Best Campgrounds near Duluth, MN

You'll find camping around Duluth, Minnesota year-round, though summer draws the biggest crowds with its warm days and extended daylight. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park sits along Lake Superior with campsites near hiking trails and the historic lighthouse. A short drive away in Two Harbors, Burlington Bay Campground includes useful amenities like Wi-Fi, showers, and picnic tables that work well for families. Jay Cooke State Park Campground stands out for good trails and chances to spot local wildlife. Campgrounds throughout the Duluth area have different layouts - some sites feel more private with trees between them, while others are more open. The fall colors make September and October worth considering for a camping trip, with great photo opportunities on morning walks. Prepared campers can handle winter camping if they bring the right gear for snow and cold. Spring brings fewer people but often wet conditions, though you might catch wildflowers starting to bloom. Most camping areas have standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, but it's smart to check what each place has before you go. Many sites need reservations ahead of time, particularly in summer. Remember to take all your trash with you when you leave. The Duluth region has camping options that fit different styles, from simple tent sites to spots that accommodate RVs.

Best Camping Sites Near Duluth, Minnesota (104)

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Recent Reviews near Duluth, MN

546 Reviews of 104 Duluth Campgrounds



Guide to Duluth

Camping near Duluth, Minnesota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Jay Cooke State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The site was nice and secluded but still close to water and bathrooms," highlighting the park's accessibility to nature.
  • Waterfalls: Visit Amnicon Falls State Park Campground for stunning views. A reviewer said, "Big sites. Trails around the Amnicon River and at least three waterfalls," making it a great spot for waterfall lovers.
  • Mountain Biking: Check out Spirit Mountain Campground for downhill mountain biking. One visitor noted, "The downhill mountain biking is awesome," perfect for thrill-seekers.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground appreciate the roomy sites. A reviewer stated, "All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained amenities at Banning State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The vault toilets were in great shape," which is always a plus.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Campgrounds like Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground allow pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. A visitor shared, "It was so nice to not worry about bears!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Jay Cooke State Park Campground noted, "It was buggy (mosquitoes) but fire and bug spray kept it manageable."
  • Limited Water Access: Some campgrounds, like Burlington Bay Campground, may have limited water facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "Bathrooms in the Burlington sites are not as nice as the newer campgrounds."
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Burlington Bay Campground reported noise from the nearby highway, with one stating, "Very noisy from highway traffic."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Baptism River Campground that offer a variety of activities. A camper said, "Lots of trails to hike and waterfalls!"
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the mosquito presence, especially in summer, one camper at Jay Cooke State Park Campground advised, "You need to bring on drinking water, otherwise you need to go about 1/8 of a mile to a small creek to get filterable water."
  • Plan for Activities: Campgrounds like Gooseberry Falls State Park Campground have great hiking trails, making it easy to keep the kids entertained. A visitor mentioned, "We found this amazing picnic and hiking trail super close to the campgrounds."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers at Banning State Park Campground noted that some sites can be tricky to back into. One camper said, "Some sites (12e) are hard to back a trailer into because the main road is VERY NARROW."
  • Bring Drinking Water: Many campgrounds, like Burlington Bay Campground, recommend bringing your own water. A reviewer stated, "The water is VERY RUSTY!"
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Campgrounds like Spirit Mountain Campground are close to Duluth, making it easy to explore the city. One camper shared, "This is a great spot to be able to explore Duluth and the Canal Park area."

Camping in Duluth, MN, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and noise, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Duluth, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Duluth, MN offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Duluth, MN and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Duluth, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Duluth, MN is Jay Cooke State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 66 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Duluth, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Duluth, MN.

What parks are near Duluth, MN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Duluth, MN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.