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Allure Of The Woods Rustic Retreat

100%
·
· Carlton, Carlton, Minnesota · 5 acres
Hosted by Denise C.
Canvas tent
· 2 guests max
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All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
When we purchased the parcels over twenty years ago from a family member it had been vacant for over 60 years. The first time we walked the acreage was on snowshoes and we spotted a porcupine snacking on a poplar tree. I thought, what a great name, Porcupine Trail. I knew then we were meant to share this with others. Over the years many friends and family have walked these woods saying the same, that we need to share this great spot. Once the City of Thomson, our little community is now Carlton and known as “The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park”. We just call it home and look forward to sharing it with you. Learn more about this land: John Muir said everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike. Allure of the Woods Rustic Retreat invites you into the possibilities of experiencing this kind of rest and play. We are located just 20 miles south of Duluth MN nestled between Jay Cooke State Park and the Willard Munger State Trail. Close yet private, this 12x14 wall tent for two is perfect for those who appreciate privacy with the assurance that we're close by just in case. Your tent doors will open to a covered porch and five acres of mixed woods. The off grid tent is something between glamping and roughing it. The site includes a cart to transport your gear and supplies, privy, personal fire ring, picnic table, brick rocket stove and first bundle of firewood. You can bring your own MDA or USDA certified firewood or extra firewood is available for a reasonable cash purchase. Bundle includes wood, kindling and fire-starter. Or gather it on the forest floor for free. Inside your wall tent you'll find simple furnishings; a full size futon with linens, (you may prefer to bring your own pillow) rocker, table, chairs, a few basics for cooking over a campfire or your own camp stove and a wood stove for heat in cooler/cold seasons. There is no electricity or running water so come prepared. Artesian well water is tested every three months and provided for drinking and cooking. This is a ready to hit the woods or stay put campsite for adventurous or contemplative souls. Although welcome and open to anyone, this may not be for everyone. Keep in mind you'll be sharing the woods with a wide variety of wildlife including mice, skunks, coyotes and insects, including ticks and mosquitoes, so bring appropriate repellent and an adventurous soul. Our northern MN woods weather can vary from one day to the next. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and bring appropriate gear. Attractions Close By: A few minutes walk will put you on The Willard Munger State Trail. A short walk to an access trail or drive down the road will put you in Jay Cooke State Park. There you may enjoy 50 miles of historical and recreational trails of all kinds during all seasons. Some are designated for specific activities. An entrance fee applies if driving in. A few minutes drive in the opposite direction you'll see Swiftwater Adventures. Check out their website for offerings and online booking. Or, bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle board and a brief drive brings you to UMD's Kayak and Canoe Center Outpost. A short uphill portage to the access point and you'll be on the 339 acre Thomson Reservoir. A mile and a half away, downtown Carlton has The Street Car Kitchen and Pub, Red Dog drive thru coffee, Magnolia Cafe, Third Base Sports Bar, Carlton Meats and Grocery and a gas station with an ATM. Come and immerse yourself in what the north woods has to offer! A beautiful night sky, bird songs, coyote yips, and even the rumbling sounds and horn of a distant train that says Welcome to Carlton "The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park". We just call it home and we’ll be happy to see you!John Muir said everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike. Allure of the Woods Rustic Retreat invites you into the possibilities of experiencing this kind of rest and play. We are located just 20 miles south of Duluth MN nestled between Jay Cooke State Park and the Willard Munger State Trail. Close yet private, this 12x14 wall tent for two is perfect for those who appreciate privacy with the assurance that we're close by just in case. Your tent doors will open to a covered porch and several acres of mixed woods. The off grid tent is something between glamping and roughing it. There is no electricity or running water so come prepared. The site includes a cart to transport your gear and supplies, privy, personal fire ring, picnic table, brick rocket stove and first bundle of firewood. You can bring your own MDA or USDA certified firewood or extra firewood is available for a reasonable cash purchase. Bundle includes wood, kindling and fire-starter. Or gather it on the forest floor for free. Inside your wall tent you'll find simple furnishings; a full size futon with linens, (you may prefer to bring your own pillow) rocker, table, chairs, a few basics for cooking over a campfire or your own camp stove and a wood stove for heat in cooler/cold seasons. Artesian well water tested every three months is provided for cooking and drinking. This is a ready to hit the woods or stay put campsite for adventurous or contemplative souls. Although welcome and open to anyone, this may not be for everyone. Keep in mind you'll be sharing the woods with a wide variety of wildlife and insects, including ticks, mosquitoes, mice, skunks, racoons, coyotes, and bear to name a few. Bring appropriate repellent for the ticks, mosquitoes and bear. There is a functioning "She Shed" near by and you may see me around the shed. Your privacy is important to me and I will never go beyond the shed without permission/being invited. Our northern MN woods weather can vary from one day to the next. It’s a good idea to check the forecast and bring appropriate gear. Attractions Close By: A few minutes walk will put you on The Willard Munger State Trail. A short walk to an access trail or drive down the road will put you in Jay Cooke State Park. There you may enjoy 50 miles of historical and recreational trails of all kinds during all seasons. Some are designated for specific activities. An entrance fee applies if driving in. A few minutes drive in the opposite direction you'll see Swiftwater Adventures. Check out their website for offerings and online booking. Or, bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle board and a brief drive brings you to UMD's Kayak and Canoe Center Outpost. A short uphill portage to the access point and you'll be on the 339 acre Thomson Reservoir. A mile and a half away, downtown Carlton has The Street Car Kitchen and Pub, Red Dog drive thru coffee, Magnolia Cafe, Third Base Sports Bar, Carlton Meats and Grocery and a gas station with an ATM. Come and immerse yourself in what the north woods has to offer! A beautiful night sky, bird songs, coyote yips, and even the rumbling sounds and horn of a distant train that says Welcome to Carlton "The Gateway to Jay Cooke State Park". We just call it home and we’ll be happy to see you!
What to expect
Canvas tent
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
2 guests max
Campfires allowed
Firewood provided, firepit, private. Plan to bring your own cook stove for meals especially during state enforced fire bans. Firewood is available for cash purchase or, during the summer and fall use whatever is dead and down on the forest floor. We have a "Buy Where You Burn" policy. If you bring your own you will need to bring MDA or USDA Certified firewood only.
Toilet available
Composting toilet
No pets
Potable water available
Spigot. Your water comes from the nearby Midway Artesian Well channeled from four aquifers in Midway Township, is tested every three months and is offered to you in a stainless steel cistern with a spigot.
Picnic table present
No showers
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
There is a limited number of plates, bowls, flatware, mugs, pot and pan. If you use them, please clean them. Thank you!
No wifi
Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 3:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Moderate
Minimum nights: 2 nights
Accepts bookings: 3 months out
Short walk
No wheelchair access
Max 1 vehicle
2WD accessible
You will be parking just a short distance from the tent. There is a cart available to transport your belongings.
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
100%
18 ratings · 15 reviews
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Tessa L.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Truly Great
My partner and I managed to get up here right as the fall colors were coming in. After the first night we had regretted only booking three nights and wished we could’ve stayed even longer. It was apparent that this site is done by someone who is incredibly thoughtful! I could not recommend staying at this place enough.
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Abby B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Denise’s place was as wonderful as the last time I stayed there. I just wish I had more time. It’s a magical spot with everything you may need.
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Bekah A.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Lovely Place
The tent was a perfect mixture of glamping and roughing it. The amenities provided made the experience much smoother and nicer. We loved the quietness of being in the woods yet still close to town. We were glad to have received the advice of being prepared for the bugs and mud! Overall, it was a great experience!!
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Holly K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2024
Snowless Winter Camping Experience
Camping at Allure of the Woods was an absolute treat. While my mom and I are seasoned campers, we found this tent a perfect spot to escape the cities with a little bit of luxury (compared to camping at the state park) during the winter months. Denise has truly thought of everything to make a wooded adventure as easy as it could get, allowing my mom and I to focus on time together, rather than fretting over something we forgot to pack. We did bring our sleeping bags, with winter temperatures in the forecast, which we tucked under the down comforter, between the sheets that Denise provided and stayed toasty warm. The bed was very comfortable for sleeping in the woods. We skipped the earplugs that Denise provided and opted to fall asleep to the sounds of the crackling wood stove and nature. Not only were the accommodations fully thought through, Denise, herself is an absolutely gracious host who truly wants her campers to have a great experience on her property that she has built herself (go female power!). We hired her to guide us on a hike though Jay Cooke State Park and it was a fantastic day filled with stories and knowledge of the land she loves. She takes great pride in her work and has a vision for more; she's a truly inspirational woman to know. Always thinking of new ways to improve!
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Stephanie W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2023
We loved our second stay in this peaceful location! The improvements Denise has made since last year are impressive as well. It feels like the best of camping but also comfortable enough to feel restful. We spent a whole day making food, playing games, and soaking up time in the natural beauty. The area's hiking is delightful as well!
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Juliet F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
WONDERFUL. Denise is a VERY gracious host (I loved the wildflower bouquet she left for us on the picnic table!) The tent was gorgeous, clean, and cozy. Jay Cooke State Park was a blast to explore, and right in our "backyard" when staying here. Highly highly highly recommend.
Location
Carlton, Carlton, 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
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Hosted by Denise C.

Joined in February 2020
Response rate: 100%
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.