The best camping near Cloquet Valley State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cloquet Valley State Forest adventure.

Discover the natural splendor of Cloquet Valley State Forest.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Cloquet Valley State Forest

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Balsam Ridge Retreat

8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, MN

Hey folks! Chris and I are taking a short break during the change of seasons. We're hoping for a big snowfall this winter, and that would be a good reason to open up at least a few of our sites! Keep an eye on our calendar if you'd like to experience a slice of winter in Duluth! Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

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Yurt on the River

1 site · Lodging14 acres · Saginaw, MN

Sit by the fire, gaze at the night sky, float down the river, and just unwind. Our yurt sits on the edge of a wild woods on the banks of the Cloquet River overlooking a meadow that is an active forest restoration project currently in process. From your door, you can access a loop of trails that wind through the woods, to the river and back to the yurt. There are also 100+ undeveloped public acres to the North accessible by kayak or a canoe. Enjoy getting back to basics. There is no electricity or running water in the yurt. Camp lanterns and solar lights are provided as is refillable fresh water and a propane camp stove/oven with pots/pans/utensils. The yurt is heated solely by a wood stove and there is plenty of firewood a short distance away with a sled or wagon to use for hauling. A campfire pit is just outside the yurt with a hanging grill and grilling tools. A detached outhouse is a short walk from the yurt and is for your use alone when you're here. In the winter, a Luggable Loo is available to bring to the yurt to eliminate trips at night in the cold to the outhouse. The yurt contains a queen bed with linens and a single camp cot available on request. Dogs are welcome in the yurt! We do charge a $25 pet fee per reservation. If you'd like to bring a dog or dogs (limit 2), please add the Pet Fee which is listed as an extra during the booking process. In the warm months, 2 kayaks, 1 canoe, and 3 inner tubes are available for exploring and enjoying the river (along with paddles and two life vests). You can start from our dock, paddle upriver as far as you'd like and float back down, which is extremely relaxing. If you'd like a shuttle upriver to a public access point for a half day's (or so) paddle/float back to the yurt, add this as an extra to your reservation during the booking process and message me with your preferred day/time. We charge $25/per person with a limit of two. This section of the river (from the Independence access at Hwy. 53 to our dock at Co. Rd. 7) is an easy paddle containing two Class 1 sets of rapids which are calmer the higher the river level. If the weather or river conditions make this unsafe, unpleasant or impossible when you arrive, we will issue you a refund. There is another option for a starting point farther upriver, put-in at Bachelor Road if you're looking for a full day's trip. This section contains a few more sections of Class 1 rapids. **Note that duration of either trip varies and is determined by the level/flow rate of the river. There is also great fishing and swimming in the river! **Note: Poison ivy grows along the banks of the river. I keep it abated at the dock and boat landing area but it's a good idea to wear water shoes and know your poison ivy identification. In the winter, two pairs of snowshoes are included for long quiet walks through the woods and on the frozen river where winter wildlife sightings are frequent! **Note: The last few years have not been cold enough for the river to freeze completely over, so snowshoeing on the river, highly unfortunately, has not been available. Always check with me before venturing out on the river ice. If there is any open water at all, DO NOT venture out. This is extremely dangerous! Exercise caution with dogs! **Another note: Train sounds and some road noise can be heard from the yurt. The train has been described as "quite loud" by some guests and as sounding "off in the distance" and pleasant by others. The crossing is a half mile down the road. If you're sensitive to sounds, a light sleeper, or looking for complete quiet, please take this into account. Ear plugs are available in the yurt.

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Superior Beach Camp

2 sites · Tents10 acres · South Range, WI

Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.

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Trembling Gardens

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Rice Lake, MN

PRIMITIVE - HIKE IN CAMPSITE Wilderness Experience Minutes from Duluth About the campsite: THIS PROPERTY IS RUGGED WITH MINIMAL DEVELOPMENT BEYOND HIKING TRAIL AND CAMP AMENITIES. Camp Palustria is on the edge of a beautiful marsh within 75 feet of a trout stream. It is about 1000ft off of the Superior Hiking Trail. The campsite is primitive which includes fire pit with grill, table, and composting outhouse. The site is about a 600ft hike from the road where you'll park. The first 400ft of the trail is a swamp with a simple elevated boardwalk through most of it. 95% of the time is it passable with hiking boats or street shoes, but there might be some muddy spots. Dispersed winter camping is also available. This campsite was featured on NPR Marketplace Campsite is closed during hunting season. About the property: Trembling Gardens is my 10 acre swamp camp paradise in the rural suburb of Rice Lake. The property is about 20 minutes away from downtown Duluth and Canal Park and has easy access to the North Shore.

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Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

8 sites · Lodging, Tents600 acres · South Range, WI

At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.

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KJ|eventyr

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Duluth, MN

Located 14 miles outside of Duluth’s Canal Park area, we have the perfect location for privacy, as well as, being close enough to enjoy Duluth’s many tourist attractions. We are also near multiple popular hiking, biking and skiing areas and state parks, such as Jay Cooke State Park and Spirit Mt. Our private apartment offers a deck overlooking our pond and forest area, with all the amenities of home and the natural atmosphere of camping. Our Forest Camper also offers many amenities in a smaller package.

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Wooded camping in Babbitt MN

5 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Babbitt, MN

Visit our rustic property which offers multiple camp sites in a wood-lined area in our very own backyard. Sizable, maintained sites are secluded and away from our home. They include a fire pit, and some have picnic tables available. Guests are welcome to choose any of the available camp sites upon arrival. RV ready. Sites do not include hook-ups/ electricity. Please note that we do not provide bathroom facilities at this time, visitors must provide their own and that sites are near our track, which is not for use. Camp 15 mi. from Ely MN, gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The property is only a minute from popular ATV trail access, and just minutes away from public lake access for fishing, boating and more. Be our guest and please allow us to share our piece of beautiful Northern Minnesota with you!

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Off-Grid Cabin

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Duluth, MN

A unique, octagon, cedar log cabin, situated on 40 secluded wooded acres. A short hike over the Sucker River on a storybook foot bridge to a generous deck which surrounds the cabin. You will need to be very physically fit to stay here. You must climb a steep ladder to the loft and do a 2ft step to get off the deck to the marshy land below. The cabin has a main room which holds two sofas and an indoor fireplace. There are games, books, binoculars and a telescope available for guest use. To access the sleeping loft, climb a ladder. The sleeping loft holds a Sleep Number bed. Guests are welcome to use any spices, pantry items and cookware that are in the kitchen. There is no running water in the kitchen or bath. There may be well water in the blue/green jerry cans . You could use that for the sauna or washing dishes. Guests need to bring their own potable water. We recommend 1 gallon of water per person each day spent at the cabin. We do usually have a small amount of water in water cooler containers which is from the local grocery, filtered water for you to use in a pinch if needed. ***the sauna DOES NOT get above 120 degrees in the winter, you’re welcome to try a winter sauna, but it’s will not be very hot at all**** ***no running water*** ***no shower, there is a sauna for a sauna bath*** ***do not book this cabin if you need to charge any medical equipment*** ***do not book this cabin if you can not do a 2ft step on and off the deck of the cabin to get down to the ground to build a sauna fire or bonfire. The land is a marsh and it shifts with the season so there are not steps secured to the deck****

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Old Finnish Homestead

2 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Brimson, MN

Looking for a private retreat to get away from it all? This 38 acre property is just the spot! The pine lined driveway guides your way to the homestead or your campsite. Step inside the homestead and you will find turn of the century, farmhouse charm with a large farmhouse table to gather in kitchen, stove, island, hardwood floors and original to the homestead windows. Cozy up by the wood burning fireplace in the living room with salvaged barn wood walls and beamed ceiling details. If camping is more your style you will find an easy to back into site located just at the end of our beautiful driveway. The campsites are gravel and are well marked for easy set up. All campers and guests at the homestead will have access to the outhouse on the property. We take pride in keeping our outhouse very clean. Across the dirt road you will find the Historic Toimi School and Rest Area. At Toimi School you will have access to potable water and pit toilets. We do not have running water at the homestead, so the closest potable water source is Toimi School. Wild raspberries line the homestead and the road, bring your bucket to fill as you walk over to fill your jug of water. We have a stream that runs thru our 38-acre property, if you care to hike along any of the trails that have been cut you may find it! We have Adirondack chairs for lounging and an outdoor play kitchen with toys for the kids. The fire pit on the homestead is shared among the campers and the homestead guests. Feel free to start a fire in the pit and pull up a chair. Enjoy the company of your fellow camper! The homestead is located in the perfect spot for the North Shore explorer! 1 hour 18 minutes to Ely, 30 minutes to Two Harbors and Silver Bay, 1 hour 50 minutes to Grand Marais. Countless other stops along the way including Black Beach, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse and Iona's (Pink) Beach.

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Sunset Bay Getaway

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Duluth, MN

Please Note: This is an Adults Only Hipcamp Location. Enjoy your stay at Sunset Bay Getaway in your own self contained RV or camper and enjoy the views of our beautiful lake. Relax in the evening around the firepit. We do offer firewood for sale. Just enjoy being in nature, listening to the sounds of the frogs and birds. Grab a bite to eat at a local bar/restaurant 1 mile away. ATV trails, fishing, hunting and nature walks all available close by. Dogs allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Adults only. We do not have hookups for water, sewer or electric. We do not have restrooms or any facilities for hipcampers to use. All Hipcampers must have self contained RV's/Campers. The driveway to the camping/parking spots is a tad of a slope so keep that in mind when booking. The max length we allow is 34 Feet long due to the road to the camping spots. You might drag your bumper or hitch on your way down the hill to the spot. It's not hard to drive, it just is a bit steep and only gravel. We are always here to help if need be when you arrive. Bring bug dope, the bugs can be very hungry right about dusk time til about 30 min after the sun goes down. If you have kayaks or paddleboards you are welcome to bring them and enjoy the lake. Watercraft (boats/jet ski's) not allowed. This is a primitive camping spot, meaning no hook ups or WiFi. (no water/sewer/electric/wifi)

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Pondside Clayworks

12 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Esko, MN

Discover our private property in Esko, MN, offering a peaceful retreat. Please note that there are no water or electric hookups, and there is no onsite public restroom or facilities. Situated near Jay Cooke Park, Lake Superior, and the Lake Superior Hiking Trail, you'll find an abundance of outdoor activities nearby. The city of Cloquet, where you can access essentials like Walmart and grocery stores, is conveniently close. As this is our family's home and property, we kindly ask for quiet and respectful behavior. Be aware of a nearby train track, and be prepared for occasional train sounds. Feel free to share the space with our two friendly dogs – Bernice, a large Bernedoodle, and her sister/sidekick, Selena, a small Yorkie Bichon. They roam freely on our property, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to hosting you in our family-friendly environment!

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Woods and Meadows Farm

3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Wrenshall, MN

"All are welcome here." We love sharing our beautiful space with you. There are forty acres with woods, trails, meadows, ponds and a creek. It is peaceful and private. Each cabin has its own special ambiance. We will help you with suggestions of things to do and see in the area if you like. We want our guests to feel welcome, safe and comfortable, so please ASK us if you have questions before you "instant book." If you have a couple of extra people or need more elbow room, ask us for more information. Please read the following through: It helps us to know your ETA in advance and to update us so that we can plan our own day as well! Once you are in the area send us a message just before your arrival so we can meet you and set you up properly! Thanks in advance! We raised kids and host international students here, and always enjoy meeting other travelers. We are now retired but still traveling and exploring. While living and teaching internationally we looked for adventure, staying in a wide range of hostels in developing countries around the globe. We have enjoyed staying in everything from bamboo long-houses in Borneo and Thailand to adobe shelters in the Andes to rondavel huts in South Africa. There are free range chickens and a friendly farm dog here, and there are sometimes dogs staying at the other cabin. There are also all kinds of wildlife in the area, so we require that dogs be supervised and leashed, for their safety and the safety of our chickens and our wild animal neighbors. No dogs may be left unattended on our property while you go out and about... take your canine pals with you! Quiet hours are dusk to 7am. If you choose to bring a dog, we want you to consider your dog's inclination for barking. We keep the peace and quiet of all of our guests in mind. We hope that you (and your pet) will have fun at our northern Minnesota retreat. Burnell and Ann enjoy having company, and hearing about your travels and adventures (if you feel like sharing) and want you to feel safe and secure. All people are welcome here, as long as you follow our reasonable rules! When you come into our driveway you will see our house and barn. One of us will meet you and take you down to your site. -We ask that people check in before ten at night your first evening, so as not to disturb other guests... ;) It is very difficult to find your way in the dark. DRAGON LOFT cabin has one double bed in a loft with a ladder. Great for two people. Very little extra sleeping space except for a dog bed or kennel below the loft. This space has a nice reading/coffee room, a private "and a deck with table and chairs and patio with a fire ring. You can cook on a grill we provide, outside. You have access to a dock on the pond, and full use of the trails in our wooded acres or play frisbee in the hayfield! RAVEN WATCH cabin is comfortable for up to four people (two full size beds) A bed upstairs overlooking the pond and downstairs by the wood stove. The little kitchen comes with a nice propane stove and wash area. There is space for sitting at the table and playing cards or reading on the sky-chair swing. Wood supply is right outside your door, the picnic table and fire ring are next to the creek, nearby. Sitting outside on the benches by the pond, you can enjoy a raised fire ring and roast some marshmallows. Price based on two adults. Small fee for up to two more people. Sad to say we have to say this again: NEVER leave a dog alone at the site while you are out and about. We/you do not want to deal with damages from doggies who feel left behind. Keep in mind the number of pets and limited in the space there is. Write to me if you have questions. We love our dog, too, but please, no animals are allowed on human beds. Bring your kennel or dog bed and leashes. We also love and respect our wild critters' space so keep yours on a leash and pick up all poop. :) No firearms, off-roading, fireworks, or other items or activities deemed to be dangerous by the hosts. No unregistered guests.

The best camping near Cloquet Valley State Forest guide

Overview

About

Just 20 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota lies the Cloquet Valley State Forest. For residents of the city, that’s a short drive for a long day of adventure. We’d guess visitors sleep pretty well at night, judging from the amount of exercise you can get in here: you can burn your legs out with miles of hiking or pump out your arms paddling around Indian Lake, plus dozens more great activities.

The campground at Indian Lake is a great way to make the most of a weekend in the forest. Trade the television for a campfire and then wonder why TVs can’t cook s’mores. (Actually, the answer to that is pretty obvious.) The bottom line is that a day out in Cloquet Valley State Forest totally beats a day on the couch.

When to go

The prime time to visit Cloquet Valley State Forest is during the summer and fall months, when the weather is mild and the foliage is a tapestry of vibrant colors. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though some areas may be less accessible. Spring can be challenging with muddy trails and lingering cold.

Know before you go

Check the latest trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be mindful of local wildlife; store food securely and maintain a respectful distance.
Some areas may have limited cell phone reception; plan accordingly with maps and emergency contact information.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the forest's natural beauty.
For any inquiries, contact the park office between 8:30am to 5pm for assistance.