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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Community favorites near Cloquet Valley State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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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

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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.

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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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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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Stargazer On Superior

1 site · Tent1 acre · Port Wing, WI

We have two properties on the beautiful South Shore of Lake Superior in Port Wing, WI. At our lakefront property, we have 700' of shoreline and access to our private sand beach, perfect for swimming and bonfires! At our forest property, we have 68 acres of private trails weaving through the woods. Over the next few years, we'll be building more sites throughout our property to offer private, secluded lodging in a natural setting. We are planning to open up our first few sites in July 2024. The South Shore offers a bounty of activities and is much less crowded than the North Shore. Nearby, there are hiking trails, waterfalls, skiing, kayaking, paddling, ATV trails, and much more. Port Wing is halfway between Duluth/Superior and Bayfield, so it's the perfect spot to stay and visit all the South Shore sights!

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Luna Light Trails

3 sites · Tents20 acres · Makinen, MN

Come walk or bike our emerald aisles! We have five miles of groomed trails that lead through state land to the Mud Hen Creek! Bring your kayak and pole! By the creek we have a few beaver lodges and so much wildlife to admire! As you trek along Silver Ridge Canyon, don't be surprised by the sudden flight of grouse along this trail! Visit Scout Hill for a sunny afternoon picnic; the cedar trees will lead you there. If you hear knocking, you will see Mr. Woodpecker enjoying his lunch on a nearby birch tree! Our campsites are nestled underneath a canopy of mixed wood forest. We have birch, poplar, maple, and a variety of pine. Nearby you will find our newly finished outhouse, complete with a portable shower and natural light. You will have access to parking near or next to your site with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy! Our property features a beautiful variety of trees and plenty of trails throughout our land with wildlife you might see or hear. It might be the hoot of an owl or the drum of a grouse! You will also hear the "buck wheat" and the "chee-chee" of our guineas calling for each other. Our beautiful forest is our main feature. Since 95% of our land is wooded, we enjoy the great beauty and majesty of the trees. See if you can find "Prince." This giant is hidden on the northeastern side of our property. His beautiful branches tower over our trails and we have cleared a spot there to rest. His lovely "Princess" is near the back of the main house. She is surrounded by strong pines that stand guard through our long cold winters. Our property extends, via trail, to state land and the Mud Hen Creek. The views are breathtaking! Please come and bring your family and friends! Our campsites' proximity would create a great weekend getaway for a retreat event or a family reunion, as well as a quiet romantic weekend! Off site: We have Long Lake public access 5.8 miles down our road. Mud Hen Lake, Half Moon Lake, Pleasant Lake, Elliot Lake (all with public access) are just a few within a 15 minute drive. We are also within an hour drive from either Duluth or Two Harbors. The Range Cities are charming and you could visit several in one day. Other wonderful things to do in this area are walking or biking the Mesabi Trail. The Redhead Mt. Bike Park is within 45 minutes. The Soudan Underground Mine will be open summer of 2024! There are many local museums, parks, and more to discover on the Iron Range! Here at home we raise chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. We also have a Catahola Leopard dog named Hickory. She enjoys roaming our Luna Light Trails on the off season. When I was a child, I lived on a church camp property in Uruguay, South America. This plot of land had a grove of the most beautiful, tall, eucalyptus trees in the neighborhood. These trees were the home to Monk Parakeets. These small green parrots are the only members of the parrot family to build stick nests and to nest colonially. Needless to say, they were very loud, but one of my favorite childhood memories! This little plot on the Minnesota map has been our home for the last three and a half years. We have enjoyed our woods and so will you! ~ Taking reservations for summer 2024 ~

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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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Blue Pony Acres

3 sites · Tents6 acres · Eveleth, MN

Welcome to Blue Pony Acres. Thirty eight years ago we bought the remaining acreage and buildings from a northern Minnesota dairy farm. We have always enjoyed sharing our beautiful piece of the planet with friends. 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 and enjoy one of our campsites. Bring your kids, your dog, camera, canoe, kayaks, and bikes. Pitch a tent or swing a hammock in the pines. Enjoy your private 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 cook over your private campfire. The firewood is free! Request a shower and we will bring you a solar shower bag full of warm water. Exercise and walk your leashed dog in the state land adjacent to your campsite. A private composting toilet is available at each campsite (we do not have vault toilets), 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 wildlife photography, 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”. 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. Come on up North! Come on up North!

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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.

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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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Marko's grampa's cabin.

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Babbitt, MN

Our family has lived here on this property since Great Grandma Alma bought it in 1928. I am the fourth, raising the fifth generation of Carlson's living here. The log cabin was built by my grandfather, Oliver, in the 1950's and he lived there full time after he retired. The cabin is set apart from the two other homes on the property which is where our family lives full time. Birch Lake is over 6500 acres and stretches for 16 miles from our home to where HWY 1 passes over it. Most of the shoreline is federal and state land giving the lake a wild/undeveloped feel compared to more developed lakes in the area. It's known for producing walleye, northern pike, and crappie as well as other species of fish. SUMMER OF 2024 Update: The cabin will be under construction/improvement for this season. What this means is that only the main room will be available. We will be dismantling the back bedroom and old kitchen. This will impact your stay in terms of visible structural work to the cabin taking place but will not affect the main room or it's amenities. I will not be working on the cabin during any guest stays and will make sure the site is safe and clean for your stay with minimal indication work is going on. I'll make sure the main room of the cabin is clean and ready for your stay but the back bedroom will no longer be useable. The main room will still be bug free, dry, and have electricity. The grey couch is suitable for 1-2 people to sleep on, the beige couch pulls out a full/queen, and there is a cot for another. You may bring your own cot/sleeping pad or pitch a tent in the spacious and grassy lawn. Also note there is a new outhouse (the green one in pics). The old one is still pictured (hipcamp doesn't have a delete option) but not in use. Trust me, the new one is better. There is a small (12 foot) aluminum row boat and a pedalboat available for guests to use. What we provide: One room log cabin with guest only private beach. Electricity, outhouse, small kitchenette with limited utensils, fridge, small gas grille, microwave, toaster oven, hotplate, electric tea kettle, clean fitted sheets, and cot. What you'll need to bring: Sleeping bags/blankets, potable water or water treatment system, green propane cannister if you'd like to use the grille, charcoal if you'd like to use the larger grille, tp, etc. Please ask for more specifics. Can usually and am happy to accommodate.

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Turbera Vista

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Iron Junction, MN

The campsite is lovely and there are some relatively flat spots for a tent. A short trail through the woods leads to beautiful views of the bog. I restore neglected properties to a natural state, And provide campers with experiences to promote a love for nature. Many options for RV's and campers. You can see deer, squirrel, chipmunks and birds including Pileated Woodpeckers, Barred Owls and Common Loons on the lake. You can less than expect mosquitoes.

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KJ Eventyr

1 site · 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 areas and state parks, such as Jay Cooke State Park. Our private apartment offers a deck overlooking our pond and forest area, with all the amenities of home and the natural atmosphere of camping. KJ Eventyr is glamping at its finest.

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.