Best Camping in and near Cloquet Valley State Forest

Discover the natural splendor of Cloquet Valley State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Cloquet Valley State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Cloquet Valley State Forest

Indian Lake Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Cloquet Valley State Forest

from

$14

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Cloquet Valley State Forest

100%

(813)

Balsam Ridge Retreat

8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, MN

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.

Booked 9 times

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.

99%

(115)

Superior Beach Camp

2 sites · Tents15 acres · South Range, WI

Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty of 15 private wooded acres abutting an endless sand beach on the world’s greatest lake. We have a beautiful, private and spacious site which we call Agate that you have all to yourself. The site is situated on an 80' bluff overlooking Lake Superior, with lake views and surrounded by birch and aspen trees. A path within your campsite gives you access to a sandy beach on Lake Superior. Superior Beach Camp is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Or, if you choose, stay put and have a beach day! Set up your chair in the sand (or up above at the overlook) 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 – 10 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the city’s amazing tap room and cocktail scene – only a 20-25 minute drive away. 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. Perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp? (ask about our fishing guide!) 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). The options are plentiful year round. 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. Please note this is a new offering and primitive in nature as we begin our journey to share this special place with others. Please treat this as your own and remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can be greeted by the pristine beauty of Superior Beach Camp.

88%

(47)

Trembling Gardens

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Rice Lake, MN

PRIMITIVE - HIKE IN CAMPSITE About the campsite: 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. I am currently developing the land as a personal off-grid vacation home with a tent cabin under construction. The property is about 20 minutes away from downtown Duluth and Canal Park and has easy access to the North Shore. “Oh the swamp is a mystical place all right. It's sacred. You think you're any different from me or your friends or this tree? If you listen hard enough, you can hear every living thing breathing together. You can feel everything growing. We're all living together, even if most folks don't act like it. We all have the same roots and we are all branches of the same tree. In the swamp, we see visions of people we've lost, people we loved, folks we think are gone. But the swamp tells us they're not. We're still connected to them. Time is an illusion and so is death.” -Avatar, The Last Airbender, Book Two: Earth, Chapter 4: The Swamp

100%

(5)

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.

100%

(1)

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****

100%

(8)

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.

100%

(1)

Pondside Clayworks

10 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!

100%

(1)

Cedarwood Hideaway

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Two Harbors, MN

This property is nestled in beautiful mixed forest five miles inland from Lake Superior. It includes an off-grid cabin that sleeps 4. There is propane heat and cooking stove/oven, as well as limited solar produced electricity. A wood stove provides additional heat and ambiance. An outdoor fire pit and gas grill (and charcoal grill) are other cooking options. A short trail leads to a vault privy and outdoor games and night sky lounge chairs are available in the shed. Hike the groomed trails on-site, hop on the nearby Superior Hiking Trail or head up to one of the North Shore State Parks. All dishes, cooking supplies and bed linens are provided. Showers are available at the public campground in summer ($5) or Bodies in Balance ($15) in the winter.

100%

(252)

Blue Pony Acres

3 sites · Tents6 acres · Eveleth, MN

A while back two artists bought the remaining acreage and buildings from a northern Minnesota dairy farm. Lisa the painter and Art the metal smith always enjoy sharing their beautiful piece of the planet with friends. Welcome to Blue Pony Acres. We want to share the beauty we experience every day with you. Leave your cubicle and the city life for a short respite in the north woods. Bring your kids, your dog, camera, canoe, kayaks, and bikes. Pitch a tent or swing a hammock in mature pines and hardwoods. Enjoy the community campfire while you hear the stars sing, watch the northern lights dance and count the shooting stars. On a clear night you might see satellites pass overhead. Lay your sleeping bag on the ground, snuggle in with hot chocolate and smores and watch the night light show in comfort.After a long day of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing or photography enjoy a warm outdoor shower and cook in the common space by the campfire. Exercise and walk your leashed dog in the state land adjacent to your campsite.The firewood is free! A private composting toilet, free campsite WIFI, and extra tents are provided if you forget yours. We have three four person spare tents including a red and white Bill Moss canvas wing tent we’ll add to our inventory when it returns from the repair shop. Looks like a “Jetson’s” tent-your kids would love it!We have two campsites “carved out” of the tall pines, however you are welcome to pitch a tent closer to the campfire on the mowed area if you like.We have room for three totally self contained mini-rvs in the mowed area near the campfire, and we encourage you if you are full time van traveling and working on-line to take advantage of our free WIFI. We are 3.5 hours north of Minneapolis, MN., and one hour north of Duluth, MN. The Saint Louis River carry in landing is only 3.2 miles from your site.A 5 mile drive gets you to the Mesabi Trial, over 160 miles of paved hiking and biking trail stretching from the Mississippi River on the west almost to the boundary waters and Ely, MN on the east. Local lakes within a few minute drive have public landings for boat launch and canoe carry in for your boating and fishing enjoyment. The famous Sax-Zim Bog is within a half hour drive and a great place for photographing wildlife, and they have an interpretive center and very nice volunteers to help you identify wildlife. We’re about 5 miles south of the United Sates Hockey Hall of Fame; a great day trip for you and your sports minded children. A few miles further and you’re outside the doors of the Natural Harvest Food Co-op; a great shop for organic foods. Get local fresh food for your evening meal.Sneak into Lisa’s raspberry patch for “desert” or pick some hopps from the back fence in September and take them with you for your next home beer batch. I’m told they’re “Cascade Hopps”. Don’t know, but they have a grapefruit taste. Mmm good!We invite you to join us. Bring your camping gear, including camp cook stove(sometimes we’re under a fire ban). Ask your dog to bring it’s leash, yes we have a leash law. Warm clothes and light clothing as the weather changes. Rain gear. Your favorite bug repellent. Good hiking boots. Don’t forget bikes, canoes, kayaks, cameras, fishing gear, and maybe some band aids. Come to unplug and unwind and enjoy the clean air and sweet smell of the north woods. You might drive in and smell a smoker curing a pork loin or two pineapple chickens.Maybe it’s portabella mushrooms and roasted veggies on the grill for our vegetarian and vegan friends. You never can tell...you might be invited to join us, but...if you can overcome the food temptation you can retire to your site and enjoy the solitude. Come on up North!Learn more about this land:A while back two artists bought the remaining acreage and buildings from a northern Minnesota dairy farm. Lisa the painter and Art the metal smith always enjoy sharing their beautiful piece of the planet with friends. Welcome to Blue Pony Acres. We want to share the beauty we experience every day with you. Leave your cubicle and the city life for a short respite in the north woods. Bring your kids, your dog, camera, canoe, kayaks, and bikes. Pitch a tent or swing a hammock in mature pines and hardwoods. Enjoy your campfire while you hear the stars sing, watch the northern lights dance and count the shooting stars. On a clear night you might see satellites pass overhead. Lay your sleeping bag on the ground, snuggle in with hot chocolate and smores and watch the night light show in comfort.After a long day of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing or photography enjoy a warm outdoor shower and cook in your private campfire. Exercise and walk your leashed dog in the state land adjacent to your campsite. The firewood is free! A private composting toilet.We have two campsites “carved out” of the tall pines, however you are welcome to pitch a tent closer to your campfire if you like. We are 3.5 hours north of Minneapolis, MN., and one hour north of Duluth, MN. The Saint Louis River carry in landing is only 3.2 miles from your site. A 5 mile drive gets you to the Mesabi Trial, over 160 miles of paved hiking and biking trail stretching from the Mississippi River on the west almost to the boundary waters and Ely, MN on the east. Local lakes within a few minute drive have public landings for boat launch and canoe carry in for your boating and fishing enjoyment. The famous Sax-Zim Bog is within a half hour drive and a great place for photographing wildlife, and they have an interpretive center and very nice volunteers to help you identify wildlife. We’re about 5 miles south of the United Sates Hockey Hall of Fame; a great day trip for you and your sports minded children. A few miles further and you’re outside the doors of the Natural Harvest Food Co-op; a great shop for organic foods. Get local fresh food for your evening meal.We invite you to join us. Bring your camping gear, including camp cook stove (sometimes we’re under a fire ban). Ask your dog to bring it’s leash, yes we have a leash law. Warm clothes and light clothing as the weather changes. Rain gear. Your favorite bug repellent. Good hiking boots. Don’t forget bikes, canoes, kayaks, cameras, fishing gear. Come to unplug, unwind and enjoy the clean air and sweet smell of the north woods. You might drive in and smell a smoker curing a pork loin or two pineapple chickens. Maybe it’s roasted veggies on the grill for our vegetarian and vegan friends. You never can tell...you might be invited to join us, but...if you can overcome the food temptation you can retire to your site and enjoy the solitude. Come on up North!

100%

(1)

Camp Spooky

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Iron Junction, MN

Morcom Lake boat landing. Dinham Lake boat landing. Young Lake Public Water Access. Riverview Cemetery. Continue down Cemetery Rd. "west" Nice hike from camp, about a half mile. Melrude Whistle Stop bar and grill. Melrude Town Hall. Valhalla Park

Booked 1 time

Riverwood Hideaway

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Two Harbors, MN

This off-grid, solar powered hideaway is on the Knife River just a few miles outside of Two Harbors, Minnesota. The cabin itself is loaded with comfort. A full kitchen, propane refrigerator, solar powered lights and a gas fireplace/furnace offer the conveniences of home. There is an outhouse. Firewood is provided for the outdoor firepit. You will have to bring your own water for drinking, but we provide hand and dish washing water at the sink. We have coffee with pour over utensils, dishes, spices.

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.