Spirit Mountain Campground sits 4 miles west of Duluth at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet, offering a strategic base for exploring both Lake Nebagamon and Lake Superior. Sites feature adequate tree cover for shade but limited privacy between campsites, with most areas accessible for both tent and smaller RVs. Campground terrain ranges from relatively flat to sloped, with some sites requiring leveling equipment.
What to Do
Hiking at Pattison State Park: Access trails ranging from easy lakeside paths to more challenging forest routes. "Good hiking trails, beautiful nature, quiet and tucked away...I like it," notes Roni J. The park features waterfalls within walking distance of campsites.
Mountain biking at Spirit Mountain Campground: Ride directly from campsites to downhill trails. "The best part was being able to bike down the trails right from the campground! The trees were just starting to turn so it was beautiful!" shares Beth W. The campground connects to Duluth's extensive trail system.
Fishing at Lake Nebagamon: Access multiple fishing spots with varying species. "Great fishing on the St. Croix river/flowage. Quiet peaceful place. Playground for kids. Fish cleaning house. Boat launch/landing," explains a reviewer at Gordon Dam County Park. Most fishing spots are accessible without specialized equipment.
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites: Many locations offer room to spread out camping equipment. "The sites are great, spacious and not too close. They are flat and grassy, which I like," reports Justine I. at Pattison State Park Campground.
Lake access for cooling off: Several campgrounds feature direct water access. "Lake is something you can paddle if the water is sufficient to do so. There is a beautiful little picnic area near the bathrooms that sits on the river as well," states Amy G. about Boise Brule Campground.
Evening entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "This campground has a beautiful waterfall, must see landscapes for photographers and nature seekers alike," says Terry E. Local bands frequently perform at Lucius Woods County Park throughout summer.
What You Should Know
Wildlife and insects: Ticks can be problematic in certain areas during summer. "Been an outdoor person my whole life and more ticks than I've ever seen before. Pulling 10 or more off an hour..." warns Zachary G.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "Bathhouse: Two stalls, two showers. Decently clean. It was a bit of a hike to them from our site but not unreasonable. Appreciated paper towels, a garbage container, and soap," explains Lee D. at The Backyard at Amnicon Lake.
Reservations recommended: Many sites fill quickly during peak season. "Didn't reserve ahead of time took the last spot available it was a ADA spot," reports Anna D. First-come-first-serve sites typically fill by Friday afternoon during summer months.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Several locations include playgrounds or beach access. "Perfect campground for the family it's a wonderful County Park with really cheap sites ranging from $15 for just water hookups to $18 for a site with electric and water," states Bryce R.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds have nearby trains or roads. "One of the only things that was obnoxious about this park is that there is a frequently used train track nearby- and the trains really lay on whistle," notes Krista T. at Jay Cooke State Park Campground.
Weather preparation: Temperatures can vary widely, even in summer. "It was off-season so showers were off. And with no electric, $100 for one night at a double site seemed like a lot," shares Justine I. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs. "The site we had was difficult to back our 32' camper into. The bathrooms and showers are very clean," notes Christy E.
Electric and water options: Most campgrounds offer at least basic hookups. "Site 35 had electricity and water. No privacy or separation between sites, as would be expected in an RV park. We weren't sure the site would be level, but it was once we maneuvered our van a bit," explains Lee D.
Pet friendly camping accommodations: Most campgrounds near Lake Nebagamon welcome pets with basic restrictions. "We found a walk in site here. There was another walk site somewhat near us but they were very quiet. It was a nice wooded spot and a nice base camp for our nearby exploring," mentions Zack H. at Copper Range campground.
