Tent camping near Duluth, Minnesota offers options ranging from forest settings to lakeside spots with varied terrain across state forests, parks, and private campgrounds. Seasonal considerations include wet spring conditions in May and black fly season in June, while July through September provides optimal temperatures for tent camping in the region, typically ranging from 55-80°F.
What to do
Hike forest trails: At Brule River State Forest Backpacking Sites, primitive campers can access free backcountry sites via hiking trails. These sites offer no amenities but provide true wilderness camping experiences for backpackers seeking solitude.
Explore OHV and ATV trails: Garfvert Campground in Nemadji State Forest features "miles and miles of easy/intermediate OHV/ATV trails" according to reviewer Casie S., who noted they were "a little sandy, but still fun." Josh M. adds that the area "offers hundreds of miles of 4 wheeling and snowmobiling" making it ideal for motorized recreation enthusiasts.
Water activities: Bear Lake County Park provides water-based recreation with fishing and canoeing opportunities. Sara S. mentioned, "We enjoyed the fishing, hiking, and canoeing (rental from the park)." The park offers canoe rentals on-site, saving visitors the need to transport their own watercraft.
What campers like
Privacy in wooded sites: The Cloquet-Duluth KOA offers tent areas with better tree coverage than RV sections. Glenda D. noted, "There are a lot of trees and wooded areas so our site felt semi-private," adding that their "Pomeranian, who loves to camp, loved the woods!"
Riverside camping: Schoen Park along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers primitive camping with river views. Clarke N. explains why this spot stands out: "The reason we like it so much as it's very private and a beautiful view of the river." This free camping area has no designated sites but offers picnic tables.
Lower crowds in shoulder seasons: Fall visits can mean fewer people at popular camping locations. One visitor to Bear Lake County Park noted, "Visiting in the fall was ideal—I bet this place is packed during the summer months!" Spring weekdays also typically see lower visitation rates at most area campgrounds.
What you should know
Access limitations: Many sites have restrictions on vehicle size. At Schoen Park, Clarke N. warns, "Don't try to bring anything too big into here or you will be in trouble. We have a 19' travel trailer and it wasn't a problem but turning around is tight." Some campgrounds also have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles.
Site availability: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. For Thompson Beach Kayak Site, access is limited to water approach only, as Matt M. confirms it's a "beautiful campsite for kayaking or canoeing only," making it less crowded but requiring watercraft.
Seasonal pests: Black flies are prevalent in early summer (June), while mosquitoes remain active through August. Ticks are common in grassy areas, particularly during spring and early summer, requiring regular checks after hiking or setting up camp.
Tips for camping with families
Amenities vs. wilderness: Cloquet-Duluth KOA offers family-friendly facilities, with one visitor noting, "Everything you need to enjoy a weekend away. Pool, hot tub, WiFi, showers, arcade, laundry, c store, and lots more." This makes it suitable for families needing more amenities than primitive sites provide.
Noise considerations: Select sites away from high-traffic areas. One KOA visitor, Cindy B., shared this experience: "Our site was directly across from the playground and the kids playing at the playground were all pre-teens who screamed non-stop," suggesting families select sites strategically based on noise preferences.
Regional attractions: Use campgrounds as a base for exploring area highlights. Beverly from Cloquet-Duluth KOA appreciated that "Staff here very helpful. Provided good information for our day trip to Lake Superior and downtown Duluth," making it easier to plan family outings from the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: At private campgrounds, expect closer quarters. Tony E. described Cloquet-Duluth KOA as having "RVs and tents on top of each other," noting, "If you are just looking for a place to stay for the night, this campground will work great. If you're looking for peace and quiet over a weekend, look elsewhere."
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer limited services. Sam C. explains that at Cloquet-Duluth KOA, "Full hookup sites are only out in the open spaces," while wooded sites typically offer water and electric only. This requires planning for dump station use at departure.
Local supplies: Plan for replenishing necessities. One KOA visitor mentioned, "Kwik Trip down the road has everything you forgot to bring but there's a full grocery just a few miles from the campground...small but well stocked. Easy on easy off from I35 and close enough to Duluth to make a day trip."
