Best Tent Camping near Carlton, MN

Recent Tent Reviews near Carlton, Minnesota

436 Reviews of 22 Carlton Campgrounds

• 

  Rico R.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 12, 2019

  Spirit Mountain Campground

  Tent camping

  As a tent camper the only reason I’m not giving Thais a 5 star is the price and the lack of privacy. The tent sites are all within arms length of each other and in the middle of a path to a trail. The price was 30$ to camp in a tent without electricity... by far the most expensive tent camping I have ever seen. arms length from other people... in the middle of a path.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 30, 2019

  Spafford City Park

  Busy City Park

  Wedged between the St Louis River, the highway, and a ceiling tile factory, this campground has four tent sites on the edge of the river with the rest of the campground having full hookup sites for RV’s. It is a popular campground as I got the last tent site- the last site in the entire campground- at 2 in the afternoon. There is a snowmobile trail going over the river and into the woods that is a nice walking/hiking trail in the warmer months. The bridge over the river is too high to fish from, but there seemed to be lots of places along the river that you could toss a line from. Watch out for ATV’s and bicyclists as they also use the bridge to access trails. The camp host will get you the code for the really nice, clean bathhouse that has free showers for campers. If you are tent camping you will need to park either at the bathhouse or in the park lot outside the campground as you cannot park in the tent sites, which are essentially walk in. But it is a short walk. There aren’t any hammock appropriate trees in the tent area which is basically a mowed lawn, but there are a few trees to provide some shade.

• 

  Sara S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 12, 2016

  Jay Cooke State Park Campground

  family time

  We came with our extended family and while they did tent camping we stayed in a camping cabin. The cabins were great! Our family also was pleased with their tent camping site. This park offered some fun hikes. The views are beautiful- great place to take photos! We came into the stay somewhat unaware of the park, as our family had done the reservations and planning, but we were pleasantly surprised at everything this park offers :)

• 

  Scott M.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 22, 2022

  Moose Lake City Park

  Super relaxing

  Nothing fancy here but a locally run campground that is clean and well kept. Not a lot of privacy but spaces can be big. Being right on the water is a bonus here but watch out for the mosquitos. There are both rv and tent sites available with the tent sites being in the back.

• J

  Jim H.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 28, 2020

  Pattison State Park Campground

  Perfect for the family!

  Great campground! Most of the sites are perfect for tent camping or glamping. Clean and each site is well separated and lots of trees. Manitou Falls is a short walk away and is incredible. Bring firewood.

• S

  Sarah C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 21, 2019

  Bent Trout Lake Campground

  We enjoy this place

  Bent Trout Lake Campground is a beauty. They have tent camping with hookups at times. There is a great, well-maintained lake which in turn makes the beach just as nice as the lake itself. Pristine waters with great piece of property surrounding it. Friendly staff and win-win for family’s and others alike.

• 

  Joanna B.

  Legend

  

  May. 16, 2020

  Pardun’s Jack Pine Campground

  Small and quaint

  5/15/20-5/17/20

  This campground is only a year old and offers 31 RV sites with full hookups 30- or 50-Amp Service (greywater dump at each site) and 19 wooded (some semi-private) tent sites. They have a beautiful bath and shower house (the shower takes quarters $1.25 for 10 minutes) and sell wood on site for $5 a bundle. It is just over the MN border and about a mile from the St Croix River. ATV trails are accessible from the campground.

  Pardun’s also offers canoe and tube rentals in town and also at St. Croix State Park - which sounds wonderful on hot summer days. It’s not far from town which includes a grocery store and St Croix Casino. St Croix State Park is also about 20 minutes away in MN and a great place to explore with miles of hiking. I found the pricing very reasonable at $30 a night for RVs and $17 for tent sites. $1200 for seasonal. The owner came over to meet us and was very friendly.

  We chose site tent site 17. Each site has a large fire ring and picnic table. This site had a few trees and was fairly open but it didn’t matter because there was only 1 other group camping in the tent area. It was very quiet and peaceful, very easy to social distance during the pandemic. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway to enjoy a fire and night under the stars, this is perfect little campground.

• p

  patricia

  Scout

  

  Aug. 20, 2021

  Top O’ the Morn Resort & Campground

  Great Spot to Camp

  Found this gem of a campground while passing thru this area.

  Nice quiet campground. This campground seemed to be mostly filled with RVs. We were tent camping and they had a well shaded,very clean and quiet area for us.

  The owners were quick to return our phone call when trying to make a reservation.

  Very friendly owners!

• 

  Brandon F.

  Traveler

  

  May. 29, 2019

  Sandy Lake COE Recreation Area

  Great family campground

  Great place to camp. The dedicated tent sites are limited, but lots of rv sites. Electrical at every site and everyone is friendly. There are even showers and plumbed bathrooms. Only reason not a five star is that the bathrooms tent to get pretty bad and could use more than once a day cleaning on holiday weekends.

• 

  Scott M.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 22, 2022

  Spafford City Park

  Don’t Get too excited but nice people

  There is a lot to do in the area and this is a busy campground offering a couple tent sites and mostly full time rv folks. Talked to a few people and they are like a community and we’re welcoming!

  Bathhouse is kept clean and can be accessed with help from the camp host.

• 

  Brad P.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 17, 2023

  Spafford City Park

  Right in Cloquet

  Nice little RV park right in the town of Cloquet. There are a few tent sites right against the river. On the west end of the property is access to a pedestrian bridge where you may find some fisherman in the summer. You can walk to the Northeastern Bar of the coffee shop. Nice little stopping spot if you are headed to the BWCAW or the Range.

• S

  Sara A.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 3, 2021

  Old Logging Trail — St. Croix State Park

  First solo experience

  This was my first solo tent camping night in June 5, 2020. There were some horse flies when I parked but they didn't seem to hang out in the shade of my campsite. There was a very loud bird making calls until about 1am... Maybe a whip-poor-will. Otherwise a serene spot tucked back in the walk in site.

  Directions to the walk in sites were a bit unclear when driving in but I eventually made it there.

• 

  Faith H.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 1, 2018

  Bent Trout Lake Campground

  Family Friendly With Lots to Do

  Absolutely love this campground! They have RV sites and tent sites a private lake with swimming area and fishing/boat/water toy area. There's a little store with all your basic supplies and where you can rent different boats and water things and a rec area with pool table and games. Lots of campground activities to bring everyone together. Their own private firework display the week of the 4th.

• 

  Becky F.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 20, 2020

  Whiteface Reservoir

  Whiteface Reservoir

  My husband and I camped here over the 4th of July weekend with our entire family. We loved the campsites as the sites where spacious and seemed more secluded with all the trees. We loved how wooded the sites where as it felt more like camping and provided more privacy. The campground was pretty and very well kept. The sites vary in size so I would recommend driving around the loops to check them out to see which one would fit your best camping needs for your RV/Tents. We always do this as we like to know which sites to get the next time we camp here. We got the last two first come first serve non electric sites as it was over the 4th of July so we actually got lucky to get a site at all. We used generators as it was almost 100 out the entire week we camped. The campground asks for generators to be turned off I believe between 10-10:30pm.

  We spent most of our time at the beach and in the lake as swimming was a must this week due to it being so hot out. We brought our lily pad to use out on the water which was a big hit for everyone in our group.

  The tent sites where amazing they were full of trees for more of feel of actual roughing it camping. The best part of this campground is the tent site area has their own beach area which was amazing for all the kids in our group. The hosts were very informational and even delivered ice and firewood if you needed more! This was a huge perk as this campground has so many loops and our group camped in RV sites and Tent Sites.

  The beach area was very clean and boat launch was nice. Very friendly hosts as each loop has hosts assigned which was convenient.  The lake is huge just had to be careful as this was our first time at this lake and since the water levels where down the sand bars were more noticeable then usual as locals stated.  We plan on coming back to this campground it was very clean and well kept.

• M

  Malte W.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 28, 2024

  Savanna Portage State Park Campground

  Nice campground - a lot of bugs in the summer

  Savanna Portage State Park is a beautiful and peaceful spot for camping, especially if you enjoy tent camping. The campsites are well-spaced, private, and perfect for tents, offering a great connection to nature.

  The park features a lovely lake that’s ideal for kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. There are also several great hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the scenic forest and wetlands.

  One thing to note—there are a lot of bugs in the summer, so make sure to pack plenty of bug spray! Overall, it’s a fantastic place for outdoor lovers looking for a quiet and rustic getaway.

• 

  Dave G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 13, 2016

  Banning State Park Campground

  Nice little waterfall in a quiet campground

  Stayed here as a layover en-route to Wisconsin. This park may be right off of the interstate, but it's quaint and the sites are roomy. They're also nicely vegetated so you get a sense of privacy. We stayed in the busy season (July) and even though most sites were full, once it hit the quiet hour, the whole campground went eerily quiet. Not far from the tent sites is Wolf Creek Falls, about a 1.2 mile hike (worth it!). The showers were clean and rangers were laid back and lenient with the camp fee.

• 

  Scott M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 13, 2020

  Burlington Bay Campground

  Not Private, but beautiful setting

  The campground is located in a very nice small town and the water sites are amazing for sunrise. The campground has all the amenities you need; Full hookups, water, dump station, fire rings, and picnic tables. Tent sites were the most numerous, but there were several RVs. We saw everything from big RVs to motorcycles here. Things were clean but it was a super packed when we were there. You can't sit outside without getting to know your neighbors inner secrets! 

  The view and access to water is what would bring us back.

• 

  Chelsea T.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 14, 2018

  Wilderness Way

  Amazing

  I have been going to this campground for 15 years. It’s very secluded and quiet. The owners are the best! There are tent sites, RV, camper cabin (no electric/sewage), and full cabins. It’s on a beautiful lake with a swimming area. You can rent a pontoon or take out a canoe or rowboat for free. Great fishing too! This used to be a women’s only campground but is now open to all. It is also LGBTQ owned, operated, and accepting. If this does not align with your views I would suggest finding a different place to camp.

• 

  Elizabeth G.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 23, 2020

  Top O’ the Morn Resort & Campground

  Private and peaceful

  We had a very difficult time finding a place to camp for the night traveling from MN back to GA. We found this place and I’m so glad we stayed here. We got a site with water and electric to plug in our teardrop trailer. We really wanted to tent camp so we pitched our tent and started a fire.

  The camp host was quick to respond whenever we needed something (we just needed some firewood and had questions about the restrooms Before making a reservation) and even though the restrooms were closed for covid, they did provide a port-a-potty for campers.

  This place was quiet and peaceful and left me well rested. I wish this wasn’t a pit stop and I could’ve stayed for a few days! I’ll be back!

• L

  Lisa M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 4, 2024

  The Backyard at Amnicon Lake

  Lovely couple of nights

  A last-minute change in our travel plans found us in the Lake Superior area with no camping reservations. We secured a tent site (T-1) here and were quite pleased. The site was private and level, and close to a shower area and laundry, both of which we sorely needed. As an added plus, the restaurant offered an opportunity for a hearty meal and drinks. The pizza here was great, as were the cheese curds, and the hospitality was wonderful. The owner gave us good advice on a drive up the North Shore of Superior.

  If we found ourselves in the area again, we'd return here for sure.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 14, 2019

  Burlington Bay Campground

  Adequate for staying in Two Harbors

  If your objective is a daytrip or weekend trip to Two Harbors without dropping a lot of money for lodging, this is an adequate campground. There is a good new bathhouse facility, and the location of the campground is primo for exploring the Two Harbors area. However, the campsites are small, jampacked together, and open without trees. RVers will find the anrnities they need, but even for them I think they might find it a bit crowded. Not good for tent campers, no privacy, a lot of noise, and hard tent sites. Car camping might not be so bad if you really want to be in the Two Harbors area. Campground closes mid October to mid May.

  Note--the website link in the listing above doesnt seem to work, the correct website address is http://www.twoharborsmn.gov/city_departments/burlington_bay_campground/index.php

• 

  Jessica M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 7, 2018

  Burlington Bay Campground

  Nice for a couple days

  This campground is busy but not overcrowded. Their tent sites for the most part are open but large enough to feel like you have some privacy and space. The campground is right on Lake Superior with an easy walk to the beach. Nice playground. The bathrooms are clean though definitely older. The handicap accessible bathroom is still up a slight incline. Also it is only a permanent outhouse-there are no lights, no sinks or even hand sanitizer in it so that was disappointing. Employees were nice-however when calling to make a reservation it went right to voicemail I left a message and never got a call back…we decided to just stop and see if they had vacancies and they did. Overall we would definitely stay there again.

• 

  Scott M.

  Legend

  

  May. 1, 2021

  Jay Cooke State Park Campground

  It was nice, but busy!

  The campground offers a lot of choices. We stayed one night in a non-electric site then were able to move over to an electric site. It was a pretty full campground, but they did not have everything open. We had some great neighbors that were tent camping next to our camper. The showerhouse was clean and they had just turned the water on so we were lucky. The reason you come here tho is the hiking and the views. I can tell you that no matter the weather the parking lot will be full but mid afternoon so best to get up early and hike. I was able to have something…wolf/coyote cross the path in front of me on one of the early morning hikes. This was a really great location and a great campground. This would be a great location for families with kids of all ages. Loads to do and experience here.

• T

  Tim

  Guide

  

  May. 19, 2021

  Burlington Bay Campground

  Great Views and Kid friendly

  Burlington Bay Campground was clean. The shower house by the playground was clean and new. The playground seemed fairly new and the kids loved playing on it. Walking on the beach lead to a nice City trail. The kids loved climbing all over the rock formations and finding new rocks. 

  The sites are close together and small. We tent camped and the ground was super hard. I am glad I had my MSR Groundhog stakes since my other stakes would not have worked. My MSR Groundhog stakes took a beating getting them into the ground. 

  The water from the site was good. Firewood at the campground is$6.00 a bundle and it is not well aged so it is a little hard to get going. The shop on site is nice and they stock quality items. 

  I would stay there again, but in the off-season so the campground is not full of people.

• 

  Scott M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 18, 2020

  Burlington Bay Campground

  Big Rig Paradise

  This campground is adjacent to the Burlington Bay Campground. It has 3 rows of 11 sites meant for full hookup and big rigs. They are terraced so sites 24-34 are on the top while 1-12 are closest to the water and on the bottom of the hill.

  This is specifically meant for big rigs. No shade and no privacy unless you are inside. What they do offer is great facilities and an amazing view! There is also a community feel here where everyone most likely talks to each other and knows each other by the end of their stay. At the bottom of the hill is the waterfront. You can do a lot from here.

  You can rent for $45.00 per night or $276.00 per week. Sites are packed graves so they are level and easy in and out with your rig. Wouldn’t want to tent camp here. They have a nice shower house and dump stations as would be needed for big rigs. It is newer than the additional campground and still close to Lake Superior.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 14, 2019

  Jay Cooke State Park Campground

  Winter cabin camping

  I love Jay Cooke year round! The tent camping is great, the park is amazing for hiking and geology study, and there are camper cabins that I have often stayed at as well. This was my first time staying in winter, the camper cabins are cozy and fully heated and really nice. People use them when coming here in winter for the terrific cross country skiing or snowshoeing. The cabins are very simple and have beds, table, heat, and electricity, but no water inside (water punps are nearby, so bring a bucket ir canteen) and no bathroom (but you can use the outhouse nearby, and the campground will have a new bath house by early summer, it is inder construction and almost finished!) . You can use the facilities at the visitor center during the day but they arent open in the evening and are a bit of a trek from the campground. But, it you want to camp in warmth and relative comfort, and want to explire this amazing state park, the camper cabins are a great way to go year round! You can reserve campsites too if you have an RV or dont mind winter camping

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 11, 2019

  Saginaw Campground

  Basic RV park outside Duluth

  This is a small, well kept but basic private campground mostly for RVs but it does have some tent sites. The website advertises its location as “minutes from Duluth” but that would be a hood 15 minutes to the outer limits, a good half hour to the harbor. It isnt on a lake or in the woods, doesnt have a view of Lake Superior, isnt near a state park, and is right on a major intersection of two highways. I dont think it is meant as a northwoods vacation destination per se, but it is located adjacent to a rodeo and horse center so I would guess it is best for lodging close to whatever horsey events are happening next door. Since it isnt far from the Duluth airport and the airport has no hotels by it, perhaps this would be a decent place to stay overnight before an early morning departure, if needed. In sum, a well maintained but basic place to camp that might be a good location for select purposes. Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates.