Best Tent Camping near Duluth, MN
Tent campers visiting the Duluth area in Minnesota have several established campgrounds to choose from, with varied amenities and settings. Cloquet-Duluth KOA offers tent sites nestled among trees for shade and some privacy, while Garfvert in the Nemadji State Forest provides a more secluded forest experience. Bear Lake County Park also features tent camping with access to water activities, though sites tend to be smaller and fill quickly during peak season.
Most tent sites in the region feature natural surfaces with minimal development, particularly those in state forests. Garfvert Campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and a water pump, though campers should bring their own drinking water supplies if uncertain about treatment needs. The Cloquet-Duluth KOA offers more amenities for tent campers including drinking water, showers, and picnic tables. According to one visitor, "Sites are mostly level and are some are a bit tight and close to your neighbors," though the wooded tent areas provide better privacy than the open RV sections.
For primitive tent camping experiences, Brule River State Forest offers backpacking sites accessible by hiking trails rather than vehicle. These free sites provide true backcountry camping without facilities. Thompson Beach Kayak Site represents another specialized option, accessible only by water with no amenities but offering excellent seclusion. A recent review noted it as a "beautiful campsite for kayaking or canoeing only." Schoen Park near the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway provides free tent camping with picnic tables but limited other amenities. The camping area is described as "very private" with "beautiful view of the river," though access requires navigating a tight turn-around with larger vehicles.
