Buzz Ryan Campground

For Minnesotans, the call of the wild is a familiar and cherished sound, drawing many to the state's vast forests and abundant lakes. While many campgrounds offer a range of amenities and services, there's a special appeal to those seeking a more rustic and secluded experience. Buzz Ryan Campground, located near Duluth, embodies this desire for a back-to-nature escape. It's not your typical bustling family campground; instead, it offers a tranquil and truly immersive outdoor adventure, appealing to those who appreciate a quiet retreat amidst towering pines and serene lakeshores.

A campground like Buzz Ryan falls into the category of dispersed or primitive camping, meaning it offers basic facilities and encourages self-sufficiency, often operating on a first-come, first-served basis, and sometimes even being free. This contrasts with more developed campgrounds that might feature showers, laundry, and on-site stores. Buzz Ryan's charm lies in its simplicity and its focus on the natural surroundings. It's a place where you can truly unplug, enjoy the sounds of nature, and experience camping as it was meant to be—uncomplicated and connected to the environment. Locals often seek out these kinds of spots for their unparalleled sense of peace and the raw beauty they offer, making Buzz Ryan a unique and highly valued destination within Minnesota's outdoor recreation landscape.

Buzz Ryan Campground is nestled in the wilderness just outside Duluth, MN 55803, USA. Duluth, a vibrant port city on Lake Superior, serves as a major hub for outdoor activities and offers a gateway to Minnesota's North Shore. While the campground is technically in Duluth, its location suggests it's on the outskirts, providing that sought-after secluded feeling while still being relatively close to city conveniences when needed.

Accessibility to Buzz Ryan Campground is a significant point to consider, as highlighted by multiple local reviews. It's crucial for prospective campers to understand that reaching this beautiful spot requires a specific type of vehicle. The path to the "meadow," which serves as the parking area, is described as rough. Reviews explicitly state, "You will want a truck or higher clearance vehicle to get to the meadow, which is the 'parking' area. Large rocks are present directly on the trail and if you're in a car, I can pretty much guarantee your exhaust will be torn off." Furthermore, if recent weather has been wet, "you will want 4 wheel drive for sure." This indicates that the final stretch of the road is unpaved and can be challenging, particularly for standard passenger cars.

Once at the parking area, the camping sites themselves are accessed via a "200-meter walk" along designated trails. This short hike-in adds to the primitive and secluded nature of the campground, ensuring that only those truly prepared for a rustic experience make it to the sites. Despite the challenging access road, the fact that it's a "quick drive from Duluth" for locals makes it a highly desirable destination for those with the right vehicle, offering a wilderness experience without an excessively long journey from the city.

• Designated Campsites: Buzz Ryan Campground offers a limited number of "5 sites total," which are "strategically located," ensuring a sense of privacy and seclusion. These are noted to be "extremely spacious and beautiful underneath the tall pines."
• Lakeshore Sites: A significant highlight is that "4 of them are located on the lakeshore," providing direct access to the water and scenic views.
• Picnic Table: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Ring: A fire ring is available at each site, allowing for safe and contained campfires, provided local fire bans or restrictions are not in effect.
• Outhouses: There are "2 outhouses strategically located" to serve the campground, providing basic restroom facilities. One review notes they are "open roof outhouses" and "kinda visible" from the main area, but are "up above camp and set back on the hill."
• Free Camping (Generally): While reservations through the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center can cost "$75," the sites are generally "free" on a first-come, first-served basis, appealing to budget-conscious campers.

• Secluded and Quiet: Despite its proximity to Duluth, the campground is praised for its "nice little quiet place," offering a tranquil escape from urban noise and crowds.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers appreciate "how nice and far apart the sites are," providing ample room and a sense of privacy.
• Lakeshore Access: The presence of four lakeshore sites is a major draw, offering direct water access for activities like fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the view.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: The campground is described as "truly a beautiful campground," featuring "tall pines" and a scenic lake, creating an idyllic backdrop for camping.
• Nearby Waterfall: One review mentions a "small waterfall" that is "just far enough away to be heard but not annoyingly loud," adding a soothing natural soundtrack to the experience.
• Running Water Source (Untreated): While not potable without treatment, a "running water source very close" is a convenient feature for backcountry camping needs.
• Hammock-Friendly: The sites offer opportunities for hanging hammocks, with specific trees noted as suitable for multiple hammocks.
• Dispersed Camping Experience: It provides an authentic dispersed camping feel, making it ideal for those who prefer primitive, less developed sites.
• Close to Duluth: Its relative proximity to Duluth means a quick drive for locals, allowing for spontaneous trips or easy access to supplies.

Buzz Ryan Campground is primarily a dispersed, free-use campground that operates under the management of the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center (ELC). As such, it does not have a direct phone number for the campground itself. Information and potential reservations (for a fee) are handled through the ELC.

Address: Duluth, MN 55803, USA (The physical location is within the Boulder Lake Management Area)

For more detailed information, including any current conditions, accessibility updates, or to inquire about reservations (which are noted to be "an astounding $75" but ensure a spot), it is recommended to contact the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center directly. Their website or main contact number for inquiries related to camping in the Boulder Lake Management Area would be the most reliable source of information. The ELC can be reached via their contact email: boulder@d.umn.edu.

For Minnesotans, particularly those residing in or near Duluth, Buzz Ryan Campground offers a uniquely appealing outdoor experience. Its blend of rugged accessibility and stunning natural beauty makes it a perfect fit for locals who are truly passionate about getting off the beaten path. The very challenge of reaching the "parking" area, requiring a "truck or higher clearance vehicle," acts as a natural filter, ensuring that those who make it to Buzz Ryan are genuinely seeking a more primitive and secluded camping adventure, away from the crowds of more developed sites.

The "extremely spacious and beautiful" sites, especially the four located directly on the lakeshore, provide an unparalleled opportunity for immersion in Minnesota's iconic lake country. The presence of basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and outhouses, coupled with the "running water source very close" and the soothing sound of a "small waterfall," creates a comfortable yet authentically rustic environment. This balance is highly valued by locals who understand and appreciate the nuances of dispersed camping.

Furthermore, the fact that these sites are generally "free" (unless a reservation is made through the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center) makes it an incredibly attractive option for budget-conscious adventurers. The close proximity to Duluth means that Minnesotans can easily access this beautiful retreat for quick weekend trips or longer stays, without the need for extensive travel. Buzz Ryan Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a testament to Minnesota's commitment to preserving its wild spaces and providing accessible havens for those who seek to truly connect with the natural world, making it a new favorite for many local outdoor enthusiasts.

For a visual insight into some Minnesota camping experiences, you might find this video helpful: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hYdG6-mH2c)

Buzz Ryan Campground

Duluth, MN 55803, USA