The best camping in Cloquet Valley State Forest, MN

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Discover the natural splendor of Cloquet Valley State Forest.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Whispering Pines

100%
(20)
8.2mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Meadowlands, MN
In Northeastern Minnesota's Lake Country experience the tranquility of Whispering Pines, a hidden gem nestled in a picturesque Balsam and Spruce forest. Whether you’re craving the warmth of a crackling fire under the stars or an adventure along its scenic trails, this property offers a nature-filled retreat for all seasons. Settle into one of two well-appointed camping areas, each with its own firepit, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Located just 40 minutes from Duluth and the Iron Range, Whispering Pines blends the peace of the wilderness with easy access to local attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the property’s proximity to the Cloquet Valley State Forest, offering hiking, snowmobiling, and over 20 miles of off-road vehicle trails. Birdwatchers, prepare to be amazed by the variety of species that frequent the property, or head over to the world-renowned Sax Zim Bog, only 20 minutes away. Anglers will appreciate nearby lakes with public access for a great day of fishing. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Whispering Pines offers the best of Minnesota's lake country. Book your getaway today and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Winter bookings are available however, little to no maintenance is provided on sites during winter. "Snow can be cleared near sites for parking if given enough notice for a nominal fee."
Pets
Campfires
from 
$8
 / night

Odessa :.

95%
(20)
12mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cotton, MN
I restore neglected properties to a natural state, And provide campers with experiences to promote a love for nature. Odessa is named after a large port city in the country of Ukraine and a city in West Texas. USA. The land is located in a commercial zone in the small city of Cotton Minnesota. USA. Learn more about this land: Next to the Wilbert Cafe & El Toro Lounge, and Speedway gas station in Cotton Minnesota USA. Odessa, is located in the Central far East section of the Sax-Zim Bog.  USA. Near by is a Cafe, Two churches, A Community Center, US Post Office complex.  At the Community Center, Post Office complex and Park with child-playground, In the park is a out-house that can be used 24/7,  it is open to the public. All within the commercial district of Cotton Minnesota.  Also the outhouse has electricity and there is a light .... Sax -Zim Bog Welcome Center is 12 miles west. Bog's :   Winterberry Bog,  Yellow-bellied Bog, and Indian Pipe Bog, are just west on Arkola Road.  Fire wood is free, I have been cutting wood, but is still in short supply and fire banned while dangerous dry conditions persist. We have gotten rain so it is better now. For you light sleepers staying in a tent, just know none stop traffic off the highway and then the birds started chirping up a storm at 4:30 in the morning. Odessa is not a commercial campground.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$16
 / night

Luna Light Trails

100%
(21)
12mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Makinen, MN
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. 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. 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! 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night

Kick Back Tiny Shack

100%
(11)
13mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Duluth, MN
About this space The "Kick Back Tiny Shack" has a queen size bed, small futon bed (for a child) along with two single camp cots. This tiny house can sleep up to four people (2-3 most comfortably) depending on your needs. There is a mini fridge with mini freezer along with a mini gas range/oven, microwave, coffee pot and toaster. There is a TV with only local channels available. Wi-Fi is available at nearby restaurants. AT&T works well here; all others are very sketchy. The cabin has a freestanding gas fireplace to keep you cozy and warm. Come prepared to relax. This is a rustic cabin with all amenities so no need to pack up dishes, bedding, towels, etc. (bring sleeping bag and pillow for anything other than the queen size bed.) The kitchen is fully stocked with your basic cooking and dining essentials. If you don't want to do dishes you are welcome to bring your own paper plates, etc. Coffee, Salt, pepper, dish soap and hand soap, toilet paper and one roll of paper towels provided. There is no running water, but you will be supplied with an electric pump faucet with 10 gallons of water for the kitchen sink for doing dishes, etc. There is also a pump faucet for the outhouse sink. You can heat water on the stove with the pot supplied. In addition, 1 gallon of drinking water will be supplied also. There is a heated outhouse next to the cabin which has a shower stall in which you can shower with an electric pump shower, 120 gallons of water and on demand water heater. Towels are provided and if you need more water, you can contact us, and we can refill at our home which is located next door. Please allow notice in case we are not home at the time. The contact information will be provided with your booking confirmation. You have your own private yard on our 6 acres with a BBQ pit in the summer months, firepit and grill off of the back deck year-round. If you chose to bring a four-wheeler, canoe, boat or snowmobile there is plenty of parking space depending on the quantity. Snowmobiles & side by sides are available for rent 3 miles up the road from the cabin. Come and unwind or explore the many wonders that the Northwoods has to offer! The interior of the cabin is newly refinished. The exterior will be improved as time goes by.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night

Sunset Bay Getaway

100%
(16)
16mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 3 sites · RVs · 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)
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night

Blue Pony Acres

99%
(263)
20mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 3 sites · Tents · 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! 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night

North Shore Hermitage

100%
(12)
24mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging · Duluth, MN
Relax on a secluded and beautiful hobby farm in the North Woods while you spend your days exploring Lake Superior's North Shore or popping into Duluth or Two Harbors for all they have to offer! 20 acres of woods, pasture, and trails greet you as you enjoy one of North Shore Hermitage's comfy accommodations as your basecamp. Walk or bike down the quiet gravel road, breathe in the woods and wildflowers, and feel the cool breeze from the largest freshwater lake in the world just down the hill. You're four minutes to Scenic highway 61, six minutes from the beaches of Lake Superior, ten minutes to the grocery store in Duluth, fifteen minutes to Two Harbors, and zero seconds to the relaxing getaway you're looking for! Our family loves welcoming people to the unending beauty of the North Shore and helping folks experience what we get to live every day! Whether you're here for a week to to take in the shore, hike, bike, swim, fish, sail, rock hunt, cross country ski, snowshoe, run the marathon, birdwatch, surf (yes, that's a thing), shop, watch the sled dog races, enjoy a music festival, see Bentleyville, and relax OR you need a short stopover on your way farther "up the shore," North Shore Hermitage is the perfect place for your trip! We're just far enough "up the shore" to feel on vacation, but close enough to Duluth to have it all. Check out each site for your level of comfort and get ready to enjoy the Hermitage.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night

Yurt on the River

95%
(11)
24mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Saginaw, MN
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. Get 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 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, the river is great for swimming and fishing. (And Coming Soon: Kayaks, river tubes, and canoe availability pending the sorting of proper insurance.) In the winter, two pairs of snowshoes are included for quiet walks through the woods. *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 away. If you're sensitive to sounds, a light sleeper, or looking for complete and utter quiet, please take this into account. Ear plugs are also available in the yurt.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night

Balsam Ridge Retreat

100%
(974)
26mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 9 sites · Lodging · Duluth, MN
Hello friends! Yes, we are open!! Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! As you may know, we've been on pause for several months taking care of my aging mom. She is still with us but we're going to open up for the beautiful winter months! 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$69
 / night

Floodwood Municipal Campground

91%
(443)
37mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · Floodwood, MN
Floodwood Municipal Campground: A Hidden Gem in Northern Minnesota Nestled along the scenic St. Louis River, Floodwood Municipal Campground is one of the Northwoods’ best-kept secrets. Conveniently located on the outskirts of the city in a quiet residential neighborhood, this city-owned and operated campground offers a peaceful retreat with modern amenities. Exciting Recent Upgrades! Floodwood Municipal Campground has recently undergone a major renovation to enhance your camping experience, including: ✅ Remodeled and upgraded shower house for added comfort. ✅ Newly widened roads for easier access throughout the campground. ✅ New camping pads and electrical pedestals, with all sites offering water and electrical hookups. ✅ On-site septic dump station for added convenience. ✅ Brand-new ADA-accessible fishing pier, made possible by a grant from the Minnesota DNR. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Originally secured by the City of Floodwood in the 1970s to preserve outdoor recreation for future generations, the campground continues to be a welcoming haven for campers, hunters, anglers, and boaters alike. Whether you're looking for a base camp for your next outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway in nature, the City of Floodwood is ready to welcome you! Book your stay today and experience the charm of this beautifully upgraded campground. Firewood available for sale on-site. Staying several nights? Save on booking fees by booking directly with our Camp Host, Scott Condra, at 325-253-7538. Scott is also happy to answer any other camping questions you may have!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

Superior Beach Camp

99%
(204)
38mi from Cloquet Valley State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$59
 / night

The best camping in Cloquet Valley State Forest, MN 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.
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