Best Tent Camping near Carlton, MN

Carlton, Minnesota offers several tent camping options scattered among the surrounding forests and parks. Tent campers can choose between established sites like Cloquet-Duluth KOA, which accommodates tent camping alongside other accommodation types, or more primitive settings such as Grace Lake Road Dispersed camping area. The Nemadji State Forest also provides tent-only options at Garfvert Campground, known for its wooded sites and natural setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities with variable access. Robinson Park Camping provides fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads at each site, though most spots can only accommodate one tent. Garfvert in Nemadji State Forest offers toilets but limited other facilities, making it suitable for primitive tent camping experiences. Water availability varies significantly between locations, with some sites like Grace Lake Road Dispersed requiring campers to bring all necessary water. Access roads range from well-maintained to narrow dirt tracks that may challenge some vehicles during wet conditions.

The tent camping experience near Carlton provides opportunities for solitude and outdoor recreation. Sites at Robinson Park offer riverside camping with easy access to hiking trails and rock climbing areas. Nemadji State Forest campgrounds connect to extensive trail networks popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Grace Lake Road Dispersed camping provides a deeper wilderness experience with fewer amenities but greater privacy. According to one visitor, "Grace Lake was super nice and peaceful with lots of different dispersed spots." During spring and fall, campers often find uncrowded conditions at most tent campgrounds, though summer weekends can fill quickly at the more established sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Carlton, Minnesota (24)

    1. Cloquet-Duluth KOA

    9 Reviews
    Carlton, MN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 879-5726

    "One staff drove a cart right to our campsite and helped us determine the best way to back in our RV for the most privacy."

    "Tons of trees for shade. Everything you Need to enjoy a weekend away. Pool, hot tub, WiFi, showers, arcade, laundry, c store, and lots more. We will be back!!"

    2. Garfvert

    4 Reviews
    Holyoke, MN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 485-5420

    "My family has stayed here many times to use the dirt bike and atv trails. There is a lot of variety for different levels of difficulty. It can get busy."

    "It was hard to find a campsite because it's first-come-first-serve, but we were able to find a spot closer to the trails."

    3. Bear Lake County Park

    1 Review
    Hillside Terrace Homes, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 389-0420

    "It was very private and had nice trees surrounding it. So pleased with our stay here :) Visiting in the fall was ideal- I bet this place is packed during the summer months!"

    4. Barnum City Park

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    Hillside Terrace Homes, MN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 389-6814

    5. Garfvert Campground

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    Holyoke, MN
    18 miles
    +1 (218) 485-5420

    7. Schoen Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    2 Reviews
    Gordon, WI
    37 miles
    Website

    "This is a great spot for the primitive campers. There are no real sites more of a dispersed camping area. No reservations."

    8. Robinson Park Camping

    5 Reviews
    Sandstone, MN
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (320) 245-5241

    $10 - $30 / night

    "I wanted to be close to Banning State Park without the reservations. Early spring in Minnesota left us little cover between sites, but we were the only ones there."

    "Ropinion park is a historic walk through time with year around activities your bound to find something to interest you from hiking and rock climbing to fishing and boating this little park has something"

    9. Edelweiss Campground

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    Moose Lake, MN
    27 miles
    +1 (218) 372-3363

    10. Grace Lake Road Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Danbury, MN
    43 miles
    Website

    "Stayed a night here on our way up to the boundary waters gate is very narrow had to fold the mirrors on my Tacoma to squeeze through but if you park at the entrance it’s a short walk You’re about 20 foot"

    "Go down Tamarack Forest Road, which is a little further than the location on here."

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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Carlton, MN

464 Reviews of 24 Carlton Campgrounds



Guide to Carlton

Tent camping near Carlton, Minnesota offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options for both adventure and relaxation, campers can find the perfect site to pitch their tent.

Tent campers should check out Garfvert

  • The Garfvert campground is ideal for those who enjoy ATV and snowmobiling trails, providing easy access to hundreds of miles of off-road adventures.
  • Campers at Bear Lake County Park can enjoy fishing, hiking, and canoeing, making it a great spot for a long weekend getaway.
  • For a more secluded experience, Garfvert Campground offers flat, sizeable spots surrounded by nature, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Camping at Anderson is budget-friendly, with no fees for tent sites, making it a great choice for cost-conscious campers.
  • Barnum City Park offers affordable tent camping from May to September, with a focus on enjoying the outdoors without breaking the bank.
  • At Middle St. Croix — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, campers can find free tent camping options, perfect for those looking to save while enjoying the beauty of the riverway.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The trails at Garfvert are perfect for ATV enthusiasts, offering a mix of easy and challenging routes for all skill levels.
  • Fishing and canoeing are popular activities at Bear Lake County Park, providing a peaceful way to enjoy the water.
  • Campers at Schoen Park — Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway can experience primitive camping with stunning river views, ideal for those who appreciate a more rustic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carlton, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carlton, MN is Cloquet-Duluth KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Carlton, MN?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Carlton, MN, with real photos and reviews from campers.