Camping areas in and around Duluth, MN

[Nancy]

Sorry, meant for this to go with the Grand Marais Gathering thread. I'll post it there, too.
(Nancy's fumble-fingered helper - Fred)

Here is some information on camping areas in and around Duluth for those who might want to spend some time in the Duluth area before heading up the Shore to the Grand Marais Gathering.

Name: Black Bear Casino/Resort
Location: I-35 Exit 235
URL: http://www.blackbearcasinoresort.com/
Description: Will allow overnight parking in lot.

Name: Jay Cooke State Park
Location: I-35 Exit 235 then 6.3 miles east on Hwy 210
URL: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_par...oke/index.html
Description: Park pass required. Suspension foot bridge over the St. Louis River is just a short walk from the parking lot. The river thunders over slabs of ancient, exposed rock right beneath your feet.

Name: Spirit Mountain Campground
Location: I-35 Exit 249, past Mc Donald's and Country Inn and Suites, then west on West Skyline Drive
URL: http://www.spiritmt.com/campground.aspx
Description: Easy access from I-35.

Name: Indian Point Campground
Location: In Duluth, 75th Avenue West and Grand Avenue then south.
URL: http://indianpointcampground.com/
Description: A privately operated campground on the St. Louis River on the western edge of Duluth. Access to the Munger Bike Trail. Duluth Zoo within walking distance.

Name: Lakehead Boat Basin Marina and Camping
Location: Lake Avenue South and 10th Street
URL: http://www.lakeheadboatbasin.com/rv.html
Description: Camping available. Call for reservations 1-800-777-8436. Within walking distance to lift bridge, Canal Park and LakeWalk. Watch ocean-going freighters and 1,000-foot lakers go by in the Duluth/Superior harbor. Might want to wait until Grand Marais to take your shower.

[Karalyn]

Nancy, I am wondering up there in the wilderness between Duluth and Grand Marias, are there any quick places on the road to get something to eat, like a McDonalds, or even any rest area's with toilet facilities, or ??
I am thinking 2 hrs of just one lane traffic, and slow going if getting behind the wrong car or truck. What about gas stations?
From my questions you can tell I have never been that far north. I am kinda panicking about being out in Gods country without use of cell phone or any help for miles if anything should happen to car or trailer (like flat tire or lack of gas stations). I vision wilderness, bears and not many people. Is there anything north of Two Harbors besides miles and miles of wilderness, and woods?
Has the snow melted? (just kidding on that one)
If any one of you see a Casita stranded on the side of the road, please stop to help. I would be ever so grateful.
Now you all know why I don't travel far-----scared of the unknown. ;-(
Joy, I wish I could just take off and not worry about where I am headed like you do!

[Nancy]

Karalyn,

Did you read about the rest stops on the Grand Marais Gathering thread? Fred posted them when he posted this thread. I was thinking of you when we mentioned I-35 exit 249. Besides having the very nice rest area off that exit there is a McDonalds and Holiday station. I always like to hit a stop before hitting a city.

There are many places to stop on the way, Tettegouche and Gooseberry are large free parking lots. Nice place to stretch the legs and take a break looking at the scenery. If you want food enroute and are not real comfortable with pulling a trailer I recommend the McDonalds at exit 249 (they have several pull through lanes trucks use) and then have stuff in your car for the rest of the ride to Grand Marais. There is food at Beaver Bay and Tofte, somewhere else too, but to be trailer friendly, well the parking lots aren't so great at eating places.

Don't worry, there are so many nice stops to relax on the way.

Would watch for you enroute but I am sure we will be there early.

Nancy