This article about camping near Duluth is brought to you by Tentrr. Check out Tentrr for even more Lake Superior camping
When camping near Duluth, you’re bound to be near water. The options range from rustic family-run campsites to large campgrounds with many amenities and nearby attractions. Whether you’re exploring the Great Lakes or striking out to find some rivers in which to fish, you can’t go wrong when you camp in this lovely area of Minnesota.
The Best Camping near Duluth
1. Burlington Bay Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Scott M.
This campground is divided into two sections, an upper-tier for RVs and trailers and tent camping on the lower level, close to Lake Superior. Only a 30-minute drive from Duluth, this city campground feels safe, and there are deer roaming around.
Follow Sonju Trail from Burlington Bay to Agate Bay, watching ships and pleasure boats chug past or finding agates on the beach. There’s a great golf course nearby, and Burlington Bay Campground is within walking distance from town.
“Very clean. As far as quiet, you listen to the waves hitting the shoreline. Bring a jacket if you plan to be next to the water.”– Phillip T.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 146
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
This campground has shaded spots right on Lake Superior and is only 55 miles from Duluth. You can find your private lagoon if you take advantage of the hike-in sites.
Fantastic hiking and biking trails and the view of Split Rock Lighthouse from the beach make this a great stop along the north shore. There are cart-in and hike-in sites only at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, but be sure to get there early as there are only 26 available.
“One of my favorite parks, up on the cliff with amazing views and great trails that wind you through the woods to high bluffs and lookouts. Just awesome.”– HollyRose M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 26
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Gooseberry Falls
Image from The Dyrt camper Tony E.
Although challenging, hiking to the waterfalls is a must when you stay at Gooseberry Falls, under an hour from Duluth. Each site has mulch tent pads for better overnight comfort and level parking.
This gorgeous state park is also open in the winter, with accessible cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails and a few winter camping spots. No flush toilets in cold months, but there are vault ones available.
“The falls are amazing. The lake is amazing—views that will blow your mind.”– Daniel R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-40
- Number of sites: 70
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Jay Cooke
Although this campground is not on a Great Lake, most would agree that Jay Cooke, right on the St. Louis River, is a campground that deserves to be on the top of your list when camping in Duluth, Minnesota.
In the wintertime, all of the cabins are available for camping, and 12 of the campsites are kept open. During more temperate months, there are hike-in sites, group camping, and camper cabins. The gorge is impressive, and the lodge near the bridge is iconic.
“There are beautiful sights to be seen and a wonderful lodge near the bridge that had a fire going as a warming shelter.”– Stephanie B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 113
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Spirit Mountain Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Melissa H.
Only 16 short minutes from downtown Duluth, this city campground is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding area or destination all on its own.
Spirit Mountain Campground is a perfect location for exploring the Great Lakes, or you can stay closer to your campsite and explore Spirit Mountain Adventure Park across the road. Tent sites are level, and the camp store offers ice, firewood, and foodstuff.
“Heavily wooded and beautiful! Very close to Duluth.”– Michelle P.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 73
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Moose Lake
Moose Lake is located just outside Bowstring State Park and has access to Moosehead Lake, an excellent walleye and muskie fishing spot. There’s an exciting agate museum close by, as agates are very common in this area. With grass and gravel pull-through spots, this is a roomy campground with fishing right on the lake.
“This is a beautiful state park. It’s quite large and has nice hiking trails.”- Liz H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 35
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Amnicon Falls State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Lili R.
This small campground is family-run and rustic. Amnicon Falls is within walking distance, and there’s a playground close by for kids. The main attraction at this spot is of course the waterfalls rated one of the top four waterfalls in Wisconsin. If you like swimming holes or if you are a daredevil and like cliff jumps, we definitely recommend staying at Amnicon Falls if you are planning on camping near Duluth.
Amnicon Falls State Park has central water faucets and pit toilets but no water or electric hook-ups. In the summer, you can take your pick between many trails that lead to cooling waterfalls; all this and more, only ½ hour to Duluth.
“Beautiful park, great, wooded site, awesome waterfall swimming!”– Harmony H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $5-20
- Number of sites: 36
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
These campgrounds are all located near a water source and boast lovely vistas and stunning natural features. For many more, check out The Dyrt’s complete list of the best camping in Minnesota.
This article about camping near Duluth was brought to you by Tentrr. Their glamping sites are equipped with platform tents to ensure maximum coziness.
