Best Campgrounds near Balsam, MN

Camping near Balsam, Minnesota, offers a great mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly spots. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "I have hiked several of the trails and always see lots of wildlife. It is a great place to go and get lost in the woods...on some trails of course."
• Fishing and Water Activities: Enjoy fishing at Big Sandy Lake. A camper shared, "The campground is wooded and shady and the lake is very pristine, and very large so you have options for all kinds of boating and water activities."
• Family Fun: Check out the playground and beach area at Cloquet-Duluth KOA. One family noted, "Great family camping. Kwik Trip down the road has everything you forgot to bring."

What campers like:

• Privacy and Space: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Lovely sites with plenty of trees so most sites are quite private."
• Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One visitor at Moose Lake State Park Campground remarked, "Showers and restrooms were super clean!"
• Helpful Staff: The friendly staff at Cloquet-Duluth KOA gets high marks. A camper noted, "Staff here very helpful. Provided good information for our day trip to Lake Superior."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Savanna Portage State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Mosquitos are terrible—come prepared!!!"
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Moose Lake State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is a little cramped and rustic."
• Road Noise: Campers at Pokegama Dam Campground noted that highway noise can be an issue. One review stated, "Road noise from Hwy 2 is a downside."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that are spacious and have easy access to amenities. A family at Cloquet-Duluth KOA found, "The sites were also very small and very close together."
• Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Savanna Portage State Park Campground emphasized, "We were thankful to have a screen tent for this visit."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. One camper at Moose Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "There are several trails near the area and some connected to the campsite."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cloquet-Duluth KOA noted, "Sites are mostly level and some are a bit tight and close to your neighbors."
• Bring Extra Cords: If you're using electric hookups, bring extra cords. A camper at Minnesota National RV Park mentioned needing "20+ feet of electric, sewer, or water cord/hose depending on your rig’s configuration."
• Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of nearby attractions like Jay Cooke State Park. One visitor shared, "We rode the Gitchi Gami trail up along the north shore of Lake Superior."

Camping near Balsam, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to prepare for the bugs and enjoy the beautiful nature!