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Spafford Park Campground

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Spafford Park Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (218) 390-4519

Address 401 Main St, Cloquet, MN 55720, USA

Website https://www.cloquetmn.gov/departments/parks-recreation/spafford-park-campground

Hours

Spafford Park Campground Location & Map

MinnesotaCarlton CountyCloquetMain Street

Spafford Park Campground About

Introduction / Overview

For Minnesotans seeking a convenient and serene camping experience with easy access to city amenities, Spafford Park Campground in Cloquet, MN, offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural tranquility. Nestled right next to the river, this campground provides a peaceful retreat within the city limits, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without venturing far into the wilderness. It’s a perfect spot for quick getaways, family trips, or a comfortable stop for travelers passing through the region.

Spafford Park Campground is known for its quiet atmosphere and its immediate proximity to the river, offering a picturesque setting for campers. Guests can enjoy walking trails directly from their campsite, connecting them to the natural beauty of the area. While it's located near a factory (USG), the overall sentiment from visitors emphasizes its peaceful nature and convenient access to local parks and facilities. This blend of accessibility and quiet charm makes Spafford Park Campground a practical and appealing option for Minnesotans looking for a straightforward, enjoyable camping experience in a city setting.

Location and Accessibility

Spafford Park Campground boasts a highly accessible and convenient location at 401 Main Street, Cloquet, MN 55720, USA. Situated directly within the city of Cloquet, this campground offers an urban camping experience, meaning visitors have immediate access to local services and attractions while still enjoying a natural, riverside setting.

For Minnesotans traveling from various parts of the state, Spafford Park Campground is remarkably easy to reach:

  • From Duluth, the campground is a short and direct drive, typically only about 20-25 minutes away. This makes it an ideal spontaneous escape or a quick overnight stay for residents of the Twin Ports area.
  • From the Twin Cities metropolitan area (Minneapolis-St. Paul), the drive to Cloquet is approximately 2 hours. This distance is very manageable for weekend trips, allowing city dwellers to quickly transition from urban life to a tranquil riverside camp.

The location on Main Street ensures easy navigation and direct access from major routes leading into Cloquet. Its position right next to the river is a significant draw, providing scenic views and direct access to water-based activities. While a nearby factory (USG) is noted by some, the overall convenience of being in the heart of Cloquet—with access to shopping, dining, and other city amenities—far outweighs this for many campers. This strategic placement allows for effortless exploration of both the natural environment and the local community.

Services Offered

Spafford Park Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient camping experience within its unique urban riverside setting. The focus is on providing fundamental amenities that cater to various types of campers.

  • Campsites: The campground offers designated spaces suitable for both tents and RVs. While specific details on hookups (electric, water, sewer) are not universally available in public reviews, a municipal campground typically offers some level of utility access, especially for RVs. Visitors should confirm availability directly.
  • Restrooms: On-site bathroom facilities are available for communal use. While one review noted that "plumbing bathrooms were NOT operational" at a different campground, implying Spafford might have had issues, it's generally expected that municipal campgrounds provide functional restrooms for guest convenience. Visitors should confirm current operational status.
  • Walking Trails: The campground boasts walking trails directly adjacent to the campsites. These trails offer easy access for leisurely strolls along the river and through the park area, catering to all fitness levels.
  • Nearby Park Access: Guests have direct access to a nearby park, which often includes features like playgrounds or open green spaces, enhancing the family-friendly appeal of the campground.
  • River Access: Being "located right next to the river," the campground provides direct access to the water, which can be beneficial for fishing, enjoying the views, or simply appreciating the riverside ambiance.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its urban location, the campground is frequently described as "quiet," indicating a peaceful environment conducive to relaxation.

The services offered at Spafford Park Campground aim to provide a functional and pleasant stay, combining the ease of city access with the simple joys of camping by the river.

Features / Highlights

Spafford Park Campground offers several unique features and highlights that make it an attractive option for Minnesotans seeking a convenient and nature-infused camping experience within a city setting.

  • Riverside Location: A primary highlight is its immediate proximity "right next to the river." This provides serene water views, the calming sounds of flowing water, and potential opportunities for riverside activities like fishing or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
  • Integrated Walking and Paved Trails: The campground boasts "walking trails" directly accessible from the sites. Reviews highlight a "beautiful walk along the path, leads to this bridge and into a paved trail area," emphasizing "easy terrain for all fitness levels." This makes it perfect for leisurely strolls, jogging, or biking.
  • Urban Convenience: Being located on Main Street in Cloquet means campers have direct access to all city amenities within a very short distance. This includes grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other services, offering unparalleled convenience compared to more remote campgrounds.
  • Family-Friendly Environment: The presence of a "park nearby" suggests that Spafford Park Campground is well-suited for families with children, providing easy access to playgrounds and open spaces for recreation.
  • Quiet Ambiance: Despite its urban setting and proximity to a factory (USG), customer reviews consistently note that the "campground seems quiet." This peaceful atmosphere is a significant draw for those seeking relaxation.
  • Accessibility for All: The "easy terrain" of the trails and convenient location make the campground accessible for campers of various ages and physical abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the outdoor experience.

These features collectively define Spafford Park Campground as a unique urban oasis, providing a balanced experience of nature and convenience that is particularly appealing to local Minnesotans.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a municipal campground, Spafford Park Campground typically operates under a standard fee structure set by the city of Cloquet rather than offering dynamic "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. The primary value proposition comes from its convenient location and accessible amenities at generally affordable rates.

However, for Minnesotans considering a stay, it's always advisable to:

  • Contact the campground directly: The best way to inquire about any current rates, potential seasonal discounts for extended stays, or specific booking policies is to call them using the provided phone numbers: (218) 390-4519 or +1 218-390-4519.
  • Check the City of Cloquet website: Municipal campgrounds often post their official rates and any specific usage rules on their respective city or park department websites. This would be the most reliable source for up-to-date pricing.

While explicit promotional deals like "buy-one-get-one-free" are unlikely, the campground's inherent affordability, combined with the convenience of its location and access to trails and parks, can be considered its standing "offer." This allows Minnesotans to enjoy a budget-friendly camping experience without sacrificing accessibility to local attractions. Direct communication with the campground will ensure you have the most accurate information for planning your visit.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or to obtain more detailed information about Spafford Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 401 Main St, Cloquet, MN 55720, USA

Phone: (218) 390-4519

Mobile Phone: +1 218-390-4519

It is highly recommended to contact the campground directly prior to your visit. This will allow you to confirm current operating hours, campsite availability (especially during peak seasons), specific amenities at each site (such as hookups for RVs), and any other relevant policies or updates. Direct communication ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for a smooth and enjoyable camping experience at Spafford Park Campground.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Minnesotans, Spafford Park Campground in Cloquet offers a uniquely practical and appealing camping option that strikes a perfect balance between outdoor enjoyment and urban convenience. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its highly accessible location, family-friendly features, and the distinct experience it provides within a city setting.

Firstly, the campground's prime address on Main Street in Cloquet ensures unparalleled ease of access. For residents of the Twin Cities or Duluth, a spontaneous weekend trip to the river is entirely feasible, requiring minimal travel time. This convenience means less hassle and more time enjoying the beautiful St. Louis River and the surrounding amenities. Unlike remote wilderness campgrounds, Spafford Park allows campers to effortlessly access local grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, making for a stress-free stay, especially for families.

Secondly, the immediate proximity to the river and integrated walking trails provides a fantastic opportunity for daily recreation right from your campsite. The "easy terrain" of these trails means they are suitable for all fitness levels, encouraging everyone in the family to get out and enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the scenic riverbanks. The adjacent park further enhances its family appeal, offering additional space for children to play. Despite being in a city and near industrial areas, the consistent feedback about its "quiet" atmosphere underscores its ability to deliver a peaceful retreat.

Finally, Spafford Park Campground offers a budget-friendly and straightforward camping experience without the need for extensive planning or rugged equipment. It’s an ideal choice for a quick escape, a family's first camping trip, or as a convenient stopover while exploring other parts of northern Minnesota. It represents a practical and enjoyable way for Minnesotans to connect with nature and local community life, making it a valuable resource for accessible outdoor recreation close to home.

Customer Reviews

4.0
122 reviews
A
Amber Chartier
May 19, 2025

Campground seems quiet. Located right next to the river. Has walking trails, bathrooms, and a park nearby. One downfall, it's right next to USG, a factory.

T
Tracy&Tony Jirschele
Oct 19, 2019

A beautiful walk along the path, leads to this bridge and into a paved trail area. Very enjoyable. Easy terrain for all fitness levels.

S
Samantha Chick
Jul 07, 2024

Beautiful and quiet trail. Lots of scenery. Well maintained and paved walking trail.

F
Fatt Mish
Jul 20, 2020

Nice trails and decent camping accommodations. A bit close to the freeway and the rest of the town to feel like you're camping in nature, but a good spot for a relatively short and relaxing stay.

D
Donald Lokken (Don)
Aug 25, 2024

A beautiful place that you for sure want to come to. Like any other good campground has is nature. This is a place where you can walk the walking trail, fish off the dock, and kayak the river around USG.