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Balsam Ridge Retreat

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· Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota

5 acres hosted by Linda P.

6 lodging sites

Linda is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Best in Minnesota: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. It was once an abandoned house that sat for years, until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and just beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired it's horses and closed it's doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Suburban

Wetlands

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853 ratings · 720 reviews

Eli S.recommends

July 8, 2024

The Mini Coop

The space was neat, cozy and well maintained. Linda and Chris were extremely friendly and happy to help with anything. The property was lovely, and it was nice to feel so engrossed in nature so close to the city. I've stayed at many campsites and Hipcamp locations, and Balsam Ridge Retreat is up at the top of my list of favorite sites.

Vivian Y.recommends

July 7, 2024

The Roost

My husband and I stayed at The Roost and it was so romantic! It was small, but super cozy and was perfect for the two of us. On the day of check in it was raining and the hosts Linda and Chris were so sweet, they were waiting outside with umbrellas and guided us to The Roost. We’ve stayed at many glamping places and this is by far my favorite! There are no showers on site, but we took advantage of YMCA shower which was only around 10 mins drive? It is very peaceful and I would love to come back again during winter. Linda and Chris thank you so much for hosting! You have a wonderful place :)

Brooke O.recommends

July 7, 2024

The Canvas Cottage

Beyond amazing!

We absolutely loved staying with Linda and Chris! They are so personable and kind, and their property is absolutely incredible. My friend stayed in Danny’s Tent and I stayed in Canvas Cottage. Our spots were close but also definitely distinct locations within the property, which was really nice. Each structure in the retreat is so unique and cozy! I would stay in any of them, they all look so interesting. Chris and Linda gave us a great tour when we got there, and have a lot of unique aspects to their property, including a nature walk, as well as a community area. We heard lots of owls and birds. It’s also super close to downtown Duluth but it feels like you’re away from the city. They have twinkle lights across the whole property once it gets dark, (they turn off automatically later into the night, too.) There was a hammock at my site, a gazebo screen at my friend’s to get away from the bugs when we wanted to, electric outlets in the tents, small baskets of dry wood for the small stoves in the tents, covered fire pits to keep things dry in the rainy weather, lots of chairs for seating, a cute little pond, carts to bring things to the site, and the cleanest outhouses I’ve ever used in all my camping and backpacking adventuring! They clearly dedicate a lot of resources to make this space so amazing! I had never done HipCamp prior to this stay, and I think the bar was just set incredibly high. You will be super impressed if you stay here and I can’t wait to come back.

Sarah M.recommends

July 5, 2024

Danny's Tent

Balsam Ridge is a gorgeous site. This is more than just a tent site, there was also a community area, great area for food prep & cooking, a screened in area to get away from the bugs, a little pond for catch & release fishing, a clean and not smelly outhouse, even some swings & games to enjoy. We enjoyed that this felt like true camping outside of the city but was actually only a 5 minute drive from stores or other shops in Duluth. There is a short (~2 minute) walk to the site but carts were provided to get all our stuff in. Truly every thing I wanted in a short getaway from the big city and into nature. Thanks to the hosts and props to them for keeping up such a beautiful property and opening it up to others to enjoy. We will be back!

Jessica E.recommends

July 5, 2024

The Stuga

My husband and I traveled to Duluth for our honeymoon and I can't speak highly enough of Chris, Linda and their entire camping experience!!!! The Stuga was so cozy and comfortable and had everything you could want in an elevated camping experience. The community areas around their land are SO COOL!! They even have a covered piano! If you're looking for a camping Oasis right in the heart of Duluth, you HAVE to stay with Chris and Linda!!

Nicole H.recommends

July 2, 2024

The Stuga

Highly recommended

Favorite HipCamp ever! The hosts were so kind and friendly, and the entire HipCamp was incredibly clean and well kept. The land is beautiful and all the little buildings and amenities to use were so unique and fun! My kids loved the swings the best and have already begged to return soon! Highly recommend, and The Stuga perfectly fit our family of 4!

Location

Duluth, St. Louis, Minnesota, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Linda P.Joined in June 2018

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