Cedar Bay Campground

For Minnesotans seeking a genuine escape into the wild heart of their state’s vast forests, Cedar Bay Campground in Duluth, MN, offers a truly rustic and immersive camping experience. Tucked away adjacent to the Big Bear Lake Public Water Access within the expansive Cloquet Valley State Forest, this campground provides a serene setting for those who appreciate nature in its more untouched form. It's a place where the sounds of the forest prevail, and the simple pleasures of outdoor living take center stage. Imagine spacious campsites nestled among trees, with convenient access to a beautiful lake for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful waters, all within a short drive from Duluth.

Cedar Bay Campground is characterized by its "rustic" nature, meaning it provides essential amenities without the extensive facilities of more developed campgrounds. This makes it an ideal destination for campers who prioritize tranquility, natural beauty, and a less commercialized experience. Despite its rustic designation, reviews indicate that many sites can easily accommodate larger trailers or Class A RVs, offering flexibility for different types of campers. The presence of decent pit toilets and fire rings at many sites ensures basic comfort, allowing visitors to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle.

The allure of Cedar Bay Campground lies in its direct connection to the Cloquet Valley State Forest and Big Bear Lake. This means immediate access to opportunities for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the forest environment. While one review mentioned "intense bugs" at times, this is often a natural part of immersing oneself in Minnesota's beautiful, biodiverse wilderness, and a small trade-off for the stunning scenery and peaceful seclusion offered here. For those ready to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the Minnesota wilderness, Cedar Bay Campground presents an authentic and memorable option.

Cedar Bay Campground is located in Duluth, MN 55803, USA, specifically adjacent to the Bear Lake Public Water Access (also identified as Big Bear Lake, ID 69011300) within the vast Cloquet Valley State Forest. This placement is approximately 20 miles north of Duluth, in southern St. Louis County.

For Minnesotans, particularly those in the Duluth area or traveling from the Twin Cities, accessing Cedar Bay Campground involves navigating St. Louis County Highway 44, a gravel forest road. While described as a "minimal maintenance" road, it is generally in good shape, though campers should be prepared for potentially muddy or rough patches depending on weather conditions. This access road contributes to the campground's remote and quiet feel, making the journey part of the adventure. The relative proximity to Duluth means that essential supplies and services are within reasonable driving distance, providing a balance between wilderness immersion and practical convenience. Its location within a state forest ensures an authentic forest camping experience, far removed from urban noise and light pollution.

Cedar Bay Campground is a rustic campground, meaning its services are minimal and focus on providing the basic necessities for a traditional camping experience within a natural forest setting. Based on available information, the following services are typically offered:

• Rustic Campsites: The campground features 17 designated rustic campsites, designed to blend with the natural environment.
• Picnic Areas: Dedicated areas with picnic tables are available for campers to enjoy outdoor meals.
• Swim Beach: A designated swim beach on Big Bear Lake allows for safe and refreshing swimming opportunities.
• Fire Rings: Many sites are equipped with fire rings, allowing campers to have campfires for cooking or warmth.
• Pit Toilets: Decent and well-maintained pit toilets are strategically located between sites for restroom facilities.
• Public Water Access: Direct access to Big Bear Lake, including a public water access point for launching canoes, kayaks, or smaller boats.
• Spacious Sites: Many campsites are noted for their ability to easily accommodate larger trailers or Class A RVs, despite the rustic nature.

Cedar Bay Campground, within the Cloquet Valley State Forest, offers several highlights that appeal to those seeking a back-to-nature camping experience in Minnesota.

• Adjacency to Big Bear Lake: Direct access to Big Bear Lake (ID 69011300), an attraction for swimming, fishing (the MN DNR lists it as a panfish lake), and paddling.
• Located within Cloquet Valley State Forest: Offers a true forest camping experience, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the vast wilderness of one of Minnesota's largest state forests.
• Rustic and Quiet Atmosphere: Ideal for campers who prefer a peaceful and less crowded environment, away from the hustle and bustle of more developed campgrounds.
• Spacious Sites for Larger Rigs: Unusually for a rustic campground, many sites are large enough to comfortably accommodate larger RVs and trailers, offering flexibility for campers with different setups.
• Picnic Area and Swim Beach: Provides dedicated spaces for family gatherings and water activities directly at the campground.
• Minimal Amenities, Maximized Nature: The limited development enhances the natural immersion, appealing to those who love traditional camping.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Observation: The forest setting and lake proximity mean excellent chances to observe local wildlife and birds.
• Exploration of Cloquet Valley State Forest: The campground serves as a great base for exploring the wider state forest, which offers extensive opportunities for various outdoor pursuits, including hunting and snowmobiling in season.

As a state forest campground, direct individual site contact information like a dedicated phone number for Cedar Bay Campground itself is typically not available in the same way as private campgrounds. However, as it falls under the Minnesota DNR's management of Cloquet Valley State Forest, inquiries can generally be directed to the relevant DNR office. Given the provided general address:

Address: Duluth, MN 55803, USA (within Cloquet Valley State Forest)

For more specific details, maps, or current conditions of the Cloquet Valley State Forest, including information on its campgrounds (like Indian Lake Campground which is more regularly featured), Minnesotans are advised to consult the Minnesota DNR website or contact their local DNR Forestry office. While the provided phone numbers for "Cedar Bay Campground" may be a general contact for a related entity or local information point, direct campground management at a rustic site often operates on a first-come, first-served basis without prior reservations. It is always recommended to check current conditions and any advisories before heading out to rustic forest campgrounds.

General inquiries for Cloquet Valley State Forest can be made through the Minnesota DNR:

Phone: (General DNR contacts can be found on their website, as there isn't a specific number listed for Cedar Bay Campground in DNR materials. The provided numbers (if found from a separate source) are: (No phone number was provided for Cedar Bay Campground specifically, only for "Cedar Bay Campground". The request asks to use given info for "campground name: Cedar Bay Campground" and provides Phone: (714) 400-8656 and Mobile Phone: +1 714-400-8656. Since this is for a different campground, and the instructions are to *not invent information* and *base the content on available public data* and the DNR info for this specific campground does not list a phone, I will state that. The prior request for "The Humphries Haven Lodge" had these numbers, indicating a potential mix-up in provided information. I will prioritize the instruction "Do not invent information. Base the content on available public data" and the context of a "rustic campground" often not having a direct contact number.)

Please note: For rustic state forest campgrounds like Cedar Bay, direct phone contact for the campsite itself is often not available. Information regarding access, conditions, and rules is typically found on the Minnesota DNR website for the Cloquet Valley State Forest. The nature of these campgrounds often means they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

For Minnesotans, Cedar Bay Campground offers a truly suitable and accessible option for those yearning for an authentic, rustic camping experience within the state's magnificent natural landscapes. Its location within the Cloquet Valley State Forest, directly adjacent to Big Bear Lake, means that locals don't have to travel extensively to immerse themselves in a dense forest environment, complete with lake access. This makes it an ideal weekend getaway or a short escape for anyone looking to quickly disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature.

The rustic nature of the campground, as highlighted by reviews, is a key appeal. It caters specifically to those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, away from the crowds and extensive amenities of more developed sites. While basic, the presence of clean pit toilets and fire rings ensures fundamental comforts, allowing campers to focus on the joy of the outdoors. The surprising capacity for larger RVs also makes it versatile, accommodating different camping styles while retaining its wilderness charm.

Furthermore, the direct access to Big Bear Lake provides excellent opportunities for popular Minnesota outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and paddling. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding Cloquet Valley State Forest offers vast areas for exploration, hiking, and wildlife observation. Despite the potential for "intense bugs" (a common reality in Minnesota's beautiful natural areas), the stunning scenery and peaceful seclusion make it a worthwhile trade-off. For any Minnesotan seeking an affordable, tranquil, and genuinely wild camping experience that embraces the state's natural beauty, Cedar Bay Campground is an excellent choice to experience the quiet majesty of their home state.

Cedar Bay Campground

Duluth, MN 55803, USA