Jay Cooke State Park (Minnesota) offers year-round activities. However, many might not be interested in camping once the temperature drops and snow covers the ground. But, some take advantage of it.
Winter camping definitely is something that some people do enjoy,” says Park Manager Lisa Angelos, “and also those who own RVs that have their own heating sources. Therefore, we plow a variety of electric and non-electric sites within one loop, which is available to use all year round.”
Another method to get their dose of camping fix when daylight is getting shorter is to use the five cabins in the park, accessible all year long thanks to the fact that they are heated.
“They have electric heat, and so they provide that opportunity for people when it’s just a little bit too cold for the tent for them to still get out and enjoy the park,” Angelos said.
Angelos said that the cabins aren’t a secret. “Weekends get booked up pretty, pretty regularly. There’s a little bit more availability if you have the flexibility to come during the week. But I would say as soon as you know you want to come, check out the website and make a reservation.”
If you’re planning to stay at Jay Cooke during the winter months, remember that specific accommodations are limited compared to other seasons.
We do not have a year-round shower and restroom facility in the campground, so it is more of a rustic experience. We do have our outdoor vault toilets, and then when our interpreted center and visitors center is open, we have the indoor facilities there,” Angelos said.
However, Angelos highlighted that the reward of being near to the park’s natural attractions at a time that is less and less crowded could be worth it.
“It’s definitely a different experience to see the river in the winter. The ice tends to form on the edges of the rocks and kind of highlight with some beautiful formations that provide some excellent opportunities for those photographers. Also, the winter light is much different. So you get kind of that low-angle winter light for sunset and sunrise and provide some beautiful scenery,” Angelos ended.