Forest camping near Duluth, Minnesota
Where the intrepid camper can explore historical marvels alongside natural wonders.
- Duluth
96% (3307 reviews)
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12 top forest campgrounds near Duluth
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Balsam Ridge Retreat
8 sites · Lodging5 acres · Duluth, St. Louis
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.
from
$69
/ night
Zenith Basecamp
3 sites · Lodging1 acre · Duluth, St. Louis
Zenith Basecamp is a place for the adventure inspired community to gather with other like-minded explorers. We provide indoor glamping for outdoor enthusiasts. The property also has an elevated cocktail bar, unique retail, indoor and outdoor community space, and unique retail. Recharge amidst your adventures or launch your North Shore excursions directly from Basecamp in the Lincoln Park Craft District in Duluth, Minnesota!
The outdoor activities surrounding Duluth are endless! Book a guided hike or paddle tour directly on-site with the help of Zenith Adventure. All rooms include a full cooler and camping chairs that you can take with you on your daily excursions. While we call ourselves a hostel, all rooms are private.
from
$75
/ night
88%
(47)
Trembling Gardens
2 sites · Tents10 acres · Rice Lake, St. Louis
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
from
$25
/ night
99%
(115)
Superior Beach Camp
2 sites · Tents15 acres · South Range, Douglas
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 currently have two campsites available: Aurora and Agate. Both are situated on an 80' bluff overlooking Lake Superior and are separated by a couple hundred feet of forest and a small ravine for added privacy. Each site has areas with lake views and areas surrounded by birch and aspen trees - camp where you're most comfortable! Both campsites also have their own path down to the beach (approximately a 2-3 minute light hike)
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 Sconnie 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.
from
$69
/ night
100%
(14)
Allure Of The Woods Rustic Retreat
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Carlton, Carlton
When we purchased the parcels over twenty years ago from a family member it had been vacant for over 60 years. The first time we walked the acreage was on snowshoes and we spotted a porcupine snacking on a poplar tree. I thought, what a great name, Porcupine Trail. I knew then we were meant to share this with others. Over the years many friends and family have walked these woods saying the same, that we need to share this great spot. Once the City of Thomson, our little community is now Carlton and known as “The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park”. We just call it home and look forward to sharing it with you.
Learn more about this land:
John Muir said everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike. Allure of the Woods Rustic Retreat invites you into the possibilities of experiencing this kind of rest and play. We are located just 20 miles south of Duluth MN nestled between Jay Cooke State Park and the Willard Munger State Trail. Close yet private, this 12x14 wall tent for two is perfect for those who appreciate privacy with the assurance that we're close by just in case. Your tent doors will open to a covered porch and five acres of mixed woods.
The off grid tent is something between glamping and roughing it. The site includes a cart to transport your gear and supplies, privy, personal fire ring, picnic table, brick rocket stove and first bundle of firewood. You can bring your own MDA or USDA certified firewood or extra firewood is available for a reasonable cash purchase. Bundle includes wood, kindling and fire-starter. Or gather it on the forest floor for free. Inside your wall tent you'll find simple furnishings; a full size futon with linens, (you may prefer to bring your own pillow) rocker, table, chairs, a few basics for cooking over a campfire or your own camp stove and a wood stove for heat in cooler/cold seasons. There is no electricity or running water so come prepared. Artesian well water is tested every three months and provided for drinking and cooking.
This is a ready to hit the woods or stay put campsite for adventurous or contemplative souls. Although welcome and open to anyone, this may not be for everyone. Keep in mind you'll be sharing the woods with a wide variety of wildlife including mice, skunks, coyotes and insects, including ticks and mosquitoes, so bring appropriate repellent and an adventurous soul. Our northern MN woods weather can vary from one day to the next. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and bring appropriate gear.
Attractions Close By:
A few minutes walk will put you on The Willard Munger State Trail. A short walk to an access trail or drive down the road will put you in Jay Cooke State Park. There you may enjoy 50 miles of historical and recreational trails of all kinds during all seasons. Some are designated for specific activities. An entrance fee applies if driving in. A few minutes drive in the opposite direction you'll see Swiftwater Adventures. Check out their website for offerings and online booking. Or, bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle board and a brief drive brings you to UMD's Kayak and Canoe Center Outpost. A short uphill portage to the access point and you'll be on the 339 acre Thomson Reservoir. A mile and a half away, downtown Carlton has The Street Car Kitchen and Pub, Red Dog drive thru coffee, Magnolia Cafe, Third Base Sports Bar, Carlton Meats and Grocery and a gas station with an ATM.
Come and immerse yourself in what the north woods has to offer! A beautiful night sky, bird songs, coyote yips, and even the rumbling sounds and horn of a distant train that says Welcome to Carlton "The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park". We just call it home and we’ll be happy to see you!
from
$70
/ night
100%
(122)
Woods and Meadows Farm
3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Wrenshall, Carlton
"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. Each space has comes with a small chemical or composting toilet, is bug-proof, and has various levels of cooking facilities. 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 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 hosted 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. :) 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 "bathroom" 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 is fine for less ambitious meals, and great for sitting at the table 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...
No firearms, off-roading, fireworks, or other items or activities deemed to be dangerous by the hosts. No unregistered guests.
from
$83
/ night
100%
(12)
Fairhaven Farm
1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Saginaw, St. Louis
Fairhaven Farm is located 18 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota on a beautiful patch of earth surrounded by forests, rivers and lakes. On our 27-acre organic farmstead we grow fresh vegetables, herbs, microgreens and flowers and serve the city of Duluth and its surrounding communities. We also host Pizza Nights and serve wood-fired pizzas at the farm on Wednesday and Friday evenings. We strive to create a happy, healthy community in an environment of shared abundance and beauty.
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$65
/ night
100%
(6)
Yurt on the River
1 site · Lodging14 acres · Saginaw, St. Louis
Our camp sits on the banks of the
Cloquet River, or Gaa-biitootigweyaag-ziibi in Ojibwe. It is
the main tributary of the St. Louis River which flows into Lake Superior. Part of our 13 acre property is a forest restoration project currently in process, and the rest is untouched wild lands giving way
to 100+ undeveloped state-owned acres to the North. We are committed to the restoration and preservation of the wild and are grateful and excited to share this singular and deeply grounding
experience.
Learn more about this land:
Our yurt sits on the edge of a wild woods overlooking a meadow that is an active forest restoration project currently in process. From your door, access trails that wind through the woods and lead to the banks of the Cloquet River and to 100+ undeveloped public acres to the North.
There is no electricity or running water in the yurt for a real rustic experience. Camp lanterns and solar lights are provided as is refillable fresh water and a propane camp stove/oven. The yurt is heated solely by a wood stove and there is plenty of firewood a short distance away as is a sled to use for hauling. A detached outhouse is a short walk from the yurt and is for your use alone. The yurt contains a queen bed with a single cot available on request. This is an opportunity to get back to basics, really unplug, connect with nature and unwind. As a safety to keep your phone charged, a remote charger is available on request.
Two pairs of snowshoes are included for long quiet walks through the woods and along the river where winter wildlife sightings are frequent!
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$125
/ night
Amnicon Adventures & Retreats
3 sites · Tents600 acres · South Range, Douglas
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.
from
$25
/ night
83%
(3)
Oakbrook
1 site · RV, Tent24 acres · Poplar, Douglas
Welcome to our little retreat in the Northwoods of Wisconsin! We've got 24 acres of mostly Aspen Forest with oaks and maples. There's around 3km trails and a seasonal stream. We're located just 15 minutes from Lake Superior and Lake Nebagamon for fishing, swimming, and boating and 20 minutes from the twin ports of Superior and Duluth. Enjoy the touristy sites of the twin ports and then retreat to a quiet rural rustic campsite for a fire and conversation at the end of the day. Currently no hookups or outhouse on the property (hence the low price) but we're working to add more everyday!
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$25
/ night
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Secluded Exclusive Forest
2 sites · RVs180 acres · Saginaw, St. Louis
This private lake and natural forest has been in our family for 40 years. It remains exclusive, serene and private. This year we decided to share its pristine beauty allowing one RV to pull in and enjoy nature and wildlife viewing.Learn more about this land:Located in Northern Minnesota just minutes from Duluth.DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA!Dry camping for just one RV at a time. - Adults only - No children. An exclusive site which is secluded and very private. Lake view with wildlife watching.. If you want neighbors other than ducks, deer and birds this is not a spot for you. June 19Yesterday 2 Trumperter Swans stopped by. Today we had a moose meander through. Jane Doe and her buddy John (the) Deer are always making themselves known. Bald Eagles soar above daily. Listen to the calls of resident Loons.
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$95
/ night
100%
(2)
Dogwoods Farm
3 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Brookston, St. Louis
Hello and welcome! We are Cristen & David, and our beautiful farm called Dogwoods is situated 35mn west of Duluth atop a moraine with stunning views and sunsets. We have 70 acres here, and they're a mix of rolling open fields and aspen/maple/birch forests which are especially pretty in autumn. We also have many rows of Christmas trees! :)
Historically this land was a dairy farm with pasture and hay fields and long before that a trading post site, later a work camp for the CCC. A small pile of of concrete rubble from the CCC bunk houses still can be found as a "hidden treasure" in the woods.
The most recent history of this place is that it was a tree farm called Hilltop Tree Farm, owned for 30+ years by Joe and Ranae Walsh. They cultivated both landscaping and Christmas trees here. When my water broke with our 2nd child while touring the farm, we felt the universe quite literally calling us to set down roots. Joe and Ranae became our mentors and taught us how to manage, trim the trees, and make wreaths. Our first season was Christmas 2021, and while we are not continuing with the landscape side of things, we are looking forward to our 3rd xmas tree season this winter. It is a cut-your-own experience that a lot of folks have been coming back to for many years.
We are now known as DOGWOODS...which brings me to the other side of what we currently do here.
We manage a small kennel of sled dogs. We have a crew of 17 Alaskan huskies adopted from Fairbanks AK and racers in the area. They are a mix of slightly older (6-7) year olds who aren't at their top speed for competitive racing but still have lots of desire to run and loads of personality and trail wisdom, and younger dogs acquired more recently. We loved the idea of giving the older ones a great home and a continued chance to do what they love best--RUNNING! It has been great fun. They have definitely become our friends/extended family and regularly join us in the house for Sunday dinners etc. David ran the Beargrease 120 last year and hopes to increase his mileage to possibly even the 300 someday. We have cut and maintained 3-4miles of trails on our property for this adventure and leisurely strolls. For longer runs we use the nearby tribal forest roads, state forest roads, and snowmobile trails.
We have always both had a heart for ecologically sustainable organic methods and active participation in the biodiversity here on the farm. We love growing our own fruits and vegetables and cooking from scratch. Last year we started an experiment of no-spray tree management. There were carbon emissions trade offs with fuel for mowing, and a lot of labor and time, but it was incredible to see the fields come alive with wildflowers and bees and monarchs and songbirds. This year we have added SHEEP to our farm! They have been excellent at mowing around the trees while fertilizing as we rotationally graze them. We love this regenerative agriculture approach and will keep experimenting with different techniques.
CAMPERS:
While you're here, please enjoy our beautiful trails. Some are more rugged than others, but all easily accessed on foot. It makes for a lovely walk in the woods.
Nearby attractions include the St Louis River for canoeing/kayaking and fishing (easy public access within a couple miles), Duluth is 35mn with all of it's microbreweries and restaurants, boardwalks, and beaches. Two Harbors is a 1hr drive, Jay Cooke State Park 30mn to the south, Sax Zim Bog for excellent birding, Echo Valley Speedway (our neighbors :), and the Country Corner pub just across the road which has food (including breakfast) for dine in & take out, gas, on/off sale, and is just a good ole place to hang out.
Because we are a working farm with working dogs and livestock (fences are electric and ON), we ask that all visiting dogs remain on a leash.
Please follow the sign for Lavoy Road just west of our tree farm to park in the mowed area at the meadow. There is room to pull through if you have a camper. This is a primitive camping area with no facilities except porta-potties in summer months (usually until early Oct). Please bring your own water.
We do not provide firewood, but you may bring your own if collected in St Louis Co, or the forest is full of down and dead wood that is free for the picking! (please do not cut live trees).
Please practice a no-trace etiquette, with pack-it-in pack-it-out as the rule.
In regards to toilet facilities, we recommend bringing a luggable loo or utilizing our neighbor's port-a-potty in summer months which borders the camping meadow (they have kindly given permission).
from
$30
/ night
Available this weekend
Within one hour of Duluth
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Forest camping near Duluth guide
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping options in the United States! Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful getaway, we've got you covered. With over 240 options near Duluth, Minnesota, nestled in the forest, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Looking for recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites like Balsam Ridge Retreat (506 reviews), Bad River Wilderness (158 reviews), and Stone Creek Farm (116 reviews). Our campsites offer popular amenities such as potable water, campfires, and toilets, so you can relax and enjoy your stay. And with activities like visiting historic sites, off-roading (OHV), and wildlife watching, boredom is simply not an option. Plus, with an average price per night of $32 and options as low as $5, you can have an incredible camping experience without breaking the bank. Start planning your adventure today at Hipcamp!
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