The city of Duluth, Minnesota, is known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by several state parks and forests, providing ample opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, Duluth has various camping options to suit your needs. The area has something for everyone, from rustic campsites to modern RV parks, and if you’re a big camper moving to Duluth, options abound. This article will explore the best places to camp near Duluth.

Indian Point Campground

For those who want to go camping but don’t enjoy “roughing it,” the Indian Point Campground in Duluth is perfect. It’s located directly on the St. Louis River on the edge of the Norton Park neighborhood, with a central commons surrounded by elm, maple, and pine trees. RVs and pets are welcome, and the campsite has free WiFi. Each campsite has its own firepit, and firewood, ice, and snacks can be purchased on-site. There are also showers and restrooms available. Campsites offer full hookups (water and electricity), electricity only, or the bare-bones experience where campers can pitch a tent.

The recreational activities at Indian Point are great, despite the campground being within the city limits. The site has a boat dock, and visitors can fish from there or the shore. On-site bike rentals are available, so people can explore the Willard Munger Trails. Those who want to explore the river can rent a canoe or kayak or enjoy the swimming beach at the campground. Open seasonally in the summer and fall, campsites range from $40 per night to pitch a tent to $69 per night for an RV or trailer site with full hookups.

Buffalo Valley Campground

The Buffalo Valley Campground is 13 miles southwest of Downtown Duluth, off I-35. The Buffalo House is an on-site restaurant and bar with daily activities scheduled in the summer, fall, and winter. The campground is in a lovely wooded area, with access to the hiking and biking trails in Jay Cooke State Park. The trails are groomed for snowmobiling during the winter months. Water, sewer, electric hookups, and free WiFi and showers are available. Pets are allowed at each campsite.

Electric and water hookups are available during the winter months at Buffalo Valley, although they limit the number of available RV sites. During the summer and fall, 67 RV and trailer sites and about 50 tent-only sites are available. The campgrounds are relatively private, which makes them excellent for families. Many miles of hiking and biking trails, including paved trails, set out from the campground. There is also a 9-hole public golf course less than a half-mile away. Prices range from $29 to $39 per night for campsites, including RV sites. It’s a good idea to reserve a spot at Buffalo Valley before a camping trip, as it is very popular.

Spirit Mountain Campground

Spirit Mountain is the highest point on the western side of Duluth. Located about nine miles southwest of downtown in the Riverside neighborhood, the Spirit Mountain Campground offers some of the best views of St. Louis Bay and Lake Superior. It does take a little bit of a hike to see the water from the campground since the area is heavily wooded. The Superior Hiking Trail is the best choice, especially for those hoping to do some nature photography. All campsites have firepits, electricity, and picnic tables. Another 39 sites have water hookups and on-site restrooms and showers.

There is a lot to do at Spirit Mountain Campground. Just across the street from the campsite is Spirit Mountain Adventure Park. It has an alpine roller coaster, a zip line, and miniature golf. A chairlift allows people to carry their mountain bike up to the top and ride back down, or it can be used for a round-trip to take in the views. Pets are welcome, but there is a $5 fee per pet. A tent site costs $27 per night, or a campsite with full hookups can be reserved for $58 per night.

River Place Campground

The River Place Campground is right on the shores of the St. Louis River in the southern part of Duluth. They start taking reservations around March 1st of each year, and the campground is open from May through the Saturday closest to October 10th. Pull-through campsites with full hookups are available for RVs and trailers, while tent campsites have no hookups. They also have dock slips available for $8 per night. This is a popular fishing site on the St. Louis River, and people can also enjoy the lake on a kayak or canoe.

This campground makes an excellent home base for anyone who wants to enjoy many of the amenities listed above. That includes hiking the Willard Munger Trail and Jay Cooke State Park or enjoying the ziplines on Spirit Mountain. People also come here and camp to enjoy some of Duluth’s annual events or festivals. There are some low-rise condos to the east of the campsite, but otherwise, it looks mostly secluded in a wooded area along the river. Campsites are $45 per night, and tent sites with no hookups are $30 per night. They also allow pets at River Place Campground.

Burlington Bay Campground

The Burlington Bay Campground is about a 30-minute drive northeast of Duluth, in the town of Two Harbors. Take Voyageur Highway (Hwy 61) northbound and turn right onto Park Road in Two Harbors to reach it. The campground is right on the shores of Lake Superior. This is a beautiful place to relax in front of a campfire while enjoying the views of the lake. There are well over 100 campsites here, two shower locations, and an RV dump site. Most campsites have water and electric hookups, and 36 have water, electricity, and sewer.

The campground is right next to Burlington Bay Beach. While the campground is open from May through October, the beach is only available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lakeview National Golf Course is located right across the street north of the campsite and has views of the lake from 14 of its 18 championship holes. Lakeview Park in Two Harbors has a children’s playground and walking paths directly south of the grounds. Looking northeast from the campground, visitors can see some of the secluded waterfront homes along the lakefront.

Check Out These Great Duluth-Area Campsites

Duluth is a fantastic destination for camping enthusiasts. While there are countless reasons to love living near Canal Park, many of Duluth’s campsites offer water views that rival this famous area. The city offers many camping options, including rustic campsites, modern RV parks, and everything in between. From the stunning natural beauty of Jay Cooke State Park to the serene surroundings of the Spirit Mountain area, there’s no shortage of places to explore. So pack your tent, grab your fishing gear, and head to Duluth for an unforgettable camping experience.

If Duluth is the city for you, contact Kris Lindahl Real Estate at 1-(855) 967-7653 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your dream home today.