that High Landing is a hike-in campsite, meaning it's not directly accessible by vehicle. Your adventure begins with a scenic trek into the park.

The primary access point for Jay Cooke State Park is typically the visitor center at 780 Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718. From the parking area, High Landing Camp is approximately a 2.4-mile hike, often accessed via trails like the Superior Hiking Trail. While the hike is generally considered moderate for experienced hikers, it's important to be prepared for varied trail conditions, including potentially muddy spots, especially after rain. Reviewers from previous years have noted needing to cross a creek in the past due to path washouts, though more recent reports suggest this issue has been resolved, with only a few muddy sections remaining. This hike-in requirement contributes significantly to the campsite's renowned seclusion and peace, ensuring that only those truly seeking a wilderness experience make it to this hidden gem. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, leading you to a serene overlook high above the St. Louis River.

High Landing Camp, while primitive in its setting, is thoughtfully equipped with essential services that enhance the wilderness camping experience without detracting from its natural appeal. These amenities are designed to support self-sufficient campers and ensure comfort amidst the rugged beauty.

• Multiple Tent Pad Locations: The campsite is spacious, offering several cleared and relatively level areas specifically designed for setting up tents, accommodating various tent sizes and group configurations.
• Bear Proof Locker (Food Locker): A crucial safety and convenience feature in a wilderness area, High Landing Camp provides a bear-proof locker, ensuring your food and scented items are securely stored away from wildlife, offering peace of mind.
• Multiple Fire Grates/Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with robust fire grates, allowing campers to safely build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance. This essential amenity enhances the traditional camping experience (always check for fire bans before use).
• Multiple Picnic Tables: For added convenience, the campsite includes multiple picnic tables, providing stable surfaces for meal preparation, dining, and organizing gear.
• Vault Toilets/Latrines: While not flush toilets, well-maintained vault toilets or private latrines are available within a reasonable proximity, offering a necessary comfort in a primitive setting.

High Landing Camp boasts several remarkable features and highlights that make it a highly sought-after destination for campers in Minnesota, particularly those who cherish privacy and stunning natural vistas.

• Excellent Large Pine-Covered Site: The campsite is generously sized and beautifully shaded by numerous large pine trees, creating a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment. This natural canopy provides excellent coverage and a classic Northwoods feel.
• Beautiful Views Over the St. Louis River: One of the most outstanding features is the incredible vantage point it offers. Perched "really high above the river," the campsite provides "beautiful views over the St. Louis river," making for truly calming and peaceful scenery. This elevated perspective is a consistent highlight for visitors.
• Profound Seclusion and Privacy: Guests consistently note the exceptional privacy. It would be "absolutely shocking if anyone wandered past your site (they'd have to be either lost or looking for it)," ensuring a deeply personal and undisturbed wilderness experience.
• Ideal for Hammock Camping: The presence of "a few really good spots for hammocks right along the edge of the overlook" makes it perfect for those who enjoy relaxing and sleeping suspended among the trees while soaking in the views.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: The remote, hike-in nature of the site contributes to an unparalleled sense of tranquility. The sound of the "water rushing" from the river below provides a soothing backdrop for falling asleep.
• A Favorite Site for Many: Numerous reviews indicate that High Landing is a "favorite site" for many who have camped there, even compared to other options within Jay Cooke State Park, speaking volumes about its unique appeal and memorable qualities.

High Landing Camp is a backcountry site within Jay Cooke State Park. Therefore, specific inquiries about High Landing Camp should be directed to the main park office. Reservations for hike-in campsites in Minnesota State Parks are generally recommended and can often be competitive due to their popularity.

Address: Jay Cooke State Park, 780 Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718, USA

Phone: (218) 384-4610 (Jay Cooke State Park Main Office)

It is always advisable to contact the park directly before your visit to confirm site availability, current trail conditions, and any park regulations or alerts, such as fire bans. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable backpacking trip to High Landing Camp.

For locals across Minnesota, High Landing Camp presents an extraordinary opportunity to embrace the state's wild beauty and experience truly secluded camping without venturing too far from home. If you're a Minnesotan who cherishes profound peace, breathtaking natural vistas, and the rewarding challenge of a hike-in adventure, this site within Jay Cooke State Park is perfectly suited for your next outdoor escape. It's an ideal spot for a weekend backpacking trip, allowing you to quickly immerse yourself in nature and recharge amidst the towering pines and the sounds of the St. Louis River.

The ample space, multiple tent pads, and essential amenities like a bear locker and fire rings ensure a comfortable and secure primitive camping experience. High Landing's unique position, high above the river, provides a vantage point that is rarely found, offering stunning views that will make you feel truly connected to the landscape. This camp is a cherished local gem for those who seek an authentic, quiet, and deeply rejuvenating encounter with Minnesota's magnificent wilderness.

High Landing Camp

Carlton, MN 55718, USA